WTAs partners and press may access downloadable logos, photos and boilerplate language for use in collateral, press materials, digital platforms, and other placements. Please review all information to ensure you are correctly using Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Awaƞyaƞkapi’s name and brand assets.
For media inquiries or questions regarding brand use, please contact WTA Communications Manager, Kayla Duoos at kduoos@wakantipi.org
Media Kit
Boiler Plate Language
Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Awanyankapi is a Dakota-led and Native-run nonprofit organization dedicated to the stewardship and protection of Waḳaƞ Ṭípi, a Dakota sacred site along the Mississippi River. Our work is fundamentally accountable to the land. Through land stewardship and restoration, sharing of traditional and ecological knowledge, and by building cultural connections and healing, Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Awanyankapi engages all people to honor and care for our natural places, sacred sites and the cultural value within them.
Media Coverage by Site
-
What is WTA?
Formerly known as Lower Phalen Creek Project, Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Awanyankapi is a Dakota run, Native-led East Side environmental stewardship nonprofit. Founded in 1997 by community activists, our project area stretches from Lake Phalen to the Mississippi River and throughout the East Side River District.
WTA’s work is fundamentally accountable to the land. Through land stewardship and restoration, sharing of traditional and ecological knowledge, and by building cultural connections and healing, Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Awanyankapi engages all people to honor and care for our natural places, sacred sites and the cultural value within them.
What does Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Awaƞyaƞkapi mean?
Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Awaƞyaƞkapi means “those who take care of Waḳaƞ Ṭípi” in Dakota. Waḳaŋ (Wah-KAHN) | Ṭípi (TEE-pee) | Awaŋyaŋkapi (Ah-WAHN-yahn-gah-pee)
What are the accent markings in your name? And why are they important?
The markings in the organization's name are called diacritics. These diacritics are pronunciation guides within the Dakota/Lakota language. The Dakota language has many dialects, and communities have different ways of saying/pronouncing words and phrases. WTA currently observes the Minnesota Dakota Orthography and works with a Dakota Language consultant on translations across our website, exhibits and social media. We currently have a pronunciation guide available for you to practice your Dakota!
How many acres is Waḳaƞ Ṭípi?
Waḳaƞ Ṭípi is 27 acres.
Is it free to visit?Yes, it is free to visit Waḳaƞ Ṭípi. We do ask visitors to be respectful and aware while visiting that they’re on a sacred site.
Why is the site sacred?
Waḳaƞ Ṭípi and its cave have been a site of cultural practice, gathering and connection for the Dakota Oyate and many other Native Nations for generations. WTA works to ensure this sacred site remains preserved despite colonization.
Was this site previously called something else?
Yes!
The site was previously named Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, to honor the late House of Representative Bruce Vento. In May of 2025, the St. Paul City Council approved the renaming of the site to “Waḳaƞ Ṭípi”.
For expanded coverage of the important milestone, including the renaming of Indian Mounds Regional Park, visit the previous media coverage:
Are any Tribes involved in your work?
WTA has full support and partnerships with all four of the federally recognized Dakota Tribes in Minnesota. WTA consults regularly with the Tribes on stewardship work and programing.
-
What will the Center be used for?
The center is designed to be an intergenerational community gathering place that honors Waḳaƞ Ṭípi as a sacred site. We invite the community to explore our public programs and exhibits at the Center and throughout Waḳaƞ Ṭípi. Guests can learn about the significance of the site and Dakota history and culture and build a shared responsibility to protect and care for the land and other sacred places.
Room rentals will soon be available for ceremonies, work events, and classroom visits. Check out our website for more information.
When can I visit the center?The center is closed to the public Monday and Tuesday. We’re open Wednesday through Friday 10:00am to 4:00pm. Check our website and follow our social media for updates to hours.
When was the groundbreaking of this building?Building construction began in May of 2024. Planning for the building has been underway since 2018.
What did the Center cost to be built?Phase 1 of the center's construction was $14.3 million dollars. Funding for this build was obtained through $6.5 million in appropriations from the state of Minnesota, private funding, and individual donors.
How big is the Center?The center is 7,500-square-foot center, designed by Cunningham and Full Circle Indigenous Planning & Design and constructed by Versacon contractors.
What are the special design features of the Center? The center is equipped with geothermal heating and cooling and solar panels are being installed to create net zero carbon emissions. The center also features bird safe glass, a commercial kitchen, indoor and outdoor interpretive exhibits, meeting rooms, and a large gathering space for events, conferences, and celebrations.
Who are the artists that have their work permanently featured at the Center?
Visual Artists
Dyani White Hawk
Thomasina Top Bear
Willard Malebear Jr.
Wóokiye Wíŋ (Katie Jo Bendickson)
Cole Redhorse Taylor
Consultants on Permanent Exhibits
Jim Rock
C̣aƞtemaza (Neil McKay)
Are there expansion plans for the center?
Phase 2 of construction will include an expanded, permanent parking lot, additional landscaping and a storage garage. Construction for Phase 2 is expected to begin after the 3rd St/Kellogg Blvd Bridge Project is complete in 2027.
How can I schedule a guided tour of the center/site for my organization or classroom?We have limited availability for guided tours, but you can send an email to requests@wakantipi.org for more information. It is free to visit the site, and we welcome classroom site explorations or volunteering.
