Newsroom

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s Hoċokata Ṫi named 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service Award Finalist

Prior Lake, Minn. – The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) announced today that Hoċokata Ṫi (pronounced ho-cho-kah-tah-tee), the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC)’s cultural center, is among 30 finalists for the 2024 National Medal for Museum and Library Service. Hoċokata Ṫi is the only institution in Minnesota to be selected as a finalist for this award and is also the only Native American institution among the finalists.

The National Medal is the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries that demonstrate significant impact in their communities. For 30 years, the award has honored institutions that demonstrate excellence in service to their communities. Hoċokata Ṫi, which means the “lodge at the center of the camp” in Dakota, opened in 2019 to support the SMSC’s preservation efforts. Its mission is to interpret and encourage Mdewakanton Dakota cultural heritage, language and history by sustaining this inherent knowledge through exhibitions, preservation and education.

“Hoċokata Ṫi’s programming has been very meaningful to our tribe, offering a place to gather, connect and learn – all centered around preserving our history and culture for future generations,” said SMSC Chairman Cole Miller. “We are honored to be among the finalists for this award from the Institute of Museum and Library Services. This recognition is a true testament to the incredible staff at Hoċokata Ṫi – many of whom are tribal members – who are dedicated to sharing our story.”

Every aspect of Hoċokata Ṫi – its education classes, public exhibit and building design – honors Mdewakanton Dakota culture. It provides a space for tribal members to practice cultural activities and encourage the passing down of knowledge. It also invites the broader community to learn about the tribe and its culture and history through its 3,805-square-foot public exhibit, called “Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake.”

Thousands of individuals, as well as hundreds of educators and students, senior groups, and professional organizations, have participated in programming at Hoċokata Ṫi. Its staff have developed resources for educators, including professional development sessions in cultural competency, tribal narratives and integrating Indigenous perspectives.

“The 30 National Medal finalists from across the United States showcase the tremendous abilities of libraries and museums to serve as trusted, dynamic public spaces that meet the needs of their communities,” said IMLS Acting Director Cyndee Landrum. “The Institute of Museum and Library Services is honored to recognize these outstanding

institutions. We congratulate them on their collective effort to respond to community needs, preserve diverse history and culture, and create a sense of belonging for all Americans.”

National Medal winners will be announced in late May. Representatives from winning institutions will be honored for their extraordinary contributions during an in-person National Medals Ceremony in Washington, D.C., this summer.

To see the full list of finalists and learn more about the National Medal, visit the IMLS website.

###

About the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is a federally recognized, sovereign Dakota tribal government located southwest of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Following a Dakota tradition of generosity, the SMSC is one of the top philanthropists in Minnesota and is the largest contributor to other tribal governments and causes across the country. It is a strong community partner and a leader in protecting and restoring natural resources. The SMSC’s government, Gaming Enterprise and various other enterprises are collectively the largest employer in Scott County and attract millions of visitors to the region.

About the Institute of Museum and Library Services
The Institute of Museum and Library Services is the primary source of federal support for the nation's libraries and museums. We advance, support, and empower America's museums, libraries, and related organizations through grantmaking, research, and policy development. IMLS envisions a nation where individuals and communities have access to museums and libraries to learn from and be inspired by the trusted information, ideas, and stories they contain about our diverse natural and cultural heritage. To learn more, visit www.imls.gov and follow us on Facebook and LinkedIn.