OMAMNIYAMONI OKHODAYAPI

Hau mitakuyepi (Hello, my relatives). Urban Ecosystems is proud to support the ecological and cultural restoration of the five-acre Owámniyomni site through our expertise in culturally appropriate planting and soils design. Centering the Dakota-led vision to restore relationships between land, water, and community, our focus is on establishing resilient, authentic, and culturally significant native habitats.

The proposed design, led by GGN, calls for the reintroduction of key native plant communities, including oak savanna and upland prairie, which are vital wildlife habitats. To ensure the success and longevity of this effort, our team is responsible for the ecological restoration design, which includes collaborating on the effort to source seeds and soil biota directly from Dakota Tribal lands in Minnesota. This process is not only critical to ensure the genetic and microbiological integrity required to sustain the intended ecosystems, but also serves as a point of spiritual connection for the Dakota who physically translocate these relatives to Owámniyomni.

By designing for soil integrity and authentic native planting, Urban Ecosystems is helping Owámniyomni Okhódayapi to transform this once industrialized site into a thriving ecosystem, welcoming back native plant and animal relatives, and providing a powerful space for education, healing, and connection. Pidaunyanpi (we are grateful) to Owámniyomni Okhódayapi and the Dakota Knowledge Keepers for their wóksape (wisdom) and wačháŋtohnáka (generosity). We have learned so much from you. Pidamaya (Thank you).