2016

  • MPRB adopts a long-term vision plan for all South Minneapolis neighborhood parks, following more than two years of community engagement and development.
  • Edison Middle School students voice concerns about the name “Sibley Park” and a desire to change it, due to Henry Sibley’s role in the genocide of local Indigenous communities.

2021

  • A new project to replace the park’s playground and pool includes community engagement around renaming the park.
  • Initial online survey of neighborhood residents finds approval for renaming the park.
  • Possible Dakota names for the park come out of a focus group event with neighbors and representatives from First Nations United.

2022

  • Second online survey finds favor with using a Dakota park name to honor that community.
  • MPRB contacts Tribal Historic Preservation Officers for four Dakota tribes in Minnesota to inform them of the project.
  • At a hosted conversation, Dakota representatives approve continuing conversations with the Dakota tribes.
  • First Nations United proposes the name “Caŋté T’íŋza Wíŋyaŋ” (Strong Hearted Women) to MPRB staff through an email, and the name is added to the next survey.

2023

  • A Dakota scholar translates options for park names into the Dakota language from previous community engagement
  • Third online survey includes Dakota language names; results favor the first two: Oṡkokpa (basin), Caŋté T’íŋza Wíŋyaŋ (Strong Hearted Women), Paha Cete (Bottom of hill), Caŋpacaŋ (Cherry tree)
  • First Nations United begins engagement process separate from MPRB’s for naming the park Caŋté T’íŋza Wíŋyaŋ
  • Park Board Commissioners respond to an update on the park renaming process and are open to renaming park.
  • Park Board Commissioners vote to nominate “Caŋté T’íŋza Wíŋyaŋ” as park name.
  • Staff immediately hear from Dakota representatives that Caŋté T’íŋza Wíŋyaŋ is not the correct name for the park. We learn that:
    • The naming process hasn’t followed traditional Dakota ways to name places.
    • Further efforts to determine a Dakota name for the park will require additional guidance from Dakota representatives.
    • Orthography is incorrect and confuses the Dakota words for woman/women, which in turn confuses the name’s meaning and its formality.
    • An existing men’s organization has a similar name.
  • MPRB launches its Indigenous Action Plan, focused on integrating truth, recognition, and acknowledgement of Indigenous land, people, and nations into its work, policies, procedures and spaces.

2024

  • MPRB establishes the Native American Parks Council (NAPC) with 17 members seated to a 2-year term.
  • The NAPC reviews park naming process to date and confirms the “Caŋté T’íŋza Wíŋyaŋ” name presents several issues.
  • A Park Naming Conversation with NAPC members, MPRB staff and Indigenous community members supporting the “Caŋté T’íŋza Wíŋyaŋ” name results in one consensus item: remove “Sibley” from the park’s name. October 2024 Meeting notes [PDF]
  • The NACP provides initial guidance to MPRB on updating its Naming Policy.
  • NAPC members share their desire to:
    • Identify a Dakota park name using a Dakota-led process
    • Collaborate with First Nations United and Indigenous community members who were involved in the initial naming
    • Proceed after MPRB’s Naming Policy is updated and approved

2025

  • The name “Sibley” is removed from the park, recreation center and related assets and “40th Street Park” established as a temporary name. “Caŋté T’íŋza Wíŋyaŋ” rescinded from nomination.
  • MPRB partners with Wakaŋ Tipi, City of Saint Paul, and Met Council to host Dakota Place Names panel discussion with Dakota representatives about naming. May 2025 Meeting notes [PDF]
  • First Nations United shares petition from separate engagement process that includes more than 120 signatures of Indigenous community members throughout the region in support of the name Caŋté T’íŋza Wíŋyaŋ with MPRB
  • Staff, Indigenous Park Liaison, and NAPC member hosts a conversation with First Nations United representatives to discuss collaboration opportunities and alignment of process for a new Dakota name.  The discussion supported policy development and will inform future community engagement.
  • MPRB partners to host Dakota Place Names discussion with Elders to receive guidance on naming.
  • MPRB’s updated Naming Policy is approved, includes direction on identifying and approving a Dakota name for a park.

2026

  • Staff and Native American Parks Council will revisit next steps and timeline for renaming now that the Naming Policy has been updated.

Park Board Announcements

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