Wakan Tipi Center

Cultural Site Planning, Visioning, Interpretive Planning, and Design

Saint Paul, Minnesota

Located in the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary in St. Paul, MN, Wakan Tipi Center will provide a cultural learning center rooted in Dakota cultural values, aesthetics, and cultural activity. A strong goal to provide authentic Dakota cultural interpretation and culturally meaningful guiding design principles framed community conversations and design direction. Dakota culture is expressed through modern forms that honor the community’s relationship to the site’s landscape and sacred features and spaces for ceremony and gathering located throughout the site.

In Wakan Tipi Center and on the landscape, a Dakota-centered vision is expressed through structure, exhibits, and experiences. Interpretive messaging grounded in Dakota values connects people with the site’s natural environment and helps them understand the site as a sacred place. Interior and exterior exhibits developed by Dakota artists and knowledge-keepers foster a deep connection with culture and nature. Designed for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous visitors, interpretation is delivered through Dakota voices, stories, and art. Throughout the site, relationships among people, nature, and culture are honored.

Client
Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi

Full Circle Role
Lead Building Design Architect, Community Engagement, Cultural Site Planning, and Design Visioning, Interpretive Planning Support

Project Team
Interpretive Planning Lead: 106 Group
Dakota Content & Art: Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi Steering Committee

Architect of Record
Sam Olbekson also served as Design Principal while co-owner of Cuningham