Introduction by Mona Smith
Bdote means confluence, the coming together of two bodies of water. These places are important to all people who live near water. Through time people have gathered and celebrated and held ceremony and negotiated at the places where the waters meet. The most important bdote of the Dakota people, the one where the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers meet here in our homeland is the site of our genesis and our genocide and remains a vital place for healing, for ceremony, for gathering.
Sharing this place with the participants of the Mapping Spectral Traces International Network filled my heart to overflowing. Talking about Dakota ways of being, reading about the history is a limited way to learn. Personal experience has the deepest impact. With the help of generous Dakota people, through art and science and ceremony, we were able to share a range of experience that provides a glimpse into Dakota ways and creates life long memory. I am grateful to those who made it possible and those who opened their hearts and listened…and experienced. And very grateful to those sharing ‘A Dakota Place’ with others. Pidamaya ye. |