Sacred sites sometimes get lost in urban settings as cities prioritize the needs of non-Native residents and commercial interests over the historical and spiritual value for Native Americans, but tribes and Native organizations are having some success connecting with city officials to see that sacred spaces are protected and accessible. After years of restoration work, what were known as the Indian Mounds in St. Paul, Minn., have a whole new look, a new Dakota name — Wicaḣapi — and an educational cultural center. St. Louis, Mo. just solidified a transfer of property that signifies the city’s first-ever recognition of tribal sovereignty. We’ll talk about the difficult work to recognize and preserve sacred places in population centers.

GUESTS

Maggie Lorenz (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and Spirit Lake Dakota Nation), executive director of Waḳaŋ Típi Awaŋyaŋkapi

Ke’eaumoku Kapu (Native Hawaiian), executive director of Nā ‘Aikāne o Maui and cultural specialist for Lahaina Town

Break 1 Music: Intertribal Song (song) Dakota Nation (artist) Home of the Champions (album)

Break 2 Music: Gumshoe (song) Samantha Crain (artist) Gumshoe (album)

Tuesday, October 7, 2025 — Protecting sacred sites in urban areas