Downloads:
Iyohi taŋyaŋ yahi - "all are welcome here..."
... in the language of the Dakota, the indigenous people whose lands Mankato is a part of.
Many immigrants have made Mankato home since the 1800’s. Mankato's Welcome Totems feature words and phrases that convey “welcome” in a sampling of their languages. My favorite part of collecting and verifying these words were seeing people's faces light up when they recognized "welcome" printed in their own language.
The totems are tangible evidence that we are neighbors and share this space. They are each different in their own way.
"Unity," in Washington Park, honors the area that, from Mankato's beginnings, has been a working class, immigrant neighborhood where Mankato's first schools, churches and medical centers were established for the community. Its custom brown color and flower theme represents the interconnectedness of all life and reflects the native pollinator garden that accompanies it.
“Resiliency“ is in Sibley Park. The name and placement of this totem is a reflection upon the prison camp where Colonel Sibley placed 303 Dakota who awaited President Lincoln’s review of their trials in 1862. Its cobalt blue color and water theme represent the element essential to life and recognizes "Mahkato" - Blue Earth and where the Minnesota and Blue Earth Rivers meet.
“Civility,“ in Stoltzman Park, is autumn brown in color and has a street theme to represent shared social conventions and respect for others. Stoltzman Road was named after the first American soldier from Blue Earth County killed in the Vietnam conflict. His father worked for the city of Mankato streets department.
"Community," on Belgrade in North Mankato, is dark copper in color. It’s grain theme reflects the history of milling in this area and reminds us that diverse ecosystems, hard work and good stewardship are necessary for a community to thrive, to share and to be thankful for the rewards of a bountiful harvest.
I want people to remember that their family history is unique, that they should cherish it and share it. But, I also want people to explore the similarities between their own family stories and those of their neighbors.
We must not forget that we all have immigrant histories ... whether your family migrated here yesterday or generations ago.
Mitákuye Oyás’iŋ - we are all related.
This project would not have been possible without assistance from:
Megan Schnitker of Mahkato Revitalization Project
Nancy Altmann of Mankato Area Refugee Services
Doug and Monica Zrust
Ted at Associated Finishing Inc
With inspiration by the work of:
Jenn Melby-Kelley at the Coffee Hag
Fardousa Jama's work on the Somali Community Barwaaqo Organization
Thank you all for your important work each and every day!
Special "Thank You" to these business owners and individuals for their help with some of the languages: Justin Ek of Bellissimo Paint, India Palace, Africa Fashions, Massad's, Like Nu Cleaners, Nails by Jordan, Greg Wilkins, Gwen Westerman and Glen Wasicuna.
And I couldn’t have installed the garden or the totem without my best pal David, who admitted he actually thinks these crazy ideas of mine are kinda fun!
Grant Funding: This activity was made possible with grant funding from Mankato's City Center Partnership, the Preservation Alliance of Minnesota (RETHOS), and Springboard for the Arts with support from The Bush Foundation.
Designed on Inkscape
CNC plasma cut from 16 gauge cold rolled steel
Rolled to match arc of top panel
Zinc rich primer, color and high gloss topcoat
Structural grade lumber, cement footings
About me:
I don't know any traditions or speak any of the languages of my European ancestors ... other than English, of course. I did, however, have the good fortune to attend school with many Asian and Mexican friends, and I have a lot of Mexican influence in my cooking!
My niece is Diné, Tó'aheedlíinii (The Water Flows Together) Clan and is always eager to share her knowledge and culture.
I am an Industrial Arts advocate and novice CNC designer. My plasma cut sheet metal creations for Mankato YWCA's 2016-2018 fundraisers centered around empowerment and social justice and I created "The Sound of Old Town" bench for 2018's Infuse!
My typical work is two dimensional, but I have created a handful of three dimensional pieces. This is my largest and most collaborative piece by far.
Thank you for your curiosity!
Julie Dempster