Dakota Cultural Perspectives of the Earth and Sky
An interactive planetarium program was developed to create a culturally relevant tour of the cosmos from the local/regional perspective of the Dakota/Lakota communities of Minnesota and South Dakota. The program blends Dakota/Lakota star knowledge with Earth and Space Science data. It is delivered live, using real-time imagery projected on the Minnesota Planetarium Society's ExploraDome. The program can be simultaneously "dome-casted" to other participating locations through the Internet using the planetarium navigator. Dakota protocols defining how, when and who can share this star knowledge is respected at all times.
The current program is designed for general audiences. Curriculum integration for the St. Paul Schools is being developed. Due to high demand, the expected number of program presentations, so far, has exceeded expectations.
(b) Statewide Historic and Cultural Grants. (i) $2,250,000 in 2010 and $4,500,000 in 2011 are appropriated for history programs and projects operated or conducted by or through local, county, regional or other historical or cultural organizations; or for activities to preserve significant historic and cultural resources. Funds are to be distributed through a competitive grants process. The Minnesota Historical Society shall administer these funds using established grants mechanisms, and with assistance from the advisory committee created herein.