Voices of the River - Part 2

In 2016, Mississippi Park Connection commissioned an artistic exhibition, River Relationships by Works Progress Studio, for the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area visitor center inside the Science Museum of Minnesota. With the Mississippi River Visitor Center closed to the public due to COVID-19, we want to bring part of the exhibit to you!

Jewell Time Arcoren and Juliana K. Thin Elk

An older Native American women stands with her right hand on her young granddaughter’s arm who is standing in front of her. They look off into the distance while standing at the Bdote in St. Paul surrounded by greenery.

Photo by Crystal Liepa at the Bdote (Pike Island) in Saint Paul, 2016.

I remember running to the river on a daily basis. Back in the mid 60’s, we had a swing on the bank that would drop us right into the river. It was a blast! My father would walk with us on the trails. He’s the one who pointed out to me that these trails were made by Dakota people. I’ve taken my children on those same trails, and now the grandkids, they always want to walk by the river. My grandkids love the Bdote area in all of its sacredness and beauty, the healing that is beginning to take place. I’d love to see more Dakota place names out in the open.

-Jewell Time Arcoren

Brother Wilderness (Josh Garubanda)

A young Black man stands on a path at the Bdote surrounded by greenery with his hands crossed in front of him.

Photo by Crystal Liepa at the Bdote (Pike Island) in Saint Paul, 2016.

She glanced back, seeking confirmation. I nodded. This was her first journey down Ol’ Man River by kayak. As we approached the landing, she steadied herself using her paddle, paused to collect her nerves, took a long breath... then fell into the river. With a huge smile on her face she proclaimed, “I’m such a city kid!” We ate sandwiches, laughed, and shared stories along the shores of Steamboat Landing while her Jordan sneakers baked forgotten in the sun. These are the moments when one discovers adventure. The magic of the Mississippi is best when shared. 

Suzy Moe

A white woman crouches with a black and brown/white dog on either side of her surrounded by greenery.

All photo credits go to Colin Kloecher, Crystal Liepa and Zoe Prinds-Flash.

Nearly every morning, I walk and hike along the river. It's a place I can go that brings a sense of peace and joy every time I come here. It's a place where no matter the season, there's beauty to be found.

Janice Bad Moccasin and Hummingbird Fasthorse

A older woman with sunglasses and her granddaughter stand on a bank next to the Mississippi at the Bdote. The woman is looking towards the river while her granddaughter is looking away from it. The sky is blue and there are green trees in the background.

Photo by Crystal Liepa at the Bdote (Pike Island) in Saint Paul, 2016.

In my childhood, I remember cupping the sweet water medicine in my hands to drink the cold crisp sweet clear water from the fresh well back home in Crow Creek. I would have wanted the same access to our water, our medicine for my granddaughter Hummingbird. She understands mni wiconi is in danger, when we walk by the water at Bdote, we are spiritualizing our sweet water with prayer. We understand without it, everything dies, because water is sacred, water flows as healing through rivers, falls and water recharges our bodies. Pure water flushes toxins from our bodies and sustains the child in the womb of its mother. Protect sweet mother waters mni wiconi of life.

Mni wiconi (water, source of life).

- Janice Bad Moccasin