Bde Maka Ska Pavilion at Night — Minneapolis, Minnesota
The modern pavilion at Bde Maka Ska glows softly under evening light, its signage prominently honoring the lake’s Dakota name — “Bdé Óta Othúŋwe,” meaning “Many Village Place.” This site, located in southwest Minneapolis, holds deep historical and cultural significance as part of Dakota homeland, long before it was renamed “Lake Calhoun” in the 19th century. After years of advocacy by Indigenous groups and community leaders, the lake officially reclaimed its Dakota name in 2018, marking a shift toward recognizing Minnesota’s original peoples and languages. The illuminated pavilion stands today as both a gathering space and a statement of cultural restoration, blending modern urban design with respect for ancestral land and history.
