Winona-Dakota Unity Alliance

The mission of the Winona-Dakota Unity Alliance (WDUA) is to create sustainable alliances among Indigenous Nations and the Winona community with a mutual understanding that we are all related. Their vision is to sustain a regionally valued organization and unique annual event, the Winona-Dakota Gathering, and to continue reconciliation among all our relatives which is publicly recognized and practiced through ongoing friendships, community partnerships, and mutually meaningful activities. To learn more about the Winona-Dakota Gathering or the organization, visit https://winonadakotaunityalliance.org/.

Mission

Creating sustainable alliances among Indigenous Nations and the Winona community with a mutual understanding that we are all related.

Programs

The WDUA is a volunteer-based, locally-led organization that aims to engage community and cultural connections that are honoring and respecting of Native communities on Native Land. At the root, it is an alliance among people at the intersection of cultures, the settler community of Winona, and Native communities working toward reconciliation and regeneration. The WDUA has existed for 20 years, and has both new and long-standing community volunteers, board members, and advisors. In the present time we are working toward creating organizational stewardship, strengthening relationships, and deepening community partnerships.  

The Winona-Dakota Gathering is a community event will be held annually at Unity Park in Winona. The Winona-Dakota Gathering includes opportunities for cross-cultural sharing, community meal, activities for children, drum and dance, giveaways, vendors, community resource tables and local organization information booths.

In addition to the Gathering, the Remember Our Loved Ones (ROLO) memorial program is a partnership with the Indigenous Peoples Task Force & RIPple Drug Education & Awareness Inc. The ROLO memorial is a project to honor and remember all people who have been lost to opioids or alcohol, people of every race, culture, or class are affected by this epidemic. The event is an opportunity for social connection for all people who are grieving loss of loved ones and community supporters aiming to improve community wellbeing and resilience. The ROLO program includes memorial posters of loved ones, resource tables, speakers including parent advocates and community leaders, community meal, music, and more. Additionally, the program invites local youth to participate in prevention educational programs sharing their own messaging to reduce substance use in the community and reduce the associated stigma.