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The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community recently announced a partnership with Girls on The Run Minnesota, providing a $330,000 grant to support Native girls’ health and wellness through local schools and Native nonprofits.
Girls on The Run Minnesota has state-wide after-school programs for girls in third through eighth grade. The curriculum aims to build self-confidence and self-positivity through physical activity and education. The program is supported by volunteer coaches and invites participants to explore a variety of health topics, culminating in a non-competitive 5K run.
“Although it’s about a run, it’s not competitive,” said Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community vice chair Natasha Hacker. “Just to get outside and work on relationships, especially with youth, with goal setting, building, self-confidence, empathy, gratitude and teamwork. This just really stood out to me.”
Hacker says the tribe is working to close health disparities among Native youth in Minnesota.
The grant is a part of a larger campaign, IndigeFit Kids. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s three-year, $6 million philanthropic campaign was launched earlier this year to improve the physical and mental well-being of Native youth.
Hacker co-chairs the campaign with secretary-treasurer Ashley Cornforth, who says Native youth are often under-supported in terms of health and wellness.
“We’re hoping that through this campaign, we’re highlighting our Native youth. We’re spotlighting them and saying, you matter, your health matters and let’s focus on that,” Cornforth said.
Girls on the Run Minnesota plans to incorporate culturally relevant experiences into their program curriculum for Native participants.
“Native kids are worthy of joy and belonging, and just a place where they can kind of let loose and be themselves and build relationships with peers and trusted adults,” said Kathleen Cannon, executive director of Girls on The Run Minnesota.
The program runs for eight weeks in the fall and spring seasons. Funds from the grant will cover participation costs for up to 600 Native youth over the next three years.
Chandra Colvin covers Native American communities in Minnesota for MPR News via Report for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues and communities.
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