Title
Approving the Wakan Tipi Center Development Agreement Amendment with the Lower Phalen Creek Project.
Body
WHEREAS, the City is the owner of the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary property encompassing the future location of the Wakan Tipi Interpretive Center and its associated site programming; and
WHEREAS, the Lower Phalen Creek Project was founded in 1997 as a partnership between Saint Paul’s East Side and Lowertown neighborhoods to engage people and honor and care for natural places and the sacred sites and cultural value within; and
WHEREAS, a new interpretive center building is currently being designed for the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary and the new facility goals include: honor the significance of the Wakan Tipi cave as a Dakota sacred site, provide authentic Dakota interpretation of the culture and history of Dakota people in Saint Paul, offer environmental education on the geology, urban ecology, restoration and migration routes within and around Wakan Tipi through an authentic indigenous perspective, create space for cultural connections and healing through arts and nature, serve as a bold leader in indigenous, place-based environmental and cultural work in urban settings; and
WHEREAS, the city will receive grant funds from the State of Minnesota to be used as part of the financial investments in the Site and these are general obligation bond proceeds which will result in the property becoming a “state bond financed property” as defined in Minn. Stat. #16A.695 subd. (a)(1);
NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants and promises hereinafter set forth, parties agree as follows (see attached); and, be it
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the City Council supports said agreement amendment and authorizes the proper City officials to execute said amendment for the project.