Lower Sioux Cultural Department partners with Talking Circle Solutions to develop new cultural tourism initiative

(LOWER SIOUX INDIAN COMMUNITY) The Lower Sioux Cultural Department has launched a new cultural tourism initiative designed to strengthen community connection, share Dakota history, and support long-term economic sustainability. As part of this effort, the Cultural Department has partnered with Talking Circle Solutions, a Native-owned cultural strategy and development firm based on the Muscogee Reservation in Oklahoma.

Together, LSIC and Talking Circle are conducting a comprehensive feasibility study to gather insights, data, and community guidance that will shape the future of cultural tourism at Lower Sioux. Surveys will soon be sent to community partners and community members for insights and other feedback. In addition, an in-person opportunity to share feedback will be offered during a community-wide Valentine’s Luncheon on February 14.

Community listening will play a vital role in determining the types of cultural tourism experiences LSIC may offer, identifying potential visitor audiences, and ensuring any new tourism efforts are culturally grounded and economically viable.

“The Cansayapi Cultural Department recognized that to effectively develop a tourism strategy and process that we should find a partner that has been working in the promotion of Indian Country to the broader, mainstream tourism and communication sectors,” said John Roberston, the site manager for the Lower Sioux Agency. “Talking Circle has a proven background in the communication and marketing world which will provide LSIC with a fast track into this new area of tribal promotional activity. The access to and use of social media platforms for tribal tourism is very exciting as we reach new and expanding markets.”

Talking Circle Solutions visited Lower Sioux and the historic site in late October and early November to learn directly from Cultural Department staff, Tribal Council members, and other community department leaders. The team also studied Dakota history and the significance of the Lower Sioux Agency Historic site. The insights gathered during these meetings will guide the development of tourism opportunities that honor sovereignty and uphold cultural responsibility.

As the initiative moves forward, LSIC will also work with Talking Circle Solutions to develop marketing materials, explore revenue opportunities, and build a new cultural tourism website portal. This platform will provide visitors with information about the initiative, instructions on how to visit, and details about available tours and cultural workshops.

“Our role is to help create a pathway where culture, community, and sustainability move forward together,” Talking Circle CEO Kelly Tidwell (Muscogee and Cherokee) said. “The Lower Sioux Indian Community is leading with intention, and we are grateful to walk alongside them as they shape a cultural tourism initiative that reflects Dakota values and strengthens long-term economic opportunity.”

In preparation for the historic site’s anticipated opening in April 2026, LSIC and Talking Circle will determine visitor guides, finalize tour offerings, and identify other cultural elements to be included in the experience.

“The LSIC has tasked the Cansayapi Cultural Department with developing and expanding tourism beyond gaming,” said Roberston. “Working with Talking Circle provides resources and services that interface and interact with the larger information and technology world, providing the LSIC with a broad and comprehensive platform as it journeys into the 21st century world of tourism and advertising.”

This work is made possible through support from Explore Minnesota and the Minnesota Historical Society. By expanding cultural tourism, the Lower Sioux Indian Community is taking a meaningful step toward ensuring Dakota history is shared accurately, respectfully, and for generations to come.

More information about this project and the timeline can be found here.

Talking Circle is the parent company of Crosswinds News, providing the operational, strategy, and technology support that helps sustain Crosswinds’ community-centered journalism. While Crosswinds focuses on reporting and serving community members, Talking Circle Solutions builds the tools, partnerships, and infrastructure that make that work possible.