Leaders from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), Scott County, and the state of Minnesota gathered at the Scott County Government Center recently to exchange flags in a ceremony celebrating mutual respect, cultural recognition, and unity.

The state of Minnesota was represented by First Judicial District Chief Judge Caroline Lennon, the SMSC was represented by Chairman Cole Miller, and Scott County was represented by County Board Chair Dave Beer. As part of the ceremony, the SMSC flag was officially raised to join the flags of the United States, state of Minnesota, and Scott County, now proudly displayed together at the Government Center.

“Flags can be a symbol, if that’s all we let them be,” said Miller. “But they are not just symbols today.” He emphasized that the event marked more than a ceremonial gesture; it reflected ongoing efforts to build meaningful and productive government-to-government relationships.

The ceremony featured a performance by a drum group, who offered a traditional flag song and traveling song. Andy Vig, director of the SMSC’s cultural center, Hoċokata Ṫi, spoke of the history and symbolism of the SMSC’s flag.

The SMSC tribal shield is centered around the Medicine Wheel and incorporates white, red, yellow and black. The Medicine Wheel represents the four directions and is a circle, which represents life and all its cycles, events, and natural occurrences.

The caŋduhupa (ceremonial pipe) represents prayer between man and a higher power. The típi signifies the meeting of the Dakota tribes. The tataŋka (bison) is a religious symbol, and the arrowhead and ax stand for bravery. The seven feathers stand for the Oceti Ṡakowiŋ (the Seven Council Fires), which make up the Great Sioux Nation.

“Each ceremony, each occasion… is another step forward in building relationships,” said Judge Lennon.

Beer echoed this sentiment: “This is such an amazing opportunity, and a historic event expressing our genuine and symbolic respect for one another.”