The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community announced its partnership with Girls on the Run Minnesota to support the creation of teams within the state’s Native American communities and provide adult coaches with culturally appropriate curriculum and training.

Through IndigeFitKids, the SMSC is providing a $330,000 grant to Girls on the Run to conduct outreach, volunteer training and direct support to cover participant costs for up to 600 Native girls in grades 3-8 over the next three years. The partnership will enable more girls to participate in the organization through local schools and Native nonprofits, is the first of its kind and among the largest grants received to date.

“Through IndigeFitKids, we are working to close health disparities among young Native Americans in Minnesota by giving them more access and resources to lead active, healthy lives,” SMSC Vice-Chairwoman Natasha Hacker said. She co-chairs the IndigeFit Kids campaign along with SMSC Secretary/Treasurer Ashley Cornforth. “Girls on the Run inspires and empowers girls across the state, and its mission aligns perfectly with the goals of this campaign. We are proud of this partnership which will benefit hundreds of Native girls statewide.”

The program combines physical activity with intentional, research-based lessons that build social and emotional skills, confidence and connection. Over the course of the eight-week program, participants explore topics like goal setting, self-confidence, empathy, gratitude and teamwork, culminating in regional non-competitive and celebratory events in the spring and fall.