They gathered Monday on the south shore of Bde Maka Ska, more than a hundred people, praying and singing while the sun rose over the trees to the east, marking the dawn of Indigenous Peoples' Day in Minnesota.
Leaders of the ceremony lit tobacco leaves inside a small bowl, passing it around for others, who wafted the wispy smoke over their faces, shoulders, and heads.
"Today we live in a world that has gone off-course and has forgotten about mother earth," said Waukota LaPointe, who led the ceremony. "Indigenous People Day is a reminder that we maintain the original instructions needed for that better future. We want to honor mother earth, and we count on our allies to do that with us and find ways to support indigenous peoples in lasting ways that make transformative change."
The crowd at the sunrise ceremony was considered one of the largest ever gathered on the site.
Governor Walz joined others in the large circle, standing next to US Senator Tina Smith.
Also taking part were two government officials with Native American heritage, Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flannagan and state Senator Mary Kunesh.
"I get goose bumps every single time, as the sun is coming up, the birds are flying around, and we're all in circle," said Sen. Kunesh. "It's really inspiring to me."
Minnesota was one of the first states to recognize this day as Indigenous Peoples' Day rather than Columbus Day.
More cities and states over the years have done the same.