Through a new partnership with the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC), hundreds of Native girls will have the opportunity to experience the magic of Girls on the Run over the next three years.

As part of its groundbreaking IndigeFit Kids campaign, the SMSC has awarded a generous grant to Girls on the Run Minnesota. This three-year, $330,000 initiative will support the launch of Girls on the Run teams within Native communities across the state, pairing culturally responsive curriculum with caring, community-based coaches.

That means more Native girls will have access to joyful, confidence-building programming that honors their identities, uplifts their strengths, and surrounds them with support.

“Through IndigeFit Kids, 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,” said SMSC Vice-Chairwoman Natasha Hacker, who 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. 

Over the course of an eight-week season, Girls on the Run participants explore topics like goal setting, self-confidence, empathy, and teamwork—while moving their bodies, forming friendships, and growing their sense of agency and belonging. Each season ends with a joyful, non-competitive 5K that celebrates every girl’s progress and potential.

With the support of the SMSC, Native girls will have the chance to experience all of this—within environments that are grounded in community, tradition, and cultural relevance.

“Rooted in the belief that every girl is strong, capable and worthy, we are proud to partner with Native communities across Minnesota to uplift youth,” said Kathleen Cannon, executive director of Girls on the Run Minnesota. “With generous support from the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, we’re grateful for the opportunity to center Indigenous values of community, tradition and balance and help support the lifelong well-being of Native youth.”

The SMSC’s IndigeFit Kids campaign is a $6 million effort focused on improving the physical and mental wellness of Native youth. Alongside Girls on the Run Minnesota, other early partners include KABOOM!, Johns Hopkins Center for Indigenous Health, and the Minnesota Vikings.

We are honored to be part of this shared effort—rooted in joy, equity, and the power of girls. Thank you, SMSC and IndigeFit Kids, for investing in Native girls and their power and potential.

Watch the announcement video here!

Learn more about how you can get involved in uplifting Native youth.