Owamni

Owamni, also spelled Owámni, is a Dakota word meaning "whirlpool" or "tumbling water." It refers specifically to a powerful and historically significant site on the Mississippi River in what is now Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Owamni is considered a sacred and culturally significant site to the Dakota people. It was a place of spiritual power and significance, used for ceremonies and gatherings. The strong currents and rapids of the river at this location created a dramatic and awe-inspiring natural feature.

European-American settlers renamed the site Saint Anthony Falls. While the English name has become more prevalent in mainstream usage, the Dakota name Owamni continues to be used and recognized by Dakota people and is increasingly included in discussions about the area's history and cultural significance. There are ongoing efforts to increase public awareness of the original Dakota name and its importance. The area continues to be a site of remembrance and reflection for Dakota people.