Not everyone joins by entering the water.
Some join by making the work possible.
Sovereign Waters is growing toward expanded access to the Mississippi River and surrounding waterways. One of the next steps is securing a dedicated trailer to safely transport kayaks and equipment, allowing more people to move from curiosity to participation.
There are many ways to take part.
You can stay connected to the work as it unfolds.
You can help equip the movement that makes access possible.
Both matter.
Initiatives
Paddlesports Safety Course
Kayaks and safety equipment supporting Sovereign Waters programming are funded through the Hennepin County Youth Activities Grant (HCYAG), awarded to the Mississippi Watershed Management Organization. Sovereign Waters and Sankofa Swim International serve as implementation partners, bringing the project to life and expanding community access to paddlesports.
To fully activate this equipment, we now need a way to safely store and transport it.
Our goal is to raise $11,000 to purchase a 16 × 8.5 ft enclosed trailer that will store and move gear to service.
This trailer will allow equipment to reach pool, lake, and river sites safely and reliably, expanding where and how programming can take place.
Many grants support equipment purchases but do not fund transportation infrastructure like trailers. We’re inviting community support to help close that gap and put these boats on the water.
Youth Trip to the BWCA
In partnership with IntentionsMN, Sovereign Waters is honored to have been selected to receive the Wilderness Equity Initiative Grant from SAVE the Boundary Waters.
This funding will cover the three nights and four days our group will spend in the Boundary Waters. However, we believe strongly that meaningful outdoor experiences begin long before the trip itself. Preparing youth with the skills, confidence, and familiarity needed to thrive in wilderness spaces is just as important as the expedition.
Leading up to the journey, five youth will participate in a series of preparation experiences designed to build confidence and outdoor competence. These include:
- An overnight campout at Mahogany Farm in Mora, Minnesota, supported by wilderness expert JR Hunte
- At least two paddling outings on local lakes and the Mississippi River to practice paddling skills and rescue techniques
- Hands-on preparation that helps youth feel strong, capable, and confident before embarking on their final adventure into the Boundary Waters
- After the trip, youth will participate in integration sessions with partners such as Change Narrative LLC to develop storytelling skills and connect their wilderness experience to environmental justice.
- Participants will also be introduced to environmental organizations and public land stewards, offering exposure to green careers and pathways in conservation and water stewardship.
To fully support the youth participating in this experience, we are raising funds to provide essential personal gear. Items such as Smartwool or merino wool base layers, Personal Flotation Devices, headlamps, bug protection, mosquito nets, and neoprene booties will ensure participants stay warm, safe, and comfortable during their time outdoors.
Many of these items will become personal gear that the youth get to keep, supporting their continued connection to outdoor recreation. Larger shared gear such as sleeping bags, sleeping pads, and tents will be maintained by Sovereign Waters and used for future youth wilderness experiences.
Adopt a Kayak
Sovereign Waters recently crossed paths with an outfitter from Bayfield, Wisconsin and was able to acquire three tandem expedition kayaks for the program.
These boats are well loved and ready for their next chapter. Before returning to the water they will be registered with the Minnesota DNR and restored with new rudders, seats, deck lines, hatch covers, and updated safety gear.
We are inviting supporters to Adopt a Kayak and help bring these boats fully back into service.
Adoption: $450
Adopters will have the opportunity to name the boat, with the name permanently placed on the stern as it travels lakes, rivers, and wilderness waters with Sovereign Waters programs.
Your boat will carry youth, new paddlers, and future river stewards for years to come.
How to Give
GiveMN
Donations are processed through our fiscal sponsor, Indigenous Roots.
When you arrive on the GiveMN page, please enter:
“Sovereign Waters – [initiative name]” in the Dedicate To field so your contribution is directed to this project.
You will receive a tax-deductible receipt after your donation is complete.
Spotfund
Make a direct contribution to Sovereign Waters to help purchase gear, equipment, and supplies.
Wish List
Prefer to give gear? Purchase an item from our wish list and have it shipped directly to Sovereign Waters. While we appreciate gear donations, please note that Sovereign Waters has access to pro-deal pricing, so financial contributions often allow us to stretch funds further when purchasing equipment.
Flow is built over time.
Every form of support helps carry it forward.
Sovereign Waters 