The Dakota Society is a Minnesota non-profit corporation organized to engage in research and education pertaining to the history and culture of Native Americans. The society is made up of people who are interested in the study of Native American culture and history with a primary focus on the Dakota people. A number of people who were interested in Native American people and historic sites met in September 1989 for the purpose of exchanging information and ideas. This occasion was so successful that following two additional informal meetings in 1990, the group decided to begin meeting on a regular monthly basis. The Dakota Society was incorporated as a non-profit corporation for charitable, scientific, and educational purposes in October of 1992.
Membership is open to anyone who shares an interest in Native American history.
An expertise in Native American history and culture is not necessary. Although some members have devoted considerable study to Native American history and culture, most members possess only an interest in these subjects and a desire to learn about them in a friendly, informal environment of mutual study.