Story and photos by Jenn Hall
Mni Giizhik Theatre Ensemble, in partnership with the Guthrie’s Native Advisory Council, held “Stories for Indigenous Resilience” on Wednesday, February 4. The evening of stories, poetry, music, and more was organized to raise funds for mutual aid for the Native community. Proceeds from the show will go to NATIFs and Pow Wow Grounds to support their community outreach work amidst the ongoing occupation of federal agents in Minnesota.
Pages could be written about the powerful medicine these artists shared with a full house, but there’s too much news for that. I’ll just say that the belly laughs, heartfelt songs, poems, and stories, vulnerability, and hope that the artists shared with us were a balm to my soul and I left the theatre feeling lighter than I had in weeks.
The theatre ensemble raffled off a few donated prizes later in the evening. Congratulations to the winners! After the show I popped down to the gift shop. Now, I’m a sucker for a good iron-on patch, and Adrienne Zimigi-January’s “You Are On Native Land” design definitely lifted some zhooniyaa from my wallet. You can still find the full collect
ion in the Guthrie’s gift shop. Proceeds from those sales will benefit the Healing Through Arts program at the Women of Nations – Eagle’s Nest Shelter in Saint Paul. Get you some good swag for your snag ahead of Valentine’s Day, it’s for a good cause!
Our community is truly resilient, talented, and I’m deeply grateful to the organizers and artists involved in the evening. Artists in attendance included:
