Jan. 8
MN warm Native American Heritage Night
The Minnesota Swarm pro lacrosse team will host its second-annual American Indian Heritage Night, presented by Treasure Island Resort & Casino and the Prairie Island Indian Community, at the team’s home opener at the Xcel Center in St. Paul. Once again, Heritage Night will feature a halftime exhibition game of traditional lacrosse, featuring teams from the Oneida and Menominee nations. There will also be exhibits by native organizations and businesses, as well as a drum group performing before the game. Heritage Night will also pay tribute to local Native American youth lacrosse players and recognize children from Prairie Island, as well as other reservations, who participated in the in the Lax-4-Life lacrosse camp. There will be special ticket prices, with a portion of each ticket sale benefitting the Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce. To order tickets or for additional questions, contact Brett Miller at 651-726-1794.
Jan. 8
Saint Paul Public Schools Parent Information Fair
The Saint Paul Public Schools Parent Information Fair will take place at Saint Paul RiverCentre on Saturday, January 8 from 9:30 a.m. – 2 p.m. This event is the one-stop shop to learn about schools in Saint Paul. Meet Saint Paul's pre k – grade 12 education experts at more than 100 booths representing public, private, parochial and charter schools. Learn about the educational opportunities available for your children in Saint Paul. All grade levels will be represented from early childhood programs to high schools. One-on-one help in selecting a school that's right for your child is available from the Saint Paul Public Schools' Student Placement Center. Admission is free. Free park and ride to and from Saint Paul RiverCentre from the following: Sears (425 Rice St., Saint Paul) – starting at 9:15 a.m.; Saint Paul Public Schools Administration Building (360 Colborne St., Saint Paul) – starting at 9:15 a.m. Bring your children! A family activity area will be open during the fair. Child care is not provided. River Center, 175 Kellogg Blvd W., St Paul, MN.
Jan. 9
THIS IS DISPLACEMENT
Curated by Emily Johnson (Yup’ik) and Carolyn Lee Anderson (Diné) “This is Displacement: Native Artists Consider the Relationship Between Land & Identity” is a group exhibit by a range of contemporary Native artists that consider what displacement from Native homelands means to their identity and their work. The exhibit features two and three-dimensional art, short films/video, recorded sound art (music/ stories/sound collage) and written work. The show opens Jan. 9, with an artists’ reception at noon at Plymouth Church. There will also be an evening reception for the general public on Jan. 24, 6-8 pm. Refreshments will be served. Plymouth Congregational Church, 1900 Nicollet Ave. (corner of Nicollet and Franklin), Minneapolis.
Jan. 11
11th Annual American Indian in Sciences
Watch scientists in action, try experiements, and learn about their jobs. And meet Native American scientists. Free: up to four children (ages 4-12) with each full price adult admission. Science Museum of MN, 120 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN. Call 651-221-9444 for more information or see: www.smm.org/sciencefusion.
Jan. 12 (deadline)
NOAA K-12 Environmental Literacy Grants
The U.S. Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) requests proposals for Environmental Literacy Grants for Formal K-12 Education. This RFP will support K-12 education projects that advance inquiry-based Earth System Science learning and stewardship directly tied to the school curriculum, with a particular interest in increasing climate literacy. $8 million is expected to be available; up to 10 awards are anticipated. Eligible entities: institutions of higher education; other nonprofits; K-12 public and independent schools and school systems; and state, local, and Indian tribal governments in the United States. For more info, contact Carrie McDougall at: oed.grants@noaa.gov.
Jan. 14
Battle Creek Middle
School Showcase
Battle Creek Middle School (7-8) offers American Indian Art and Music, American Indian History and Culture, American Indian Support, Ojibwe Language and Culture, and Lakota Language and Culture classes. Also offers home school liaison. The school is holding a Showcase on Wednesday Jan. 14 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm at 2121 North Park Drive, St. Paul. For more info, call 651-293-8960 or see: www.bcms.spps.org.
Jan. 18
Woodlands Bank: Native Homeowners Workshop
American Indians enrolled in a Federally recognized tribe who are interested in buying a home can attend a workshop and meet with Cindy Koonce (Mortgage Loan Officer, Woodlands National Bank) and Steve Harvell (Greater Midwest Realty) to discuss to become a home owner. Topics: Why a loan program specific to Native Americans exists; How Section 184 works; and, Who is eligible for a Section 184 Loan. The HUD Section 184 Indian Home Loan Guarantee Program is a mortgage product specifically for Native Americans. With Section 184 financing you can get into a home with a low down payment and no mortgage insurance. Workshop runs 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, with a light lunch provided. Woodlands National Bank, 1113 E Franklin Ave, Suite 108, Minneapolis, MN. For more information and to rsvp call 612-230-6960 and talk to Joanne.
Jan. 20
Women’s Health Day Event
For Native American women over age 40 who need a mammogram and/or pap smear. Event will include: Free Breast and Cervical Health Education, Mammogram & Pap Tests, and Food & Door Prizes. In Collaboration with the Mdewakanton Sioux Community American Cancer Society’s Friend to Friend Program and the Minnesota Department of Health Sage Program. Indian Health Board, 1315 East 24th Street, Minneapolis.
Jan. 21 – Feb. 28
All My Relations Gallery
The Native American Community Development Institute celebrates the grand opening of its new All My Relations Gallery with an exhibit of never-before-seen paintings by master artist Frank Big Bear. A reception and celebration takes place Jan. 21st from 5:00 – 9:00 p.m. Frank Big Bear Paintings presents vivid canvasses by Frank Big Bear, recipient of the Bush Foundation Enduring Visions Award, among other honors. Acrylic paintings, created by this Ojibwe artist best known for his surreal and detailed color pencil drawings, make their debut with this exhibit. Running from Jan. 21, to Feb. 28, 2011, Frank Big Bear Paintings: From the Rez, to the Hood, to the Lake. All My Relations Gallery, 1414 East Franklin Ave., Minneapolis, MN. Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11-6, p.m. Weekends 11-3, p.m. Evening hours for special events. For further information, or to arrange a group tour, contact Elizabeth Day at 612-872-4700 or eday@nacdi.org.
Jan. 25
MTS Indian Education
Winter Feast
Parents/Guardians of American Indian children enrolled at Minnesota Transitions Charter Schools (including online) are invited to the MTS Indian Education Winter Feast from 6 – 8 pm. Door Prizes. Held at 2872 26th Ave. S., Minneapolis. Call 651-222-4900 for more information.
Jan. 25
Harding High School Showcase
Harding High School (9-12) offers American Indian Art and Music, American Indian History and Culture, American Indian Literature, American Indian Support, Ojibwe Language and Culture, Lakota Lang
uage and Culture, and home school liaison. A Showcase will be held on January 25 from 5:00-7:00 pm at 1540 East Sixth Streeet, St. Paul. For info, call 651-793-4700.
Jan. 29
Pathways Home Workshop: Introduction to Home Buying
AICDC and Bii Gii Wiin CDLF are offering the opportunity for community members to hear from a Certified Homeownership Counselor to start the process of reviewing your finances, credit and mortgage loan programs that may be right for you and to help you create a plan to get you on the road to homeownership. Learn About: Steps to becoming a homeowner; How to prepare financially for homeownership; What you can afford to pay for a home; Importance of credit and how it impacts homeownership; How to choose the right mortgage loan and get approved; Ways to shop for a home; What to do when you are ready to make an offer on a home; Responsibilities of homeownership. Workshop Details: Saturday, January 29 from 9:00 am – 3:30 pm, lunch provided. AICDC, 1508 East Franklin Ave. Minneapolis, MN. Please reserve your space by contacting Michael J. Roberts at 612-813-1610 or by email at: mroberts@aicdc-mn.org.
Feb. 1 (deadline)
First Nations Composer Initative Grants
FNCI funds the creation of newly composed work by American Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian composers or musicians. Awards are based on artistic excellence, merit and connection to audience and community. Awards range from $500 to $5,000. Eligibility: Open to American Indian, Alaskan Native and Native Hawaiian makers of new music: composers, performers, groups, sound artists, songwriters, etc. Deadlines are as follows: Deadline is Feb. 1, 2011 for activities beginning April 2011. First Nations Composer Initative, Minnesota Street, Suite E145, St. Paul MN. 651-251-2839, or 651-291-7978. For more info, see: ttp://www.fnci.org.
Feb. 1 (deadline)
2011 Native Lab Fellowship Now Accepting Submissions
The Sundance Institute Native American and Indigenous Program is now accepting submissions for the 2011 Native Lab Fellowship. The Fellowship is an opportunity for filmmakers with feature film scripts, documentary projects, and short film scripts to attend a 5-day intensive workshop to be held May 23-27, 2011 and to receive ongoing creative support beyond the Lab including professional mentorship. Fellows also attend the 2012 Sundance Film Festival to meet with established screenwriters, producers, and other industry professionals. Application available at: www.sundance.org/programs/ native-lab-fellowship. Must be received by Feb. 1.
Feb. 11
American Indian Magnet School Open House
American Indian Magnet School (PRE-K THRU 6) Open House: Friday, February 11, 2011; 1:30-3:00 pm. 1075 East 3rd Street, St. Paul. For more info, call 651-778-3100 or see: www.aims.spps.org.
Feb. 11
St. Paul Public Schools Powwow
St. Paul American Indian Education Monthly Powwow at the American Indian Magnet School. Grand entry is at 6 p.m. Powwow will be held at the American Indian Magnet School, 1075 East 3rd Street, St. Paul. For more info, call 651-778-3100.
Feb. 28
Internship Opportunity with the Indian Land Tenure
The Indian Land Tenure Foundation (ILTF) is looking to hire current undergraduate or graduate students as interns for the summer of 2011. The internships are full-time positions over the course of 10 – 12 weeks (400 hours). Beginning and ending dates are negotiable. Salary will be $15.00 per hour with potential additional funds for living and relocation expenses. As temporary employees of ILTF, interns are not eligible for employee benefits. ILTF’s mission is to ensure that “land within the original boundaries of every reservation and other areas of high significance where tribes retain aboriginal interest are in Indian ownership and management.” We support this mission through long-term capital investments, focused grantmaking, and collaborations with those holding similar interest in Indian land tenure issues. INTERNSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES: Conduct research on land ownership patterns and economic activity both regionally as well as on a national scale. Compile the research data into a searchable database to assist in future ILTF initiatives. Conduct research and document raw data identifying various land ownership patterns of tribal lands by reservation. The research will entail the review of historic documents, maps and current records. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATION: February 28, 2011. We will inform applicants of selection no later than April 1, 2011. QUALIFICATIONS: Applicant must demonstrate professional communication and writing skills appropriate for a business environment. Background knowledge on Indian land history is not required, but a desire to understand the historic relations between tribes and governments is critical. Research, analysis and data collection experience is preferred, along with a basic understanding of Microsoft Office products. Must be willing to travel and interact in new or different environments socially and culturally. Please submit letter of interest, resume and a list of computer programs with which you are familiar to: Patricia Chase, Office Manager, 151 East County Road B2, Little Canada, MN 55117.
March 1 (deadline)
Dakota and Ojibwe Language Revitalization Grants deadline
The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council’s second grant cycle for the Dakota and Ojibwe Language Revitalization Grants. This program is underwritten by an appropriation from the state legislature from Minnesota’s new arts and cultural heritage fund. The grant areas are intentionally broad and somewhat flexible so that a diverse array of projects can be funded. However, anyone who received money from last year’s grants must apply for a new project. Previously funded projects will not be considered. Offices, agencies, or divisions administered under the authority of an American Indian Nation or Alaska Native Community located in Minnesota, recognized educational facilities, and non- profits, are encouraged to apply. If you have questions about the arts and cultural heritage fund or the new programs, please contact JoLynn Shopteese at: JoLynn.Shopteese@state.mn.us or call 651-296-0132. The RFP and additional documents needed are available on the Indian Affairs website. www.indianaffairs.state.mn.us. All applications must be submitted with complete and accurate information and in the office of The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council at 161 East St. Anthony Avenue, Suite 919, Saint Paul, Minnesota 55103. Put attention to JoLynn Shopteese. Must be post marked or hand delivered no later than 4:00 p.m. on March 1st.
March 11
St. Paul Public Schools Powwow
St. Paul American Indian Education Monthly Powwow at the American Indian Magnet School. Grand entry is at 6 p.m. Powwow will be held at the American Indian Magnet School, 1075 East 3rd Street, St. Paul. For more info, call 651-778-3100.