Thru June 10
Piitwewetam: Making is Medicine
This commemorative art exhibition presents artwork by the Gustafson family: Shannon, Ryan, Justine, and Jade. The exhibition honors their son and brother, Piitwewetam (Rolling Thunder), also known as the late Jesse Gustafson who traveled to the spirit world after a car accident in 2015. Co-Curated by Jean and Leanna Marshall. Organized and circulated by the Thunder Bay Art Gallery. https://allmyrelationsarts.com.
May 6
Robbinsdale Area Schools Powwow
Grand Entry 1 PM & 7 PM. Armstrong High School, 10635 36 th Avenue North, Plymouth.
May 8
AIOIC Founders Day Open House & Career Fair
Celebrate American Indian Month with us. Events: program honoring AIOIC Founder Clyde Bellecourt. Shared meal, career fair, music, kids activities, raffle. 10am to 2pm. AIOIC, 1845 E Franklin Avenue, Mpls. For info, see: https://www.aioic.org.
May 8 – June 30
Birchbark & Cattails: Homage to Land that Creates Art
Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center Gallery AICHO Galleries is bringing together acrylic paintings and textile arts by contemporary artist Kent Estey, a White Earth of Ojibwe tribal member, and textile artist Ramona Morrow, a Lac Courte Oreilles tribal member and Yankton Sioux descendant in the group art exhibition “Birchbark & Cattails: An Homage to Land that Creates Art.” This art exhibition celebrates the multiplicity of gifts nature gives including inspirations and mediums for art through generations. Art Exhibition Dates: May 8 – June 30, 2023. Art Reception Date: May 19 from 5:30 pm – 7:30 pm. Free. LOCATION: 212 West 2nd Street, Duluth, MN WEBSITE LINK: aicho.org/birchbarkcattails
May 10
American Indian Day on the Hill
American Indian Day on the Hill at the Minnesota State Capitol, 75 Rev Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, St. Paul, MN. Speakers: Jerry Dearly, Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan, Robert Larsen, Sen Mary Kunesh, Commissioner of Higher Education Dennis Olson. Lunch catered by Mazopiya, Drum group, 10 am to 2pm. Vendors. FMI: Monique Nelson, monique.nelson@maifcmn.org, 612 484-1309; or Opalina Peralta, opalina.peralta@state.mn.us 218 205-4752.
May 11
IPTF Honoring Our Loved Ones Memorial Event
Help break the stigma of substance abuse. If you lost a loved one to opioids or alcohol, upload a photo to: rememberolo.org. We will be honoring our lost loved ones at the State Capitol from 11am to 3pm. FMI: 612 361-5102.
May 11
Author Talk: Angeline Boulley in Conversation With Cherie Dimaline
Join us for an evening with authors Angeline Boulley and Cherie Dimaline in celebration of Boulley’s new novel, “Warrior Girl Unearthed.” Copies of “Warrior Girl Unearthed” and “Firekeeper’s Daughter” will be available for purchase, as well as Dimaline’s books, including the newly published “VenCo” and “Funeral Songs for Dying Girls.” A book signing will take place after the conversation. Collaborator: Birchbark Books & Native Arts. 6:00 – 8:00pm. No registration required. There is limited space available; the event will be first come, first seated. Minneapolis Central Library, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis. For info, call 612-543-5669 or see: https://hclib.bibliocommons.com/events/6436df29b9037b410049163c.
May 12
White Earth Open House
White Earth Open House is in search of program and craft vendors interested in participating in the annual open house from 10:00am to 2:30pm. Come enjoy the entertainment of Midnite Express, speakers and frybread tacos. White Earth Urban Mental Health, 212 Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. FMI: Shannon Smith at 612 296-7295 or shannon.smith@whiteearth-nsn.gov.
May 12
5K Run/Walk Wanaisguni Hikurus Hajawi
12th Annual 5K run/walk at Phalen Regional Park in St. Paul. 5pm to 8pm. To register or for FMI: Vicky Ontiveros 612-426-0605.
May 12
Roots and Boots at the Shooting Star Casino
Concert featuring the band Roots and Boots at 8pm at the Shooting Star Casino at the White Earth Nation, Mahnomen, MN. Tickets: 800-453-7827.
May 13
St. Paul – Learning from Place: Bdote
Learning from Place: Bdote is an immersive experience that brings participants to sites of great significance to Dakota people in the Twin Cities. Participants will learn from Dakota community members through stories and histories that have often been left out of our state’s history. This experience is open to the general public and is particularly beneficial for educators who want to include new perspectives in their history curriculum. K-12 educators will receive 5 clock hours. Learning from Place: Bdote will begin at Fort Snelling State Park (parking permit is required) and end at Indian Mounds Park in St. Paul. We will be outside the entire time. Participants need to provide their own transportation, lunch, snacks and beverages. This experience involves nearly one mile of walking, sometimes on unpaved paths, as well as standing for periods of time. We do provide audio headsets for amplification of the tour guides and to support social distancing. Because of the nature of this program and experience, the fee is waived for indigenous participants. 8:30 am – 2:30 pm Contact Eden Bart at eden@mnhum.org before registering. For specific inquiries about accessibility, please contact Eden Bart at eden@mnhum.org or 651-772-4261.
May 13
Phillips Spring Welcoming Food Sovereignty Celebration
Join us as we celebrate spring and the beginning of the growing season! We will kick things off with the annual meeting (11 AM-Noon) followed by an opening prayer, food from Las Cuatro Milpas Food Truck and Gatherings Cafe (Yazzie the Chef), a plant giveaway, and informational tables. 1am to 3pm. At the 2800 block of 18th Avenue and Four Sisters Farm, 2839 17th Ave. S. For info, see: https://www.nacdi.org/four-sisters-farm.
May 13
Dakota-Style Baby Moccasin Workshop
Learn to make a pair of Dakota-style leather baby moccasins in this half-day workshop led by traditional crafting expert Carol Hernandez. Registration is required three days prior to workshop. A minimum of five participants is required to host the workshop. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 10:00 AM – 4:00pm. $100. Mille Lacs Band members and MNHS members save 20%. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, 43411 Oodena Dr. Onamia, MN. For info, call 320-532-3632, or see: https://www.mnhs.org/millelacs.
May 13
Elders Traditional Powwow
Grand Entries 1 & 7pm. Feast at 5pm. MC: Jim Mishquat. AD: Brandon Deshampe Morrison. Host Drum: Stone Bridge Singers. Grand Portage Community Center, 75 Upper Road, Grand Portage, MN. For info, contact Brittney Anderson at 218-370-1291.
May 13 – 14
Little Earth Mother’s Day Powwow
Entry begins at 1pm and 7pm on Saturday and 1pm on Sunday. We are still looking for donations to make this event possible. Donations: https://www.classy.org/give/398180/#!/donation/checkout. Cedar Field Park, 2500 Cedar Avenue, Minneapolis. https://www.littleearth.org
May 15
WOC Affinity Circle
Looking for a space where women of color can come together and share their experiences? WOC Affinity Circle seeks to promote healing and fostering a safe space within our community. We meet virtually on a monthly basis to cover topics that impact us. Women of color include: Black, Latina, Asian, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Native Hawaiian, Pacific Islander, & mixed-race women. 6:30 – 7:30pm. Online event only. Registration is required, participants will receive a link to the virtual event before each session. For info, see: https://hclib.bibliocommons.com/events/6429de1922222e410033a5a0.
May 19
IHB Indian Month Celebration
The Indian Health Board’s American Indian Month Celebration will include lunch (served till gone), activities, frozen yogurt truck, ballon artist, live DJ, language games, bicyled raffle, resource fair, innovative themed raffles, and more. Noon to 3:00pm. Sponsored by the staff of the Indian Health Board and Health Education. IHB, 1315 E 24th St, Mpls. For info, call Val at 612-721-9803.
May 20
Kapemni: As It Is Above; It Is Below
A storytelling motion media dance performance featuring D(L)akota and Ojibwe astronomy with immersive, interactive animation projection art, and sky and Earth soundscapes. The performance explores the D(L)akota teaching Kapemni, which translates “As it is above, it is below”. Students in the Dance Program at South High School tell the story through movement that “we come from the stars” and perform their interpretation of the Kapemni concept. This project is a collaboration between Native Skywatchers and South High School’s Dance Program and its All Nations Program. 3:00 pm–3:30 pm. Bell Museum, 2088 Larpenteur Avenue W, St Paul. For info, see: https://www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/event/native-skywatchers-kapemni-dance-2.
May 20
Backstage Basics and more
Erin Gustafson will teach baskstage basics. Erin is a Theater Technician (Carpenter, Stage Manager, Electrician, and Painter) and Teaching Artist based in Minneapolis. Currently they are the Lead Carpenter at Park Square Theatre and the 2022-2023 Season Stage Manager at Youth Performance Company (YPC). Tuition for classes is pay-what-you-can, with the suggested price of $150. Presented by New Native Theatre. Division of Indian Work, 1001 E Lake St, Mpls. For info, contact charli@newnativetheatre.org. For info, see: https://newnativetheatre.org. Other upcoming classes:
• May 20 – Acting & Singing for Native Musical Theater
•July 10-14 – Native Theatre Youth Camp
May 20
St. Louis Park Public Schools 1st Annual Powwow
The American Indian Parent Advisory Council and the Youth Intertribal Council of St. Louis Park Public Schools will be hosting the first annual powwow to honor the youth. Noon to 6pm. Grand entry at 1pm. Food, dancing, drumming and vendors. St. Louis Park Public School, Recreation Outdoor Center, 3700 Monterey, St. Louis Park, MN. For info, see: https://www.slpschools.org/utility-pages/calendar.
May 20
Corn Husk Doll
Learn how to make a corn husk doll to take home. Corn husk dolls are made out of the outer covering of a ear of corn and are typically made during the fall. Allow an hour to make the craft. Recommended for ages 8 and up. 11:00AM – 3:05PM. Cost: $5 supply fee (with regular site admission). Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, 43411 Oodena Dr. Onamia, MN. For info, call 320-532-3632, or see: https://www.mnhs.org/millelacs.
May 20
We Own Ourselves Celebration
The MHS 4th Dakhota Omniciye will include hands-on cultural workshops, artist teachings, film screening, book readings, and presentations. Includes Morning Prayer, Breakfast, Dakota Artists, Films, and Speakers, Dakota Language and Knowledge, Keynote Speaker: Shelley Buck and a Community Dinner. Public event open to everyone. Special events for Native community members. All events are free for Native community members. Site admission is required for the general public. 8:30am to 6pm. MN Historical Society, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd. St. Paul. For info, call 651-259-3000 or see: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/native-american-initiatives-presents-dakota-omniciye-2023-tickets-623922658467.
May 22 – 24
Tribal Energy Equity Summit
Join us for the 2023 Tribal Energy Equity Summit with Native American tribal leaders and officials from the Federal Government, including the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, U.S. Department of Energy, and the U.S. Dept. of the Interior to establish relationships and catalyze more meaningful dialogue about critical energy considerations such as siting, transmission, interconnection, and the many resources available to tribes to support a just transition to clean energy. Intercontinental Riverfront Hotel, 11 E. Kellogg Blvd St. Paul. For info, email: questions@indigenous-energy.org with TEES Summit Question in the subject line.
May 24 – 25
American Indian Mental Health Conference
White Earth Mental Health is hosting the 2023 American Indian Mental Health Conference. The theme of this year’s conference is BIZINDAADIWAG – Post-COVID-19: Rebuilding Connections and Holistically Addressing Mental Health. This year’s 2-day, in-person conference will be taking place at the Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, MN. For info, or to register, see the event page at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2023-american-indian-mental-health-conference-tickets-609607180487
May 25 – 27
Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Tribal Community Fundraiser/Sale
Many designer men’s clothes, shoes, belts, shirts. If you would like to donate, please make your donation by May 15. The Mendota Indian community has been in Mendota since the 1700’s. We will be selling Indian tacos. For more info: contact Sharon Lennartson at: mendotadakota@gmail.com.
May 26
Everclear at the Shooting Star Casino
A concert featuring the band Everclear. 8pm at the Shooting Star Casino, White Earth Nation, Mahnomen, MN. For tickets, call 1-800-453-7827.
May 26 – 28
Native American Community Clinic’s Youth Warrior Camp
Memorial Weekend camp for young warriors. This camp is for young men ages 18-30. Young men will gain the experience of a variety of cultural, educational and recreational activities. Activities include canoeing, moccasin games, drumming and singing, foraging and medicine pouch making. Teachings include star storytelling, water stories, traditional food demo and a sunrise ceremony where these young men will receive cultural gifts. All meals and lodging provided. Voyageur Camp, 7000 County Rd 15, Mound, MN. Register at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/young-warrior-camp-tickets-590295027317.
May 26 – May 28
Veterans Memorial Powwow
Memorial Traditional Powwow will be held at the Veterans Memorial Pow Wow Grounds, Cass Lake, MN. For info, see: https://www.llojibwe.org/powwow/schedule.html.
May 29
Mille Lacs Memorial Day Powwow
Families and community members gather together for a special powwow to remember all the fallen warriors that have fought for this country, and honor all current Veterans. Enjoy the drumming, singing and dancing along the shores of Lake Mille Lacs for this annual event. 12:00 to 4:30pm. 43411 Oodena Dr. Onamia, MN; For info: 320-532-3632 or mnhs.org/millelacs.
June 1 – 2
Minogin Conference
Join the Native American Community Clinic for our second annual Minogin Conference! This year, we will be focusing on food sustainability, traditional plants and medicine walk. June 1st from 9:00am to 5:00pm. June 2nd from 9:00am to 2:00pm. Intercontinental Hotel, St. Paul Riverfront, 11 East Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, MN. For info, see: https://nacc-healthcare.org/new-events-1/2023/6/1/minogin-traditional-healing-conference.
June 3
Archery Workshop
Have you ever wanted to learn to shoot a bow and arrow? Let certified archery instructors on staff at Mille Lacs Indian Museum teach you how! You don’t have to have any prior experience with archery to participate. Please wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 1:00 – 4:00pm. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, 43411 Oodena Dr. Onamia, MN. For info, call 320-532-3632, or see: https://www.mnhs.org/millelacs.
June 3
Columbia Heights Public Schools Powwow
Columbia Heights Public Schools Annual Community traditional powwow. MC: Jerry Dearly. AD: Shawnee Hunt. Host Drum: Hoka Hey, Invited drum: Mississippi Ojibwe. Free community powwow honoring students. Indian tacos, prizes, concessions. CHHS Football Field, 1400 49th Ave NE, Columbia Heights, Noon to 6pm. For info, contact 763-528-4729.
June 16 – 18
Grand Celebration Hinckley Contest Powwow
MCs: Terry Fiddler & Josh Aytchenum. ADs: Darrel Goodwill & Percy Benjamin. Grand Entries: Friday 7pm, Saturday 1 & 7pm, Sunday 1pm. Grand Casino Hinckley, 777 Lady Luck Dr, Hinckley, MN. For info, contact Trisha Moose at 320-982-0959, or see: https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=519866836895315&set=a.498338862381446.
June 20
Springboard for the Arts
Applications are now open for the 2023-25 Rural Regenerator Fellowship which brings together rural artists, organizers, culture bearers and change-makers who are committed to advancing the role of art, culture and creativity in rural development and community building. Fellows participate in two years of peer learning and exchange and receive an unrestricted $10,000 stipend.12 Fellows will be selected from rural communities across the Upper Midwest, including Minnesota, North and South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Nebraska, and the Native Nations that serve those geographies. Learn more and apply by June 20 at https://springboardforthearts.org/rural-regenerator.
June 30 (deadline)
Native Food Security Survey
The Native American Agriculture Fund and FRAC have a new survey for continued research about food access, food sovereignty, and food security for Native American people that can help determine resources needed to improve access to nutritious food for tribal communities. Findings from the last survey conducted in February 2021, showed that 49 percent of American Indian and Alaska Natives experienced food insecurity during COVID-19 and one in four experienced very low food insecurity. The report on the survey findings, “Reimagining Hunger Responses in Times of Crisis,” illuminates the challenges of food security in Indian Country and the Tribally-driven solutions needed. Deadline is June 30. The survey is at: https://www.surveymonkey. com/r/NAAF2023.
