American Indian Month Community Calendar – May 2022

0
3568
views

Runs thru November 27
Alexandra Buffalohead: Shifting the Perspective
How do museum narratives obscure some histories in preference of telling others? In her installation, guest curator Alexandra Buffalohead (Bdewakantowan Dakhóta, Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate) examines this dynamic through the prism of Indigenous history and knowledge. Placing the James J. Hill presentation tray (Tiffany and Co., 1884) in dialogue with Native artworks, Buffalohead offers a more complex and accurate framing of the history of St. Anthony Falls and Wita Wanagi (Spirit Island), a spiritual site for Dakhóta people; the island, which remained even as the Falls became a hub for logging, milling, and transportation, was removed in 1960 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ creation of the lock and dam. In doing so, she provides a corrective lens that transcends and enriches Mia’s presentation of the past. Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis. For info contact: 888-642-2787 or visit@artsmia.org.

May 5 – 8
2022 MMIW Virtual Event
The MMIW Virtual event is a race at your own pace and place. You can run, walk, bike, hike; basically, any movement anywhere. The mission is to be in solidarity with Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirits, grieving families, and individuals working on the frontlines to end this epidemic of violence against Indigenous people. $35. 12am to 11:59pm. Registration ends May 4. We are hosting this event to raise awareness and to benefit MMIW USA and the Native Women’s Association of Canada. For info, see: https://www.nativewomenrunning.com/events.

May 6
2022 Indian Law Conference
Empowering Attorneys, Advocates and Tribal Leaders. National and local experts provide the latest updates and guidance on legal and policy developments affecting Indian tribes, tribal businesses, tribal members and Indian lawyers. Topics include: Environmental Advocacy Update, Tribal Economic Development Update, Sports Betting and Tribal Rights, Fundamentals of Practicing in Tribal Court, and more. Live in person event (also includes live simulcast streaming). Minnesota CLE Conference Center, 600 Nicollet Mall, Suite 370, Seventh St. & Nicollet Mall, Third Floor, City Center, Minneapolis. Cost: $275 MSBA members; $275 MAIBA members, $275 paralegals, $325 standard rate. For info, see: https://www.minncle.org/seminar/1038342201

May 6 (deadline)
Watermark Call for Art
Watermark’s Call for Art: Umbrellas of Unity – An art installation to honor and celebrate cultural diversity. Silk and Batik artist Mary Therese invites artists to submit umbrella design concepts reflecting the theme of “Unity” as part of a juried exhibition at Watermark Art Center that will open on August 19. Selected artists will be provided with fabric paint, and a 62” (arch) – 8 panel white nylon umbrella to create their artwork for the August show. Design can be continuous or as separate panels. Watermark galleries are free and open to the public Monday – Saturday from 10am to 5pm and located at 505 Bemidji Avenue N. in Bemidji. Masks are optional for exhibit visitors. See applications at: watermarkartcenter.org/call-for-art-umbrellas-of-unity.

May 6 & 19
“Blue” Movie
Blue is a 35 year-old Navajo singer-songwriter, struggling in Minneapolis’ bleak winter. Her creativity seems to be hibernating, thanks to a series of awful relationships and the general mood of the season. But when she meets Eddie, a 25 year-old Lakota man, and law school dropout, he could be just the tonic for her winter blues. Self-described as “A modern day, inter-tribal, love story that shows true love is found in the season you love yourself,” A Winter Love is a romantic drama filmed in Minnesota. Director Rhiana Yazzie (Navajo) is an award-winning playwright, director, filmmaker, and the Artistic Director of New Native Theatre in the Twin Cities. The film is part of the Minneapolis St Paul International Film Festival. Showings: May 7 at The Main 2, 4pm. May 15: Gray Duck Theater & Coffeehouse, 4:30pm. For more info, see: https://mspfilm.org.

May 7
Little Earth’s Mother’s Day Traditional Powwow
Grand Entry at 1pm and 7pm (tentative schedule). MC: Jerry Dearly. Host drum: Little Earth Singers. Co-host drum: Hoka Hey. Bring your own powwow chair. Cedar Park, 2500 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis. For info, call 612-286-9963.

May 7
Bring Her Home
Three Indigenous women – an artist, an activist, and a politician –fight to vindicate and honor their missing and murdered relatives who have fallen victims to human trafficking, a growing epidemic across Indian country. Bring Her Home is a stunning documentary from Leya Hale, a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota and Diné Nations. As she follows these three women on their quest for justice, she also examines the women as individuals and members of their community, as they strive to heal from the lasting effects of historical trauma, and navigate the racist systems that helped perpetuate these crimes. Director Leya Hale will be attending. She directed the documentary, The People’s Protectors (2018), as well as the short film “Everybody Belongs… Out of the Basement” (2010) and the television documentary Reclaiming Sacred Tobacco (2016). Part of the Minneapolis St Paul International Film Festival. The Main 2, 1:30pm. For more info, see: https://mspfilm.org.

May 9-12
National Tribal Public Health Summit
The National Indian Health Board 2022 National Tribal Public Health Summit will be virtual. NIHB is excited to highlight the important public health work happening in Indian Country. Each year, the Summit features dozens of engaging breakout sessions that inform and inspire the critical public health work for our People. Tribes for Tribes. This year’s summit will focus on six topic areas: Decolonizing Public Health, COVID-19 and Vaccines, Tribal Public Health Infrastructure, Policy and Systems, Climate Change and Environmental Health, Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, and Mental and Behavioral Health. For info, see: https://web.cvent.com /event/fdeffd47-d4a8-4311-9861-e2eec69c6fc4/summary?RefId=tphs2022.

May 10
American Indian Day on the Hill
The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council and the Urban Indian Advisory Board are hosting American Indian Day on the Hill. This event will serve to connect members of the American Indian community with elected tribal and state officials, with the goal of engaging in a dialogue about the civic engagement process and to provide American Indian persons interested in pursuing a political career with the tools and connections they can utilize in pursuing elected office. Networking, speakers, meals provide, drum group, tribal and urban organization tabling. Everyone welcome. Guest speakers include President Deuce Larsen, Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, Senator Mary Kunesh, Jessie Stomski Seim, and Dr. Joe Hobot, and others. The drum group from the American Indian Family Center, Imnížaska will perform. A light breakfast and lunch will be provided. 9am to 2:30pm. Minnesota State Capitol, The L’Etoile du Nord Vault, Room B15, Minnesota State Capitol, St Paul. For info, contact Marisa Miakonda Cummings at 612-728-2098 or Kaytlyn at 218-205-4752.

May 10 (deadline)
EIS on Prairie Island nuclear spent fuel changes comments
The public is invited to comment on final supplemental environmental impact statement for Prairie Island nuclear spent fuel changes proposed by Xcel Energy. The Minnesota Department of Commerce is inviting the public to comment on the adequacy of the final supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) that Commerce has prepared for Xcel Energy’s proposed change in spent fuel storage technology at the Prairie Island Nuclear Plant. Comments from the public will be accepted through May 10. Comments on the adequacy of the final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement can be sent to the project environmental review manager, Ray Kirsch, by mail or email: Ray Kirsch, Minnesota Department of Commerce, 85 7th Place E., #280, St. Paul, MN 55101, or raymond.kirsch@state.mn.us. The final Supplemental Environmental Impact Statement is available online: On the PUC’s website at gov/puc, select eDockets, enter the year (08) and the docket number (510), and select Search. Or on Commerce’s website: gov/commerce/energyfacilities, select Power Plants, and then select Prairie Island Nuclear Plant Spent Fuel Storage. For info,see: mn.gov/commerce/media.

May 11
Native American Library Panel
The Importance of Representation and Accurate Dissemination. Attendance is on a first come first serve basis on the night of and google meet allows 100 attendees. Contributors: Marcie Rendon, (Moderator) Author;  Janice Kowemy, Program Specialist Indigenous Nations Library Program at the University of New Mexico; Debbie Reese, Founder of American Indian Children’s Literature Blog; Carrie Cornelius, Librarian at Haskell Indian Nations University; Allison Waukau, Community Liaison at Hennepin County Library; Baswewe Gayle (Host), American Indian Education Program Specialist, White Bear Lake Area Schools ISD 624. 6:30-7:30pm with 30 minutes of Q&A time. Google Meet info: Video call link: https://meet.google.com/xjj-vpry-boa. Or dial: (US) +1 413-561-0126, PIN: 482 784 750#. 1 CEU for cultural competency. For info, contact sheri.gayle@isd624.org.

May 12
Business Plan Overview for Indigenous & BIPOC Entrepreneurs
The American Indian OIC (AIOIC) will host “Business Plan Overview for Indigenous & BIPOC Entrepreneurs” with Pamela Standing, Director of Minnesota Indigenous Business Alliance (MNIBA). The virtual 1.5 hour event will share an overview of the function of a business plan while identifying critical components that Indigenous & BIPOC entrepreneurs may want to consider including in their plan for increased chances at success. This is for new business ideas, existing businesses, and expanding businesses to meet a new opportunity. Free and open to Indigenous and BIPOC Artists, Food Producers, and Entrepreneurs. 5pm to 6:30pm CST via Zoom. Register by May 9 at https://forms.gle/5BNPm1YE2taqTF1H8.

May 12
Mary Ann Key Book Club
Join the Mary Ann Key Book Club for a community discussion of “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People”. Hear from Native American community leaders Sharon Day, Marlena Myles, Dr. Katie Phillips, Pearl Walker-Swaney, and Ramona Kitto Stately. Join the Mary Ann Key Book Club and columnist Myron Medcalf for a special panel discussion of “An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People.” The panel discussion will conclude with a live Q&A session. The Mary Ann Key Book Club is brought to you by Hennepin County Library in collaboration with columnist Myron Medcalf and the Star Tribune, and receives financial support from Friends of the Hennepin County Library. 7pm. Register at: https://bit.ly/may12mak.

May 13 & 20
New Paintings, Old Stories
AICHO is thrilled to host painter Carl Gawboy, (Bois Forte Ojibwe/Finnish descent) in our AICHO Galleries with a series of brand new – never-before-seen work created in 2020 and 2021! The exhibition will include a collection of over 30 watercolor, acrylics and ink washes that feature Anishinaabe and Finnish cultural life, landscapes and spiritual teachings. Every Friday until May 27. Carl Gawboy will be hosting on May 13, and May 20, from 4pm to 6pm. Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, 212 W 2nd St. (enter through 202 entrance). Admission is Free. Due to COVID-19, we are limiting the number of visitors to 20 at any given time. AICHO requires face masks. For info, see: http://www.aicho.org/carl-gawboy-2022.html#.

May 14
Native American Heritage health fair
Join us for this health fair to honor Native American Heritage month with Native American organizations sharing health resources with the community. Enjoy an opening ceremony, teepee with storytelling for the kids, Native American book giveaway, and a drum instructor with dancers. There will also be dental, diabetes and blood pressure screenings. Free and open to the public. 10am to 2pm. Brookdale Park, 7650 June Ave N, Brooklyn Park. Partners: Indian Health Board Clinic, United Healthway, Hennepin County Public Health. For info, see: https://www.brooklynpark.org/event/native-american-heritage-event.

May 16-17
National Tribal Tobacco Conference
This conference will address the traditional uses of tobacco and commercial tobacco impact in American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) communities across the United States. A disparate proportion of AI/AN communities use commercial tobacco compared to other racial/ethnic groups in the United States. High prevalences of commercial tobacco use among AI/AN Tribes are directly reflected in the disproportionate rates of chronic diseases in AI/AN populations. There is an urgent need to bring Tribes together at a national level to educate one another on successes and setbacks in commercial tobacco prevention and control among AI/ANs. The conference will emphasize AI/AN persons returning to a healthy relationship with tobacco, the importance of creating health equity, and provide an opportunity for networking and collaboration. You may change your method of attendance (virtual or in person) until Thursday, May 12, as space allows. Registration closes May 8. The in person attendee rate is $50 and the virtual attendee rate is $20. For info, contact 612-624-7552 or mccevents@umn.edu Or see: https://nttc.umn.edu

May 17
Robin Wall Kimmerer and Diane Wilson
Featuring Robin Wall Kimmerer, New York Times bestselling author of Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, in Conversation with Dakota author of The Seed Keeper, Diane Wilson. Wilson is an award-winning Dakota author whose new novel, The Seed Keeper, was published in 2021 by Milkweed Editions. Her memoir, Spirit Car: Journey to a Dakota Past, won a 2006 Minnesota Book Award and was selected for the 2012 One Minneapolis One Read program. Her nonfiction book, Beloved Child: A Dakota Way of Life, received the Barbara Sudler Award from History Colorado. Wilson’s 2020 middle-grade biography: Ella Cara Deloria: Dakota Language Protector, was an Honor selection for the 2022 American Indian Youth Literature Award. Her essays have been featured in many publications, including We Are Meant to Rise; Kinship: Belonging in a World of Relations; and A Good Time for the Truth. 6:00 pm. Cost: Free to U-Card holders / $12 general admission. Audience Q&A will follow. Books will be available for sale before and after the event. An on-demand viewing option will be available May 18-31. For info, see: https://ias.umn.edu/events/robin-wall-kimmerer-conversation-diane-wilson.

May 19
Founders’ Day and Career Fair
Celebrate AIOIC and Takoda at the annual Founders’ Day Open House and Career Fair. Guests will learn about our education and employment programs, meet hiring managers from 35+ companies, and connect with the community. Lunch, entertainment, and good vibes are provided free of charge. Everyone is welcome. 11am-2pm. American Indian OIC, 1845 East Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. For info, see: https://www.facebook.com/events/656118575457497

May 19
Community Conversations
Join us as we continue the conversation about the future of the Upper Lock at Owámniyomni, St. Anthony Falls. In a roundtable format, we’ll ask: What can this place become? What can and should happen here? What are the unique opportunities of this place that support our goal of restoring a story disrupted? In-person attendees: Event will be hosted at Treasure Island Resort & Casino, Chief Wabasha ballroom. Enter through the hotel. Food and beverage provided, as well as raffle giveaways! Virtual attendees: Join the 5-7pm Community Conversation virtually via Zoom. For info, see: https://thefalls.org.

May 19
Wanaisguni Hikurus Hajawi 5K Run/Walk
Join us at beautiful Lake Phalen for a FREE family fun 5K Run/Walk Event! As American Indians, we will gather for this 11th annual 5K Run/Walk, to create healing, inspire healthy lifestyles, and take an active stance against Type II diabetes and childhood obesity. Health and wellness is an American Indian tradition and the participants of this 5K will be walking/running with their individual intentions. All levels are encouraged and welcomed to attend. Due to the pandemic, this will be our first in person event, in two years!! 5pm – 8pm. Phalen Regional Park, 1600 Phalen Drive, Saint Paul. For info, see: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/wanaisguni-hikurus-hajawi-5k-runwalk-tickets-289610491777.

May 20 (deadline)
Seeding Cultural Treasures
Seeding Cultural Treasures is an initiative to nourish and cultivate the landscape of emerging arts and culture organizations run by and for Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC). This initiative is designed to provide between 20-35 unrestricted general operating grants between $40,000 and $100,000 and technical assistance support over the next three-and-a-half years (2022-2025) for emerging BIPOC arts and culture organizations. This includes 501(c)(3) and fiscally sponsored organizations, and/or units of the 11 tribal governments in Minnesota. The initial funding round will focus on 501(c)(3) organizations, fiscally sponsored organizations, and/or units of the 11 tribal governments in Minnesota. Proposals due May 20. Awards announced July 21. For info, see: https://www.propelnonprofits.org/capacity-building/seeding-cultural-treasures.

May 20
Making Suicide a Never-Event in Indian Country
Making Suicide a Never-Event in Indian Country: Understanding the Zero Suicide Framework. Everyone can work together to keep Native people safe and well. Join our virtual Zero Suicide event to learn: the goals of the Zero Suicide framework and what they mean to the health and wellness of Native people; How to identify your own roles in supporting Native people who may be at risk for self-harm; The importance of attention to the language and taboos around talking about loss to suicide for some Tribes: How to develop memorandums of understanding (MOUs) with other community providers to create seamless safety nets for those at risk of suicide; How Zero Suicide is culturally responsive to Indian Country; How to choose tools that will help you in identifying risk, for clinical and nonclinical care providers and professionals.10am to 3:30pm. Registration closes May 16. This event will be hosted by Zero Suicide Institute, in partnership with GLITEC. For info, contact Meghan Porter at mporter@glitc.org, or see: https://www.glitc.org/event/making-suicide-a-never-event-in-indian-country-understanding-the-zero-suicide-framework-3.

May 21
Forward Together
Friends of the Falls and the Native American Community Development Institute join the City of Minneapolis’ Community Connections Conference, centered on the theme ‘Forward Together’. Find The Falls Initiative in the exhibit hall (Minneapolis Convention Center, First Floor, Hall B) from 9am-3pm. Meet the project team, share your input on initial design concepts, and help us consider opportunities to connect to the land at Owámniyomni and each other. Food and beverage provided! Virtual attendees: While exhibit hall activities are only accessible to in-person guests, we anticipate streaming relevant workshops and panel discussions via Zoom and offering engagement opportunities online. For info, see: https://thefalls.org.

May 21
South of the River 5th Annual Powwow
Honoring Graduates, Royalty Contest, Lacrosse Event. Free Feast at 5pm. Grand Entry at 1pm and 7pm. Burnsville High School, 600 State Hwy 13, Burnsville, MN.

May 23 – 25
Fifth Annual Conference on Native American Nutrition
From knowledge to practice: Using both Indigenous wisdom and academic research to improve Native American nutrition. This is the only conference series in the world devoted to the food and nutrition of Indigenous peoples. It brings together tribal officials, researchers, practitioners, funders, and others to discuss the current state of Indigenous and academic scientific knowledge about Native nutrition, dietary health and food science, and new areas of work. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd. NW, Prior Lake. Starts at $50.00. For more information, see: www.nativenutrition.umn.edu. For info, contact: james@stagetimeproductions.com.

May 27-29
Memorial Traditional Powwow
Friday: Registration at 5pm, Grand Entry at 6pm. Saturday: Registration at noon and 6pm, Grand Entry at 1pm and 7pm, Supper break at 5pm. Sunday: Registration at noon, Grand Entry at 1pm, Supper break at 4pm. MCs: David Northbird, Wes Jourdain. Host drums: Ojibwe Nation, Brown. Veterans Memorial Pow Wow Grounds, Cass Lake, MN.

May 28
Native Art and Community
Join Amber Annis, Director of Native American Initiatives, in a conversation with artists Gordon Coons and Robert Two Bulls. Explore some of the Native art in Art Speaks. What do the works say to and about communities? When does art unite people, and when does it cause divisions? How can art and artists contribute to societal change? What challenges do artists face when reflecting on their communities? Attend this program in-person at the Minnesota History Center. Included with the price of admission. 11am – Noon. Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd., St. Paul, MN. For info, contact: 651-259-3015 or boxoffice@mnhs.org, or see:  https://www.mnhs.org/event/9033

May 30
Memorial Day Powwow
Bring the family and join museum staff and community members in this social gathering honoring veterans past and present. Experience firsthand the excitement and joy of a contemporary powwow. Noon – 4:30pm. Free, museum admission not included. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, 43411 Oodena Dr., Onamia, MN. For info, contact 320-532-3632 or millelacs@mnhs.org. For info, see: https://www.mnhs.org/event/9039

June 3
American Indian Magnet School Pow Wow
American Indian Magnet School, 1075 3rd St E, St. Paul.

JUNE 4
Cherish the Children Traditional Powwow
AIN DAH YUNG CENTER’S 23rd Annual Cherish the Children Traditional Powwow. 10am to 7pm. Grand Entry at 2pm and 6pm. Harriet Island, 200 Dr Justus Ohage Blvd, St Paul. For info, see: https://adycenter.org.

June 4
Mendota Mdewakanton’s 26th Anniversary Fundraiser
This is not a powwow, but a fundraiser. Noon to 4pm. St. Peter’s Church, 1405 Sibley Memorial Hwy, Mendota, MN. For info, contact: Sharon Lennartson at 651-452-4141.