Thru April 18
Art Exhibit by Gordon Coons
AICHO presents a new art exhibit and artist reception featuring Gordon Coons. Coons is a member of Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and lives in Minneapolis, MN. Gordon creates works in a variety of mediums, including linoleum block prints and paintings and pen/ink to name a few. Gordon has won numerous recognition awards and commission for his art. The art exhibit is open from 9 am – 5 pm in the Gimaajii Gallery, located at AICHO, 202 West 2nd Street, Duluth, MN. For info, call 218-722-7225.
• April 8: Artist reception at 5:30 pm.
Thru May
Synthesis: Paintings by Aza Erdrich
In her premiere solo exhibition of paintings, Erdrich shares works that pull from her life as a young woman of mixed Native and non-Native ancestry growing up in Minneapolis. She draws influence from Anishinaabe artistic traditions and personal experience to create uniquely coded works of self and familial narrative. Guest curated by Dyani White Hawk. All My Relations Gallery, 1414 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. Hours: Tues-Fri: 10 am – 5 pm; Sat and Sun: 11 am – 5 pm. For info, call 612-235-4970, email arts@nacdi.org. or see www.allmyrelationsarts.com.
May 6th: Thesis: an Artist-Curator Talk with Aza Erdrich, Dyani White Hawk, and other guests. 7 pm.
Thru July 2016
Why Treaties Matter traveling exhibit
This exhibit explores relationships between Dakota and Ojibwe Indian Nations and the U.S. government in Minnesota. Learn how treaties affected the lands and lifeways of the indigenous peoples of this place, and why these binding agreements still matter today. For info, see: http://mnhum.org/treaties.
• Thru April 17: Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Minneapolis. UNITE and MCTC invite the community to come learn and share on April 6th at 12:00 for an exhibit opening prayer, statement, and drumming.
• April 25 – May 15: Metro State University, St. Paul.
• June 27 – July 17: Minnesota State Community and Technical College, Detroit Lakes.
April 4 – 9
Digital Photographs by Ivy Vainio
Digital photographs by artist Ivy Vainio kicks off “One River, Many Stories” project at the Duluth Art Institute. The Duluth Art Institute will present the kick-off event for the month-long media focus around the St. Louis River corridor: One River, Many Stories. The week-long exhibition will feature gallery walls snaking through the Great Hall of the Depot to echo the loose form of a river. On one side will be a photo exhibition, “The St. Louis River: Diverse Connections by Ivy Vainio,” which will showcase all new work commissioned for the project. Vainio, a local African American and Anishinabe digital photographer, will display photographs that reflect a handful of the diverse people who are connected to, and interact with, the St. Louis River, along with text revealing the individuals’ stories of their relationship with it. Vainio’s work has been internationally, nationally, and locally published and is featured in several local and regional exhibitions and permanent collections, including the Americas collection at the Minneapolis Institute of Art. The public is invited to a free opening reception from 5—7 pm on Monday, April 4, with the chance to record stories with PBS producer Karen Sunderman; and to see a live drumming performance. Duluth Art Institute, 506 W Michigan St # 2, Duluth, MN. For info, call 218-733-7560 or see: www.duluthartinstitute.org.
April 5
Sarah Deer: The Beginning and End of Rape
2014 MacArthur Fellow and Mitchell Hamline Professor of Law Sarah Deer will gives a talk on “The Beginning and End of Rape”. Deer will speak about the possibility of actual and positive change in a world where Native women are systematically undervalued, left unprotected, and hurt. 7-9 pm. The talk and discussion will be held from 7-8 p.m., followed by a book signing and dessert reception in the Humphrey School of Public Affairs. Free and open to the public. Hosted by the Women’s Center in the Office for Equity and Diversity and co-sponsored with American Indian Studies. U of M, Cowles Auditorium, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, 301 19th Ave S #307, Minneapolis.
April 5
Leech Lake Primary Election
The Leech Lake primary election will be held in the Twin Cities from 8 am to 8 pm at the Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. For more info, contact Logan Allen at loganallen188@yahoo.com.
April 5
Spring Drum Feast
Prevention through Cultural Awareness Program invites the community to participate in a Spring Ceremony. Facilitated by Herb Sam, Mille Lacs Ojibwe Elder, beginning at 5:30 pm. Community members welcome. Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis. For info, contact: csecola@maicnet.org or 612 879-1783.
April 5-7
Restoring the Sacred Trails of Our Grandmothers
Restoring the Sacred Trails of Our Grandmothers: 10 Years of Feeding the Fire to End Violence Against Native Women. 9 am on April 5 to Noon on April 7. April 5: fun, themed, Self Care Carnival, and Moccasin Game. April 6: traditional pow-wow (7 – 10 pm) to honor Survivors of domestic and sexual violence, women and children used in prostitution. Free. Limited scholarships available to help with lodging and mileage. White Earth Nation, Shooting Star Casino in Mahnomen, MN. For info, contact Cristine Davidson at cdavidson@miwsac.org, or Deb Poitra at dpoitra@miwsac.org. Or see: www.miwsac.org.
April 6-10
National Native American Ten Minute Play Festival
New Native Theater’s National Native American Ten Minute Play Festival will premiere new plays from local and national emerging and mid-career playwrights. Plus a concert after the Saturday night performance. April 6th preview performance at 7:30 pm. April 7th and 8th at 7:30 pm. April 9th at 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Celebrate till closing (2 am) with live music featuring Leah Lemm, Mitch Walking Elk, Turtle Mountain Musical Review and a local DJ. April 10th at 2 pm. Tickets available for at www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2512420. Pay-what-you-can every night. Or suggested ticket price $20. Bedlam Lowertown, 213 4th Street E., Saint Paul, MN. For more info, email info@newnativetheatre.org or call 612-367-7639.
April 8th
Sobriety Friday
Monthly Celebration Dinner. Come and join us for an evening featuring: Special speakers, testimonials of sobriety, great food, gospel music and door prizes. Sponsored by Overcomers Ministries. This monthly event is on the 2nd Friday of each month. 6:30 pm. to 9:00 pm. The American Indian Center, 1530 E. Franklin Ave. Minneapolis. For info, contact David Boeltl at dboeltl@gmail.com or 651-690-3891.
April 8-9
Honor the Seeds Gathering
Topics include: Seed and seed story sharing; Finishing planting beans, squash and tobacco; Planting shared seeds; Native pollinators and Honey Bees; Making corn husk dolls; Tour of WETCC Gardens; Seed saving techniques; and more. April 8th: 9:30 am – 6 pm (lunch and dinner served). April 9th: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm (lunch and snacks served). Free and open to the public. White Earth Tribal and Community College. For info, email weseedlibrary@gmail.com.
April 9
MAIC Fitness and Nutrition Event
1st Annual Spring registration event for the Ginew/Golden Eagle, Native FAN (Fitness & Nutrition) and Prevention through Cultural Awareness Programs. Come find out about the programs at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. Lunch, raffles, family activities, nutrition, crafts and more. There will be fitness and nutrition activities.11 am – 3 pm. Open to all community members. Youth, families, adults, and elders welcome. Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. For info, contact Mary LaGarde at 612-879-1750 or mlagarde@maicnet.org.
April 10 (deadline)
Endangered Language Fund
The Endangered Language Fund supports language preservation and documentation projects. Provides grants for language maintenance and linguistic fieldwork related to languages in danger of disappearing within a generation or two. Priority is given to projects that serve both a specific Native community and the field of linguistics in general. Work that has immediate applicability to one group and more distant application to another also will be considered. Average grants to be less than $4,000 and average about $2,000. Funds can be applied to consultant fees, tapes, films, travel, etc., with the exception of overhead and indirect costs. Researchers and language activists from any country are encouraged to apply. Decisions will be delivered in May, 2016. For a list of eligible languages, complete program guidelines, and application instructions, visit: www.endangeredlanguagefund.org/request.php.
April 12
2016 FASD Day at the Capitol
MOFAS needs advocates to talk to legislators about the importance of prioritizing issues impacting people with an FASD. Learn about important FASD legislation being proposed, and be empowered to make an impact by sharing life experiences with your legislator. Top priority is to teach tools you need to connect your experience to the legislation, and be able to ask your legislator for their support. Advocates from across the state will gather at the Christ Lutheran Church on Capitol Hill, 105 University Ave W, St Paul. For more info, call Sara Messelt, Isaac Mullin at 651-917-2370. www.mofas.org/public-policy/fasd-day-at-the-capitol.
April 15 (deadline)
Call for papers
Aboriginal North America and Europe: Strengthening Connections. An interdisciplinary international conference held November 11-13 2016. The aim of the conference is to bring together aboriginal and non-aboriginal North American and European scholars, artists and activists and provide a venue for exchanging views, ideas and scholarship findings related to the present, the past and the future of aboriginal peoples of North America. Scholars representing multiple disciplines (history, sociology, ethnology, anthropology, culture studies, literary studies, law, politology, linguistics and others) are invited to share their research results. Aboriginal activists and artists are invited to share their experiences, knowledge and art. Proposals for 20-minute papers, 60- minute interactive workshops, round-table discussions, poetry and prose readings are requested. Email 250-word-long proposal and a CV to: strengtheningconnectionspoznan@gmail.com. Acceptance information will be emailed to participants by May 15. For more info, see: www.paas.org.pl/2015/12/aboriginal-north-america-and-europe-strengthening-connections.
April 15
Kids’ Day at NACC
Join us for a healthy snack & fun arts and crafts. Make an appointment for a well child visit or a dental exam check-up. 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. Native American Community Clinic, 1213 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis MN. For info, call 612-872-8086, opt 2.
April 15 (deadline)
American Indian Month Kickball Tourney Registration
Registration is due no later than 4 pm. We will be having a fundraiser to help fund the Umpires and Food, if your team plans on participating you can help in a big fundraiser or a smaller one of your choosing to help with cost. This is a non-profit event all monies go directly towards event. (Last Year we had plenty of food and drinks and were able to pay for the Umpires.) There is a 4 team minimum for this event to continue, so registering early will help gives us an idea of who is participating. If your agency cannot make up an 11 person team contact me and we may be able to partner you with another agency so everyone may play. Tourney is May 14th beginning at 10 am at Brackett Park in south Minneapolis. For info, contact Travis Earth-Werner at 612-871-2883.
April 16
Author Event: Anton Treuer
Author talk and book signing by MNHS Press author Anton Treuer on his new book, Warrior Nation: A History of the Red Lake Ojibwe. 1 pm – 3 pm. Free. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, 43411 Oodena Dr., Onamia, MN. For info, call 320-532-3632 or email millelacs@mnhs.org.
May 19
American Indian OIC Jobs Event
Walk in, grab lunch, and start interviewing, it’s that simple. There will be several giveways so remember to sign in so your name can be entered into the drawings; you do not have to be present to win. Programs offered: Health Information & Patient Services Specialist, Administrative Professional, Computer Support Specialist, Adult Basic Education/GED, Minneapolis Works Program, Minnesota Family Investment Program, Youth Works Mpls, and Workforce Innovations for Natives. 12 pm to 3 pm. AIOIC, 1845 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis. For info call 612-341-3358 or see: www.aioic.org.
April 21
4th Annual Great Native American Cook-Off
Community event o raise money for the Wicoie Nandagikendan Preschool Language Immersion Program. Please support by attending this event, entering a dish, sponsoring a cook, volunteering, or making a donation, or purchase raffle tickets. All cooks and tasters welcome! For participant registration information, pre sale tickets or raffle tickets contact: wicoienandagikendan.org. Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. For info, call Wicoie Nandagikendan at 612-721-4246; Betty Jane Schaaf at 651-366-9175 or bettyjaneschaaf@gmail.com.
April 22-24
Northern Indigenous Games
The Inaugural Northern Indigenous Games at Bemidji State University. The Northern Indigenous Games will be held for a week in April from Minneapolis to Bemidji. The events feature indigenous athletes and coaches presenting traditional games played by various Native cultures throughout North America. A film screening will be on April 22, featuring former NJCAA National Cross Country Champion Angelo Baca (Navajo/Hopi). BSU American Indian Resource Center will also host a Symposium on April 23 featuring indigenous perspectives of the indigenous games. Pre-registration required to participate in the film screening, symposium and indigenous games. Free. For info, see: www.honorearth.org/northerngames.
April 22-May 20
Two spirit Exhibition
The art show “The Many Faces of Two-Spirit People” will show at Two Rivers Gallery. Reception will be May 14 from 5-8 pm. There will also be a reading by Two-Spirit writers during the reception. Gallery Hours: Mon., Tue.: 10 am – 4 pm; Wed. 11 am – 3 pm. MAIC, 1530 Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. For info, email: cthompson@maicnet.org.
April 26
Leech Lake Meeting
Leech Lake Twin Cities Local Indian Council monthly meeting will be held from 6 pm to 8 pm. Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (in the gymnasium), 2300 15th Ave S, Minneapolis. For info, contact Logan Allen at loganallen188@yahoo.com.
April 27
American Indian Wellness Fair
Over 60 exhibitors, free health assessments, healthy food demos, community feast, door prizes. Free and open to the public. 11 am to 3 pm. Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis.
April 29
Winnetou’s Snake Oil Show from Wigwam City
New Native Theatre presents Well Red Play Reading Series. New and classic plays by Native authors performed by Native actors the last Friday of every month.This month is: Spiderwoman Theater’s Winnetou’s Snake Oil Show from Wigwam City. After 40 years, Spiderwoman Theater is the longest running women’s theatre collective and the most respected makers of theater about the Native experience. Free. 7:30 pm. At All My Relations Gallery, 1414 E. Franklin Ave., Minneapolis. (Powwow Grounds cafe will be open for snacks and beverages.) For info, see: www.newnativetheatre.org, or email: info@newnativetheatre.org.
April 30
White Earth Urban Community Council Board Election
To nominate people for the board, pick up a nomination form at the White Earth Urban Office or at the entrance of the MN Chippewa Tribe Building. Election takes place 10 am – 4 pm at MN Chippewa Tribe Building, 1308 E. Franklin Ave, Minneapolis (rear entrance).
Apr 30
Loom Beading Workshop
Learn the art of loom beading through hands-on experience. Create a design, put it on a loom and learn how to apply the loom work to leather or cloth when it is finished. A light lunch and refreshments will be provided. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is required three days prior to workshop. A minimum of five participants is required to host the workshop. 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Cost: $30, $25 MNHS members, $15 supply fee. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, 43411 Oodena Dr., Onamia, MN. For info, call 320-532-3632 or email: millelacs@mnhs.org
April 30
Ojibwe Language Mini-Camp
Ojibwe language activities for the whole family. Play Ojibwe JENGA. Win a fabulous prize with the bowl game. Make Ojibwe memory cards. Add your questions for “Ask an elder” with Mary and Leonard Moose. Try out Ojibwe Speed “snagging” (Get to know your neighbor). Play Ojibwe food bingo. Lunch will be served and there will be a raffle for prizes. 10 am to 2:30 pm. The Neighborhood Early Learning Center, 2438 18th Avenue South, Minneapolis. For info, call Wicoie Nandagikendan at 612-378-4897.
May 2
Indian Month Kick-off Event
Event runs from 10 am – 1 pm and begins at Little Earth of United Tribes, 2501 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis. For info, see: www.facebook.com/2016AmIndMonthMpls.
May 2-4
Fertile Ground II
“Fertile Ground II: Growing the Seeds for Native American Health” will address several crucial dietary and cultural issues that have made Native American communities susceptible to health problems. Held at the JW Marriott hotel, Mall of America. Topics include: nutrition, access to healthier food, and Native America food production. Also on the agenda are youth leadership and intergeneration holistic health in order to encourage cultural changes that can lead to improvement in eating and health habits. Tribes, health experts and funders are encouraged to participate. For info, email: fertileground@heart.org. Registration is $350. Registration fee includes: conference, evening networking reception, breakfast on May 3rd and 4, Lunch on May 3rd and 4th, Dinner on May 2 and 3. There will be no on-site registration, register at: http://www.heart.org/HEARTORG/General/Fertile-Ground-II_UCM_483360_SubHomePage.jsp.
May 2-6
40- Hour Sexual Assault Advocacy Training
Minnesota Indian Women’s Sexual Assault Coalition’s Fundamentals of Sexual Assault Advocacy Sexual Violence in Indian Country. Topics include: Sex Offenders – What Advocates Need to Know; Core Skills of Advocacy; Social Change Advocacy; SARTS-Sexual Assault Response Teams; Advocacy Self Care and Burnout; Medical Response; Law Enforcement Response; Prosecution of Sexual Assault; Mental Health- Basic Info for Advocates; Sexual Assault Victimization; Impact of Sexual Assault; Advocacy for LGBTQ/Two Spirits; Elder Abuse; Adolescent and Child Sexual Abuse; Prostitution and Trafficking; Sexual Assault by Self-Proclaimed Spiritual Leaders; Sexual Harassment; Policies and Practices. Meals will be on your own. Free, includes materials and Certificate of Completion upon completion. Who should attend: Advocates and Service Providers. Community is welcome. Limited to 30 Persons. Trainers: Cristine Davidson and Amanda Watson. Training is at Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Building,15542th State 371 NW, Cass Lake, MN. Register: cdavidson@miwsac.org or 651-621-1723.
May 7
2nd Annual Dakóta Oyate Language Bowl
The language bowl is working to increase the number of Dakota language speakers. Age Groups: Grades 6-12, Adult Novice and Adult Advanced (at your own discretion). Cost to Participate: $100/team. Cost to Attend: Free. Harding High School, 1540 6th St., East Saint Paul, MN. 8 am – 6 pm. Register at: http://ande9484.wix.com/dakotaiapi. For info, contact Brittany Anderson at 612-626-5759 or branders@umn.edu.
