ONGOING
American Indian Group Prenatal
Expecting American Indian moms, come join us for a culturally focused prenatal care and education group at the Indian Health Board Administrative Office (2020 Minnehaha Ave S.) every Tuesday from 3 to 5pm. Refreshments will be provided, as well as, a gift card for every class attended. Choose from 3 sessions: April 18 – June 27; July 18 -Sept 26; or Oct 17 – Dec 28. Enrollment is open. Contact Amy at: 612-644-9726 or amyarndtbuzzard@yahoo.com.
July 4, 11, 18, 25
Drum & Dance group
Culture Language Arts Network (CLAN) Drum & Dance classes. Taught by Opie Day of the Midnite Express drum group. Other instructors include: Hoop dancer Luhme Sampson, Head Female Dancer Miiskoghimiiwan, and Head Male Dancer Zach Red Bear. Tuesday from 6 – 8pm. MIWRC, 2300 15th Ave, Minneapolis. For info, see: https://aifcmn.org/event/culture-language-arts-network-clan-drum-dance/2023-07-04.
July 6, 13, 20, 27
Four Sisters Farmers Market
Four Sisters Farmers Market is an Indigenous-centered food market, focused on both Indigenous and hyper-local foods from Phillips and surrounding neighborhoods. Working with native-run farms and food producers, we help develop a healthy, Indigenous food system that is accessible and welcoming to people in the American Indian Cultural Corridor. Open weekly on Thursdays from 11am – 3pm. All My Relations Gallery, 1414 E Franklin Ave #1, Minneapolis. For info, see: https://msp.kidsoutandabout.com/content/four-sisters-farmers-market-2023.
July 7 – 9
Prairie Island Indian Powwow
Join us at the largest celebration of the year. Embrace a bit of Heritage at the Prairie Island Indian Powwow. Packed with ceremonial presentations and learning experiences. Treasure Island Resort & Casino, 5734 Sturgeon Lake Rd, Welch, MN. For info, see: https://prairieisland.org.
July 8 – March 24
The Lyrical Artwork of Jim Denomie
The Minneapolis Institute of Art will survey Jim Denomie’s expansive artistic career in The Lyrical Artwork of Jim Denomie. This exhibition surveys the artist’s singular vision and signature style over the second half of the artist’s career, from 2007 to 2022. Jim Denomie (Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe, 1955–2022) drew inspiration from lived experiences, pop culture, Anishinaabe traditions, and American histories to tell compelling narratives that depict his experiences of being Native in America. Despite the emotional weight of his subject matter, the artist’s dry wit opened space for necessary conversations about the legacies of colonization and the nature of humanity. The exhibition examines Denomie’s creative process, tracing his ability to transform inspiration into monumental artworks. Free. MIA, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis. For more info, see: https://new.artsmia.org/exhibition/the-lyrical-artwork-of-jim-denomie.
July 10
St. Paul – Critical Conversation: Indigenous/ Emphasis on Place
What connects us to this place? How does the history of this place inform who we are and how we connect with each other? Join Indigenous leaders Kate Beane (Flandreau Santee Sioux), Executive Director of the Minnesota Museum of American Art, and Christina Woods (Boise Forte Ojibwe), Executive Director of the Duluth Art Institute, who will engage participants in deep dialogue about Indigenous issues related to place and land. Learn from Dakota and Ojibwe community members, through stories and histories, and how art helps us create deeper meaning and connections. Refreshments and a light meal will be served. This event is part of a series of Critical Conversations, created in partnership with Public Art Saint Paul’s 2023 Wakpa Triennial Art Festival. 6 – 8:30pm. For info, email: registrations@mnhum.org or see: https://www.mnhum.org/event/critical-conversation-starting-with-the-indigenous-emphasis-on-place.
July 10, 17, 24
Super Beginner Anishinaabemowin Series
Be introduced to the language basics and the terms used for explaining word classes and how the word classes interact with each other. This series is for those new to the language or those seeking a super basic refresher. Anishinaabemowin and Culture Instructor Michael Zimmerman Jr. is an enrolled member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan and Indiana. He is a teacher at the Ojibwe Language and Culture Instructor at the Indian Community School of Milwaukee, consultant of the Potawatomi language for his band and Forest County as well as a language instructor at the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee. Noon-1pm. Cook County Higher Education, 300 W 3rd St, Grand Marais, MN. For info: https://www.boreal.org/events/264155/super-beginner-anishinaabemowin-series.
July 10, 17, 26 +
2023 Wakpa Triennial Art Festival: Critical Conversations
The Minnesota Humanities Center is partnering with Public Art Saint Paul to host a series of Critical Conversations. This series will deeply consider and reflect upon questions related to the festival theme “network of mutuality,” such as: How are we related? How do we overcome divisions? How can art help us to consider our mutuality with each other so that everyone thrives? Who is included in our networks of mutuality? How can art help us to envision new futures? Locations around the Twin Cities will be gathering spaces for creative activity and transformative connections as part of the 2023 Wakpa Triennial Art Festival, which runs June 24–September 16 and will feature public space projects, gallery-based installations, and live programming, all of which will respond to the theme “Network of Mutuality.” Each Critical Conversation will feature different facilitators, discussion topics, and activities. Free. For info, see: https://www.mnhum.org/program/critical-conversations.
• July 10: Starting with the Indigenous: An Emphasis on Place. 6 -8:30pm, St. Paul.
• July 17: “Stories I Didn’t Know” Film and Discussion. 6 – 8:30pm, St. Paul.
• July 26: The Art and Response to Castile and Floyd, 6 – 8:30pm, St. Paul.
• Aug 8: Healing Through Equitable Recovery and Redevelopment, 6 – 8:30pm, Mpls.
July 11 (deadline)
NDN Collective Abundance Fund
The NDN Collective Abundance Fund will support Indigenous individuals and families residing within the tri-state region of Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota in the rebuilding of Indigenous and generational wealth. NDN Collective’s mission is to build the collective power of Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations to exercise our inherent right to self-determination while fostering a world that is built on a foundation of justice and equity for all Indigenous People and Mother Earth. NDN works to transform systems through three core strategies: Defend – Indigenous Peoples, communities, and Nations. Defend and protect our land, air, water, and natural resources from negative resource extraction and exploitation. Develop – Indigenous Peoples, communities and Nations are developed in a regenerative and sustainable manner based on our values and connection to land, culture, and identity. Decolonize – Indigenous ceremonies, cultures, languages, and ways of life are revitalized, recognized, and celebrated. Deadline is July 11. For info, see: https://grants.ndncollective.org.collective-abundance-fund.
July 11
Let’s Talk: Resources for YOUth
Learn about accessing resources, programs, and benefits for youth aged 13-26 who are in foster care or have left foster care and hear from youth who have been in extended foster care. Supported by Indigenous community programs. This event is supported by Indigenous community programs. 6 – 8pm. The event will be in person and virtually on Zoom and Facebook Live. A meal will be served at 5:30 pm for those attending in person. Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, 2300 S 15th Ave, Minneapolis. To register, see: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/642456242917.
July 11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27
2023 Summertime Ribbon Shirt/Skirt Making
We have opportunities for 20 students to make a ribbon shirt or skirt each session. Ribbon Shirt/Skirt Making (regalia making instructions upon request). We also invite community members to come and make these for our Class of 2024 Seniors. Registration required. One adult must accompany student. 5pm to 8pm. For info, email: indianed@mpls.k12.mn.us or call 612-668-0610.
July 12
Duluth – MN Writers Series: The Sky Watched
Author and poet Linda LeGarde Grover will be joining the Minnesota Writers Series for a special offsite event in Duluth. In addition to reading selections from her recently re-released collection, The Sky Watched: Poems of Ojibwe Lives (University of Minnesota Press, 2022), Grover will also join in conversation with Dr. Jill M. Doerfler, head of American Indian Studies at University of Minnesota-Duluth. During the second half of the event, members of the audience will be invited to share their own poetry as time allows. Co-sponsored by the American Indian Community Housing Organization, also the host site for this event. 5:30 – 7:30pm. To register, email: registrations@mnhum.org. For info, see: https://www.mnhum.org/event/mn-writers-series-sky-watched.
July 14 – 16
Mii Gwitch Mahnomen Days Powwow
Mii Gwitch Mahnomen Days Traditional Powwow. Veterans Memorial Grounds, 16601 69th Ave NW, Cass Lake. For info, see: https://www.llojibwe.org/powwow/schedule.html.
July 14 – Sep 9
Inde Wiisagendam (My Heart Hurts)
Inde Wiisagendam (My Heart Hurts) is a solo exhibition by Laura Youngbird (Grand Portage Ojibwe). Using the dress as a metaphor, her work addresses a wide range of social issues, injustices and biases. Through mixed media — combining drawing, painting and prints — Laura explores the dress as a consistent and important symbol in her work, as this simple garment contains layer upon layer of meaning. The works in this series examine mixed emotions and themes such as common thread, loose ends, and threadbare. NACDI, All My Relations Art Gallery, 1414 East Franklin Ave
Minneapolis. For info, see: https://allmyrelationsarts.com/exhibitions-events/exhibitions/inde-wiisagendam-my-heart-hurts.
• July 14: Opening Reception, 6-8 pm with the artist speaking at 7pm.
• Aug 17: Artist Workshop, 5 pm
July 15
The Annex@MIWRC
Join the Annex at MN Indian Women’s Resource Center. Enjoy Native music, lawn games, traditional native games, HIV testing and HIV jeopardy, CGTC and HIV screening from 11-3. The Annex @ MN Indian Women’s Resource Center, Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, 2300 15th Ave S, Minneapolis. For info, see: https://annexteenclinic.org/event/the-annex-mn-indian-womens-resource-center.
July 15
Anniversary Party for Indigenous Roots
Join Trickster Tacos to Celebrate 3 years. Let’s celebrate together with two free performances & some good medicine. 1pm to 8pm. Pretendians Native Rock Band, 1-3. Rez Reporter Comedy Show, 5-7. We will have Two Food Trucks as well as herbal teas and beverages from Roots Cafe. Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center, 788 E 7th St , Saint Paul. For info, see info: https://allevents.in/saint%20paul/3-year-anniversary-party-at-indigenous-roots/200024763543551.
July 18
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. Learning from Place: Bdote will begin at Fort Snelling State Park 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. K-12 educators will receive 5 clock hours. Fee is waived for indigenous participants. Contact Eden Bart at eden@mnhum.org before registering. 8:30am – 2:30pm. For info, email registrations@mnhum. or see: https://www.mnhum.org/event/lfp-bdote-july.
July 18
NNT call for Native actors
New Native Theatre seeks actors for our upcoming Winger production, Christmas in Ochopee by Montana Cypress. If you are interested in being cast, please join us for a reading of the play over Zoom on July 18 at 6:30pm. For questions, email: charli@newnativetheatre.org, or see: https://newnativetheatre.org/current-classes.
July 19
Public Forum: How Integrated is Care for Pregnant and Parenting Women?
MN Families conducted community listening sessions with 7 communities throughout Minnesota (African American and Black US born women, East African women, Indigenous/Native American women, Latina women, LGBTQ+ people, Southeast Asian women and Women from rural communities) who are pregnant and parenting people around their experiences with behavioral health services. We are hosting a community forum for people and organizations to come discuss and learn about our findings. Noon to 1:30pm. Maplewood YMCA Community Center, Heritage Room C, 2100 White Bear Ave, Maplewood. Register at: https://www.mnfamilies.org/meetings-2.
July 19
Community Celebration of Art
Community Celebration of Art – Student Art Walk, Indigenous Art Market and Concert. This past April, elementary students painted over 800 4″x4″ canvases inspired by the Dakota words Mitakuye Owasin – “we are all related”. We invite families and friends to join us for an Art Walk to celebrate our artists and their amazing creations. This art walk will launch the celebration then stay for the artist market, food, music and community. All are welcome. Indigenous Art Market, 2-9pm. We are all related art walk at 3pm. Join us in an Art Walk from Central Park to Downtown to view the 800 canvases on display in storefronts. Concert in the park with Thomas X, 7pm. Central Park Bandshell, 415 W 4th St, Red Wing. For info, see: https://allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php.
Aug 7 & 14 (deadline)
First Peoples Fund
First Peoples Fund supports Native history, ancestral knowledge, and storytelling through art and culture. The Artists in Business Leadership and Cultural Capital Fellowships partner with Native artists and culture bearers to strengthen their business skills and ensure that art, culture, and ancestral knowledge are shared from one generation to the next. Fellows receive a $10,000 project grant, technical support, and professional training to start or grow their arts business. Application dates: Artist in Business Leadership, July 15 – August 7; Cultural Capital, June 30 – August 14. For info, see: https://www.firstpeoplesfund.org/fellowships.
Aug 8
Mona Susan Power: A Council of Dolls Publication Celebration
Join us for an evening with Mona Susan Power in celebration of her new novel, A Council of Dolls. A modern masterpiece, A Council of Dolls is gorgeous, quietly devastating, and ultimately hopeful, shining a light on the echoing damage wrought by Indian boarding schools, and the historical massacres of Indigenous people. With stunning prose, Mona Susan Power weaves a spell of love and healing. 7 – 9pm. Birchbark Bizhew, 1629 Hennepin Ave, #275. Minneapolis. For info, see: https://birchbarkbooks.com.
Aug 15-17
Mni Ki Wakan (Water is Sacred) Summit
Mni Ki Wakan Co-conveners, Cultural Survival, Black Hills Clean Water Alliance, Thunder Valley CDC, the UN Global Indigenous Youth Caucus, and partners will convene the Mni Ki Wakan (Water is Sacred) Summit, themed, “Indigenous Water Justice, Global Collaboration; Dismantling Water Colonialism,” in Rapid City, SD. The MKW Summit will bring together Indigenous Peoples, youth, Tribal water and environmental departments, Indigenous environmental water organizations, and allies. Registration is now open. There is no registration fee for community members. The session proposal application is open and has been extended to July 15. For info, see: mnikiwakan.org.
Aug 18 – 20
SMSC Wacipi
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community’s contest powwow. MCs: Redwing Thomas, Juaquin Hamilton, and Whitney Rencountre. ADs: Clifton Goodwill and Yahsti Perkinskiller. Host Drums: Young Bear and Dakotah Hotain. Grand entries: Friday at 7pm, Saturday at 1pm & 7pm, and Sunday at 1pm. Registration will close at 6:45pm and reopen after Grand Entry. Point system begins Friday at Grand Entry. Registration closes Saturday at 12:30pm. Free admission. Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, 3212 Dakotah Parkway, Shakopee, MN. For info, see: https://www.smscwacipi.org/experience/2023-wacipi.