ONGOING
MAIC Events
See events at the Mpls American Indian Center on their updated website. MAIC events listings: Sewing Circle, Running Club, Drum and Dance, Pickup Basketball, Volleyball, Congregate Dining and more. MAIC, 1530 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. See more at: https://www.maicnet.org/upcoming-events.
Thru May 17
Jonathan Thunder: The Artist as Storyteller
An exhibition of paintings by artist Jonathan Thunder. Thunder is known for his surreal paintings, digitally animated films, and installations that explore personal experience, mythology, history, and social commentary. Exhibitions and events are free and open to the public. Call 612-624-7530 upon arrival to gain access to the gallery through the building’s main entrance on 21st Avenue South. Quarter Gallery, Regis Center for Art, University of Minnesota, 405 21st Ave S., Minneapolis, MN. For info, see: https://cla.umn.edu/art/news-events/news/jonathan-thunder-artist-storyteller.
May 8
Jonathan Thunder Public Program & Reception
The George Morrison Center for Indigenous Arts at the University of Minnesota presents Jonathan Thunder: The Artist as Storyteller, a solo exhibition featuring fifteen artworks from 2016 to 2024, plus a newly commissioned large-scale painting, Out to Sea: The Dreamer (2025). Program: 6:00 – 7:00pm. Reception: 7:00 – 9:00pm Outdoors (weather permitting), in conjunction with the BFA Thesis and BA Capstone exhibitions. InFlux Space, Regis Center for Art E110. For more info: https://cla.umn.edu/art/galleries-public-programs/quarter-gallery.
May 8
Black Bear Casino Resort to Unveil Expanded Event Center
Black Bear Casino Resort will celebrate the grand opening of its newly expanded Event Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Thursday, May 8, at 11 a.m. The $21 million expansion adds 20,000 square feet to the Otter Creek Convention Center, creating a flexible venue for weddings, conferences, galas and community events. The project was led by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, which owns and operates the resort and is the largest employer in northeast Minnesota. The updated facility features modern amenities including high-speed internet, AV technology, customizable lighting, catering services and configurable seating. Conveniently located off I-35 in Carlton, the resort is less than 25 minutes from Duluth and two hours from the Twin Cities. Ribbon-cutting ceremony for expanded Event Center at 11 a.m. Black Bear Casino Resort, 1785 MN-210, Carlton, MN. For info , see: blackbearcasinoresort.com.
May 8
Founders’ Day Open House & Career Fair
Join us on Thursday, May 8, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the American Indian OIC, 1845 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404, for the Founders’ Day Open House & Career Fair. This annual event features a career fair with employers such as Treasure Island Resort & Casino, U.S. Bank, and Xcel Energy, as well as a community block party with food, music, and networking opportunities. For more information, contact (612) 341-3358 or visit aioic.org.
May 8
Grace Rosario Perkins: Artist Talk & Opening Reception
Bockley Gallery presents Fruits of the Spirit, the Midwest debut solo exhibition by Grace Rosario Perkins (Diné/Akimel O’odham), featuring her signature gestural, layered abstract paintings. An artist talk will be held from 5:30 to 6:00 pm, followed by an opening reception from 6:00 to 7:30 pm. The exhibition explores themes of ritual, family, and storytelling, and will be on view through Saturday, June 28, 2025. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday, noon to 5:00 pm. Bockley Gallery, 2123 W 21st St Minneapolis (west of Lake of the Isles, near Franklin). For info, see: https://bockleygallery.com.
May 8 – July 26
Creation.Story
Creation.Story is an art exhibition that centers on the significance of creative expressions and oral traditions amongst Očhéthi Šakówin cultures. Multiple artists representing their Očhéthi Šakówin heritage provide visual artworks and creative concepts to engage audiences with the expansive creation narratives that underlie Očhéthi Šakówin identity and values. Creation.Story is a traveling exhibition co-curated by Keith BraveHeart and David Meyer (Akta Lakota Museum). In addition to the original curators, each venue works with roster artists as co-curators for their location. Jaida Grey Eagle, Kylie Wanatee-Thunderhawk, and Mikayla Patton are the co-curators working with All My Relations. This exhibition has previously been shown at the Akta Lakota Museum (Chamberlain, SD), The Heritage Center (Pine Ridge, SD), The Dahl Arts Center (Rapid City, SD), and the South Dakota Art Museum (Brookings, SD). Featured artists: Jhon Goes In Center, James Star Comes Out, Mikayla Patton, Randilynn Boucher-Giago, Dwayne Wilcox, Dyani White Hawk, Marlena Myles, Talon Ducheneaux, Keith BraveHeart, Jaida Grey Eagle, Kylie Wanatee-Thunderhawk, Angela Babby, Destiny Big Crow, and Billy Janis. Opening Reception: May 8, 6-8pm. All My Relations Arts.Free. Drinks and snacks will be provided. All are welcome. All My Relations Gallery, NADCI, 1414 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. For more info, see: allmyrelationsarts.org.
May 9–18
Niizh – An Ojibwe Rom-Com by Joelle Peters
Mni Giizhik Theatre Ensemble presents Niizh, a heartfelt and hilarious new play by Joelle Peters (Walpole Island First Nation). Just before leaving the reservation for college, Lenna Little experiences a rom-com-style meet-cute that throws her plans into question. Featuring: Benay McNamara (Red Lake Nation), Ramiro Eagle Sun Martin (Red Lake Nation), Silvestrey P’orantes (Pembina Band of Chippewa/Kaqchikel Maya descent), Robert Blake (Red Lake Nation), Cindi Martin (Red Lake Nation), and Andrea Fairbanks (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe). The play is a celebration of first love, Indigenous family, and vibrant reservation life, performed at 825 Arts in St. Paul with a 90-minute runtime and no intermission. Special Events: On Saturday, May 10 at 6:00 pm, Trish Cook (Red Lake Nation) performs stand-up comedy. On Saturday, May 17 at 6:00 pm, enjoy community Bingo with special guest caller Marcie Rendon (White Earth Nation). All tickets are pay-what-you-can and available at mnigiizhiktheatreensemble.ticketspice.com/niizh. 825 Arts, St. Paul. ontact: info@mnigiizhiktheatreensemble.org
May 10
Little Earth’s Annual Mother’s Day Powwow
Join us for the annual Mother’s Day Powwow on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM at Cedar Ave Field Park, 2500 Cedar Ave S, Minneapolis. Grand entries at 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM. Celebrate with a day full of dancing, drumming, and honoring mothers in the community. For more information, contact Joe Beaulieu at 612-724-0023. Event details at calendar.powwows.com.
May 10
Robbinsdale Area Schools Traditional Powwow
Join us on Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Robbinsdale Middle School, 3730 Toledo Ave N, Robbinsdale, MN 55422, for the Robbinsdale Area Schools Traditional Pow Wow. The event features a grand entry at 1:00 PM, with Master of Ceremonies Deanna Standing Cloud, Arena Director Buster Dunkley, and Host Drums Toka Maza and Oh Day Aki, with youth drum Northland Eagles. This free community event celebrates Native culture through dance, music, and community gathering. For more information, visit drumhop.com.
May 10–11
White Earth’s Mother’s Day Powwow
Mark your calendars for White Earth’s Mother’s Day Powwow on May 10 and 11, 2025, at the Shooting Star Casino Event Center, 777 S Casino Rd, Mahnomen, MN 56557. Enjoy traditional dances, music, and community gatherings. For more information, visit whiteearth.com.
May 14
Minnesota Made Gala
Join us on Wednesday, May 14, 2025, from 5:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Nicollet Island Pavilion, 40 Power St, Minneapolis, MN 55401, for the Minnesota Made 2025 Gala. This fundraising event supports conservation efforts and celebrates Minnesota’s natural heritage. For more information and tickets, visit mnland.org.
May 16
MIWRC Open House
The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center invites you to their Open House on Thursday, May 16, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at 2300 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404. The event includes tours of the facility, program information, and opportunities to connect with staff and community members. For more information, call (612) 728-2000 or visit miwrc.org.
May 17
Bemidji National MMIW Awareness Day
Participate in the National Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) Awareness Day on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM in downtown Bemidji, MN. The event includes a march starting from Paul & Babe and walking to the Sanford Center, followed by a conference and community activities. For more information, visit r2arts.org.
May 17
Community Education Gathering
Join us on Saturday, May 17, 2025, for a Community Education Gathering hosted by the Coalition TOCAIT MN. The event will take place at the American Indian Magnet School, 1075 3rd St E, Saint Paul, MN 55106. For more information, visit tocaimn.com.
May 18
Indigenous Arts & Crafts Fair
Celebrate American Indian Month at the Indigenous Arts & Crafts Fair on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Bloomington Civic Plaza, 1800 W Old Shakopee Rd, Bloomington, MN 55431. The fair offers Native art for sale, unique performances, Indigenous food trucks, and more. For more information, visit bloomingtonmn.gov.
May 23–25
Leech Lake Memorial Day Powwow
Attend the Leech Lake Memorial Day Traditional Powwow from May 23 to 25, 2025, at the Veterans Memorial Pow Wow Grounds, 16601 69th Ave NW, Cass Lake, MN 56633. Experience traditional dances, music, and cultural celebrations. For more information, contact Pow Wow Coordinator Rodney Johnson at (218) 335-3637. Event details at llojibwe.org.
May 26
Memorial Day Powwow
Join us for a traditional powwow to honor our veterans that paid the ultimate sacrifice this Memorial Day. There will be singing, dancing, and honoring events throughout the afternoon. The free powwow is outdoors and open to the public. 12:30 – 4:30 PM. Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post, 43411 Oodena Dr, Onamia. For info, see: https://www.mnhs.org/events/3476.
May 30
NACDI and Pow Wow Grounds Open House
Join the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI) and Pow Wow Grounds for their Open House on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 1414 East Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, MN 55404. The event features live music, art activities, giveaways, and lunch from Pow Wow Grounds (while supplies last). For more information, visit nacdi.org.
May 31
WaterFest 2025
Join us on Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM at Lake Phalen Park, 1600 Phalen Dr, St. Paul, MN 55106, for WaterFest 2025. This free, family-friendly festival celebrates clean lakes with hands-on learning about water conservation and wildlife. For more information, visit rwmwd.org.
May 31
Action Network to Elevate Teaching – Biennial Summit
Join us on Saturday, May 31, 2025, for the Action Network to Elevate Teaching – Biennial Summit, hosted by the Coalition TOCAIT MN. This summit focuses on enhancing Indigenous education and supporting Native educators. Location and time details will be provided closer to the event date. For more information, visit tocaimn.com.
May 31
Columbia Height Powwow
Columbia Heights NAPAC Traditional Powwow. MC(s): Jerry Dearly & Shawnee Hunt. Host Drum(s): Hoka Hey, Invited War Thunder. Grand entry at 3pm , Dinner 5pm.Columbia Heights Senior High School, 1400 49th Ave. NE, Columbia Heights, MN.
May 31 (deadline)
Ethel Curry American Indian Leadership Scholarship
The Ethel Curry American Indian Leadership Scholarship (ECS) is an annual award administered by the Minnesota Department of Education (MDE). This scholarship is meant to aid American Indian students in their pursuit of higher education opportunities. Awards generally range from $1000-$5000 per academic year, but may vary. This scholarship is considered gap-funded as it can cover remaining costs after all other financial aid has been applied. The scholarship is open from March 1 to May 31 annually. Submit items to: MDE.EthelCurryScholarship@state.mn.us. See: https://education.mn.gov/MDE/fam/indian/ethelcurry.
June 3
Khunsi Onikan Well-Anon Meeting
Join the American Indian Family Center’s virtual Khunsi Onikan Well-Anon (Native American Al-Anon) Meeting on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM. For more information, visit aifcmn.org.
June 5
Substance Use Disorder Workshop
Attend the Substance Use Disorder Workshop on Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center, 2300 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis, MN 55404. The workshop focuses on treating and understanding substance use disorders. For more information, contact Zhawin Gonzalez at 612-728-2000 or visit miwrc.org.
June 9
Father & Men’s Outreach
Participate in the American Indian Family Center’s Father & Men’s Outreach event on Monday, June 9, 2025, at the Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center, 788 East 7th Street, Saint Paul, MN 55106. For more information, contact 651-793-3803 or visit aifcmn.org.
June 30 (deadline)
Cobelle Indian Trust Settlement
Heirs of Native Americans whose trust funds were mismanaged by the federal government have until June 30 to file a claim in a historic $3.4 billion class-action settlement. The lawsuit, Cobell v. Salazar, accused the federal government of failing to properly manage Individual Indian Money (IIM) trust accounts, land, and other assets held in trust for Native American individuals. More information is available at: https://cobellsettlement.com.
