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 2 sessions: July 18 -Sept 26; or Oct 17 – Dec 28. Enrollment is open. Contact Amy at: 612-644-9726 or amyarndtbuzzard@yahoo.com.
Thru Sept 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.
• Aug 17: Artist Workshop, 5 pm
Thru 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.
Aug 4, 11, 18, 25
Weekly Plant Lessons
The Indigenous Food Network members Dream of Wild Health and Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI) will be hosting four weekly plant lessons at the Four Sisters Urban farm. Starting August 4th, and are based on Indigenous teachings about the natural world, followed by lunch (provided). Geared toward Indigenous youth and families, the class will be taught by Dakhóta language teacher Justis Brokenrope and is accessible to all ages and tribal (or non-tribal) affiliations. Children under 8 years old must be accompanied by an adult. There is no cost to participate, though registration is required! 10am to 12pm. Sign up: https://rb.gy/k2k9t.
Aug 7
Music in the Parks: Pretendians Band
Since 1892, Music in the Parks has provided residents and families opportunities to gather and enjoy local music throughout the summer. Since its inception thousands of free concerts have taken place. Concerts are weekly and vary from classic rock, hip hop, international, funk and many more genres of music. On August 7, the Pretendians Band will perform. They are an Indigenous rock band from Minneapolis. The concert will begin at 7 pm. For cancellations due to weather please check our Facebook or Instagram pages for updates. Water Works Park, 425 West River Parkway, Minneapolis. For info, see: https://www.pretendiansband.com.
Aug 7, 14 (deadlines)
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 8 – 14
Indigenous Milk Medicine Week
Aug 8: Opening Ceremony: Ashoodenim Anishinabe/Cultural Home Visitor Program will start our week off with ceremony/teachings around birth, breastfeeding, placenta and belly buttons. Sack lunch provided. Noon. Division of Indian Work, Lower level classroom, 1001 E Lake St, Mpls. For info: Ombaazhi at 612-279-6379.
Aug 9: Women of Traditional Birthing Program will be teaching about Best Breastfeeding Practices and discussion. Light meal and breast shaped cupcakes provided. Noon -2pm. DIW, 2nd floor classroom, 1001 E Lake St, Mpls. For info: Sierra at 612-279-6314.
Aug 10: Milk and Cookies event with Ninde’s Indigenous Lactation Counselors. Community input is needed to create an Indigenous lactation book. Incentive will be provided to individuals age 21+. Noon- 3pm Contact Valentina at 612-279-6347.
Aug 11: Ninde Doula gathering In collaboration with Nitamising Gimashkikinaan, We will be making healing breastmilk soaps. Snacks provided. Noon – 3pm. DIW, 1001 E Lake St, Mpls. For info: Valentina at 612-279-6347.
Aug 12: Interviews will be shared via Social Media about Inclusive Milk Medicine: Breastfeeding during recovery and chestfeeding within LGBTQ2S+ communities. FB Ninde page, DIW FB page, Indigenous Perinatal and Lactation Support Circle/Nitamising Gimashkikinaan Fb page.
Aug 13: Nitamising Gimaskikinaan will be hosting a 5k run/walk around Bde Maka Ska – Thomas Beach. Arrive 7:30am and begin at 8am. Tank tops will be given away. 3700 Thomas Ave. S, Mpls. Refreshments will be provided.
Aug 14: Milk Supply Event. Join Women of Traditional Birth and Ninde in learning how breast/chest feeding families can increase their milk supply. Snacks provided. Noon-3pm. DIW, 1001 E Lake St, Mpls. For info: Valentina at 612-279-6347.
Aug 10
Four Sisters Farmers Market
The Four Sisters Farmers Market is an Indigenous-focused farmers market centered on providing increased access to affordable, healthy, culturally appropriate local foods within the American Indian Cultural Corridor. Located on East Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis. All are welcome.11am – 3pm. Native American Community Development Institute, 1414 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. For info, see: https://www.nacdi.org.
Aug 10, 12
Statewide Star Party
Join Jeffers Petroglyphs, an official partner site, for the Bell Museum’s Statewide Star Party. The festivities start Aug 10 with a virtual conversation broadcasting live at Jeffers, featuring Vince Diaz, Chair of the Department of American Indian Studies at the UofMN, and Jim Rock, Director of Indigenous Programming at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. The talk will be moderated by Gaagige Aanakwadikwe, an Ojibwe immersion and science educator who teaches at the Misaabekong Ojibwe immersion school in Duluth, and is Bell Museum Native American Initiatives Education Specialist. Join us on-site to watch! This event costs regular site admission. On Aug 12, Jeffers Petroglyph’s new Unistellar telescopes will debut for the public to enjoy (weather permitting). There will be hands on activities and light refreshments throughout the evening. The event coincides with the peaking of the Perseids Meteor Shower! This event is free! This year’s theme “Astronomy for All” is designed to empower the astronomer within all of us. August 10 from 7 to 8pm, and August 12 from 8pm to 11pm. https://www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/statewide-star-party-2023.
Aug 11 – 13
Rendezvous Days Celebration Traditional Powow. First 15 drums will be paid. Grand Portage, MN.
Aug 12
Fashion Show Fundraiser to Support MECP2 Duplication Syndrome
Support a Native mother and her son Zakai “Roo” Anderson who was diagnosed with MECP2 Duplication syndrome at the age of 1 years old. Entrance starts at 6pm and everyone gets from row seating with Swag Bags from Aveda while they last. Fashion show at 7pm featuring MBC models and local Native designers from MN and NY who will showcase their fashions on the Runway, including Rhey Co, Cece Cabana, Buckanaga Social Club and K. Lookinghorse. We are very excited about and honored for this collaboration! Roo is an enrolled tribal member of Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, a Decedent of Tupi-Guarani Tribe as well as African and German lineage. 6 – 9pm. Tickets: $50 – $75 (tickets sold out last time). American Legion Post 172, 260 4th Ave SE, Osseo, MN. For info, see: https://topmodelcoach.com/fundraiser-event.
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 17
AIFEP Grant Workshop
Learn about Tiwahe Foundation, our AIFEP grant opportunity and how to submit a successful application. You can apply for AIFEP in one (or two) of the each impact areas: Culture & Language, Education, Health & Wellness, and Economic Independence. A limited number of spots are available so make sure to register. Led by Tony Drews, AIFEP Grant Coordinator. 5-7pm, Minnesota History Center, 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul. Register at: tony@tiwahefoundation.org or see: https://tiwahefoundation.org.
Aug 17
Monotype Workshop with Laura Youngbird
Please join artist Laura Youngbird for a fun evening of printmaking without a press. Gelli Plate is a product that is similar to a homemade gelatin plate, but it will last longer and needs no refrigeration. The plates that will be available for use during the workshop are 10” x 8”. Bring your own stencils, cut out shapes, loose woven fabric or anything flat that can act as a stencil (dried flowers for example). Inks and paper will be provided. This activity is part of arts programming for Inde Wiisagendam (My Heart Hurts), a solo show from artist Laura Youngbird. Inde Wiisagendam runs through Sept. 9th. Laura Youngbird is an artist and art educator. She completed her BFA, MA & BS in Art Education from Minnesota State University Moorhead. The themes in her work originated from experiences her family and particularly her grandmother had while at boarding schools and issues that surrounded their assimilation into non-Indian culture. Laura also explores the influence of Christianity on American Indian spirituality and life views. All My Relations Gallery 1414 East Franklin Avenue Minneapolis. For info, see: https://allmyrelationsarts.com.
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.
Aug 19
Bluedog Native Blues LIVE
Join us for music on the with the Native American blues band Bluedog, from 2 – 5pm. Slippery’s Bar & Grill, 10 Church Ave, Wabasha. For info, see: https://allevents.in/mobile/amp-event.php?event_id=200024568948216.
Aug 20
Mille Lacs Indian Museum Open House
Explore the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post during the annual open house when the historic site is open for special Sunday hours and offers free admission. Visit the exhibits, including the popular Four Seasons Room with life-size dioramas then head next door to shop for American Indian arts and crafts at the Trading Post. 10am to pm. Mille Lacs Indian Trading Post, 43411 Oodena Dr, Onamia. For info, see: https://www.mnhs.org/millelacs.
Aug 22
An Indigenous History of Bloomington
Dr. Kate Beane and Peter DeCarlo will discuss the history of Bloomington and how it can inform art, heal divisions, and create a better future. Indigenous Peoples have inhabited and been in relationship with the land now called Bloomington, Minnesota for thousands of years. Historians Dr. Kate Beane and Peter DeCarlo will discuss this deep history, the Dakota people who have called this land home, and the impacts colonization has had on both the people and landscape. We will ask how history can inform art, help us heal divisions, and create a better future for our communities. Program Facilitators: Dr. Kate Beane (Flandreau Santee Dakota/Muscogee Creek), Executive Director at Minnesota Museum of American Art; Peter DeCarlo, Historian at the Minnesota Historical Society. 6:30 – 8:30pm. Bloomington Civic Plaza, Black Box Theater, 1800 West Old Shakopee Road, Bloomington. For info, see: https://www.bloomingtonmn.gov/indigenoushistory.
Aug 22 – 23
Moving Our Relatives Forward in a Good Way
Moving Our Relatives Forward in a Good Way – American Indian SUD Summit. Participants will explore substance use in Indian Country in Minnesota, and develop an American Indian Strategic Plan to combat addiction. The goal of the American Indian SUD Summit is to identify and and share information on the impact of substance use disorder (SUD) in Tribal and Urban Indian communities, as well as to develop an American Indian Strategic Plan aimed at addressing substance abuse issues, in particular the opioid epidemic. The summit will be a joint effort of the American Indian Advisory Council on Chemical Dependency, tribal, state and urban Indian leadership. Starts Aug 22 at 8a. Ends Aug 23 at 5pm. Black Bear Casino Resort, 1785 MN-210, Carlton, MN. For info, see: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moving-our-relatives-forward-in-a-good-way-american-indian-sud-summit-tickets-667771912767.
Aug 27
Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the Fair
Stop by our booth on Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the Fair. We’ll be tabling in Dan Patch Park (right outside of the grandstand) with other Indigenous organizations. Indigenous Food Lab is hosting the event: this year’s theme is environmental and food justice for Indigenous people in Mni Sota Makoce. 9am – 6pm. Minnesota State Fair, 1265 Snelling Ave N, St Paul. For info, see: https://nativegov.org/event/minnesota-state-fair.
Aug 31 (deadline)
Small Business Assistance Partnership Program
Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Request for Proposals. This program will make competitively awarded grants to qualified organizations to provide small business development and technical assistance services to entrepreneurs and small business owners, with a particular focus on underserved populations and geographies including individuals who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, veterans, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals and includes people from rural Minnesota. Eligible Recipients: nonprofit organizations or public entities, including higher education institutions, engaged in business development or economic development; community development financial institutions; or community development corporations. Eligible Uses: Direct cost associated with delivering services including personnel, fringe benefits, travel, contractual, supplies and equipment cost directly associated with delivering services under this grant funding. Grant applications will be received only once during the two-year grant cycle is expected to begin October 2023 and end October 2025. $11,565,000 is available for grant awards. The maximum request is $400,000 per year for a two year period. Deadline is Aug. 31 4pm. Each week, DEED staff will post responses to frequently asked questions on the Competitive Grants and Contracts page at: https://mn.gov/deed/about/contracts/open-rfp.jsp. For other info: MNSBP.DEED@state.mn.us.
Sept 1
“Sacred Klown” Exhibit by Shaun Chosa
Join us for the opening reception of Sacred Klown, a new art exhibit by Shaun Chosa. Chosa’s work explores the intersection of traditional Native American imagery with contemporary pop culture. His vibrant and whimsical pieces are sure to delight and inspire. 6pm. Come meet the artist, enjoy some refreshments, and experience this unique and thought-provoking exhibit. Friedli Gallery and Studio 943 7th St, West Saint Paul. For info, see: https://www.friedliartsgallery.com.
Sept 9
North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame
The North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame will recognize the inaugural 2022 and second class of 2023 inductees. By honoring and celebrating the empowered journey of these individuals and teams, the hope is their stories may inspire future generations to follow their dreams in athletics. All proceeds will offset the event expenses. 9am to 3pm. Canterbury Park Expo Center, 1100 Canterbury Rd, Shakopee. For info, contact Dr. Dan Ninham at: coach.danninham@gmail.com, or see: https://www.naiahf.org.
Sept 10
Conference on Native American Nutrition 2023
Devoted to the food and nutrition of Indigenous Peoples. The conference on Native American Nutrition will bring together tribal and community leaders, nutrition and wellness educators, researchers and students, health practitioners, government officials, funders, and others to discuss the current state of both Indigenous and academic scientific knowledge about Native food systems, food sovereignty, nutrition, and health, and will identify new areas of work. The most cutting edge information will be presented, and networking, community building, and the formation of new collaborations among the attendees will be encouraged and facilitated. Tickets from $50 – $525. Virtual attendance also available. Presented by the University of Minnesota Healthy Foods, Healthy Lives Institute and the Oklahoma State University Center for Indigenous Health Research and Policy. If you need any assistance – please send us an email at james@stagetimeproductions.com. Mystic Lake Casino Hotel, 2400 Mystic Lake Blvd NW, Prior Lake, MN. For info, see: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/sixth-annual-conference-on-native-american-nutrition-2023-tickets-636693446237
Sept 23
Powwow for Hope
12th Annual Powwow for Hope. Fundraising Teams are forming now! Powwow for Hope is a nationwide fundraiser for American Indian Cancer Foundation. For info, see: https://powwowforhope.org.
