ONGOING
Dakota Sacred Hoop Walk
Experience the Dakota Sacred Hoop Walk, an immersive augmented reality art exhibition by Marlena Myles, a Spirit Lake Dakota artist. Located at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, the walk begins in the Harrison Sculpture Garden and features five stops, each offering digital images and audio narratives that honor Dakota history, culture, and the significance of the land. Indigenous peoples receive waived admission by calling 612-301-6775 to reserve. Minnesota Landscape Arboretum, 3675 Arboretum Drive, Chaska. Contact: arbinfo@umn.edu | 612-624-2200 or see: https://arb.umn.edu/SacredHoopWalk.
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.
Virtual Native Exhibit
The Minneapolis Institute of Art offers a virtual tour of its Americas Galleries, allowing viewers to explore artworks from Indigenous cultures and other parts of the Americas. This self-guided, 3D tour provides an immersive experience of the museum’s collection. Accessible anytime. Free. Contact: visit@artsmia.org | 612-870-3000 or see: https://discover.matterport.com/space/cbvQ4TefkEh.
Thru Sept 21
Mary Sully: Native Modern5
Born on the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota, Mary Sully was a reclusive artist who, between the 1920s and 1940s, created highly distinctive works informed by her Native American and European ancestry. This first solo exhibition of Sully’s groundbreaking production highlights recent Mia acquisitions, works that complicate traditional notions of Native American and modern art. Free. Minneapolis Institute of Art, 2400 Third Ave S, Gallery 276, Minneapolis. For more info, see: https://new.artsmia.org/exhibition/mary-sully-native-modern
Aug 5–9
Bell Expeditions
The Bell Museum invites visitors to Bell Expeditions. 10am–3pm. Throughout the week, visitors will have the opportunity to check out bird, mammal, plant and fish specimens (including an otter, porcupine, swan and more.) prepared for the Bell Museum’s natural history collections. These specimens are collected from Salvage Wildlife, a project helping turn tragedies into scientific data by recovering samples in the wild. Bell Museum, 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul. For info: https://www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/
Aug 8–10
Grand Portage Rendezvous Days Powwow
Held at Grand Portage Monument Heritage Center, this event offers pow-wow dancing, fur-trade reenactments, Native cuisine, artisan crafts, and family activities. Contact: https://www.nps.gov/grpo
Aug 9–11
Red Lake Nation Annual Powwow
Held at the Red Lake Powwow Grounds. Features traditional and contemporary dancing, giveaways, and food. One of the largest powwows in the state. Contact: https://www.redlakenationnews.com
Aug 11
IHB Back to School
Join us for lunch, activities, resources and giveaways. Well-child checkups from 9am to 5pm. Appointment required for backpack and school supplies. Event and appointments for ages 5 to 18. Rain or Shine. 11am – 2pm. Indian Health Board, 1315 E 24th St, Minneapolis. To schedule an appointment, call 612-721-9800.
Aug 12
Native Authors Book Fair
Join us for the Native Authors Book Fair at Perpich Center for Arts Education in Golden Valley. The afternoon will include two panel discussions with our guest authors, an opportunity to meet the authors, and urchase books. Authors will include: Art Coulson (Cherokee), Nicholas DeShaw (Bois Forte Ojibwe), Kiki Garcia (Bad River Ojibwe), Melonee Montano (Red Cliff Ojibwe) and Evan Larson, Marquie Moss (Mandan/Hidatsa/Arikara) and Kim Sigafus (White Earth Ojibwe). Books will be for sale by Birchbark Books, Black Bears and Blueberries, and Kim Sigafus. 1pm – 3pm. Free. For info: https://perpich.mn.gov/event/native-authors-book-fair
Aug 15
Indigenous Health Topics: Yvette Brown-Shirley, MD
Topic: Neurology and Traumatic Brain Injury in Indian Country. Indigenous Health Topics is dedicated to featuring speakers who are recognized experts in health, education, and research—locally, regionally, and nationally. Presentations center on issues that significantly affect American Indian and Alaska Native communities. Guest Speaker: Yvette Brown-Shirley, MD. (Navajo/Diné). Assistant Professor of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute, and Assistant Professor of Neurology, University of Arizona COM-Phx. 10am. For info: https://mc-meet.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_G-ANIWJuSZ-8dMQrP9vxrw#/registration or sabaque.corinna@mayo.edu.
Aug 16–18
Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Wacipi
One of the largest powwows in the country. The annual SMSC Wacipi includes spectacular dancing, drums, and vendors. Located in Shakopee, MN. https://shakopeedakota.org
Aug 17
Mille Lacs Indian Museum Open House
Stop by to explore the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post during our annual open house! The historic site is open for special Sunday hours and is free for everyone, all day! 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. The site will be open from 10:00 am-5:00 pm. Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post, 43411 Oodena Dr., Onamia. Contact: 320-532-3632 or millelacs@mnhs.org
Aug 21 – Sept 1
Minnesota State Fair
Minnesota State Fair, also known as the Great Minnesota Get-Together is 12 days of fun. World-class showcase of 1,600 food items, 900 entertainment shows, agriculture, competitions, 1,000 vendors, rides, exhibits and more! Admission ticket includes free entertainment shows, visits to the barns, horse and livestock shows, exhibits and demonstrations and more. Grandstand concerts, food, rides and games are an extra cost. Ways to save on admission: Buy $17 tickets before the fair, through Aug. 20, available at Cub stores in the Twin Cities and online; come on Kids Days or Senior Days when admission at the gates is reduced; children 4 and under free. Regular-price tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for kids 5-12 and seniors 65+. For more info, see: mnstatefair.org. Native American events this year include:
• Red Lake Secondary Complex – Visiting Mathematicians at Math On-A-Stick, Aug. 21
• KBFT 89.9 FM Bois Forte Tribal Community Radio – Broadcasting from the AMPERS booth in the Education Building, Aug. 22-24
• Imnizaska Drum Group – Performing as part of Mental Health Awareness in Dan Patch Park, Aug. 25
• Red Lake Singers – Performing as part of Mental Health Awareness in Dan Patch Park, Aug. 25
• Roxanne Biidaabinokwe Gould – Blue Ribbon Author at Alphabet Forest, Aug. 27
• Staci Lola Drouillard – Blue Ribbon Author at Alphabet Forest, Aug. 28
• KOJB 90.1 FM (The Eagle) Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe – Broadcasting from the AMPERS booth in the Education Building, Aug. 31 & Sept. 1
• Native Pride Dancers – Summit Stage at the Bazaar, Aug. 31 and Sept. 1
• The Common Table, coordinated by the Minnesota Food Justice Network – Everyday in the Agriculture-Horticulture Building
• Native Roots Trading Post – Everyday in the West End Market.
Aug 22
Jo Dee Messina
Jumpstarting her career, Jo Dee’s breakout song, “Heads Carolina, Tails California,” made her a household name. Following the success of her debut, Jo Dee posted nine No. 1 hits, including: “Bye, Bye | I’m Alright, Stand Beside M, That’s The Way, and My Give a Damn’s Busted. Jo Dee’s résumé grew, she proved to be a trendsetter and history-maker, becoming the first female in country music history to celebrate three consecutive multiweek, chart-topping songs. Star ticket: $90. Select ticket: $47. Shooting Star Casino, 777 SE Casino Road, Mahnomen. For info: https://www.starcasino.com/event/120430/3058.
Aug 23
Saint Paul Saints game honoring Native community
Join us for a special Saint Paul Saints game honoring the Native community. Every ticket purchased through the link below includes a $5 donation to DIW and that’s just the beginning. The Saints will be wearing custom jerseys with Dakota language, and they’ll be auctioned off after the game, with proceeds going directly to support our work at the Department of Indian Work. We’re also collecting non-perishable food donations at the gate and all donations will go to the DIW Food Shelf to help all families in need. 6:37pm. Tickets: $23.54. St. Paul Saints vs. Round Rock Express, CHS Field, 360 N Broadway St, St. Paul. Grab your tickets here: https://www.gofevo.com/event/Nativeamerican84.
Aug 23–25
White Earth Reservation Annual Powwow
A long-standing tradition of honoring culture and community. Powwow grounds are located near White Earth, MN. Drum groups, dancers, and craft vendors welcome. Contact: https://whiteearth.com
Aug 24
Indigenous Peoples Day Festival Midtown Global Mrkt
Celebrating Indigenous culture through music, food, storytelling, and crafts. Free and open to the public. Midtown Global Market, Minneapolis. Contact: https://www.midtownglobalmarket.org
Aug 31
Native American Music and Arts Festival
A day filled with music and art for everyone. There will be over two dozen artists and demonstrators that will be sharing information. There will also be Native American musicians throughout the day, including drum songs and headliner, Bluedog. Food trucks will be serving refreshments and Indigenous foods throughout the day. Bring the whole family for this fun-filled event! Free. 10am – 5pm. Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post, 43411 Oodena. For info, Dr., Onamia. https://www.mnhs.org/millelacs
Sept 3
Sisters in the Wind
Sisters in the Wind: Angeline Boulley in conversation with Ari Tison. Join Birchbark Books and Native Arts alongside Hennepin County Library for this special event! Angeline Boulley, author of New York Times bestselling YA novels Firekeeper’s Daughter and Warrior Girl Unearthed, will discuss her brand new novel, Sisters in the Wind, with Ari Tison, winner of the Pura Belpré Award and Walter Dean Myers Award for Young Adult Literature for Saints of the Household. FREE and open to the public. 6pm Books will be available for purchase before and after event. Sisters in the Wind is a daring new mystery about a foster teen claiming her heritage on her own terms. Minneapolis Central Library, Pohlad Hall, 2nd Floor, 300 Nicollet Mall, Minneapolis. For info, see: https://birchbarkbooks.com.
Sept 5–6
Indigenous Foods Gathering & Garden Feast
Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College Indigenous Foods Gathering & Garden Feast. Celebration of Indigenous foodways, garden workshops by FDLTCC Extension programs. Florida Technical College, Cloquet. Free and open to public. https://fdltcc.edu/events-facilities-use/upcoming-events.
Sept 5–7
Sagasweiwe Traditional Pow Wow
Traditional Ojibwe dance and drum competition hosted by Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Public welcome. Veterans Memorial Pow Wow Grounds, Cass Lake. Contact: Leech Lake tribal offices. https://www.llojibwe.org/powwow/schedule.html
Sept 12–14
Mendota Mdewakanton Dakota Traditional Wacipi Pow Wow
Annual Dakota Wacipi, dance, music, cultural gathering. Free admission. St. Peter’s Church grounds, Mendota. (near MSP airport.) Contact: Carol LaBine, 651‑247‑3265 or vicechair@mendotadakota.com. https://drumhop.com/mnpowwow.php
Sept 13
Learning from Place: Bdote
Day‑long immersive walking tour with Dakota community members exploring Bdote, historically and culturally significant sites. Registration required. Fort Snelling State Park, St. Paul, MN. https://www.mnhum.org/events/tag/dakota.
Sept 19–21
Mahkato 53rd Annual Traditional Wacipi
Annual Dakota powwow honoring the 38 Dakota with dance contests, vendors, Grand Entries. Admission $8. Land of Memories Park, Mankato. Contact: info@mahkatowacipi.org or 507‑387‑3572. https://calendar.powwows.com/events/mahkato-annual-traditional-pow-wow
Sept 19–21
Battle Point Traditional Pow Wow
Hosted by Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe with traditional dancing, singing, community celebration. Sugar Point. https://www.llojibwe.org/powwow/schedule.html
Sept 21
Wild Rice Festival
Harriet Alexander Nature Center in Roseville hosts this free fall festival from 10am–4pm, celebrating Dakota and Ojibwe culture. Events include wild rice harvesting demonstrations, native plant tours, honey and cider tastings, ecological booths, craft sales, and performances by the Little Earth Singers and Dancers. Contact: 651‑792‑7012.
