ONGOING
Grief Support Group
An open group that provides space for community members to connect with one another, share their experiences, learn new coping skills, gain insights into their grief, and find mutual support. Hosted via Zoom every Tuesday from 3 pm to 4 pm by Aimee Morano, LGSW, at the Indian Health Board. New participants are welcome. Call 612-843-5981.
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.
Yéigo Action Grant
The Yéigo Action Grant is an ongoing, initiative designed to provides support for professional development opportunities or to help overcome challenges. Funding ranges from $100 to $5,000. Deadline: 10th of every month. For info, see: https://www.firstpeoplesfund.org/programs/yeigo-action-grant. Or email: programs@firstpeoplesfund.org.
Post-election Survey
During this post-election time, Hennepin County is administering a Post-Election Survey to learn about experiences that voters had at their polling locations or early vote centers. This survey is trying to identify barriers that residents may be facing. Here is the link for that survey: Hennepin.us/ge-survey.
Thru Jan 18
Niimiwin: Bijiinag igo ingii-azhegiiwe gaa-niimi’iding
Join All My Relations Arts as we present the opening reception of “Niimiwin: Bijiinag igo ingii-azhegiiwe gaa-niimi’iding”, an exhibition that explores the profound relationship between movement and identity within contemporary Indigenous art. Featured artists: Adrienne Benjamin, Courtney Cochran, Chanelle Gallagher, Michael Kurtz, Courtney M. Leonard and the Stonebridge Singers. For info, see: https://allmyrelationsarts.org.
Thru Feb 5
Native Youth Arts Collective Showcase
Join the Two Rivers Gallery for an exhibition featuring Little Earth youth and Culture Bearer Mentors Aiyana Kline, Ariel La Friniere, Courtney Cochran, Isa Estrada, Isavela Lopez, and Olivia Seone Stern. Artwork on display until Feb. 5 at the Two Rivers Gallery (Minneapolis American Indian Center), 1530 E Franklin Ave, Mpls. For info: https://2riversartgallery.org/current-copy
Thru Feb 15
Dyani White Hawk’s Exhibit: Love Language
Rooted in intergenerational knowledge, Dyani White Hawk’s (Lakota) art centers on connection—between one another, past and present, earth and sky. By foregrounding Lakota forms and motifs, she challenges prevailing histories and practices surrounding abstract art. Featuring multimedia paintings, sculpture, video, and more, Love Language gathers 15 years of the artist’s work in this major survey. The exhibition unfolds across four sections named by the artist to speak to Indigenous value systems: See; Honor, Nurture; and Celebrate. See introduces visitors to White Hawk’s worldview. Visitors are encouraged to engage with Love Language as a community space. The galleries offer lounging areas with interpretive materials, educational resources, and cushions and blankets designed by the artist. Galleries 1, 2, 3, and Perlman. Walker Art Center, 725 Vineland Pl, Minneapolis. For info: https://walkerart.org
Dec 2-8, 13-15
Blood Quantum Physics
New Native Theatre presents “Blood Quantum Physics,” a live audio play exploring Indigenous life, culture, and identity in Minneapolis. Written by Deanna StandingCloud, the play follows three Native American women navigating modern life and cultural traditions. Live recordings will take place at Gremlin Theatre in Saint Paul, and the play will be available as a podcast in Summer 2025. The play is broken down into 2 parts with alternating days of performances. Blood Quantum Physics: PART 1: Dec 6 – Friday 7pm, Dec 8 – Sunday 2pm, Dec 14 – Saturday 7pm. Blood Quantum Physics: PART 2: Dec 7 – Saturday 7pm, Dec 13 – Friday 7pmm and Dec 15 – Sunday 2pm. Gremlin Theatre, 550 Vandalia St, #177, St. Paul. For info, see: https://newnativetheatre.org. For tickets: https://bqphysics.bpt.me or contact boxoffice@newnativetheatre.org.
Dec 12
First Gift Program
Join NACC and Red Lake for the First Gift program, where participants will learn to make baby moccasins. The moccasins made during this program will be distributed during the annual community baby shower in the spring. Light snacks will be provided. 1 pm to 3 pm. NACC, 1213 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis
Dec 12
MAICC Annual Fundraising Dinner
The Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce’s annual fundraiser dinner will be held from 3:30pm to 9pm. 3:30: Registration, tradeshow and silent auction. 5pm: dinner and awards. Grand Casino Hinckley, 777 Lady Luck Drive, Hinckley. 3:30pm. For info, see: https://book.rguest.com/onecart/wbe/offers/1025/Grand-Hinckley-Book.
Dec 13 (deadline)
Call for Indigenous Artists
The SSGadugi Gallery, a City of Minneapolis Cultural Districts Art Fund program, is seeking Indigenous artists for a series of exhibitions at their pop-up storefront window gallery located at 4054 Chicago Avenue in Minneapolis. The gallery’s mission is to engage Native and Non-Native youth and families in Indigenous language, culture, and history. Selected artists will receive a 3-week exhibition, a $500 stipend, and support in producing a video artist statement. Priority given to artists with a strong connection to the neighborhood of 38th & Chicago Avenue. Deadline: December 13. Apply Online: https://zpuppets.org/-gadugi-storefront-window-gallery-invitation
Dec 16
Full Moon Ceremony
Join LEAR, NACC, and facilitator Nenookaasikwe for a Full Moon Ceremony at the Little Earth Gym, 2501 Cedar Ave. Bring a long skirt, shawl, sarong, or sheet to wear. A potluck will be held, so bring a dish to share if possible. Bringing your own eating plates and utensils is highly encouraged. Men of all ages are welcome to join and learn about the duties of a fire keeper. For more information, call Connie at 651-363-4681. 4:30pm. Little Earth, 2501 Cedar Ave (Little Earth Gym), Minneapolis.
Dec 19
Wellness Breakfast
Join use for a free healthy breakfast and discussion on health and wellness. Everyone is welcome. 10am to 11am. The Wellness Breakfast happens every 4th Thursday of the month at the MAIC, 1530 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. For info, call NACC at 612-872-8086.
Dec 21
Immunization clinics
Free walk-in immunization clinics, infants to 18 years. For info: https://www.hennepin.us/ en/residents/health-medical/childhood-immunizations. 11am to 3pm, Hosmer Library, #LO2, 347 E 36th St, Minneapolis.
Dec 31 (deadline)
Psychedelic Healing Survey in Indian Country
Christine Diindiisi McCleave, a citizen of Turtle Mountain Ojibwe Nation and a PhD candidate in Indigenous Studies at the Uof A-Fairbanks, is conducting research on healing with Peyote and its potential impacts in the context of the growing psychedelic movement. The survey aims to gather insights on: Health and wellbeing activities used by Tribal members, Concerns of Native American Church members regarding peyote and religious freedom, Knowledge and attitudes about the psychedelic movement among Tribal members. Participation requirements: at least 18 years old and a Tribal member. This research intends to inform Tribal leaders, policy makers, and contribute to the protection of Native ways of life. The survey is completely anonymous and does not collect any identifying information (such as your name, address, or email/IP address). It will take 30-60 minutes of your time depending on your level of experience with plant medicines. Survey closes Dec 31. If you have any questions before you begin, contact: christine.mccleave1 @gmail.com. Survey Link: www.research.net/r/TribalHealingSurvey.
Jan 15 (deadline)
Artist Residency Program
Native American visual artists and writers, at any stage of their careers, are invited to apply for our Fall 2025 Artist Residency Program. Artists-in-residence receive uninterrupted time and space to focus on their creative work, with access to private studios, comfortable living accommodations, a stipend, and chef-prepared meals, all surrounded by the tranquil beauty of Wyoming’s majestic High Plains. No application fee. Deadline is January 15 at 11:59 pm. For info: https://www.ucrossfoundation.org/native-american.
Jan 25
Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival
The new exhibit Monarchs and Milkweed: A Story of Survival opens at the Bell Museum on January 25, 2025. The exhibition takes visitors on a journey into the world of butterflies and plants, introducing the complex relationship between monarchs and milkweed. Attendees are invited to explore how the survival of these two species has been shaped over time by one another, while traveling through the seasons of a calendar year. The exhibit’s centerpiece is a recreation of the monarch’s overwintering site in northern Mexico. Visitors are transported to an oyamel fir forest, where millions of monarch butterflies cluster in tree branches, keeping warm as they await the spring. The exhibition features Capption accessibility technology. Capption makes exhibit information instantly available for all visitors directly on their smartphones. It is designed to provide access to language translations and vision resources, and reduce barriers to learning and inclusion. Capption allows visitors to magnify exhibit text, read signage at their own pace, and receive translations into over 136 languages. Bell Museum, 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul. https://www.bellmuseum.umn.edu.
Jan 30 (deadline)
Minnesota Community IDEAS Program Grant
The Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation is pleased to announce the launch of a new annual statewide grant program in January 2025. As the Minnesota community grant partner of the Bush Foundation, we will award $1.6 million each year from 2025 through 2027 to eligible nonprofit organizations located in and serving Minnesota and the 11 Native Nations that share the same geography. Grants will be awarded within three target communities, with five grants awarded within each of the communities: Greater Minnesota, Twin Cities 7-county Metro Area, and Native-led, Native-serving organizations. The Minnesota Community IDEAS Program will award a total of $1.6 million among 15 organizations in its first year. The two-step application process will open in January 2025, when eligible organizations can express interest in applying through a brief interest form. Interest form submissions will be accepted from January 6 through 1 p.m. January 30, 2025. Selected organizations will each receive a total award of $160,000, paid over three years ($100,000 in 2025, $40,000 in 2026, and $20,000 in 2027). Funding is unrestricted and can be used for any charitable purposes that align with the vision and purpose of the Minnesota Community IDEAS Program, including operating costs, program-related expenses, capital expenditures or whatever else would best support the organization’s ongoing work. If you have questions about eligibility or selection criteria, contact: MNCommunityIDEAS@spmcf.org or call 651-325-4202. https://spmcf.org/nonprofits/grants-for-nonprofits/minnesota-community-ideas-program
