ONGOING
Reading tutors needed for AIMS
Reading Partners is a national education nonprofit that mobilizes communities to provide students with proven, reading support they need to read at grade level. We work with students of elementary age, kindergarten through 5th grade. We are presently serving students of the American Indian Youth Enrichment program, an after-school initiative hosted between 3:30-4:30pm Mondays and Wednesdays in the American Indian Magnet School in Dayton’s Bluff, Saint Paul. If you would like to be a tutor contact: kalju.maegi@readingpartners.org or lara.posner@readingpartners.org.
Call for Native Artists
Native American artists, performers, and culture bearers looking to exhibit, enhance, or share their artistic talents and cultural knowledge are invited to apply to the Cultural Programs offered through THE INDIAN MUSEUM OF NORTH AMERICA® at the Crazy Horse Memorial in S.D. For info, see: https://crazyhorsememorial.org/the-museums/cultural-programs-opportunities or call 605-673-4681, ext. 286.
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. Free. MIA, 2400 3rd Ave S, Minneapolis. For more info, see: https://new.artsmia.org/exhibition/
the-lyrical-artwork-of-jim-denomie.
Thru April 13
Okizi (To Heal)
Okizi (To Heal) is a partner exhibition with the American Swedish Institute and All My Relations Gallery in response to the traveling exhibition, Arctic Highways: Unbound Indigenous People. A common theme of these exhibitions is the healing impacts of cultural revitalization. While efforts were made to separate Native peoples from their spirituality, language, and cultural knowledge and traditions, Okizi highlights the revitalization efforts that reconnect this generation and future generations to our language, land, and culture as a means of healing from historical and generational trauma. For info, contact Angela Two Stars at: atwostars@nacdi.org.
•February 13: Artist Workshop
Thru May 27
Reimagining Native/American Art
What happens when Native American and American art is seen together, rather than in separate places? What stories and connections emerge from this new way of being together? These are some of the questions that guided a collaboratively reimagined suite of galleries. This Indigenous-led, consensus-based curatorial experiment is based on Dakota philosophies and ways of being. It includes thematic installations that center “place”, honor the living land, explore the power of relationality and ends with a reflection, inviting visitors to join us in imagining the future we wish to have. Galleries 301-304. Free For info, see: https://new.artsmia.org/exhibition/reimagining-native-american-art.
Thru May 26
Moments of Memory Exhibit
Plein air painting is the art of capturing outdoor scenes from life. Named from the French for “open air,” this form of painting from life moves artists out of the studio to study real landscapes, focusing on how light and shadow interact with things in particular places. The result is a snapshot of a moment in time, one that might be remembered, but never repeated. Bell Museum, 2088 Larpenteur Ave W, St Paul. For info, see: https://www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/moments-of-memory-minnesota-landscapes-painted-from-life.
Thru Oct 2025
Reframing Our Stories
From a decades-old box of photographs simply labeled “Indians,” came the idea for a powerful new exhibit. Inside the box were dozens of pictures of Native community members, organizations, activities, and events that are relevant today. As part of the Our Home: Native Minnesota exhibit, Reframing Our Stories showcases the strength and resilience of Native people and inspires audiences to learn about the past, present, and future of these communities. Native community members get in free. Minnesota Historical Society, 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul. For info, see: https://www.mnhs.org/historycenter/activities/museum/our-home/reframing-our-stories.
Thru May 10
Wobliheca – The Energy to Create Exhibit
Hail stones, elk teeth, morning stars, rolling hills, and geometric elements associated with Lakota imagery are featured in Tosa Two Heart’s exhibit Wobliheca – The Energy to Create. Through her work, she shares her pride for her Lakota heritage in ways that promote cultural awareness. In addition to exhibiting at Watermark, she will teach a fashion art workshop that will meet for four sessions in March. A reception will be held from 2 to 4pm on March 2. Watermark Art Center, 505 Bemidji Ave N, Bemidji. For info, see: WatermarkArtCenter.org.
Feb 10
Tashia Hart & Staci Drouillard
AICHO’s Indigenous Writer Series features authors Tashia Hart and Staci L. Drouillard who both write about Indigenous women’s experiences: exploring themes around love, relationships, and traditional foods and medicine. Hart and Drouillard will each talk about their books, read an excerpt of their books, participate in a Q&A segment, and sign books. Event is free and open to the public. 2 – 4pm. Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, 212 West 2nd St, Duluth. For info, see: https://www.aicho.org/indigenous-writer-series.html.
Feb 12
Food Funders: Indigenous Food Systems Community
Through a series of in-person and virtual gatherings throughout the upcoming year, Community of Practice participants will share their experiences in strengthening Indigenous communities and Indigenous projects and explore opportunities to create more just and sustainable food systems. The Community of Practice is open to grantmakers, lenders, and investors who are committed to Indigenous communities and Native food systems. For info, see: https://www.agandfoodfunders.org/featured-work/indian-country-food-and-ag-philanthropy/2024ifscop. Or contact Richard Elm-Hill at relmhill@firstn ations.org.
Feb 14
MMIWR Relatives March
Missing & Murdered Indigenous Relatives March for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Boys, Men, Two Spirit, and LGBTQI+ Relatives! Speakers, lunch, informational tables and more! Please WEAR RED! Bring Banners, Posters, Staffs, Drums, Rattles. Everyone is welcome. 11am to 2pm. Speakers begin at 11AM. March begins at noon, snow or shine. East Phillips Community and Cultural Center, 2307 17th Ave S, Minneapolis. For info, see: https://www.facebook.com/events/302347079461028
Feb 17
Community Connections /Green Zone Summit
Join the City of Minneapolis and over 150 organizations to connect, share resources and work for environmental justice. This year’s free event will have workshops, music and dance, fun activities for kids, jobs and internships, an expo and a community dialogue on youth and safety. Lunch included. 9am – 4pm. Minneapolis Convention Center, Hall E, 1301 2nd Ave S, Minneapolis. For info, see: https://www.minneapolismn.gov/ccc.
Feb 20
Native American Boarding School Survivor Healing Circle
The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition extends an invitation to all Indian Boarding School survivors (attendees/alumni) to join us for a Survivor Healing Circle – a supportive and empowering space for those who have experienced the trauma associated with Indian Boarding Schools to connect with each other. Facilitated by Nelda Goodman and Sandy White Hawk. 6-8pm. Location TBD. Contact ebeck@nabshc.org or 612-500-5842 for info.
Feb 22
AIFEP Workshop
Learn about Tiwahe’s American Indian Family Empowerment Program grant opportunity and how to submit a successful application. Apply for funding for projects in economic independence, culture, health and wellness, or education. Limited to 50 spots. MN History Center, 345 W Kellogg Blvd, St Paul. To register, email: tony@tiwahefoundation.org. For info, see: https://tiwahefoundation.org/aifep.
Feb 23 (deadline)
American Indian Food Sovereignty Grants
American Indian Food Sovereignty grants will coordinate delivery of culturally appropriate American Indian food security. DHS is seeking to coordinate providers and deliver culturally and developmentally appropriate programing to improve access, equity to food security programs within Tribal and American Indian communities. For info, see: https://mn.gov/dhs/partners-and-providers/grants-rfps/open-rfps.
Feb 23
Three Dog Night
Legendary band, Three Dog Night, now in its 5th decade, claims some of the most astonishing statistics in popular music. Boasting chart and sales records that remain virtually unmatched in popular music, Three Dog Night had 21 consecutive Top 40 hits in all genres (pop, rock and country). Star price: $60. Select price: $30. For info, see: https://www.starcasino.com/mahnomen/entertainment-calendar.
Feb 23
Lakota Nation vs. United States
Lakota Nation vs. United States chronicles the Lakota Indians’ century-long quest to reclaim the Black Hills, sacred land that was stolen in violation of treaty agreements. A searing, timely portrait of resistance, the film explores the ways America has ignored its debt to indigenous communities, and ponders what might be done today to repair the wrongs of the past. 7 – 10pm. Free popcorn and soda provided. Rated PG-13. East Side Freedom Library, 1105 Greenbrier St, Saint Paul.
Feb 23 (deadline)
Sponsorships for family well-being events
The Minnesota Department of Human Services is sponsoring a limited number of events in April to celebrate and promote family well-being and Child Abuse Prevention Month. Community-based organizations and Tribal Nations are eligible to apply for sponsorships that can be used for a variety of activities and materials to increase access to resources, build connections and promote family and community well-being. Sponsorships between $1,000 and $5,000 per agency are available for at least 20 agencies. Organizations that engage Black, Indigenous and communities of color and other underserved communities are encouraged to apply and will be prioritized for sponsorships. Sponsorship requests are due by Feb. 23. For info, see: https://mn.gov/dhs/people-we-serve/children-and-families/whats-new.
Feb 24
Brule
Brulé is best known for thrilling audiences with a mergence of cultural rock and theatrical instrumentations. Now in their 26th season, their national performances carry the same contagious excitement as Trans Siberian Orchestra, Celtic Thunder, and Riverdance—but with the emotional impact of the American Indian culture. Brulé has released 23 titles in as many years and has been named “Group of the Year” five times by the Native American Music Awards, earning seven NAMMYs since 2002. Paired with the stunning choreography of one of the top Native American dance troupes, their authenticity brings a multi-dimensional art form to this cultural rock opera. 2pm. Advance price: Adult/Senior $39, Student $11. At the door: Adult/Senior $44, Student $16. Reif Performing Arts Center, 720 NW Conifer Dr, Grand Rapids, MN. For info, see: https://www.reifcenter.org.
Feb 24
Aadizookaan Winter Storytelling
AICHO will host its annual Aadizookaan Winter Storytelling event with traditional Ojibwe creation stories told by Michael Migizi Sullivan, Ph.D. (Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibw) at 6pm. Stories will be told in Ojibwe and translated into English. Mike will tell stories of Wenaboozhoo, a historical and spiritual icon of the Anishinaabeg. Free and open to the public. AICHO and the storytellers have requested attendees to refrain from recording the event due to the spirituality of the gathering. AICHO’s Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, 212 W. 2nd St, Duluth.
Feb 29
Do not Forget Us Fundraiser
Poets and musicians will hold an annual benefit in words and music for the victims of the wars on the earth, headlined by Spoken Word artist from Michigan Jamie Andress (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe). Andress was inspired a decade ago by Detroit rapper Eminem and specializes in long multi-factor rhyme performances of his generously open-hearted poems. Participants include: Jamie Andress (Animikii) Anishinabe Spoken Word artist from Michigan. James Armstrong, Tim Frantzich, Sarina Partridge, Robert Robinson, Pierre Fulford, Alicia Tovpeko, and more. 7pm at the American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Ave, Minneapolis. For info, see: https://asimn.org/event/do-not-forget-us-poets-writers-musicians-against-the-wars-on-the-earth.
Feb 29 – Mar 1
Dakota & Ojibwe Languages Symposium
The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council’s Language Revitalization Working Group, partnering with the Minnesota Humanities Center, is hosting the 3rd annual Dakota & Ojibwe Languages Symposium! The goal is to bring people working in Dakota and Ojibwe language revitalization together. We will use this time to celebrate successes, highlight the current state of the field, shape future language revitalization efforts, and elevate the visibility of Indigenous languages throughout the state of Minnesota. By bringing people together, we hope this symposium serves as an opportunity for individuals to network with other Dakota and Ojibwe language professionals. The symposium will be held in-person and virtually for participants. Breakfast and lunch are included for those attending in person. Participants are responsible for booking their own overnight accommodations if needed and can call Treasure Island Resort at 1-888-867-7829. CEU’s will be available for educators attending the symposium. For info or to register, see : https://www.mnhum.org/event/dakota-ojibwe-symposium-presenter-application or email: registrations@mnhum.org.
March 2, 3, 7, 8, 9
Bear Grease
Featuring an all-Indigenous cast, this hilarious twist on the 1978 classic, Grease, reimagines the beloved musical as culturally relevant with Indigenous humor and pride. Bear Grease is the brainchild of Crystle Lightning (Cree) and MC RedCloud (Huichol), a husband-and-wife hip-hop duo who go by the name LightningCloud. Pay-what-you-can with a suggested price of $35. Gremlin Theatre, Annex Building, 550 Vandalia St, #177, St Paul. For info, see: www.newnativetheatre.org.
• March 2: 7:30pm
• March 3: 2:00pm
• March 7: 7:30pm
• March 8: 7:30pm
• March 9: 2pm & 7:30pm
March 13
DIW Prenatal Group
Are you pregnant? Build community, get support and learn together. Prenatl group starts March 13. Wednesdays from 4:30 to 7:30pm. Division of Indian Work, 1001 Lake St, Minneapolis. For info and to register, call Amy at 612-644-9726 or amyarndtbuzzard@yahoo.com.
March 15
IHB Women’s Health Day
The Indian Health Board is holding Women’s Health Day. Mammograms start at age 40 and should be done annually. Pap-tests start at age 21 and should be done every 3 to 5 years. Appointments available to pre-existing IHB patients. To schedule an appointment call Vicky at 612-721-9853. IHB, 1315 E 24th St, Mpls.
