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.
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
Jan 11
Waziya Winter Wind Celebration
Embrace Wazíya, the Dakota north wind, embodying resilience and the power of the north! This inclusive event invites people of all ages and backgrounds to connect with the land, history, and community! Live Snow Sculpture by Heather Friedli: Watch Heather Friedli create one of her iconic snow sculptures live, showcasing winter’s stunning beauty. Augmented Reality Premiere by Marlena Myles: Discover the power of Wazíya, the Dakota Winter Wind, through an exciting new augmented reality experience. Dakota Snowshoes with Dawí Westerman: Learn about traditional Dakota snowshoes led by Dawí Westerman. Prior to the celebration, participants will work together to build snowshoes that will serve the community (dates for workshops will be announced soon). Winter Plant Knowledge & Craft with Fern Renville: Explore the wisdom of Dakota winter plants through craft and storytelling. Storytelling with Diane Wilson: Enjoy stories from award-winning Dakota author Diane Wilson (“The Seed Keeper”). Indigenous Makers Market: Shop from 20+ Indigenous vendors offering handmade goods, art, and more. Delicious Indigenous Foods: Warm up with traditional foods and teas, including NDN Tacos by Trickster Tacos. Outdoor Activities for All Ages: Have fun with free snowshoeing, sledding, skiing, and kicksledding! 11am to 4pm. Free and open to all. Battle Creek Park Recreation Center, 75 Winthrop St S, Saint Paul. For info: https://allevents.in/saint%20paul/waziya-winter-wind-celebration-dakota-winter-teachings
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 17
Anishinaabe Cedar Ceremony
AICHO will be hosting a traditional Anishinaabe Cedar Ceremony dedicated to healing and wellbeing. We welcome all our relatives who are searching for a sacred space for personal growth, spiritual renewal, and guidance. The ceremony will take place on from 5pm to 8pm. A feast will be included. The ceremony will be led by Fred Desjarlait (Red Lake Nation) and Renee Gurneau (Red Lake Nation). We ask participants to bring asemaa (tobacco); some will be provided to those who need it. We ask participants to bring gifts if they are able, to give to the ceremony conductors. We encourage participants to wear ceremony clothing, but it is not required. Ceremony funded by AICHO’s Waaseyaa Traditional Healing Grant via Minnesota Department of Human Services Behavioral Health Division. AICHO’s Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center, 212 W 2nd St. Duluth. For info: call Ryan Clark, at 218-591-1382 or email RyanC@aicho.org.
Jan 17 – 18
13 Moons Gichi Manidoo Giizis Powwow
Join us for the annual Gichi Manidoo Giizis Pow Wow hosted by the 13 Moons FDLTCC Extension Program. Host Drum: Red Willow. Friday: Warmups at 7pm. Saturday: Registration at 10am, Grand Entry at 1pm and 7pm, Traditional Feast at 5pm. Black Bear Casino Resort, Otter Creek Event Center, 1785 Highway 210, Carlton. Funded by the Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College. For info: taylor.warnes@fdltcc.edu
Jan 25 – June 8
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 will launch a new annual statewide grant program in 2025. 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 January 30. 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. For more info: MNCommunityIDEAS @spmcf.org or call 651-325-4202. https://spmcf.org/nonprofits/grants-for-nonprofits/minnesota-community-ideas-program
Feb 2
Learning from Place: Bdote
Learning from Place: Bdote – visit sites of great significance to Dakota people. Participants will learn from Dakota community members through stories and histories that have often been left out of our state’s history. 1pm to 3pm. This event is offered in partnership with The Great Northern as part of its 2025 festival. Fort Snelling State Park, 101 Snelling Lake Rd, St Paul. For info: https://www.mnhum.org/event/great-northern-festival-learning-from-place-bdote.
Feb 8
Community Connections Conf.: Participation is Power
The City of Minneapolis is organizing this year’s event around the power of participating in your community and local decision-making. Our theme this year will be “Participation is Power: Speak, Act, Grow.” You’re invited to join the City of Minneapolis and over 150 organizations to connect, share resources and get involved in local decision-making. This year’s free event will have workshops, music and dance, fun activities for kids, a scavenger hunt, jobs and internships, an expo and a community conversation on health. Lunch included. The Community Connections Conference is an annual free event that connects residents of Minneapolis, community groups, neighborhoods and local government. We invite people to: Speak: Voice your opinion about important upcoming projects and decision-making. Act: Take action by voting, joining a neighborhood organization board or a City appointed board. Grow: Learn skills and information you can use to improve your neighborhood, community and life. 9am to 4pm. Minneapolis Convention Center, first floor, Hall E, Minneapolils. For info: minneapolismn.gov/ccc
Feb 14
MMIW Relatives Day of Action and Remembrance
There will be rallies and gatherings across the state to honor Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. A march will take place at the Minneapolis American Indian Center from 11am to 2pm. MAIC, 1530 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. For info: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/offices-missing-murdered/mmir-office-mmir/mmir-community-events.
