ONGOING
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 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.
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. Watermark Art Center, 505 Bemidji Ave N, Bemidji. For info, see: WatermarkArtCenter.org.
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. 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 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 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.
April 12
Lauren Alaina
Lauren Alaina has earned three chart-topping hits: RIAA platinum-certified “Road Less Traveled,” 7x platinum “What Ifs” with her childhood friend Kane Brown, and 2x platinum. Star Casino, 777 S Casino Rd, Mahnomen. For info, see: https://www.starcasino.com or call 800- 453-7827
April 13
Celebrating Native American Fashion
Join us in the “Celebration of Native American Fashion.” This fashion show is a public activity to enhance the Tweed Museum of Art’s “Then and Now: Ojibway Cultural Traditions” art exhibition AND inform attendees about the rich, vibrant and cultural history, designs, and symbology of past and present Native American fashion. The event was curated by Wendy Savage, Fond du Lac Ojibwe tribal member. Twenty-six models from the surrounding reservations and across the State of Minnesota have been confirmed and will show their best regalia and fashion designed clothing. Emcee: Chi Ma’iingan of Round Lake Traditions. Introduction of Native American Fashion. Light refreshments will be served. Co-hosted by AICHO and Tweed Museum of Art. Funding by McKnight Foundation. Noon to 2pm. Free and open to the public. For info, see: https://visitduluth.com/event/celebrating-native-american-fashion.
April 14, 21, 28
Gifts of the Nettle
NAAIR In The Gallery: “Gifts of the Nettle” with Fern Renville. Join us at the Minnesota History Center for a three-part “Artists In The Gallery” series. Watch a demonstration and participate in nettle plant fiber weaving with Fern Renville, 2023 Native American Artist in Residence. Throughout the day, Fern will be demonstrating how nettle plant fiber can be processed into cordage and will be weaving a community fishing net. Fern is an artist and a member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate who is working to bring her experience with fiber art, pottery, and weaving art back to her Dakota homelands. She will be teaching, telling stories, and sharing the knowledge she has learned through her residency with museum guests. 10am to 4pm. Minnesota History Center, 345 W. Kellogg Blvd, St Paul. Other dates include April 21 and April 28. For info, see: https://www.mnhs.org/events/1460.
April 16
Building Capacity for Partnering: Virtual Blanket
Building Capacity in Partnering trainings, offered through the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors’ Family Preservation Subcommittee, the Tribal Training and Certification Partnership, and Metro State University Social Work Multicultural Title IV-E Program. This training will introduce social workers, social work students, and attorneys to the impacts of historical trauma on child welfare and the history of Tribes that share geography with the state of Minnesota in order to better serve American Indian families in child welfare. 12 pm – 2 pm. Virtual online only. Space is limited. Register at: https://blanket-exercise.eventbrite.com
April 16 – 17
Honoring Elder Wisdom
A two-day conference to learn from medical professionals and others who cherish the wisdom of our elders to take care of our health and each other. 8am – 4pm. Northern Lights Event Center, 6800 Frontage Rd NW, Walker, MN. Checks, purchase orders, and money orders also accepted, send to Northwoods Caregivers, Attention Karen Bedeau, 616 America Ave NW, Suite 170, Bemidji.
April 19
Native American Indigenous Historical Trauma: An Arts Based Workshop
In this workshop, attendees will receive a general overview of historical and intergenerational trauma experienced by Native American/Indigenous people in the United States, including colonization, treaties, relocation, genocide, boarding schools, civil rights, blood quantum, and cultural appropriation of sports teams, and create a response piece to information presented. 9am – 4pm. Center of Belonging, 3501 Alderich Ave S., Minneapolis. For info, see: https://www.centerofbelonging.org.
April 20
Robbinsdale Area Schools Powwow
MC: Jerry Dearly. AD: Miziway Desjarlait. Host Drum: Hoka Hey. Co-host drum: Red Tree Singers. Grand Entry at 1pm. Armstrong High School, 10635 36th Ave N, Robbinsdale.
April 20
6th Annual Student Honoring Powwow – Traditional
MCs: Deanna StandingCloud and John Bobolink. AD: Vinny Dionne. Host Drum: Bear Runner. Invited drums: Imnizaska, Hoka Maza, White Elk, Little Fire. Honorarium for invited drums only. 1pm is Grand Entry. 2pm is Student honoring. 4pm is Kalpulli Huitzillin. 6pm is the feast. Free to attend, all are welcome. Mounds View High School, 1900 Lake Valentine Rd, Arden Hills. For info, see: https://moundsview.mvpschools.org.
April 22 – 25
NAP Conference
The 2024 Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) Annual Conference will bring together a community of leaders, practitioners, and learners at the intersection of philanthropy, Native advocacy, and Tribal sovereignty to collaborate on ways they can be involved in the movement to Indigenize philanthropy. With a firm grounding in Indigenous cultures, the NAP conference will honor the past, celebrate the present, and chart the map to the future. In person is sold out. But you can still attend virtually. Marriott City Center, 30 S 7th St, Minneapolis. For info, see: https://natifs.org/event/native-americans-in-philanthropy-conference
April 25
Native Nations Fashion Night
Native Nations Fashion Night “Messengers, Protectors & Great Mysteries” is an exciting event showcasing the beauty and creativity of Native American fashion. Join us for a night filled with stunning designs inspired by Native traditions and culture. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to witness the fusion of tradition and modern style on the runway! In the Indigenous belief systems, Spirits are everywhere. This fashion show is centered around conveying creative ideas through intriguing textures, techniques, or embellishments that tell a story or convey a hidden message that invites interpretations of the mysterious. 5 – 10pm. Quincy Hall, 1325 Quincy St NE, Minneapolis. For info, see: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/native-nations-fashion-night-messengers-protectors-great-mysteries-tickets-854983266967.
April 26
Loverboy
For more than 40 years, LOVERBOY has been “Working for the Weekend” (and on weekends), delighting audiences around the world since forming in 1978. They have played on mega tours with Journey, Bob Seger, Cheap Trick, ZZ Top, Kansas and Def Leppard, to name a few. Star Casino, 777 S Casino Rd, Mahnomen. For info, see: https://www.starcasino.com or call 800-453-7827.
Thru April 27
Star WallowingBull: Mapping and (Meta)Morphing
Bockley Gallery welcomes Star WallowingBull (Ojibwe and Arapaho) for his sixth solo exhibition with the gallery. Through vivid and intricate colored-pencil drawings and acrylic paintings, WallowingBull explores intersections of Indigeneity and U.S. pop culture. He conceptually and playfully exposes and overrides colonial mechanisms of control. With Mapping and (Meta) Morphing, WallowingBull continues to refuse the calcified borders that attempt to constrain place, memory, and the ever-spinning web of belonging. Bockley Gallery, 2123 W 21st St, Minneapolis. (West of Lake of the Isles, near Franklin). For info, see: https://bockleygallery.com
April 27
Wambli Soars!
WAMBLI SOARS! is the Division of Indian Work’s annual fundraiser (formerly known as LEAP!) Enjoy a delicious Native feast and zero proof beverages catered by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community catering service. Hosted by local favorite, Don Shelby accompanied by Odia Wood-Krueger, the evening’s exciting program includes a Native dancing demonstration and remarks by MN State Senator Mary Kunesh and DIW’s Executive Director Louise Matson. Live Auction and Fund A Need, led by Fladeboe Auctions. The lobby will be filled with participatory Native games, select items from our online Silent Auction, and information tables. Online auction opens on April 20th. Open until noon on April 28th. Allina Health MacMillan Center, 2925 Elliot Ave S, Minneapolis. For info, see: https://www.diw-mn.org/wambli.
April 27
26th Annual AISCC Spring Powwow
MC: Terry Goodsky. Host Drum: Cedar Creek, Invited Drum: Lake Delton, Eaglefeather. Grand Entries at 1 and 7pm. Doors open at 11am. All drums welcome, no drum hopping, minimum 5 singer per drum. Registration ends at 12:30pm. Maturi Pavilion, 1925 University Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN. (Parking: University Avenue ramp, 1925 University Ave SE, Minneapolis.)
April 27
27th Annual Osseo Area Schools Indian Ed Wacipi
MC: Ricky White. AD: Richard Milda. Host Drum: Hoka Maza and Hoka Hey. Grand Entry at 1pm. Senior Honoring at 2pm. Feast at 6pm. Osseo Middle School, 10223 93rd Ave N, Osseo, MN.
April 28
Chiminising Ziigwan Youth Powwow
MC: Migizi Sullivan. AD: George “Budman” Morrow III. Host Drum: Little Bear and Little Otter. Grand entry at 1pm. 2605 Chiminising Drive, Isle, MN. Contact Cheryl Miller at 320-630-6870 for more info.
April 28
Pow Wow Healing in Four Directions
Pow Wow Healing in Four Directions, Honoring John “Azhide” Bobolink. Grand Entry at 1 pm. Feast at 6 pm. Arena director: Norman Benson. Emcee: Jerry Dearly. Host drum: Ain Dah Yung Singers. Co-host drum (youth): Toka Apa. Invited drum: Raining Thunder. Head Dancers: Dennis Gilbert and Afton Delgado. Teachings by Bruce Sonnenberg. Songs by Raining Thunder/Fish Dance Snake Dance. All dancers and drums welcome. Must register onsite to receive an honorarium. Registration is from 12-2 p.m. Free to attend. All are welcome. Food trucks, vendors, and education booths. Free t-shirts for community. Humboldt High School, 30 Baker St E, St Paul.
May 1 (Indian Month)
MAIC Grand Reopening Open House and Powwow
Join us for a celebration of the reopening of the Minneapolis American Indian Center, which has been closed for renovations since 2022. The public is invited to an open house and powwow to explore the upgraded center and celebrate the reopening from Noon to 8pm. The day will start with a parade to celebrate the start of American Indian Month, beginning at Cedar Avenue Field Park at 10am and wrapping up at the Minneapolis American Indian Center at 11:30am. Schedule of events: American Indian Month kick-off parade 10am the Parade starts. 11:30am the Parade concludes at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. Event will include: Ribbon cutting ceremony, food available from Gatherings Cafe and local food trucks, opportunity to walk around the center and connect with program staff, swag bags and t-shirts available, Entertainment in the gym: Keith Secola and The Sampson Brothers. Powwow from 5 – 7:30pm. Grand Entry at 6pm. Volunteers needed. We are looking for volunteers to help with our open house and powwow. Shifts will occur throughout the day from 10am to 10pm. Help is needed with set up, clean up, and serving food for Gatherings Cafe. If you’d like to help, see: https://forms. gle/gqeyQCsG2fMXzvqJ8. We also are accepting applications for food and merch vendors and informational tabling during our powwow, which starts at 5pm. Apply at: https://forms. gle/1o4jzqS2sR1PSMXe9. Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. For info, see: https://www.maicnet.org/events/grand-reopening-open-house.
May 4
Powwow for Hope®
DANCING FOR LIFE, LOVE & HOPE: A Community Healing Event and Fundraiser. Powwow for Hope is a nationwide fundraiser for American Indian Cancer Foundation that leads to a community event held in Minneapolis, MN, where thousands come together to honor loved ones who have faced or are currently facing cancer by creating a space for healing. Proceeds benefit the Foundation’s mission to eliminate cancer burdens on Native people through improved access to prevention, early detection, treatment, and survivor support. Donations are accepted online at: https://givebutter.com/AICAF_PFH_2024. For info, see: https://powwowforhope.org, or email: powwow@aicaf.org
May 4
2024 Dakhóta Omníčiye
Join us for the annual Dakhóta Omníčiye. This free gathering will focus on celebrating Thiyóšpaye (extended family) and will be a day filled with Očhéthi Šakówiŋ artists, music, Dakhóta knowledge, storytelling, and food. This is an opportunity to come together at a traditional gathering site, engage in good-hearted conversation with relatives, and learn more about the continued resiliency of Dakhóta oyáte. Free admission for Native community members. Included with site admission for the general public. 10am – 4pm. Historic Fort Snelling, 200 Tower Ave, Saint Paul. For info, see: https://www.mnhs.org/events/1488 or call 612-726-1171.
May 4
South of the River Powwow
Grand Entry at 1pm. The SOTR Powwow Committee is looking for craft vendors and representatives from nonprofits and colleges/universities to attend our powwow. Vendors will be set up inside the Burnsville High School Gymnasium. We welcome any HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT or STUDENT organizations from a South of the River Indian Education Program to sign up for a vendor table to sell your crafts or fundraise for your student organization. Burnsville High School Gymnasium, 600 State Hwy 13, Burnsville. For info, see: se https://forms.gle/v968Edz6AwTrCqbj6 or Lisa.Turgeon@district196.org or call 651-423-7890.
May 6
American Indian Day on the Hill
Speakers, lunch, honoring our elders, and meet and greet. 9:30am to 2:30pm. L’Etoile du Nord Vault Room, State Capitol, St Paul. For info, contact Michelle Poitra at: Michele.Poitra@state.mn.us.
May 8
Founders’ Day Open House and Career Fair
Career Fair at 10am, Open House starts at 11am, Program at 11:30 with lunch following program. There will be music, a raffle, community tables, and more. 10am-2pm. Rain or shine. American Indian OIC – Takoda, 1845 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis. For info, see: aioic.org.
