Study examines how Native culture is depicted in tobacco ads

By CoCo Villaluz, Joanne D’Silva and Erin O’Gara Recently, our country has seen improved understanding of cultural misappropriation. Awareness of stereotypes, protests against racist mascots, and education that cultural imagery in clothing is not appropriate for costumes are just a few examples of changing sensibilities. As researchers and advocates, we have examined how American Indian […]
Outpatient Program for Little Earth

By Lee Egerstrom Three Native American organizations have teamed up to launch a new Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) to help drug abusers and their families in the Little Earth of United Tribes community in Minneapolis. Beginning in October, Little Earth residents will be eligible for outpatient treatment and support from health and behavioral specialists at […]
The meaning of consent: Fond du Lac and Enbridge

By Winona LaDuke “Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) is one of the most important principles that Indigenous Peoples believe can protect their right to participation. It is embedded in the right to self-determination. The duty of States to obtain Indigenous Peoples’ FPIC entitles Indigenous people to effectively determine the outcome of decision-making that affects […]
What’s New in the Community September 2018

Minneapolis Native Elders compete in MN Senior Games The Minnesota Senior Games were held in Mankato on August 16-19 and for the first time there was an Elder Team from the Minneapolis Native community participating. Team members who participated were from the Leech Lake, White Earth, Rocky Boy, and Bois Forte Reservations. The Minnesota Senior Games […]
“The Wall” on Franklin sheds light on homeless Natives

Story and photos by Ona Knoxsha As the morning sun began to rise up and over Highway 55 in south Minneapolis, residents at the American Indian homeless camp on Franklin Avenue had already started their day. They cleaned and repaired their bicycles, folded their blankets, and zipped their tents shut. Residents began to huddle at […]
New Bell Museum showcases state’s past and Ojibwe/Dakota words

By Deborah Locke Here is a reaction I can almost guarantee. Take your children to the new Bell Museum on Larpenteur Avenue, not far from the State Fair grounds, and watch their eyes when they see the 11-foot tall wooly mammoth and the smaller but impressive giant beaver. Their eyes will widen, and so will […]
Political Matters Sept 2018

Dick Bancroft memorial In my August column, I wrote a remembrance of my friend Dick Bancroft, a photographer who spent decades chronicling the American Indian Movement’s activities and the struggles of indigenous peoples around the world. Dick, who died July 16, will be honored at a memorial gathering 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 26 at the […]
Community Calendar September 2018

Thru Oct. 2019 Horse Nation of the Ochéthi Šakówiŋ All My Relations Arts presents Horse Nation of the Ochéthi Šakówi, an exhibition that explores how horses shape the history, spirituality, and culture of the Dakhóta, Nakhóta, and Lakhóta (Dakota, Nakota, and Lakota) people, collectively known as the Ochéthi Šakówiŋ (Seven Council Fires). The exhibition features paintings, textiles, film, and […]
Paul Lyle Enyart Obituary

Paul Lyle Enyart “Oyăte Nawičhakičižin” 1968 – August 1, 2018 Paul Lyle Enyart “Oyăte Nawičhakičižin” (Protects the People), 50, of Swatara, MN, passed away August 1, 2018 at Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital. Paul was born in 1968 to Clarence and Barbara Enyart in Minneapolis, MN and grew up in the Shakopee Mdewakanton Dakota Community. […]
Neil McKay is new member Bell Museum Board of Directors

By Deborah Locke Chantemaza (Neil McKay) is a new member of the Bell Museum Board of Directors and agreed to speak with The Circle about his new role and museums in general. McKay is a Dakota Language Specialist in the American Indian Studies Department at the University of Minnesota, where he has been a member […]
AIOIC Expands Takoda

By Lee Egerstrom The American Indian Opportunities Industrialization Center (AIOIC) in Minneapolis has redesigned the logo and branding of its no cost, adult education programs and employment services under a Takoda, or “all are welcome,” brand in the Dakota language. The rebranding has been in the works for the past year, AIOIC officials said. Various […]
Ties to culture are vital for Native American children in foster care

By Camille Erickson Victor Walter (Bois Forte Ojibwe) used to cut hair for a living. While giving a haircut six years ago, Walter had a client who expressed dismay over the lack of available foster homes for children in Minnesota. He asked if Walter would ever consider being a foster parent. Back at home, Walter […]