By K.E. MacPhie
On a crisp spring evening in Minneapolis, the Allina Health MacMillan Center in Minneapolis transformed into a vibrant tapestry of Indigenous culture and community spirit as the Division of Indian Work (DIW) hosted its annual Wambli Soars! Fundraiser. The event, held on the evening of April 26, brought together supporters, community members, and cultural enthusiasts for an evening of celebration, education, and philanthropy.
The event was emceed by WCCO reporter, Reg Chapman, and Native educator, Odia Wood-Krueger. Guests were welcomed with the rhythmic beats of the Red Lake Singers on Big Drum and Hand Drum singing by the Asiginaak Singers, setting the tone for an evening steeped in tradition and unity. Native Harvest, catered an impressive appetizer and buffet offering attendees a taste of Indigenous culinary artistry with options like wild rice, braised bison, cranberry glaze dressing, and more. Zero-proof tea and sumac lemonade complemented the meal, ensuring a family-friendly atmosphere for all ages.
I sat at a table with guests of Aaron Johnson, the Director of Programs at DIW. They praised their friend’s dedication to the cause and all the great things they knew about DIW. They weren’t Native, but it was inspiring to see how actively they supported the community and the people around them doing the work. That is the kind of people this event drew in from the community outside of our Native relatives. But interspersed with generous donors were tables of Native women in beautiful ribbon skirts, men with slickback braids, and people of all ages and races coming together for one cause.
The live auction segment of the evening was a highlight, featuring unique items such as a dozen of George Soule’s world-famous chocolate chip cookies, a catered home dinner for eight by Native Harvest accompanied by a mini-concert from virtuoso violinist Michael Sutton, and a luxurious Christmas getaway in a stunning 3-bedroom villa at Hacienda Encantada in Cabo. Other notable auction items included a 4-course meal for six at Holman’s Table in St. Paul with wine pairings and a Minneapolis getaway package featuring an overnight stay at the Nicollet Island Inn, a $300 gift card to Murray’s Steakhouse, and two tickets to the Guthrie Theater. Generous community partners donated all of the prizes, and when the bidding was over, they played a grateful and informative video featuring three of the program’s participants, past and present.
The evening culminated in a group round dance, symbolizing unity and shared purpose among attendees. This communal dance served as a poignant reminder of the event’s core mission: to support the Division of Indian Work in its efforts to empower Native communities through education, health services, and cultural preservation together as a whole community.
As Wambli Soars! 2025 concluded, attendees departed with full hearts and a deeper appreciation for the rich tapestry of Indigenous culture and the ongoing efforts to uplift and support Native communities throughout Minnesota.
For those who participated in the silent auction, or to any companies or individuals looking to donate to the event next year, contact David Nelson at 612-279-6321.
