MN’s American Indian Month / May 2010 Events
Ø Wednesday, April 28 – 11AM (until 3PM) 15th Annual American Indian Wellness Fair (Original location: Indian Center ), 1530 E. Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, This event promotes awareness of, and access to health services and community resources, More than 60 local health agencies, community groups, and HMO’s will offer exhibits, displays, and free health screenings along with a feast of traditional food, Everyone welcome, To register: call Sandra Rivera (612) 625-4441
Ø Friday, April 30 – 9AM (until 3PM) American Indian Month Kick-Off, Please join our ceremonial gathering at Cedar Field in the heart of the Little Earth Housing Community, 25th and Cedar Avenue South in South Minneapolis, 10AM: Parade of Nations/Celebration Walk (18 blocks) to Indian Center/Wakiagun lawn, 11AM: American Indian Cultural Corridor Banner Unveiling, 11:30AM: Veterans Dedication (Indian Center/Wakiagun lawn), Noon: Community Photo, 12:30PM: Feast/Live Music, Free & open to the public, FMI call (612) 871-4555 or visit www.nacdi.org
Ø Friday, April 30 – 4PM (until 10PM) Festival of Nations – 2010, Additional general public days/hours: Saturday, May 1 – 10AM (until 10PM), Sunday, May 2 – 10AM (until 6PM), Student days/hours: Friday, April 30 – 9:30AM (until 4PM), Student tickets by reservation through Festival of Nations only, Travel the world without a passport at the 2010 Festival of Nations, Location: St. Paul River Centre, 175 W. Kellogg Blvd, St. Paul, Over 90 different ethnic groups from around the world will share their foods, crafts, and traditions that form the mosaic of our American culture, FMI call (651) 265-4800 or visit: http://www.rivercentre.org/
Ø Saturday, May 1 – 6AM Sunrise Ceremony, Everyone welcome, Location: East River Flats, Directions: East River Road – on east side of Mississippi River, down hill from Coffman Union, Activities: tobacco offerings, prayers, smudging, request for safe and successful Indian month, good health, good weather, good feelings, safe streets, continental breakfast served at end, Free and open to the public, FMI call U’of MN Council of Elders (612) 625-3187
Ø Saturday, May 1 – 10AM (until 4PM) Spring Art Sale [1 of 2 days] Location: All Nations Church , 1515 E. 23rd Street , Minneapolis , Please join us! Original beadwork, jewelry, leatherwork, fabric soaps, perfumes & much more, Free & open to the public, Buy your unique gift items for Mother’s Day directly from the people who handcrafted them, FMI call (612) 721-4393
Ø Saturday, May 1 – 10AM (until 5PM) Exhibit - From Our Ancestors: Art of the White Clay People, Ends Sunday, May 2 (Hours: 11AM-5PM), Location: Minneapolis Institute of Arts, 2400 3rd Avenue South, Minneapolis, View extraordinary objects attributed to the people of the Ft. Belknap Indian Reservation located in north-central Montana, and the Northern Plains, And, discover the rich history, culture, and arts of the A’aninin (Gros Ventre) and Nakoda (Assiniboine), These tribal groups influenced one another’s artwork in terms of color, technique, and design, FMI call (612) 642-2787 or visit: http://www.artsmia.org/index.php?section_id=2&exh_id=2849
Ø Saturday, May 1 – 11AM (until 3PM) 15th Annual Native American Youth Olympics, Sponsored by Giinew/Golden Eagles Program, Location: Minneapolis American Indian Center , 1530 E. Franklin Avenue, Registration begins at 11AM, Please join us for races for tiny tots thru 18-years-olds, Bring your lawn chairs or blanket to sit on and watch the activities, Free and open to the public, Volunteers needed, FMI please call (612) 879-1708 or visit: www.maicnet.org
Ø Sunday, May 2 – Noon (until 4PM) Spring Art Sale [2 of 2 days] Location: All Nations Church , 1515 E. 23rd Street , Minneapolis , Please join us! Original beadwork, jewelry, leatherwork, fabric soaps, perfumes & much more, Free & open to the public, Buy your unique gift items for Mother’s Day directly from the people who handcrafted them, FMI call (612) 721-4393
Ø Sunday, May 2 – 10:45AM [1 of 3 Sunday services] Akina Community Church Celebrating Native American Heritage, Location: 3249 30th Avenue South , Minneapolis , Guest Speaker: Jim Bear Jacobs (Stockbridge-Munsee Band of the Mohican), Afterward: $3.00 Indian tacos, FMI call (612) 729-0189 or visit: www.akinachurch.com [Note: Info’ for this event arrived past the 4/29 deadline]
Ø Sunday, May 2 – 1PM May Day Parade & Festival, Parade to begin at 25th Street South – travel south on Bloomington Avenue to 34th Street, and then west to Powderhorn Park, See hand-built puppets and masks (some over 10 feet tall), music, and performance in the street, Food & craft vendors within park, More than 50,000 people from near and far, FMI call (612) 721-2535
Ø Monday, May 3 – 5:30PM (until 7PM) Book reading: Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto, [1 of 4 May Mondays at 5:30PM], Location: Minneapolis American Indian Center’s outside amphitheatre at corner of Bloomington & Franklin Avenues, Please join us as we delve into Vine Deloria’s groundbreaking book for its timeless impact, Free & open to the public, FMI contact Rhiana at or visit: www.newnativetheatre.org
Ø Tuesday, May 4 – Noon Comedian Charlie Hill at MCTC Helland Center , 1501 Hennepin Avenue , Minneapolis , Sponsored by MCTC & UNITE Native Student Club, Free & open to the public, Please join us for lots of laughter and fun, FMI call (612) 659-6713
Ø Tuesday, May 4 – 7PM Comedian Charlie Hill at Augsburg College in the Sateren Auditorium in the Music Hall, 2211 Riverside Avenue , Minneapolis , Sponsor: AI Student Services, FMI call Jennifer at (612) 330-1144
Ø Wednesday, May 5 – 1PM (until 5PM) Pathways to Green Resource Fair, Sponsored by the Indigenous Peoples’ Green Jobs Coalition, Program to begin at 2:30PM), Location: Minneapolis American Indian Center, 1530 E. Franklin Avenue, South Minneapolis, Emcee: LeMoine LaPointe, Drums: Little Earth Little Thunder Birds, Join us as we redefine, reclaim, & rebuild our communities through the many ways of Green (employment, education, tradition/health and organizing), FMI contact Valerie at (612) 2435
Ø Thursday, May 6 – 10AM (until 3PM) NACC in the Community Open House, Location: 1213 E. Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, Sponsors: NACC & UCare, Please join us for the grand opening of our Dental Clinic, feast, and giveaways, Free & open to the public, FMI contact Adrienne at (612) 872-8086, ext. 124
Ø Thursday, May 6 – 3PM (until 6PM) American Indian Teacher & Educators Fair, Location: Division of Indian Works, 1001 E. Lake Street, Minneapolis, Dakota Lodge, For anyone interested in teaching or education as a career – please check us out, Several colleges will be present to discuss their education degree programs, financial aid, etc., Free & open to the public, FMI contact Roxanne Gould at (612) 668-0614 or
Ø Thursday, May 6 – 3:30PM (until 6:30PM) Spring Pow Wow & Family Night, Sponsor: Anishinabe Academy , Location: 3100 E. 28th Street, Minneapolis (Baseball fields), If rain, to be held in gymnasium, Drums: Anishinabe & First Nations, Special guests: Mexica/Azteca Dancers, Dances: Potatoe, Round, Two step, Raffle, Plant giveaway, Lacrosse game, Tug of war, Art activities, Face-painting, Hula hoop contest, Students & families are encouraged to bring dance regalia, District media will be videotaping this special event, FMI call (612) 668-0880 or visit: www.anishinabe.mpls.k12.mn.us/
Ø Thursday, May 6 – 6PM (until 8PM) Red Lake Nation Embassy Open House, 2929 Bloomington Avenue South in South Minneapolis, Please join us at our new digs for delicious food, raffles, and entertainment, Free & open to the public, FMI call (612) 874-9588.
Ø Friday, May 7 – 4PM (until 7PM) Lowrider Car Show, 1 of 2 days featuring Cinco de Mayo events within St. Paul’s West Side adjacent to Plato & Wabasha (near the Holiday Station), Parking: $6 (% fundraiser for local community groups, No shuttles Friday, Free & open to the public, FMI please visit: http://www.districtdelsol.com/docroot/cincodemayo.html
Ø Saturday, May 8 – 10AM (until 12PM) Cinco de Mayo Parade, 2 of 2 days featuring Cinco de Mayo events, Starting point: Plato & Wabasha (near the Holdiay Station), Free & open to the public, Parking: $6 (% fundraiser for local community groups, Saturday free shuttles every 15 minutes on Robert & Plato, Standard Cinco de Mayo events to follow, FMI please visit: http://www.districtdelsol.com/docroot/cincodemayo.html
Ø Saturday, May 8 – Noon 11th Annual Mothers Day Traditional Pow Wow, Location: Cedar Field 2495 18th Avenue South, Minneapolis, Sponsors: Little Earth of United Tribes & Red Lake Urban Office, Grand entry: Noon, Feast: 5PM, Please bring your own lawn chair, MC: Jerry Dearly, AD: John Oakgrove, Host Drums: The Boyz, Little Earth, For vendor & raffle info’ call Binesikwe at (612) 724-0024, General info – call Vinny Dionne at (612) 455-2818 or visit: http://www.littleearth.org/mura/default/
Ø Saturday, May 8 U’of MN Spring Pow Wow, Grand entries: 1 & 7PM, Feast: 5PM, Location: Coffman Memorial Union – Great Hall, 300 Washington Avenue SE, Minneapolis, MC: Jim Clairmont, AD: Charlie Smith, Adult Host Drum: The Boyz, Youth Host Drum: Osseo Schools, U’of MN Sponsors: Council of Elders, Circle of Indigenous Nations, Dakota Language Society, AI Science & Engineering Society, FMI contact AI Student Cultural Center at (612) 624-0243 or
Ø Saturday, May 8 – Noon (until 4PM) Ojibwe Baby Moccasin Workshop, Location: Mille Lacs Indian Museum, Onamia, MN, Day 2: Sunday, May 9 – 10AM (until 2PM), Come and learn techniques of leather working at this two-day workshop and create a pair of Ojibwe Style Baby moccasins to take home, Must pre-register by May 5th, Discounted hotel rooms are available on Saturday night for workshop participants at Grand Casino Mille Lacs, Lunch and refreshments provided, Cost: $45 for public, $40 for MN Historical Society and MLB members, Please note: there is an additional supply fee of $15, For reservations or FMI call museum at (320) 532-3632.
Ø Sunday, May 9 – 10:45AM [2 of 3 Sunday services] Akina Community Church Celebrating Native American Heritage, Location: 3249 30th Avenue South, Minneapolis, Theme: Honoring Mothers, A gift will be presented to mothers in attendance, Happy Mother’s Day, FMI call (612) 729-0189 or visit: www.akinachurch.com
Ø Monday, May 10 – 5:30PM (until 7PM) Book reading: Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto, [2 of 4 May Mondays at 5:30PM], Location: Minneapolis American Indian Center’s outside amphitheatre at corner of Bloomington & Franklin Avenues, Please join us as we delve into Vine Deloria’s groundbreaking book for its timeless impact, Free & open to the public, FMI contact Rhiana at or visit: www.newnativetheatre.org
Ø Tuesday, May 11 – 5PM (until 7PM) Wicoie Nandagikendan’s Open House, Ojibwe & Dakota Language Immersion Program, Location: 1308 E. Franklin Avenue, Please join us in celebration of Indian Month as we serve Indian tacos, offer prizes, and have fun activities prior to the start of Ojibwe & Dakota weekly Language Nests, FMI call Estella at (612) 721-4246 or Kim at (612) 423-6558.
Ø Wednesday, May 12 – 1PM (until 6PM) Open House & Ribbon-cutting Ceremony, Urban Research and Outreach/Engagement Center (UROC), Location: 2001 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis, This facility brings university and community resources together to address issues of importance in urban settings, 3:30: Welcome festivities, 4PM: Ribbon-cutting, Refreshments, tours, art exhibits, and lively conversation, Free & open to the public, RSVP at www.uroc.umn.edu/launch or (612) 626-8762
Ø Thursday, May 13 – Noon (until 2PM) Kateri Residence Annual Indian Month Celebration & Open House, 2408 4th Avenue South in South Minneapolis, Please join us for refreshments, door prizes, informative quizzes, and an unveiling of our outdoor mural created by Kateri residents and MCAD students, Marlene Helgmo will be doing the blessing, FMI contact Kate Bendel at (612) 871-0477 or
Ø Thursday, May 13 – Noon (until 4PM) On the Red Road Indian Taco Sale , Location: MN Chippewa Tribe Building , 1308 E. Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, Cost/taco: $5, Will deliver for orders of 7 or more, Sponsor: On the Red Road (We are Natives in sobriety who are fundraising for a sober dance and other sober activities for Natives new to recovery), FMI contact Andrea at (612) 735-5793.
Ø Thursday, May 13 – 7PM Dance Exhibition & Art Show, Please join Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, area youth, and the Little Six Drum Group in celebration of Dakota culture, traditions, and spirituality at this free event – open to the public, Location: Prior Lake High School Auditorium, 7575 150th Street West, Savage, MN, Each performance will begin with a prayer followed by a Grand Entry, Refreshments will be served following the 7PM performance, FMI call (952) 226-8600 or visit: http://www.priorlake-savage.k12.mn.us/plsas/site/default.asp
Ø Friday, May 14 – 11AM (until 2PM) Minneapolis American Indian Center Open House, Please join us for a delicious BBQ lunch to be served at Noon, Free & open to the public, We look forward to having you as our guests during MN’s American Indian Month in celebration of our proud heritage, FMI contact Director Frances Fairbanks at (612) 879-1704.
Ø Friday, May 14 – 11:30AM (until 2:30PM) Women of Nations Spring Feast, Location: Hallie Q. Brown Community Center , 270 N. Kent Street , St. Paul, Free & open to the public, Please join us for delicious traditional food and good company, FMI call (651) 251-1603 or visit: www.women-of-nations.org
Ø Friday, May 14 – Noon (until 4PM) MIWRC’s American Indian Month Event!, Location: 2300 15th Avenue South, Minneapolis, Please join us for arts/crafts, bake sale, and Native Blend’s Café, FMI call (612) 728-2000 or visit: www.miwrc.org
Ø Sunday, May 16 – 10:45AM [3 of 3 Sunday services] Akina Community Church Celebrating Native American Heritage, Location: 3249 30th Avenue South , Minneapolis , Guest Speaker: Kathy Talbert speaking on Being a Native Pastor in the 1800’s, FMI call (612) 729-0189 or visit: www.akinachurch.com
Ø Monday, May 17 – 11AM (until 2PM) MN Chippewa Tribe Open House, Location: 1308 E. Franklin Avenue, Minneapolis, Please join us for great food, cultural activities, and door prizes, Free & open to the public, FMI call Samirya at (651) 500-1828.
Ø Monday, May 17 – 5:30PM (until 7PM) Book reading: Custer Died for Your Sins: An Indian Manifesto, [3 of 4 May Mondays at 5:30PM], Location: Minneapolis American Indian Center’s outside amphitheatre at corner of Bloomington & Franklin Avenues, Please join us as we delve into Vine Deloria’s groundbreaking book for its timeless impact, Free & open to the public, FMI contact Rhiana at or visit: www.newnativetheatre.org