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Events happening in Minnesota during Native American Heritage Month – InForum
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Events happening in Minnesota during Native American Heritage Month – InForum

More than 100 years ago, Red Fox James, a member of the Blackfeet Nation, rode across the United States to demand a day to honor indigenous peoples. In May 1916, New York celebrated the first “American Indian Day.”

Decades later, in 1990, Congress voted and President George HW Bush signed into law a joint resolution designating November as National Native American Heritage Month.

Each year, the month is recognized by state law or presidential proclamation.

Native American Heritage Month recognizes and celebrates indigenous history, culture, and contributions across the United States.

For many, being together in community, whether small or large gatherings, is the best way to celebrate.

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October 14: Community members and elected officials gather on the banks of Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day in a sunrise ceremony.

Ben Hovland / MPR News

While these aren’t all the events happening in Minnesota, here are some upcoming events to check out throughout this year’s Native American Heritage Month:

The wisdom of AICHO from our elders

  • November 6, 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., Duluth
  • Share a meal together and learn from Virgil Sohm, an Ojibwe elder from Nett Lake, the knowledge he has gained on his travels, listening to various tribal elders and community spiritual leaders from various tribes.

Timberwolves Native American Heritage Month

  • November 8, 8 p.m. – 11 p.m., Minneapolis
  • Join the Native American Community Development Institute for an evening watching the Timberwolves play the Portland Trail Blazers. Special shows from the Prairie Island Indian Community.

Round dance 2024

  • November 8, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m., Morris, Minnesota.
  • Attend the 3rd Annual University of Minnesota Morris Round Dance. Open to the public.

9th Annual Veterans Wacipi

  • November 8-9, Morton, Minnesota.
  • Join the Lower Sioux community to celebrate veterans with a powwow at Jackpot Junction Casino Hotels. The first grand entrance will take place on Friday at 7 p.m.

Voices of North Star: They wouldn’t be out of place

  • November 9, 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., St. Paul
  • North Star Voices highlights some of Minnesota’s hidden, forgotten, or off-curb landscapes and outdoor experiences. Join the Minnesota Historical Society to learn about the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and how the community fought back to preserve their reservation.

Concert and Art Exhibition for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women

  • November 9, 5 – 9:30 p.m., Duluth
  • An evening of powerful music and art dedicated to raising awareness for missing and murdered Indigenous women. Hosted at Denfeld High School, the event will feature talented artists and musicians coming together to honor and support the community. Cost to attend.

Native American evening 2024

  • November 11, 3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., Mankato, Minnesota.
  • Join Minnesota State University Mankato to learn more about Native American culture, history and community. Speaker Patty Krawec, author of “Becoming Kin,” will offer a question-and-answer session and book signing.

Misaabe Anishinaabe Cultural Exhibition 2024

  • November 13, 9:30 a.m. – November 14, 1:30 p.m., Mountain Iron, Minnesota.
  • Join KBFT, Bois Forte Tribal Community Radio and the community to celebrate Native American Heritage Month with presentations and musical performances. Free and open to the public.

Thanks and Veterans Day

  • November 14, 5 – 7 p.m., Cloquet, Minnesota.
  • Join Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College in honoring FDLTCC students, faculty, staff and community members who are veterans or currently serving on active duty. The free event will feature a delicious feast and is open to the public.

KBFT Mino Mashkiki Music Festival

  • November 15, 5:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m., Virginia, Minnesota.
  • Contemporary Native American music showcase with Hip/Hop, Rock, Indie and AlterNative Live performances. Keith Secola, Annie Humphrey, War Bonnet, Itz Lil Lee and Bobby V.

Native American Heritage Month Round Dance

  • November 16, 6 p.m. – 10 p.m., Bemidji, Minnesota.
  • Hosted by the Northwest Indian Community Development Center at Bemidji High School. Meal served at 7 p.m.

BirchBark Creations: Making earrings with tradition and nature

  • November 17, 12 p.m. – 2:30 p.m., Minneapolis
  • Mashkiki Studios LLC will host a birch bark earrings workshop exploring the cultural and historical significance of birch bark. Under the guidance of skilled artisans, participants will be able to create their own unique earrings. The course is open to all levels for a fee.

We Are Water: fashion show

  • November 21, 5 – 8 p.m., Shakopee, Minnesota.
  • Join SMSC’s first-ever fashion show exploring the theme “Water is for Everyone”. Exhibition creations will feature works by Bill Brien, Georgina Drapeau, Marlena Myles, Kayla Lookinghorse and Jocy and Trae Little Sky. The evening will also feature DJ AO as live DJ and Redwing Thomas as emcee.

Recover your identity

  • November 21, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Minneapolis
  • Hosted by the Minneapolis Institute of Art, celebrate Native American Heritage Month through art, film and tours.

Decolonizing Thanksgiving 3.0

  • November 29, 7 p.m. – 11:30 p.m., Minneapolis
  • Hosted by Fire in the Village at the Hook and Ladder Theater, “Decolonize Thanksgiving 3.0” is a special Indigenous concert with a different perspective on the holiday. Annie Humphrey, David Huckfelt and special guests will perform. The event is 21+.