Indigenous Peoples Day 2022

Indigenous Peoples have made essential contributions to the history, culture, and economy of Minnesota. Today, we honor the experiences, resiliency, and rich legacy of Indigenous Peoples across the country. Happy Indigenous Peoples Day!

Lower School Literature

• Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom
• Sharice's Big Voice: A Native Kid Becomes a Congresswoman by Sharice Davids
• We Are Still Here!: Native American Truths Everyone Should Know by Traci Sorell
• Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard
• Bowwow Powwow by Brenda Child
• The Range Eternal by Louise Erdrich

Middle School Literature

• Ancestor Approved: Intertribal Stories for Kids by Cynthia Leitich Smith
• Rain Is Not My Indian Name by Cynthia Leitich Smith
• Everything You Wanted to Know about Indians But Were Afraid to Ask: Young Readers Edition by Anton Truer
• Makoons by Louise Erdrich
• The Gift is in the Making: Anishinaabeg Stories by Leanne Betasamosake Simpson
• Indigenous Peoples’ History: Young Readers by Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz

Upper School Literature

• Walking in Two Worlds by Wab Kinew
• Native Enough by Nina O’Leary
• Urban Tribes: Native Americans in the City by Lisa Charleyboy & Mary Beth Leatherdale
• There, There by Tommy Orange
• Uneducation Volume 1: A Residential School Graphic Novel by Jason Eaglespeaker

Local Opportunities 

• Mezinibii'igejig Wenjibaawaad Odaawaa Zaaga'iganiing: Artists Who Come from Lac Courte Oreilles
  • A new exhibit at the Cargill Gallery centers on the clan relationships and stories of the Lac Courte Oreilles people, one band of the Ojibwe nation, who reside throughout the Great Lakes and Atlantic Coast. With a focus on the Woodlands style, artists create visual representations of Ojibwe cultural knowledge. The exhibit is on display from October 6-November 27, located on the second floor of Minneapolis Central Library.
  • Join the artists for an opening reception on Saturday, October 8, 1-3 p.m. or an art reception on Saturday, November 12. 
• The Owámni Falling Water Festival takes place on Saturday, Oct. 8, along the Mississippi River. Owámni is what the Dakota called the area at St. Anthony Falls. It means "whirling or falling water" in the Dakota language. This free and family-friendly festival offers art, music, and food from local groups. Hands-on art activities will also be available.
• Our Home: Native Minnesota is currently a featured exhibit at the History Center. This exhibit highlights Native communities in Minnesota, including the Dakota and Ojibwe, and shares their stories, enduring presence, and deep connection to the land.
• In celebration of Indigenous Peoples Day, a series of movies featuring Native filmmakers will be screened at the Minneapolis Central Library. Find the full schedule of films here. Throughout the month, performances of Star Turtle, a musical look at the Cherokee language. Find times of performances and locations here.