Festivities, food vendors, and basketball: Minnesota communities honor Indigenous Peoples Day

Quick Read

Indigenous Peoples Day features a wide range of events throughout Minnesota, celebrating Indigenous culture, traditions, and contributions.

Overview

The second Monday of October marks Indigenous Peoples Day in Minnesota, celebrated with various activities, including films, festivals, powwows, and sunrise ceremonies. Events kick off over the weekend, including screenings and tournaments.

Weekend Events

Twin Cities Region

• Owámni: Falling Water Festival
  Location: Minneapolis
  Date: Saturday, Oct. 10, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  An event celebrating Indigenous culture featuring food, art, and local organizations.

• Native American Heritage Night
  Location: St. Paul
  Date: Saturday, Oct 10, 7:30 p.m.
  Celebrate with music and dance before a soccer match, including a bracelet giveaway.

• “Bowwow Powwow” Performance
  Location: Minneapolis
  Date: Sunday, Oct. 11, 1 p.m.
  A whimsical story following a young girl at a powwow, adapted from Brenda Child’s book.

• Indigenous Peoples Weekend
  Location: St. Paul
  Date: Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 10 and 11, 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  Enjoy basketball, art, and local shopping.

Greater Minnesota

• Community Read Discussion
  Location: Mankato
  Date: Saturday, Oct. 10, 1 p.m.
  Discussion on “Big Chief” exploring Native leadership and identity.

• Film Showing at Centenary
  Location: Mankato
  Date: Saturday, Oct. 10, 2:30 p.m.
  Screening of “Battle for the Northern Plains”.

Indigenous Peoples Day Events

Twin Cities Region on Monday

• Sunrise Ceremony
  Location: Minneapolis
  Date: 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.
  Join in reflection at Thomas Beach.

• Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ Water Blessing
  Location: St. Louis Park
  Date: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
  Participation in honoring Bassett Creek with songs and land acknowledgments.

• Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
  Location: St. Paul
  Date: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Celebrate with activities and food at the American Indian Magnet School.

• Native American Food Truck Festival
  Location: St. Paul
  Date: 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.
  Features multiple Native-owned food trucks and arts.

• MAIC Indigenous Peoples Day Powwow
  Location: Minneapolis
  Date: 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
  Engage with local artists and organizations.

Greater Minnesota on Monday

• Indigenous Peoples Day Breakfast and Gladys Ray Award
  Location: Fargo, N.D.
  Date: 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  Enjoy a breakfast with Indigenous ingredients.

• Indigenous Peoples Day Gathering
  Location: Bemidji
  Date: 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  Blessing, traditional meal, and activities.

• Annual Youth Led March and Community Round Dance
  Location: Duluth
  Date: 10:30 a.m.
  Celebrate Indigenous culture through a youth-led march.

For further details and a complete list of events, please check local listings and social media.