American Indian Month honors contributions of Native Americans across the state. From powwows to educational events, there are many opportunities to celebrate American Indian Month in May.
In the Twin Cities, a parade and float contest will kick off festivities in south Minneapolis. A powwow and open house at the Minneapolis American Indian Center will follow in the evening.
Natalie Rademacher is the Minneapolis American Indian Center’s communications coordinator. She says the month offers opportunities for the Native American community to come together and celebrate their heritage.
“It's just kind of a good kick off to summer,” Rademacher said.
The center has partnered with Metro Transit to offer free rides to and from the powwow between the hours of 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
“We serve people at very different stages of life. We're going through different things, and we're a space for everybody,” Rademacher said. The center wanted to ease financial and transportation barriers for community members who may want to attend but may not necessarily have the means to do so.
“We really want to do what we can to reduce those barriers so that people can be here, that they can be in community — they can be part of their culture,” she said.
Other events and activities happening throughout the state include a bird walk, a film festival and a music performance.
Twin Cities
American Indian Month Kick-Off Parade, Minneapolis:
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May 1, 10 a.m., Cedar Avenue Field Park
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Several Native American-led organizations and groups will host a parade and float contest to kick-off American Indian Month festivities. The parade will begin and end at Cedar Avenue Park.
Minneapolis American Indian Center Open House and Powwow, Minneapolis:
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May 1, 4 p.m., Minneapolis American Indian Center
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The Minneapolis American Indian Center kicks off American Indian Month with opportunities to learn more about what the center’s programming and opportunities. A powwow will be held from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
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Free public transportation to and from the Minneapolis American Indian Center on May 1 will be provided by Metro Transit. People must fill out a survey provided by Metro Transit to claim a pass. Passes are limited.
South of the River Pow Wow 2026, Burnsville:
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May 2, 1 p.m., Burnsville High School Gymnasium
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Local school districts will host a powwow, which will include a royalty contest, dance specials, a feast and lacrosse lessons.
Birding While Native, St. Paul:
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May 3, 9 a.m., Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Awaƞyaƞkapi
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Native American-led Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Awaƞyaƞkapi and Urban Bird Collective will hold a migratory bird walk for Native people led by Native birders. All ages and experience levels are encouraged to attend. Binoculars and breakfast will be provided.
NACDI and Pow Wow Grounds Open House, Minneapolis:
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May 8, 11:30 a.m., Pow Wow Grounds
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The Native American Community Development Institute and Native-led café Pow Wow Grounds will hold their annual open house. The event will include lunch, activities and opportunity to learn about the Native American Community Development Institute staff and programs.
Robbinsdale Area Schools Spring Powwow, Robbinsdale:
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May 9, 1 p.m., Robbinsdale Middle School
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Robbinsdale Area School American Indian Education program will hold its annual spring powwow. The powwow will begin at 1 p.m. and end at 6 p.m. Vendors and food trucks will be onsite, and a meal will be provided.
Mother’s Day Powwow at Little Earth, Minneapolis:
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May 9 and 10, 1 p.m., Cedar Avenue Field Park
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The community of Little Earth will celebrate its 25th annual Mother’s Day Powwow, honoring the “love, strength and dedication of mothers.” The gathering will feature traditional drumming, singing and dancing.
Healing as a Community – Indian Health Board, Minneapolis:
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May 15, 12 p.m., 2020 Minnehaha Avenue Parking Lot
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Indian Health Board of Minneapolis will hold its yearly community event with food, raffles, dancing, and more. The event will end at 2:30 p.m.
Ga-waabaabiganikaag Powwow, Minneapolis:
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May 16, 10 a.m., Minneapolis American Indian Center
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The White Earth Urban Community Council will hold its 3rd Gaa-waabaabiganikaag Powwow. The gathering will include dance specials and a feast.
Greater Minnesota (and beyond)
Thunder Film Fest, Cloquet:
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May 2, 3 p.m., Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
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Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College will hold its 10th Thunder Film Festival beginning with a storytelling workshop at 3 p.m. Other activities include a play reading, music, community feast and short film questions and answers.
Stella Standingbear: Off The Rez Tour with Stuart James, Fargo, N.D.:
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May 13, 8 p.m., The Aquarium
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Native American rapper, singer and songwriter Stella Standingbear will perform at The Aquarium in Fargo alongside performer Stuart James. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
Mni Memory: a talk with the He Mni Can Wakpa (Jordan River/Creek), Red Wing:
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May 21, 5:30 p.m., Sheldon Theatre of Performing Arts
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The Honoring Dakota Project partners with Red Wing Arts, City of Red Wing, Art of the Rural, Minnesota Marine Art Museum and Sheldon Theatre for a facilitated talk on remapping and remembering river relationships. A light meal will be provided. Attendees must reserve their free tickets online.
Leech Lake Memorial Day Traditional Powwow, Cass Lake:
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May 22, 23, and 24, Leech Lake Veteran’s Memorial Grounds
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The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe will hold a powwow in recognition of Memorial Day and community members who died in service. A flag raising will be held daily at 10 a.m. followed by dancing, recreational activities and dance specials.
Chandra Colvin covers Native American communities in Minnesota for MPR News via Report for America, a national service program that places journalists into local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues and communities.
