How to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day around Minnesota
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
The second Monday of October is recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day in Minnesota.
Activities such as art markets, film screenings and community gatherings will begin on Friday. In Mankato, two separate film screenings will show the documentary film, “Columbus Day Legacy.” The documentary will be shown in two separate locations on Friday afternoon.
On Sunday, a celebration in Hastings will bring the community together with art, music and food. Other activities across Minnesota include a book reading in Duluth and a community conversation in Bemidji.
MPR News compiled a list of events happening around the state over the weekend and on Indigenous Peoples Day.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
Weekend events
Twin Cities region
Indigenous Peoples Weekend, St. Paul
Oct. 10, 5 p.m., through Oct 12, 8 p.m., Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center
A weekend of basketball tournaments, arts and health hosted by Niniijaanis One of Ones. The weekend will kick off Friday night at Indigenous Roots Eagle and Condor Native Wellness Center with a night market and sponsors reception. Games and activities will continue throughout the weekend.
“Queering Indigeneity” Exhibition Reception, St. Paul
Oct. 11, 4 p.m., Minnesota Museum of American Art
Join the Minnesota Museum of American Art at the opening reception of “Queering Indigeneity,” an exhibit which celebrates the vision and diversity of two-spirit, Native queer, and gender expansive artists in the Upper Midwest.
Native Short Film Festival, Minneapolis
Oct. 11, 6:30 p.m., All My Relations Art Gallery
Watch screenings of six films by local and national Native American filmmakers. The event will begin with a live music performance. Film screenings will be outside with limited seating. Guests are encouraged to bring their own chairs and to wear warm clothes.
Greater Minnesota
Community Film Showings, Mankato
Oct. 10, 1 p.m., Blue Earth County Historical Society
Oct. 10, 3 p.m., Minnesota State University, Mankato
Two free screenings at different locations and times of the documentary film, “Columbus Day Legacy.” The film explores tension and contradictions between Native American and Italian American participants in the ongoing Columbus Day parade controversy in Denver, Colo.
‘Our Voices Restored,’ Bemidji
Oct. 11, 11 a.m., Bemidji State University
Join the Regional Native Public Defense in conversation with organizations and resources in exploring how communities can strengthen relationships across Minnesota. A free community meal for attendees will begin at 12 p.m. RSVP encouraged.
Indigenous Peoples Day Storytime, Duluth
Oct. 12, 11 a.m., Zenith Bookstore
Author and illustrator Sam Zimmerman will read his book, “How the Birds Got Their Songs.” This free and family-friendly event is aimed towards kids ages kindergarten and under.
First Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration, Hastings
Oct. 12, 11 a.m., Artspace Hastings River Lofts
Celebrate with art, music, food and community at this five-hour event.
Indigenous Peoples Day Walk, St. Peter
Oct. 12, 3 p.m., Saint Peter Middle School
Join St. Peter Public Schools’ Native American Parent Advisory Committee and the Saint Peter Good Neighborhood Diversity Council for a walk from the middle school’s parking lot to Minnesota Square Park. Entertainment and light refreshments will be provided.
Indigenous Peoples Day (Monday) events:
Twin Cities region
Sunrise Ceremony, Minneapolis
Oct. 13, 7 a.m., Bde Maka Ska
Join the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors and community to begin the day with the Sunrise Ceremony led by the LaPointe Family at Thomas Beach. The sun is expected to rise at 7:27 a.m. Warm refreshments will be available.
Indigenous Peoples Day Summit, Minneapolis
Oct. 13, 9 a.m., Minneapolis Community and Technical College
The American Indian Success program will host a morning of programming based on the celebration and learning to honor Indigenous Peoples Day. Breakout sessions will run until 12 p.m.
Third Annual Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ Water Blessing, Plymouth
Oct. 13, 10 a.m., West Medicine Lake Park
A water blessing will be offered to Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ, Bassett Creek, and in honor of Indigenous Peoples Day.
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration, St. Paul
Oct. 13, 11 a.m., American Indian Magnet School
Join St. Paul’s American Indian Magnet School, alongside other organizations, to celebrate community togetherness with cultural teachings and community connection.
Indigenous Peoples Day – Eagle and Condor Unite, Minneapolis
Oct. 13, 1 p.m., Minneapolis American Indian Center
Celebrate solidarity and strength with Indigenous Protector Movement, Cultural Language Arts Network and Minneapolis American Indian Center.
Indigenous Peoples Day Powwow, Minneapolis
Oct. 13, 3 p.m., Minneapolis American Indian Center
Cultural Language Arts Network will host a powwow, along with other Minneapolis American Indian Center programs, beginning in the afternoon.
Greater Minnesota (and beyond)
Gladys Ray Award and Indigenous Peoples Day Kickoff Breakfast, Fargo, N.D.
Oct. 13, 9 a.m., 720 1st Ave N, Fargo, N.D.
Hosted by the Indigenous Association and Fargo Native American Commission, celebrate the 2025 Gladys Ray Award winner and kickoff the day with a free breakfast made with Indigenous ingredients.
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration 2025, Duluth
Oct 13, 10 a.m., Duluth City Hall
Join Duluth’s Indigenous Commission for a community round dance, songs and a reading of the city’s Indigenous Peoples Day proclamation. The Enger Tower and the Aerial Lift Bridge will be lit orange in honor of the day.
Indigenous Peoples Day 2025, Mankato
Oct. 13, 3 p.m., Mankato East High School
Join the Indigenous Peoples Day Mankato Committee and American Indian Affairs at MSU, Mankato in celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day with food, cultural education, kid’s activities and planetarium showings.
Indigenous Peoples Celebration, Brainerd
Oct. 13, 4:30 p.m., Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts
Hosted by The Sowing Room and Indigenous Education Brainerd Public Schools, community is invited to gather for an evening of celebration and reflection. Highlights include the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Color Guard, Brainerd Indigenous Education Student Hand Drum Group and Minnesota Humanities Center’s “Why Treaties Matter” exhibit.
Indigenous Peoples Day Powwow, Moorhead
Oct. 13, 5:30 p.m., Moorhead High School Gymnasium
Join local organizations and schools for an evening powwow at the Moorhead High School gymnasium. Dinner will begin at 5:30 p.m., with grand entry starting at 7 p.m.
Hand Drumming with Oshkii Giizhik, Cloquet
Oct. 13, 6 p.m., Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College
Recurring event held on Mondays with Oshikii Giizhik in the Ojibwemowining Resource Center at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.
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.
