Minnesota celebrates Indigenous Peoples Day
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The second Monday of October is recognized as Indigenous Peoples Day in Minnesota. The day celebrates Indigenous culture, traditions and communities.
MPR News freelance photographer Jaida Grey Eagle shared photos from celebrations.
Sunrise Ceremony at Bde Maka Ska
In the Twin Cities metro area, people started to gather for the annual sunrise ceremony around 7 a.m. at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. The event was hosted by the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors at Thomas Beach. The ceremony was led by the LaPointe family.
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration at American Indian Magnet School
Later in the day at American Indian Magnet School in St. Paul, people gathered for food, music, arts and activities of all kinds.
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American Indian Center Powwow
Large crowds showed up to watch dancers and see local art at the Minneapolis American Indian Center.
Indigenous Peoples Day 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.
