Native American Community Development Institute - NACDI

Join us this Thursday, July 9th, from 6 - 8 pm for the opening reception of “Sakowin Synergy” at All My Relations Arts !

Curated by mixed media artist Ray Janis, “Sakowin Synergy” is a dynamic and innovative group exhibition that brings together the powerful and diverse works of four contemporary artists: Ray “Rock Boy” Janis (Oglala Lakota), Sheldon Starr (Oglala Lakota), Jim Yellow Hawk (Itazipco Band of Cheyenne River Sioux), and Dwayne “Chuck” Wilcox (Oglala Lakota).

The title itself is a statement of cultural identity and artistic connection. “Sakowin” is a reference to the Oceti Sakowin—The Seven Council Fires—acknowledging the collective heritage and spirit that informs and grounds their art. “Synergy,” speaks directly to the collaborative energy and mutual inspiration that defines this project, representing a concerted effort to propel their shared Native art forms into new spheres. This exhibition is woven together with deep respect for tradition and a bold embrace of modernity.

Exhibition Run: July 9th – September 5th, 2026�
Opening Reception: Thursday, July 9th, 6- 8 pm at All My Relations Gallery.�Free and open to the public. All are welcome. Snacks and beverages will be provided.

Join Native Organizers Alliance and Brave Heart Society for a presentation on the environmental and ecological impacts of AI and data centers for Tribal Nations.

Zam DeShields will be leading the presentation, a Chickasaw Nation citizen and technology strategist specializing in AI governance, Indigenous data sovereignty, and digital privacy.

Register now: https://loom.ly/4DKR_Xg

Celebrate in community with Pride! We are lucky here in the Twin Cities to have Native LGBTQ and Two Spirit events happening this month. 🏳️‍🌈 😄

The Fifth Annual Reclaiming Our Identities Two-Spirit Powwow hosted by New Native Theatre is on Tuesday, June 23rd at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. Registration begins at 3pm with Grand Entry at 5:30pm. All Dancers and Drums Welcome! Honorarium for First 40 Registered Dancers! Day Pay for Singers!

The Minnesota Museum of American Art is hosting the Queering Indigeneity exhibition is a great visit this Pride Month. Queering Indigeneity is a multi-year, multi-generational project that celebrates the vision and diversity of 2-Spirit, Native q***r, gender expansive artists in the Upper Midwest.

The Textile Center is hosting the Two Spirit Stories exhibition until July! Two-Spirit Stories showcases the work of emerging Two-Spirit Native artists residing in Minnesota. In a celebration of traditional and contemporary handwork, these artists are affirming Indigenous and q***r identity using themes of ceremony, community, and ancestral tradition.

The Franklin Avenue East Cultural Corridor is one of Minneapolis’ most vibrant and diverse community spaces. Yet for many residents and visitors, the corridor can feel disconnected – particularly at the Hiawatha Avenue crossing, where physical barriers and a lack of visual continuity divide this shared cultural district.

Through a series of community events, Redesign, Inc. and NACDI are bringing together residents, business owners, artists, cultural organizations, and community leaders to strengthen connections across the corridor, celebrate the area’s unique identity, and help shape its future. We hope you can join us!

Community Gathering & Visioning Session: Monday, June 22, 4 - 6 pm.
Learn more & RSVP: https://loom.ly/l_P_g_g

Franklin Ave East Cultural Corridor Walking Tour: Friday, June 26, 10 am - 11 am.

Learn more & RSVP: https://loom.ly/65dRw-c

Connecting Franklin: Community Gathering & Visioning Session Join us for an evening of food, conversation, and community visioning as we explore ways to strengthen connections along Franklin Avenue.