Native American Community in Minneapolis
Discover the rich heritage, vibrant culture, and diverse voices of the Native American community in Minneapolis. Explore articles highlighting Indigenous history, personal experiences, Two-Spirit identities, and curated itineraries that connect you to meaningful places and stories. Celebrate the traditions and resilience that continue to shape this dynamic community.
Page Contributors

Jaida Grey Eagle
Photographer
Jaida Grey Eagle is an Oglala Lakota artist, currently located in St. Paul. She is a photojournalist, producer, beadwork artist, and writer. She is a Report for America Fellow with the Sahan Journal covering communities of color in the Twin Cities and also is researching Indigenous photography at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts as an ongoing former Curatorial Fellow. Visit website.

Nicholas DeShaw
Writer
Nicholas DeShaw is a Bois Forte Ojibwe author from Minnesota. He has written for a number of publications including A Tribe Called Geek to Lacrosse All Stars and was a recipient of the All My Relations writers cohort along with a dozen other Native writers. DeShaw recently published the children’s picture book Loaf the Cat Goes to the Powwow and he hopes that his stories will bring more visibility to Native peoples.

Deanna StandingCloud
Writer
Deanna StandingCloud, a citizen of the Red Lake Nation of Anishinaabe, who has lived in the Twin Cities all of her life. Deanna collaborates with fellow Native comedians, including Trish Cook's all-female group, ACE BAE Comedy. She's performed comedy since 2022. StandingCloud is a freelance journalist for Minnesota Native News. Deanna is a playwright, artist, and powwow emcee who enjoys spending time with her children, her dog Benny, cooking, taking nature walks, and creative activities.

Em Matson-Brady
Writer
Em Matson-Brady (they/he/she) is a Two Spirit community member and enrolled member of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa. They are a writer, poet, and communications professional who has a passion for connecting their community, which they get to realize through their work with the Native American Community Development Institute. Some of their work includes the TTRPGs Coyote and Crow and Cloud Empress, as well as contributions to anthologies like Indiginerds: Tales from Modern Indigenous Life and The Glittering Field.
This page was created in partnership with the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI).