The city is celebrated for its innovative spirit and progressive thinking, with numerous opportunities to engage with and celebrate Native American culture. Central to this cultural vibrancy are the Native-owned galleries and performance spaces scattered throughout the city, particularly those within the Minneapolis American Indian Cultural Corridor. Two Rivers Gallery, located within the Minneapolis American Indian Center, alongside All My Relations Gallery at the Native American Community Development Institute, showcases breathtaking artworks by regional Native artists, often characterized by the unique woodlands style of this area. These establishments do more than display art; they serve as gateways into the heart and soul of the local Native community. These organizations also host Native art and cultural events throughout the year that are often open to the public to encourage learning and cultural exchange.

Complementing these visual art venues, New Native Theatre has been an icon of Indigenous storytelling since its inception in 2009. This organization plays a vital role in nurturing emerging Native talents while also spotlighting established artists. Based in Minneapolis, New Native Theatre frequently utilizes performance spaces throughout the Twin Cities, including the Minneapolis American Indian Center.

Given that storytelling holds a central place in Native American tradition, theatrical expressions are particularly revered. The Guthrie Theater in downtown Minneapolis incorporates Native perspectives into its programming through active collaboration with a Native Advisory Council.

Notably, Rosy Simas Danse captivates audiences with performances that blend movement and tradition to narrate mesmerizing Indigenous stories. The company has an upcoming installation at the Walker Arts Center in 2026 titled “Mind of Peace,” which will feature a performance piece along with community engagement workshops.

Native American artistry is not only embraced by the community but also celebrated in renowned institutions such as the Minneapolis Institute of Arts and the Walker Art Center. These institutions host exhibits featuring Native American art and collaborate with Native artists and galleries throughout the city, further enriching the cultural landscape and fostering appreciation. The Minneapolis Institute of Arts boasts a diverse collection of permanent Native American artworks, including modern sculptures by the late Ernest Whiteman. At the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden you'll find "Okciyapi" (prounounced "oak-chee-YAH-pea"), a raised concrete pattern featuring Dakota language, a fountain and native plants by artist Angela Two Stars. "Okciyapi," meaning "help each other," connects land, water, language and people in a public space welcoming interaction. Two Stars is known for artwork that focuses on Indigenous language revitalization. Some Dakota words that express Native values, like wisdom, respect and bravery, are engraved into the benches, and their patterns reflect shapes of rippling water.

The city also supports local artisans who have honed their crafts over many years, specializing in items like beaded earrings and jewelry. Native-owned businesses such as Woodland Indian Crafts, a cornerstone since 1978 located within the Minneapolis American Indian Center, and Northland Visions, offer a variety of artworks and cultural items from the Woodland and Plains tribal peoples. The items available for purchase were often hand-crafted by Native artists involved in the Minneapolis community in various ways. Birchbark Books, along with its sister venue Birchbark Bizhew Native Arts Center, serves as a cozy independent bookstore and a community hub near Lake of the Isles, offering a treasure trove of books and Indigenous arts.

For those looking to bring home a lasting memory, Native Roots Trading Post, found usually part of the Holiday Dayton's Market in downtown Minneapolis offers a wealth of Native art and information via Native Roots Radio. Additionally, Iktomi Tattoos provides a unique way to celebrate Native artistry through distinctive tattoo designs.

Experience the vibrant heritage of the Native American community in Minneapolis, renowned for its resilience and deep connection to the land. This rich cultural legacy is showcased through public art that adorns our city.

Visit Bde Maka Ska's pavilion and see a mural that nods to traditional Native symbolism and glimpses of contemporary life in Minneapolis. You'll see a man in traditional regalia riding a lime-green rental bike, a woman running and a canoe under a starry sky. Stroll around the lake to the southeast shore to find Zaníyaŋ Yutȟókča: Brave Change. The site's walking path is stamped with Dakota words and images of plants, animals and symbols and is lined with beautiful iron railings that feature foods that were grown at the Ḣeyata Ọtuŋwe (Village to the Side), the Dakota community that lived here in the 1830s. In the center of the site is a Four Directions Circle surrounded by stone boulders that spiral around the Circle and down to the Lake.

See more public art in the Public Service Building downtown Minneapolis. On the second floor, you'll find Protecting the Generations along the skyway ramp. Six Dakota words are depicted and the artwork connects to Creation stories that are passed down to maintain harmony and balance. Indigenous Wealth on the 6th floor depicts the importance of Saint Anthony Falls, or Owámniyomni ("three whirlpools"). It was this area where Minneapolis' early economic wealth was developed. The falls are sacred to the Dakota people. Take a guided tour of the Public Service Building to learn more.

Discover more murals and striking works from grassroots artists at notable locations such as Little Earth of United Tribes, the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe Urban Office and All My Relations Gallery. Each piece resonates with the bold spirit and inspiration drawn from Native American culture, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in a remarkable visual journey that celebrates both history and artistry.

Minneapolis is a destination where every corner holds a story, every street echoes with the artistry of generations, and each experience enriches the understanding and appreciation of this unique urban landscape. Explore and discover Minneapolis, where the legacy and vibrancy of Native American culture continue to thrive and inspire.

Miigwech and Pidamiyaye