Honor Native American Heritage Month with the Minnesota Historical Society

Exhibitions, programs, and more will celebrate Native American communities this November

For immediate release

Dated: October 22, 2026

Contacts: Katie Olson, 651-259-3254, katie.olson@mnhs.org

SAINT PAUL, Minn. (October 22, 2026) – The Minnesota Historical Society honors the enduring presence and contributions of Native communities to the state’s arts, literature, and cultural landscape. This Native American Heritage Month, explore the Indigenous knowledge and traditions that continue to shape Minnesota today through a variety of programs, exhibits, and historic sites.

Walking My Ancestors’ Path by Sam Zimmerman / Zhaawanoogiizhik

Artist talk on October 22, doors open at 6 pm; program starts at 7 pm.

Prints from Ojibwe artist Sam Zimmerman / Zhaawanoogiizhik’s new book with MNHS Press, Walking My Ancestors’ Path: A Collection of Paintings and Stories, will be on display at Mill City Museum from October 22, 2026, through March 28, 2027. Arranged seasonally, these paintings in Zimmerman’s distinctive, vibrant style evoke characteristic North Shore scenes. The accompanying stories, many retold in Ojibwemowin by Manidoo Ma’iingan, reflect on points of inspiration, emotional resonances, and everyday events in the artist’s life.*

Native American Artists in Residence Program

Applications open November 1, 2026

The Minnesota Historical Society’s Native American Artist-in-Residence (NAAIR) Program supports the continuation and revitalization of traditional Native American arts through research access to MNHS collections, financial support, and opportunities to learn from fellow artists and elders. The residency emphasizes collections research, community outreach, and intergenerational knowledge-sharing, with special consideration for traditional art forms at risk of being lost within Native communities. Applications for the program open November 1, 2026, and will be accepted through January 25, 2027.

Native American Museum Fellowship

The Native American Museum Fellowship (NAMF) Program introduces Native community members to museum and public history careers through seminar, cultural site visits, professional development and hands-on internship experience. The 10-week paid fellowship explores museum practices, exhibit curation, cultural resource management, and Tribal historic preservation, while addressing the importance of preserving Native histories and challenging institutional narratives. Fellows receive financial support for living and travel expenses, along with a paid seven-week internship within the MNHS network. Alumni have gone on to continue their work at institutions such as Hoċokata Ṫi, the Lower Sioux Agency, and the Minnesota Historical Society.

Wild Rice Winnowing with Derek Nicholas of Wiisinig

Thursday, October 29 - Wakan Tipi Center

The Minnesota Historical Society and Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi will host a free food sovereignty workshop exploring the cultural significance of Manoomin/Psin (wild rice). Led by Derek Nicholas, a member of the Red Cliff Band of Ojibwe and representative of Wiisinig, the workshop will explore the rich history, value, and cultural teachings surrounding wild rice and demonstrate traditional processing techniques, including parching, threshing and winnowing. Media are welcome to contact MNHS about event photography; videography may be limited.

Our Home: Native Minnesota

On view- Minnesota History Center

Visitors can learn about Native communities in Minnesota, including stories of survival, resiliency, and adaptation at the exhibit Our Home: Native Minnesota. Native Americans—Dakota, Ojibwe, as well as people from other Tribal nations—have dwelled in this area for thousands of years and still live here today. This exhibit shares their stories, enduring presence, and deep connection to the land.

Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post

Onamia, MN

The story of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is explored through museum exhibits, objects, demonstrations, and tours. The restored 1930s trading post hosts a shop for locally made Native American arts and crafts.

Members of the media, please contact Katie Olson, katie.olson@mnhs.org, for more information on coverage and event attendance.

*This exhibit is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through a grant from the Minnesota State Arts Board, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

About the Minnesota Historical Society

The Minnesota Historical Society is a non-profit educational and cultural institution established in 1849. MNHS collects, preserves and tells the story of Minnesota’s past through museum exhibits, libraries and collections, historic sites, educational programs, and book publishing. Using the power of history to transform lives, MNHS preserves our past, shares our state’s stories, and connects people with history.

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