Reconnecting Our Roots

Native American Initiatives Teen Program

Reconnecting our Roots is a unique opportunity for Native American teens to participate in a cultural photography based program and learn about Native histories rooted throughout Mnísota Maḳóc̣e in a welcoming environment.

Native American students from the Twin Cities area who are currently 15-18 years old are encouraged to apply! Students who participate in all dates will earn a $1,000 stipend.

Reconnecting Our Roots participants will partake in cultural teachings at historic sites along the Ḣaḣa Wakpá (Mississippi River) and learn more about Native histories rooted throughout Mnísota Maḳóc̣e in a welcoming environment using MNHS resources. This includes:

  • Interacting with the Native American collections, exhibits and archives at MNHS
  • Engaging with Native Community members for cultural teachings
  • Participating in photography, art, and storytelling
  • Learning about sacred and historic sites near Bdé Ota Oṭuƞwe and Imníża Ska Oṭuƞwe

Six Native American students will be selected to attend each session. The first week (Mon-Thurs) will be in-person emphasizing a relationship to our sacred landscape and art in the MNHS Collections. The next nine weeks of the program’s schedule is flexible and up to the discretion of the students with guidance from MNHS staff on how our histories have been represented. Meals will be provided for all in-person dates. Students who participate in all dates will earn a $1,000 stipend upon completion of the program! There will also be an opportunity for students to contribute their work to the collections at MNHS. Students MUST be able to arrange a ride to the Minnesota History Center and other locations in the Twin Cities each session.

The Autumn ROR session will take place from August 17th - October 22nd.

For any further questions, please contact the NAI Program Specialist Deacon at deacon.deboer@mnhs.org.

Reconnecting Our Roots is made possible through the support of the Rosemary and David Good Family Foundation