Indigenous Development, Partnerships
and Collaborations
The Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI) plays a diverse role in the Indigenous Community.
Here is a sampling of some of the things we've co-produced,
participated in, or sponsored in recent years:
Friends of the Falls
Winter 2020-2021
NACDI welcomes a new partnership with Friends of the Falls, with an opportunity to build authentic, long-term relationships with Frist Nations people and shaping the future of the upper lock at Owamni..
Make Voting a Tradition
NACDI recruited volunteers to go door to door registering voters in the Native community, a partnership with the City of Minneapolis. Understanding the importance of our vote will help the Indigenous community shape policy in the years to come.
This illustration was created by artist William Brien to commemorate the 2020 election and a family voting together.
Download the coloring page image here.
Four Sisters Farmers Market
July 2 - October 15, 2020
Four Sisters Farmers Market is an Indigenous-centered food market, focused on both Indigenous and hyper-local foods from Phillips and surrounding neighborhoods. The market is a program of the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI). Working with native-run farms and food producers, we will help develop a healthy, Indigenous food system that is accessible and welcoming to people in Phillips.
2019 NACDI WAS A NORTHERN SPARK VENUE & NEIGHBORHOOD PARTNER
June, 2019
Northern Spark is a late-night art festival that lights up the Twin Cities. Tens of thousands of people gather throughout the city to explore giant video projections, play in temporary installations in the streets and experimental performances.
For two nights, the American Indian Cultural Corridor on Franklin Ave. hosted the festival, free and open to the public.
For more information:
American Indian Cultural Corridor development and events
Every year NACDI takes a leadership role in community-based projects and events like Open Streets/Franklin, Indian Month parades, and pow wows. As well as helping to facilitate the indigenous-inspired photo wraps on utility boxes (pictured).
Find out how you can volunteer for NACDI by emailing arts@nacdi.org.
WiiDooKoDaaDiiWag/THEO They Help Each Other
2018 & 2019
WiiDooKoDaaDiiWag/THEO (They Help Each Other) is a series of gatherings which will center Native voices in the effort to create grassroots solutions to the issues facing the Indigenous community, especially the challenge of creating culturally appropriate and affordable housing, shelter and supportive services. The gatherings will be hosted by the Native American Community Development Institute with the generous support of the Bush Foundation.
Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration
October 2018
Indigenous Peoples Day (October 8th, 2018) is a celebratory gathering that continues to honor the perseverance, culture, and presence of Indigenous people. The Native American Community Development Institute's role for Indigenous Peoples Day Celebration is to act as a fiscal agent, and to co-facilitate, community organized activities on Indigenous Peoples Day October 8th, 2018.
For more information and scheduling details: Click Here
Thank you to our 2018 Sponsors: Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, Metro Urban Indian Directors, Hennipen County Library, White Earth Nation, Dream of Wild Health, and the Native American Film Series (Augsburg University).
Indigenous Peoples Day Round Dance & Rally
October, 2017
A gathering held at the Minneapolis American Indian Center to celebrate Indigenous Peoples Day after Minneapolis became the first city in Minnesota to change Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples Day. The event included a community meal with indigenous foods from throughout North and South America provided by Native chefs Sean Sherman and Cheo Smith, a film screening of "Women Are Sacred," by bfreshproductions, community speakers and cultural performances.
THE AVE STANDS WITH STANDING ROCK
November, 2016
A gathering and festival in support of the water protectors at Standing Rock. All proceeds from this event benefited the Oceti Sakowin encampment. NACDI and All My Relations Gallery partnered with PowWow Grounds, Boise Forte and White Earth Urban Offices, Minneapolis American Indian Center, American Indian Movement Interpretive Center, Native Lives Matter, Two Rivers Gallery, Aaron Lightfeather, and Friday Family Traditional Ojibwe Song and Dance Workshop to create this community-based fundraising event.
