Minnesota celebrates Indigenous Peoples’ Day

The second Monday in October is recognized as Indigenous Peoples’ Day In Minnesota. This day celebrates indigenous culture, traditions and communities.

Freelance photographer Jaida Gray Eagle will share photos from rallies across the state here.

Sunrise ceremony at Bde Maka Ska

In the Twin Cities metro area, people began gathering for the annual sunrise ceremony around 7 a.m. at Bde Maka Ska in Minneapolis. This event was hosted by the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors of Thomas Beach. The LaPointe family presided over the ceremony.

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Indigenous Peoples’ Day events:

Twin Cities area

Sunrise ceremonyMinneapolis

• October 13, 7 a.m., face-to-face

  Join the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors and community to start the day with a Sunrise Party led by the LaPointe family in Thomas Beach. The sun is expected to rise at 7:27 a.m. and warm refreshments will be available.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day SummitMinneapolis

• Oct. 13, 9 a.m., Minneapolis Community and Technical College

  The American Indian Success Program will host a morning of programming based on celebration and learning to honor Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Breakout sessions will continue until 12 noon

Third Annual Water Blessing Şaşá WakpádaŋPlymouth

• Oct. 13, 10 a.m., West Medicine Lake Park

  A water blessing will be offered to Shata Wakpadash, Bassett Creek, and in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ DaySaint Paul

• Oct. 13, 11 a.m., American Indian Magnet School

  Join St. Paul’s American Indian Magnet School, along with other organizations, to celebrate community togetherness through cultural teachings and community outreach.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day – Eagle and condor uniteMinneapolis

• October 13, 1 p.m., American Indian Center in Minneapolis

  Celebrate solidarity and strength with the Indigenous Conservation Movement, the Cultural Language Arts Network, and the American Indian Center of Minneapolis.

Indigenous Peoples Day PowwowMinneapolis

• October 13, 3 p.m., American Indian Center in Minneapolis

  The Cultural Language Arts Network will host a performance, along with other Minneapolis American Indian Center programming, beginning in the afternoon.

Greater Minnesota (and beyond)

Gladys Rae Award and inaugural Indigenous Peoples’ Day BreakfastFargo, ND

• October 13, 9 a.m., 720 1st Ave N, Fargo, ND

  Celebrate the winner of the 2025 Gladys Ray Award, hosted by the Native American Society and the Fargo Native American Committee, and start your day with a free breakfast made with indigenous ingredients.

Celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2025Duluth

• Oct. 13, 10 a.m., Duluth City Hall

  Join the Duluth Indigenous Commission for a community dance, song and reading of the city’s Indigenous Peoples’ Day proclamation. The Enger Tower and aerial lift bridge will be lit orange in honor of the day.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day 2025Mankato

• Oct. 13, 3 p.m., Mankato East High School

  Join the Mankato Indigenous Peoples’ Day Committee and American Indian Affairs at Michigan State University, Mankato in celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day through food, cultural education, children’s activities and planetarium shows.

Celebration of indigenous peoples,Brainerd

• October 13, 4:30 p.m., Gichi Zibi Arts Centre

  Hosted by The Sowing Room and Brainerd Public Schools for Indigenous Education, the community is invited to gather for an evening of celebration and reflection. Highlights include the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Color Guard, a hand drum group for Brainerd Indigenous Education students, and the “Why Treaties Matter” exhibit at the Minnesota Humanities Center.

Indigenous Peoples Day PowwowMoorhead

• Oct. 13, 5:30 p.m., Moorhead High School gym

  Join local organizations and schools for a great evening in the Moorhead High School gym. Dinner begins at 5:30 p.m., and the grand entree begins at 7 p.m

Hand drums with Uşki CicekCloquet

• Oct. 13, 6 p.m., Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College

  A recurring event takes place on Mondays with Oshikii Giizhik at the Ojibwemowining Resource Center at Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College.

Chandra Colvin covers Native American communities in Minnesota for MPR News viaReport for Americaa national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on issues and underground societies.