Summer News & Events
As we move into summer, we are excited to share some of the work happening at Giiwedinong Treaty Rights & Culture Museum.
After spending the winter refining our strategic vision, developing exhibits, and strengthening partnerships, the past month has been filled with meaningful programming, new exhibitions, and opportunities to connect with our community.
First Annual Procession of the Species
In partnership with the Park Rapids Area Arts Council, Giiwedinong helped sponsor the first annual Procession of the Species Parade, celebrating biodiversity and honoring our relatives with wings, fins, paws, and roots.
The Procession of the Species is originally celebrated in Olympia, Washington as a way to recognize the interconnectedness of all living beings. This year's event placed special emphasis on memengwaa (the monarch butterfly), whose extraordinary migration carries it thousands of miles from Mexico back to northern Minnesota each year.
Youth from the Pine Point and Remer school districts joined community members in creating puppets, costumes, and artwork before participating in the parade through downtown Park Rapids. The event celebrated not only biodiversity but also our shared responsibility to care for the natural world.
White Earth Land Settlement Act Exhibit
In early June, Giiwedinong unveiled a new exhibit commemorating the 40th anniversary of the White Earth Land Settlement Act.
The exhibit explores the complex history surrounding the loss of reservation lands through illegal land transfers, timber interests, and federal policies following the establishment of the White Earth Reservation under the Treaty of 1867. It also examines the continuing efforts of the White Earth Nation to restore stewardship over culturally and environmentally significant lands.
The exhibit debuted during the White Earth Powwow in one of our newest outreach initiatives—a mobile museum housed in a converted cargo trailer. This traveling exhibit allows Giiwedinong to bring museum experiences directly into communities across the region.
Year of the Horse Exhibit
Throughout May, Giiwedinong partnered with the Park Rapids Armory to present our Year of the Horse exhibit.
Inspired by the Chinese zodiac, the exhibit explored the relationship between horses and people through Anishinaabe and Dakota perspectives while acknowledging the broader global history of the horse.
Visitors enjoyed artwork, ceremonial horse masks created by Anishinaabe artists, historic textiles, and stories illustrating the importance of horses across cultures. The exhibit was well received, and we hope to make it available to additional museums and community venues in the future.
Minnesota in Winter
The exhibit opened with a community reception and continues to encourage thoughtful dialogue about civic engagement, human rights, and the power of communities working together.
Giiwedinong also launched our newest exhibition, Minnesota in Winter, which recognizes the courage of Minnesotans who have challenged injustice and worked to strengthen democracy during a significant period in our state's recent history.
To celebrate the exhibit, Giiwedinong hosted a Pre-4th Community Reception on July 2 from 2:00–4:00 PM. Community members viewed the exhibit, enjoyed refreshments and music, and brought signs or placards representing civic participation before heading downtown to enjoy the Second Street Stage concert.
Upcoming Events
Water Protector Reception
July 16 | 2:00–4:00 PM
The Giiwedinong Museum was founded through the vision and work of Anishinaabe people and Water Protectors. Before becoming our museum, the building served as an office during the Enbridge Line 3 pipeline expansion.
On July 16, we invite the community to join us as we recognize the individuals whose commitment to protecting Minnesota's waters helped shape both our region and our museum's story.
Annual Feast
Planning continues for Giiwedinong's annual feast, celebrating Indigenous foodways, culture, and community. We look forward to sharing additional details soon and hope you will join us for one of our favorite annual traditions.
Miigwech
None of this work would be possible without the continued support of our visitors, volunteers, partners, donors, and community members.
Miigwech for walking alongside us as we continue to preserve, interpret, and share the histories, cultures, and stories of this place. We look forward to welcoming you to Giiwedinong throughout the summer.
Executive Director, Logan Monroe
Senior Curator, Winona LaDuke
