Many Faces, in partnership with the American Indian Education Programs of four local school districts, will present a Native American Celebration March 22 at Mariner Middle School in White Bear Lake.
The event aims to honor and celebrate the rich traditions of Native American communities through art, crafts, storytelling, performances, food trucks and more. Additionally, the event will recognize more than 20 American Indian students graduating from four area school districts.
Many Faces, a collaboration of 31 community organizations, is dedicated to fostering community connections and cultural awareness through educational and celebratory events. The American Indian Education Programs of White Bear Lake Area, Mahtomedi, North St. Paul/Maplewood/Oakdale and Stillwater school districts work to support Native American students and families while promoting cultural understanding.
The event builds on the Wacipi (powwow) hosted by Many Faces in May 2023. The event honored graduating students and included several drum groups, dancing, singing, socializing, educational booths, food trucks and Native American artisans and vendors.
“The importance of this day comes from decades of historical trauma where Native American students were never celebrated in traditional ways,” said Vince Patton, American Indian Education program coordinator, White Bear Lake Area Schools. “The school districts and Many Faces understand the long history of Indian Education, which guides this wonderful event.”
The Native American Celebration will begin with a traditional tobacco ceremony to welcome attendees. Visitors will then explore workshops and learning stations. At 11 a.m. all guests will gather in the gym for a powerful performance by the Twin Cities Intertribal Drum and Dance Troupe, featuring traditional dances such as Jingle, Fancy, Chicken, Grass and Traditional.
Following the performance, an honoring ceremony will recognize graduating students, allowing attendees to extend their congratulations. The ceremony will conclude with an Intertribal dance, inviting all in attendance to participate and celebrate together.
Cultural and educational workshops will continue to take place throughout the day, featuring a
Ikidowin Youth Theatre performance, lacrosse demonstration with John Hunter, beading workshop with Winona Kitto and a peer-to-peer tobacco workshop.
Learning stations will also provide education on a variety of cultural and historical topics, including wild rice, traditional tobacco, maple syrup tapping, smudging, medicinal practices, Indian education and powwows.
