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Native American Heritage Month with MIWRC
Please join us in virtually celebrating Native American Heritage Month throughout the month of November!
Presenters include:
🔹 Dorene Day
Ondaadiziikewin Bagosendam Azhigwa
November 6th
🔹 Kristin Welch
Protecting the Seed Carriers: MMIWG2S in Wisconsin
November 13th
🔹 Holly Young
Dakota Floral Beaded Medicine Bags
November 16th
🔹 Faith Spotted Eagle & Brook Spotted Eagle
Rematriation of a Traditional Women's Society: Brave Heart
November 20th
🔹 John Hunter
Creator’s Game: Traditional Lacrosse Teachings
November 24th
Stay tuned on our Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/miwrc/) and Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/miwrc_mpls/) for event details and registration!
Homeless Outreach Effort Needs Resources
Letter in Solidarity with Black Communities
Eyonia (Greetings),
In light of past, recent, and ongoing events in our community and other communities, the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center condemns all forms of police and gun-related violence against Black lives and stands in solidarity with the Black community. George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis Police earlier this summer, Kenosha Police’s shooting of Jacob Blake this week, and every other act of violence committed against individuals in our communities by police in the past 500+ years demonstrates that violence will continue in this settler colonial state until proper action steps are taken to dismantle these systems. We grieve all of the lives that have been senselessly lost to state-sponsored violence. MIWRC supports protests advocating for Black Lives in Minneapolis and throughout what is currently known as the United States.
MIWRC affirms the belief that we must dissolve all systems of the police state and the paramilitarization of police forces. We stand with Black communities and individuals that have been advocating for community-driven solutions to policing for generations. We encourage our Indigenous community members to listen to Black community leaders and organizations, supporting them with your action, words, and money when possible. Our communities are stronger when we join together in the fight for liberation and basic human rights. Some local Minneapolis Black-led groups that we will be following, supporting, and uplifting include Black Lives Matter Twin Cities Metro, Reclaim the Block, and Black Visions Collective, among others.
Waxe sabe nita egotha
(Black People Want Life Too)
Uda Monthi-a
(Walk in a Good Way),
Marisa Miakonda Cummings
Umonhon/Omaha
President/CEO, Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center
Science of the Positive Circles:
Applying Positive Spirit and Native Wisdom in Challenging Times
Please join Jo Lightfeather and Dr. Jeff Linkenbach for a series of enlightening conversations featuring tribal leaders from Minnesota and beyond. These interactive online discussions will focus on how we can lean on traditional teachings to help us navigate the challenges of this difficult and disconnected time.
Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center Board of Directors Announces Marisa Miakonda Cummings as new President and CEO
The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of our new president and CEO, Marisa Cummings. Marisa Cummings (Miakonda) is Umonhon and belongs to the Buffalo Tail Clan of the Sky people as well as the Walker and Springer families. She is a relative to many and is constantly re-learning language, seed keeping, food systems, and re-building relationships with human and non-human relatives.
Marisa holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Studies from the University of Iowa and a certificate in American Indian/Native Studies and a minor in African American World Studies. She recently earned her Masters in Tribal Administration and Governance from the University of Minnesota Duluth. Prior to accepting this appointment Marisa served as the Director of Native Student Services at the University of South Dakota. She has also served as the Chief of Tribal Operations for the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa.
Marisa has worked in higher education for over 15 years and is dedicated to indigenous models of governance, education, food systems, ceremonies, and sovereignty. She studies and teaches knowledge rooted in matriarchy and advocates for dismantling systems of oppression that impact our Native communities, including resource extraction and personal violence. Marisa has four children Lauren (MiXube) 27, Brianna (MiSabe) 21, Darius (MosePaTonga) 20, and Nia (Miakonda) 16. She lives with her youngest daughter, her partner Samuel Grant (LaMoot), and their Red Heeler, Mi'kae.
“I am very excited that Marisa will be taking the role of President and CEO of MIWRC”, said Susan Allen, Co-chair of the Board of Directors. “In her new position, Marisa will be a welcome addition to MIWRC with her breadth of leadership experience, knowledge of programming, resources and services that our Native sisters (women) and children continue to benefit from, combined with her grounding in traditional values and practices.” Paulette Baukol, Board Co-chair added “We’re looking forward to supporting her and believe she will be an asset to the Minnesota Native Community as a whole.”
"I am both honored and humbled to be the next CEO of the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center.” Marisa shared. “The impact of the work done at MIWRC resonates throughout Indian Country and I look forward to working with the staff and community. I also am excited to develop a strong relationship with the board and to continue the legacy of service to our indigenous women and families. I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion for advocacy and healing through such a phenomenal organization."
Marisa will start at MIWRC on Wednesday, August 5th, 2020.
For questions or for more information please contact Susan Allen at sallen@thejacobsonlawgroup.com or Paulette Baukol at pbaukol65@gmail.com
About MIWRC
The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC) is a non-profit social and educational services organization committed to the holistic growth and development of American Indian women and their families. Founded in 1984, MIWRC provides a broad range of programs designed to educate and empower American Indian women and their families, and to inform and assist those who work providing services to the community.