Minneapolis American Indian Center

About the Minneapolis American Indian Center:  The Minneapolis American Indian Center is focused on serving a large and tribally diverse urban American Indian population, numbering well over 35,000 in the eleven-county Minneapolis-St. Paul metro areas. We work towards our goals of self-determination, dignity, equity, sustainability, and preserving and sharing our cultural traditions, hosting Pow-wows, feasts, community forums, health fairs, athletic events, and tribal voting, among other services and exhibitions.  MAIC's mission is to provide excellent services within a foundation of cultural values that help meet the needs of the American Indian community.  Our mission is lived through programs that are guided by strong Native values; this includes preserving and supporting cultural traditions through art, youth and inter-generational programs that promote healthy lifestyles.

The Culture, Languages & Arts Network (CLAN) Program provides cultural activities and teachings for families, including Dakota and Ojibwe Languages classes. 

Family Services provides advocacy and resources for families.  The Indigenous Women’s Life Net (IWLN) guides and assists women who are healing from domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking.  The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) programs at MAIC provides services that are culturally sensitive, essential and appropriate to meet the needs of Indian families involved in the Child Welfare System.  Bright Beginnings supports new moms through cultural teachings, advocacy and peer support.

Gatherings Café and Culinary Training Program, serves healthy indigenous fare through the café and catering, while providing internships and training for Natives entering the food service industry.  The cafe had been providing delivered lunches to elders in Minneapolis & St. Paul since the beginning of the pandemic.

The Native F.A.N. (Fitness and Nutrition) Program addresses disparities in chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease in the American Indian Community, by promoting physical activity, healthy nutrition and health screenings. 

Programs for Indian Elders includes Congregate Dining, transportation, and fitness activities, nutrition education and cooking classes.

Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act provides employment and training services to the American Indian population residing within a 71-county service area excluding Hennepin County.

Two Rivers Gallery supports emerging Native artists by providing workspace and exhibitions of their work, hosts cultural arts workshops to share traditional crafts like beading and quillwork, and contemporary arts like dance and music. 

Our Youth Services is a comprehensive year-round program promoting healthy behaviors, educational success and positive cultural identities among American Indian youth ages 5-18.  Youth Services includes our Boys & Girls Club, Ginew/Golden Eagle Program, and a future Best Buy Teen Technology Center (opening in May 2024)