Support the 2025 Two Spirit Powwow

What is the event? 

New Native Theatre (NNT) is excited to host our 4th annual Two Spirit Powwow (TSPW) on June 24, 2025 at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. The TSPW is the only powwow in Minnesota that specifically celebrates Two Spirit and/or LGBQT+ relatives. 

For those unfamiliar with powwows, it’s a vibrant and culturally significant all-day gathering - a social event with arena dancing, traditional regalia adornment, drum circles, food, and a shopping area for local craft and Native-run businesses. 

What are we seeking funding for? 

With the new administration's threats to grant funding, NNT could use your help to cover the total cost of successfully organizing and implementing our powwow. A donation or sponsorship from $200 to $15,000+ would help us go above and beyond for our Two Spirit community members, elders, and friends.   

Did you know that… 

• $200 could cover the cost to support 1 lead dancer 

• $500 could cover the cost of an elder to provide spiritual and cultural leadership

• $500 could cover the cost of 1 Emcee (we have 2 of them)

• $1,000 could cover the cost for a drum group (we have 2 of them)

• $2,000 could cover the cost for a community feast

• $2,800 could cover the cost of paying a culturally aligned and LGBQTIA+ security team

• $4,000 could cover the cost of the venue rental fee

• $7,000 could support the printing costs for artists to create zines, posters, T-shirts and other marketing materials

• $8,000 could cover the cost of 2 artists to coordinate the event

• $15,000 could cover the cost of the staff time of 1 artistic producer to produce the event (we have 2 of them)

Thank you for donating here or emailing jeannine@newnativetheatre.org to sponsor the event. 

Other ways to support are more than welcome, including getting the word out to your networks, volunteering on our planning committee or at the event, and requesting vending/tabling space for your own organization. Emails for vendors can be directed to powwow@newnativetheatre.org. 

What is the impact? 

In 2024, the powwow had over 400 attendees; we anticipate accommodating 500+ visitors this year. We also host a craft market with an average of 20 local and Native-run businesses. 

“I support the Two Spirit Powwow because it helps us reconnect with our traditions and show our kids what real allyship looks like. It’s a step toward healing from colonization and honoring the full circle of who we are." - Native parent & attendee

“"Having a safe space to gather, to celebrate, and to honor Indigenous, Two Spirit culture is essential! The Minneapolis Two Spirit Powwow is just that space, where culture, tradition, and art are on full display and everyone is celebrated as their full selves." - Native volunteer & attendee

“For me, this event is a way to support lgbtq2s community and build bridges of understanding in an effort to become a better friend and ally. While we spend an evening showcasing the talent, skill and knowledge of our 2 spirit relatives, I hope to forge bonds so I can continue to improve cultural support for all Indigenous people of Turtle Island.” - Desmond Big Eagle, Coordinator 

“The Two Spirit Powwow represents healing for our community and the weaving together of who we are. Everyone is essential in our way of life. We are still here living and thriving. The Two Spirit Powwow is that - a call to action, an embodiment of our truth, and a reclamation of our teachings.”-  Volunteer & participant