#SpringForwardMN2021

The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC) resists colonization and systemic violence by empowering Native women and their families and educating service providers throughout the state. Initially established in 1984 as a training center and library for social service professionals, we have now grown to encompass more than 15 programs, all of which are guided by traditional indigenous values. Respect (Manaaji’idiwin: Anishinaabe and Waohola: Lakota) and Love (Zaagi’idiwin: Anishinaabe) form the foundation of our Family Stabilization work in housing security, parenting support, and family reunification. Caring or Compassion (Waunsila: Lakota) and Courage (Zoongide’iwin: Anishinaabe) guide our advocacy and healing support for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and commercial sexual exploitation/sex trafficking. Humility (Dabasendizowin: Anishinaabe and Wawala: Lakota) and Trust (Wowicake: Lakota) are essential in our Wawokiye Center’s work with unsheltered relatives struggling with substance use disorders and in deepening our Traditional Healing and Clinical Services interventions. Our founding devotion to Wisdom (Nibwaakaawin: Anishinaabe and Woksape: Lakota) and Generosity or Helping (Wawokiye: Lakota) continues within our newly-revisioned Kinooamaage Wi’gaming family culture nights, traditional arts and crafts events, physical exercise and empowerment programming, and Native American Curriculum and other educational trainings. Grounded in these values, our work celebrates the resilience of Indigenous women and families and makes visible contributions to the wellbeing of our community.