Reconnecting Our Roots

Reconnecting Our Roots is a unique opportunity for Native American teens from the Twin Cities area to participate in cultural activities and learn about Native histories rooted throughout Mni Sota Makoče in a welcoming environment.

Reconnecting Our Roots participants will partake in cultural activities and learn more about Native histories rooted throughout Mni Sota Makoče in a welcoming environment using MNHS resources. This includes:

  • Interacting with the Native American collections, exhibits, and archives at MNHS
  • Engaging with Native Community members for cultural teachings
  • Participating in art and storytelling
  • Learning about food sovereignty demo and traditional games 

Six Native American students will be selected to attend each session. Summer sessions will meet daily for one week (Monday-Friday), while winter sessions will take place one evening per week for seven consecutive weeks.

ROR collections.
ROR collections.
ROR summer.
ROR summer.
ROR summer.
ROR summer.
Reconnecting our roots drum and dance.
Reconnecting our roots drum and dance.
ROR cooking.
ROR cooking.

The 2025 summer session runs July 14-18. Native American students from the Twin Cities area who are currently 15-18 years old are encouraged to apply. Lunch will be provided. Students who attend all dates will earn a $500 stipend upon completion of the program! Participants MUST be able to arrange a ride to the Minnesota History Center and other locations in the Twin Cities each session.

For any further questions, please contact the NAI Program Specialist Deacon at deacon.deboer@mnhs.org.

Reconnecting Our Roots is made possible through the support of the Rosemary and David Good Family Foundation