‘Niimiwin’ art exhibit celebrates the powwow tradition

“Niimiwin” is the latest exhibit at All My Relations Arts in south Minneapolis. The title “Niimiwin” means “everyone dance,” a nod to the theme of the exhibit — the tradition of dance and powwow.

Josie Hoffman is a direct descendant of the Grand Portage Anishinaabe and is the Emerging Curators Institute fellow at All My Relations Arts. Hoffman wanted to create a show that explores not just dancing but the community that comes together because of the powwow.

Organizers are hosting an event Friday at the Minneapolis American Indian Center to celebrate the exhibit and artists. In the spirit of the exhibit’s powwow focus, the celebration includes drum and dancing, music and artist vendors.

“Niimiwin: Bijiinag igo ingii-azhegiiwe gaa-niimi’iding” is the full title of the exhibit and means “Everyone Dance: I just returned home from the powwow.”

The exhibit ties into themes of movement and land connection, with artists working with clay and other natural materials. The event also highlights the importance of community interaction, and the joy derived from such gatherings. Hoffman wants visitors to reflect on their own connections to land and community.

Dancing is a big part of a powwow culture, but Hoffman also thought about movement beyond the powwow arena. 

“I’m also thinking about movement in the way that we connect with community as well, whether it be, like, traveling the powwow trail or interacting with community in other ways too,” Hoffman said.

Chanelle Gallagher is a citizen of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and one of the artists featured in the art exhibit. Her work with her tribal community to harvest clay is something Hoffman considers in the theme of movement. 

“Thinking about movement through land connection as well, thinking about that with some of the artists that are doing a lot of movement work through the land in the content of their pieces,” Hoffman said, referring to Gallagher’s work.

When coming up with the idea for a celebration, Hoffman thought about all the vendors you see at powwows — people who sell jewelry, blankets and other unique items. She wanted to recreate that experience at the celebration, specifically with the Niimiwin Market. 

Hoffman says the market is not just about selling things.

“Hopefully, people are finding joy within the exhibit or the market, whether it be discovering a new artist that really inspires them,” she said. 

Vendors see a celebration and being together in community.

Marique Moss and Theordore Marcil run Mashkiki Studios together, creating beauty and wellness products. Moss is African American and from the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, and Marcil is a citizen of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe.

They’re living space is covered with tinctures and mason jars containing fire cider. The fire cider is something that’s been brewing since summertime when the duo did a workshop showing others how to make it.

The drink is available just in time for cold and flu season. The contents: apple cider vinegar, horseradish, lemons, jalapenos and peppercorns.

Moss said it lives up to its name.

“It stings you going down, but it stings going down so good, so it blows everything out … it’s a good preventative, and it’s great when you are sick as well,” she said.

“This event that’s being put on by Josie, bringing everybody together, it’s part of the powwow experience, bringing people together and just offering everyone the experience to be able to come together more through music, through dance and through what you normally would see at a powwow event,” said Marcil.

Renee Belanger, the artist behind Creative Native Beading will be there. She created one-of-a-kind jingle earrings because she wanted something that reminded her of the sound jingle dress dancers make when they’re in the arena.

“That sound of the jingles, and the connection of that sound — the wind being in nature and being connected to pow wow and community — is really tying it all together for this market,” said Belanger.

Belanger, who is a Red Cliff Band of Ojibwe member, was always drawn to beadwork, and a friend agreed to teach her three years ago. From there, it took off and she’s been making earrings to sell at markets throughout Minnesota.

“I was hooked. Went out, like the next day and bought some beads and a needle and some thread ... I just haven’t stopped since,” she said.

Niimiwin Market will take place at the Minneapolis American Indian Center from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. and features a variety of vendors and performances by Caley Coyne, Zach Red Bear, Lumhe Sampson, Holly Henning, Bear Runner, Watéčha Records and Bleak Roses.

Niimiwin art exhibit will be open during the market and is on display through Jan. 18, 2025, at All My Relations Arts.

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