Letter in Solidarity with Black Communities

Eyonia (Greetings),

In light of past, recent, and ongoing events in our community and other communities, the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center condemns all forms of police and gun-related violence against Black lives and stands in solidarity with the Black community. George Floyd’s murder by Minneapolis Police earlier this summer, Kenosha Police’s shooting of Jacob Blake this week, and every other act of violence committed against individuals in our communities by police in the past 500+ years demonstrates that violence will continue in this settler colonial state until proper action steps are taken to dismantle these systems. We grieve all of the lives that have been senselessly lost to state-sponsored violence. MIWRC supports protests advocating for Black Lives in Minneapolis and throughout what is currently known as the United States.  

MIWRC affirms the belief that we must dissolve all systems of the police state and the paramilitarization of police forces. We stand with Black communities and individuals that have been advocating for community-driven solutions to policing for generations. We encourage our Indigenous community members to listen to Black community leaders and organizations, supporting them with your action, words, and money when possible. Our communities are stronger when we join together in the fight for liberation and basic human rights. Some local Minneapolis Black-led groups that we will be following, supporting, and uplifting include Black Lives Matter Twin Cities Metro, Reclaim the Block, and Black Visions Collective, among others.  

Waxe sabe nita egotha
(Black People Want Life Too)

Uda Monthi-a
(Walk in a Good Way),

Marisa Miakonda Cummings
Umonhon/Omaha
President/CEO, Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center

Science of the Positive Circles:

Applying Positive Spirit and Native Wisdom in Challenging Times

Please join Jo Lightfeather and Dr. Jeff Linkenbach for a series of enlightening conversations featuring tribal leaders from Minnesota and beyond. These interactive online discussions will focus on how we can lean on traditional teachings to help us navigate the challenges of this difficult and disconnected time.

See the full description

Go to registration form

Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center Board of Directors Announces Marisa Miakonda Cummings as new President and CEO


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The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center Board of Directors is pleased to announce the hiring of our new president and CEO, Marisa Cummings. Marisa Cummings (Miakonda) is Umonhon and belongs to the Buffalo Tail Clan of the Sky people as well as the Walker and Springer families. She is a relative to many and is constantly re-learning language, seed keeping, food systems, and re-building relationships with human and non-human relatives.  

Marisa holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in American Studies from the University of Iowa and a certificate in American Indian/Native Studies and a minor in African American World Studies.  She recently earned her Masters in Tribal Administration and Governance from the University of Minnesota Duluth.  Prior to accepting this appointment Marisa served as the Director of Native Student Services at the University of South Dakota.  She has also served as the Chief of Tribal Operations for the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska and Iowa.

Marisa has worked in higher education for over 15 years and is dedicated to indigenous models of governance, education, food systems, ceremonies, and sovereignty.  She studies and teaches knowledge rooted in matriarchy and advocates for dismantling systems of oppression that impact our Native communities, including resource extraction and personal violence.  Marisa has four children Lauren (MiXube) 27, Brianna (MiSabe) 21, Darius (MosePaTonga) 20, and Nia (Miakonda) 16. She lives with her youngest daughter, her partner Samuel Grant (LaMoot), and their Red Heeler, Mi'kae.

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“I am very excited that Marisa will be taking the role of President and CEO of MIWRC”, said Susan Allen, Co-chair of the Board of Directors. “In her new position, Marisa will be a welcome addition to MIWRC with her breadth of leadership experience, knowledge of programming, resources and services that our Native sisters (women) and children continue to benefit from, combined with her grounding in traditional values and practices.” Paulette Baukol, Board Co-chair added “We’re looking forward to supporting her and believe she will be an asset to the Minnesota Native Community as a whole.”

"I am both honored and humbled to be the next CEO of the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center.” Marisa shared. “The impact of the work done at MIWRC resonates throughout Indian Country and I look forward to working with the staff and community. I also am excited to develop a strong relationship with the board and to continue the legacy of service to our indigenous women and families.  I am grateful for the opportunity to pursue my passion for advocacy and healing through such a phenomenal organization." 

Marisa will start at MIWRC on Wednesday, August 5th, 2020.

For questions or for more information please contact Susan Allen at sallen@thejacobsonlawgroup.com or Paulette Baukol at pbaukol65@gmail.com


About MIWRC
 The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC) is a non-profit social and educational services organization committed to the holistic growth and development of American Indian women and their families. Founded in 1984, MIWRC provides a broad range of programs designed to educate and empower American Indian women and their families, and to inform and assist those who work providing services to the community.

A Message From MIWRC's Leadership

We here at MIWRC are committed to the safety of our staff and community. Our work and mission charge each of us to practice the sacred values while assisting others on their healing journeys. Together, we are facing confusing and frightening times that require us all to connect across fear, practice generosity collectively, and role model loving behavior towards all our relatives while we care for ourselves to ensure our ability to continue to serve.
 
To prepare for the challenges that lie ahead, please take time to grieve, cleanse, reflect, and boldly embrace creativity. We feel optimistic that we will come through this stronger and better together.
 
 Here are the ways in which MIWRC is addressing the immediate future:

All staff are to work remotely as much as possible until further notice.
• On-site services and programs will close while we spend the next two weeks developing a mindful and coherent response to this emerging global pandemic 
• We will hold internal and external meetings via Zoom and go-to meetings.
• We will communicate with funders, including county, state, and other partners, to identify flexible strategies for meeting project deliverables under these new circumstances 
• We are developing and implementing technology to offer a new telehealth service for our clinical work, creating a model to safely serve the community during this rapidly unfolding crisis while ensuring agency sustainability.
• We are exploring additional income-generating services through online and webinar-based trainings. This will create opportunities for each of our staff to share expertise and build continuing education for the clinical community throughout Indian Country, and all providers serving our community.

We also are also aware of rumors circulating about our organization and staff that are sick. Statewide, COVID-19 testing capacity is extremely limited, and no one is being tested right now unless hospitalized. Please be reassured that there are no confirmed cases of COVID-19 among MIWRC staff and be mindful of the power of our words both inside and outside the agency. 

 In this time, what we will be remembered for is the kindness we demonstrate. Please be kind to yourselves, to your loved ones, and to your neighbors.

We're thinking of all of you during this challenging time. We welcome and expect questions and look forward to working with each of you as we consider the current scenario.  

 Sending thoughts of healing, air-hugs, and positive vibrations to everyone!

 With love,
 MIWRC Executive Leadership Team – David, Heather, & Jennifer 



Governor Walz Announces Action to Address Homelessness

Governor Tim Walz announced a broad collaborative effort with State and local governments, businesses, community leaders, and non-profit organizations to address the urgent and immediate need for shelter and housing for those of us who are homeless, or experiencing housing insecurity. Here are photos from the press conference held in MIWRC’s Community Room:

Governor Walz along with local, state, and business leaders.

Governor Walz along with local, state, and business leaders.

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan with MIWRC CEO Patina Park.

Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan with MIWRC CEO Patina Park.

MIWRC Outreach Worker Jenny Bjorgo talks with Governor Walz.

MIWRC Outreach Worker Jenny Bjorgo talks with Governor Walz.

Results from Our 6/27 Ribbon Skirt Event

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Thank you to all the volunteers who helped make the June 27 Ribbon Skirts for Our Incarcerated Sisters gathering a success! The Religious Services Department at MCF Shakopee requested 15 ribbon skirts to be worn by our incarcerated relatives during sweat lodge, powwows, and ceremonies. With the help of more than 30 volunteers, we received a teaching from Ojibwe Great Grandmother Mary Lyons and completed 10 skirts during the event. Since then, MIWRC staff finished 5 more skirts in order to deliver the full donation to Shakopee as requested. See below for some feedback from the event attendees and a slideshow of photos!

  1. What did you learn today that you did not know before?

    -That the process of making a ribbon skirt is more than just sewing. It’s prayer and power and blessing.

    -Teachings about the ribbon skirt and its meaning to Native women.

    -How to use sticky double sided tape to make the ribbons straight!

  2. How will you use this information in your life?

    -I want to make my own ribbon skirts and teach my daughters and grandchildren.

    -I will be more thoughtful of my words going forward.

    -I am very comforted to know that we all come from the stars, and we are all connected.

  3. What did you like most about coming today?

    -It was a blessing to hear the stories from our Elders.

    -Being with positive vibes from all the other women and being taught culture.

    -That the skirts made were being donated to incarcerated women at Shakopee Prison to be used during ceremonies.

  4. What could we do to improve the gathering?

    -No onions!

    -More sessions - maybe open a sewing circle?

    -I wish we got more skirts done, that’s all!

This event was funded in part by the State of Minnesota Department of Human Services, Alcohol and Drug Abuse Division, American Indian Section.

Loring Nicollet Alternative School to Host Fundraiser for MIWRC

You are invited to attend Cabaret, a talent show hosted by the Loring Nicollet Alternative School which takes place on May 30 at 6:00 at First Covenant Church. We are so honored to announce that the students chose to donate the proceeds from ticket and food sales to the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center. Come support students and MIWRC - it's going to be a great event!

Please share widely!

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Cabaret Flier 1 - MIWRC Fundraiser 5.30.19.JPG

MIWRC in the media!

Three articles were recently published about MIWRC and our work. Check out the success of our first annual Indigenous Women’s March and learn more by following the links below.

First Indigenous Women’s March empowers survivors, offers support

After years of being ignored, renewed hope for Minnesota's missing and murdered indigenous women

Inaugural Indigenous Women’s March shines a light on the plight of missing and murdered native women

Running for Our Lives - MMIW Marathon Team to Donate to MIWRC

A group of 7 courageous and generous indigenous women are running the Deadwood Marathon on June 2nd in South Dakota. They are running to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and to raise funds for organizations doing the front line work. MIWRC is honored to be one of the organizations chosen.

Find more information on their Facebook page here.

Donate on their event page here.

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MIWRC Free Legal Clinic - Honoring 25 Years of Service

The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC) is proud to announce that 2019 marks the 25th anniversary of our free Legal Clinic in partnership with Faegre Baker Daniels LLP. In recognition of 25 years of dedicated service from the talented and generous team at Faegre Baker Daniels LLP, we have created a tool for gathering feedback. Our goal is to show appreciation and gratitude to Faegre Baker Daniels LLP by highlighting the voices of the people they have helped throughout the last 25 years.

If you have accessed MIWRC’s free Legal Clinic which occurs every Wednesday from 1:00 – 3:00, please consider sharing about your experience. All responses are anonymous.

You can find the survey here:

http://miwrc-learningcenter.org/limesurvey/index.php/333477?lang=en

Please share widely!

Contact Ashley Lustig at alustig@miwrc.org or (612)728-2036 with any questions.