Minnesota is home to 11 federally recognized tribal nations, with each having their own distinct histories, values and communities. Additionally, there is a percentage of Indigenous people from other tribal nations living in Minnesota. MNHS collections represent both Minnesota tribal nations and other Indigenous communities.
Examples of materials relating to specific tribal communities:
The Woodlands: The Story of the Mille Lacs Ojibwe. Written, produced & directed by Tom Jenz. Video with community members discussing the history of the Mille Lacs band of Ojibwe. MNHS call number: Videotape 451
Sakpe Tanhan From Shakopee / Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. Video about the history of Shakopee Mdewakanton Community from pre-contact up until the present day. MNHS call number: Videotape 780
Charles E. Flandrau letter, 1897 September 20. Typed letter to E. M. Tebbets, New York City, from St. Paul (Minn.), with reference to the condition of the missions in and about the Redwood and Yellow Medicine Indian agencies at the time of the Dakota Conflict. MNHS call number: Manuscripts Microfilm M582: Flandrau
Minnesota Council on Indian Affairs. The mission of the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council (MIAC) is to protect the sovereignty of the 11 Minnesota Tribes and to ensure the well-being of the American Indian citizens throughout the state of Minnesota. Their website contains a wealth of information including a history of each Tribal Nation in Minnesota, resources focusing on American Indian culture in Minnesota, language revitalization, and education. It also includes links to virtual presentations by the 2022 TRUTH (Towards Recognition and University-Tribal Healing) Project fellows for the majority of Tribal Nations in Minnesota.
Suggested keywords to search in our library and archives catalog and Collections Online database for additional materials related to specific tribal resources:
