Celebrating the Circle of Life by strengthening families, cherishing our youth and honoring our elders.

Preserving and Sharing Indian cultural values, traditions, and arts.

Promoting Self-sufficiency through education employment assistance and life-skills training.

The Minneapolis American Indian Center is a community center in the heart of the Indian community of Minneapolis.  It is one of the oldest Indian centers in the country, founded in 1975. The MAIC provides educational and social services to more than 10,000 members of the community annually.  It  preserves and supports American Indian cultural traditions through the arts, youth and intergenerational programs.

Heart of Urban Indian Country
In Minneapolis, the Phillips neighborhood and in particular Franklin Avenue have long been known as “Indian Country.”
It would be no stretch of the imagination to say that the
Minneapolis American Indian Center is probably the heart of our urban Indian country. This goes deeper than geography-in many ways. The Indian Center symbolizes the dreams of people of hundreds of Indian Nations who, for reasons as varied as themselves, left their reservations to come here and pursue a new life. The Indian Center is a symbol of these dreams, but even more so of the deep ties that our people have to their culture and traditions. It is a tiny refuge in a big sea of people who don’t share our memories and values, a place where we can always come to feel comfortable, a home away from home.

10-Year Vision for MAIC
In the next 10 years, MAIC will build on its 30 year history as a focal point for American Indian values, culture and programs. The Center’s programs will continue to be strong, effective models for serving American Indians across a broad range of ages and circumstances. The Center will attract the financial support needed to meet the future and changing needs of the American Indian community. MAIC staff and board will strive for excellent outcomes in all program areas. The Center will play an integral role within the American Indian community, working in close partnership with other organizations to ensure programs and services are coordinated. MAIC staff will continue to take pride in their work and will grow and develop in their jobs. MAIC’s facilities will be well maintained, culturally appropriate and an integral part of the revitalization of east Franklin Avenue. The MAIC will continue to be a center for American Indian cultures, helping to ensure that traditional values are passed on to future generations.
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