A male and female dressed in regalia dance in a gym.

ALL AGES

Culture Language Arts Network (CLAN)

Culture Language Arts Network (CLAN)

CLAN-logo

Culture Language Arts Network (CLAN) utilizes American Indian culture as a prevention tool. American Indian youth, adults, and families participate in cultural activities allowing them to learn and practice our cultural traditions and language. 

Our activities are infused with Ojibwe/Dakota language and rooted in traditional teachings. If you’re interested in collaboration or partnership opportunities, please reach out at clan.maic@gmail.com

Please note that all our events maintain a strict zero tolerance policy for tobacco, alcohol, and other substance abuse. Furthermore, all our events and activities are free and open to the public, and we extend a warm welcome to everyone.

What does CLAN offer?

Follow CLAN on social media

Programs

Language Classes

We offer a variety of robust language classes for adults and youth to learn Ojibwe and Dakota at no cost to participants. Our classes are rooted in learning the grammar and foundations of the languages. They are offered remotely on Zoom to make the courses more accessible.  

Intro to Dakota

A free online Intro to Dakota course is available for Fall 2024. The 12-week course is offered every Wednesday from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. CST starting Sept. 11. 

The introductory course teaches students basic fundamentals, including: 

  • How to provide and respond to basic questions and phrases.
  • How to read and write simple sentences in Dakota. 
  • How to build and expand on your vocabulary. 

Instruction will take place on Zoom, and materials will be shared on Google Classroom.

A flyer showcasing the Intro to Dakota course.
Intro to Ojibwe Speaking

CLAN is offering an introductory level Ojibwe speaking course in Fall 2024. The 12-week course is offered online every Monday from 5:00 – 7:30 p.m. CST starting Sept. 9. 

The class focuses on teaching grammar essentials, building vocabulary, and providing opportunities to practice speaking. It is taught by Memegwesi, CLAN language coordinator and Ojibwe language instructor. 

The class is free and open to everyone. Instruction will take place on Zoom and materials will be shared on Google Classroom. 

Due to high demand, registration is now closed for this class. Please check back in January 2025 for Spring 2025 class registration. 

Intro to Ojibwe flyer

Tradish Project

The Tradish Project is an opportunity to build basic skills and knowledge that help people participate in the Powwow Circle. The project promotes the joy of traditional dance by fostering a positive cultural identity and community strength while combating obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. 

Activities include:

  • Weekly traditional dance
  • Teaching circles focused on particular dance styles, stories, and songs
  • Powwow aerobics for teens and adults
  • Elder sewing circle to create regalia for youth dancers

Please sign up below and let us know what learning opportunities you’d like to partake in.

Youth Ojibwe and Dakota Language, Technology, and Cultural Projects

CLAN is dedicated to reviving the Dakota and Ojibwe languages while teaching youth technology skills. CLAN TALK (Technology Assisted Language Keepers) offers an immersive experience for youth ages 12-19 to learn Dakota and Ojibwe using technology. The technology used includes videography, music production, digital art creation, and more. Registration for 2024 CLAN TALK has closed but follow CLAN Facebook for updates on future programming.

Family Fun Night

Family Fun Night is a themed Ojibwe and Dakota language-infused monthly event. It is held each month except for months where there is a scheduled powwow.

The events are offered virtually and in-person and consist of an Ojibwe and Dakota language wordlist, art supplies, and meal kits. Family Fun Night is promoted on the CLAN Facebook page and on our Events page.

Each event consists of the following segments:

  • Cultural and traditional teachings
  • Indigenous food demonstration
  • Cultural art activity
  • Physical activity
  • Dakota and Ojibwe language infusion

Powwows

Community powwows are quarterly, and details are posted on the CLAN Facebook page and our Events page.

Drum and Dance

Drum and Dance is held every Wednesdays from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the Frances Fairbanks Memorial Gymnasium at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. The event is also livestreamed each week on the Culture Language Arts Network Facebook page.

CLAN Drum and Dance provides:

  • Drum instruction
  • Dance instructors

Dance categories include: Hoop Dance, Woman’s Fancy, Women’s Jingle, and Grass Dance.
It is a great opportunity to practice, learn, and prepare in community for the powwow season.

Podcast

CLAN conducts educational interviews with esteemed community elders and respected adults on the expected roles and behaviors of young women and men. The conversations cover topics related to traditional views on alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use. The interview videos are featured on CLAN’s YouTube page.

Hosts: Jonathan Buehlmann, Lumhe “Micco” Sampson, Memegwesi Sutherland, and Sonny Metcalf

Film and Art Festival

The festival is an annual event that showcases youth language infused technology projects pertaining to language and culture. It is a way to get involved with our family friendly Dakota and Ojibwe cultural and language services. 

MAIC Logo for sharing
PROGRAM STAFF
Cheryl Secola

Program Director
csecola@maicnet.org

David “Memegwesi” Sutherland

Language Coordinator and Ojibwe Language Instructor
dsutherland@maicnet.org

Jonathan Buehlmann

Prevention Activities Coordinator
jonathan.buehlman@maicnet.org

Lvmhe "Micco" Sampson

Project Coordinator
lsampson@maicnet.org

Hoksicala Cante Ma Yuha "Sonny" Metcalf

Technology Assistant and Data Manager
smetcalf@maicnet.org

Hopa Stevens

Dakota Language Coordinator
hstevens@maicnet.org