ALL AGES
Culture Language Arts Network (CLAN)
Culture Language Arts Network (CLAN)
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?
- Adult Dakota and Ojibwe Language Classes
- Tradish Project
- Youth Ojibwe and Dakota Language, Technology, and Cultural Projects
- Family Fun Night
- Powwows
- Drum and Dance
- Podcast
- Film and Art Festival
Follow CLAN on social media
Programs
Language Classes
We offer a variety of 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, so the knowledge can be accessible to more people.
Please check back for updated information on when class registration opens. We will be offering beginner and intermediate Dakota and Ojibwe classes again in fall 2024.
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 spring 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.
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
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 Minneapolis American Indian Center gym. 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.
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 Sampson
Project Coordinator
lsampson@maicnet.org
Hoksicala Cante Ma Yuha "Sonny" Metcalf
Technology Assistant and Data Manager
smetcalf@maicnet.org