EXPERIENCE Culture

The Bemidji area is a great place to appreciate Ojibwe arts and culture. The American Indian Resource Center (AIRC) at Bemidji State University offers a gathering place central to the area’s three largest American Indian Nations. Take a tour or peruse educational resources and a collection of art at the AIRC.

LEECH LAKE BAND OF OJIBWE GAA-ZAGASKWAAJIMEKAAG

The Leech Lake Band Of Ojibwe is one of seven Ojibwe nations in Minnesota and encompasses two of the state’s largest lakes— Leech Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish. The Leech Lake Nation has nearly 8,000 citizens. Eighty-five percent of Leech Lake Nation falls within the boundaries of the Chippewa National Forest, and tribal members only own 4 percent of their own land. Tribal culture remains vibrant at Leech Lake. Many people actively participate in traditional dance, music, art, and ceremonial life. Leech Lake is also home to Minnesota’s first Ojibwe language immersion school, Niigaane.

RED LAKE NATION MISKWAAGAMIIWIZAAGA’IGANIING

The Red Lake Nation covers 1,259 square miles in parts of nine counties in northern Minnesota and has over 10,000 tribal citizens. Red Lake land is unallotted tribal land, meaning that no individuals own title to it.

That land is held in trust for the benefits of all tribal members, making Red Lake unique among all the American Indian Nations in Minnesota. The village of Ponemah on the Red Lake Nation is a traditional community that follows tribal religious beliefs and funerary practices. It is home to nearly 400 Ojibwe language speakers.

WHITE EARTH NATION GAA-WAABABIGANIKAAG

With more than 22,000 tribal citizens, White Earth Nation is the most populous American Indian community in the state. The area was established as a relocation designation for Ojibwe people from the Brainerd Lakes region, northwestern Minnesota and Lake Superior. Land and timber speculators successfully swindled most of their land out of tribal hands. Even today, tribal members own less than 9 percent of their own reservation. Traditional tribal culture eroded significantly due to a variety of assimilation policies, but in the past 20 years, tribal members have achieved amazing revitalization of traditional customs.

The Arts

Bemidji celebrates the arts every day in its galleries, shops, streets and concert halls.

There are endless opportunities to take in the visual arts. Bemidji is home to a nationally recognized Sculpture Walk throughout the downtown area. The First Friday Art Walk is a monthly event during which many galleries, organizations, businesses, and restaurants host open receptions and exhibits. The Watermark Art Center features local, regional, and national artists and hosts the annual

Headwaters Science Center

Headwaters Science Center provides hours of edutainment for everyone. Voted by the Star Tribune in 2021 as the Best Museum in Minnesota, guests will be sure to find a knowledgeable staff with over 70 interactive exhibits, including live animals like a boa named Rusty! Their science demonstrations and programs cover a wide variety of topics, such as combustion, cryogenics, raptors, insects, and astronomy.

HSC exhibits require active participation by the visitor. Some require dexterity and/or creativity, but all result in better understanding and appreciation of scientific principles and concepts. Make sure to hold a snake or a bunny, make a harmonograph picture, watch the kinetic sculpture, and spend a moment contemplating the beauty of our 210-gallon saltwater aquarium. Hscbemidji.org

Beltrami County Historical Society

There’s always something new to explore at this train depot that was restored as a museum. Changing exhibits, permanent collections and events help visitors appreciate how Bemidji and Beltrami County became what they are today. Beltramihistory.org