Culture Language Arts Network (CLAN)

Culture Language Arts Network (CLAN) utilizes Native culture as a tool to promote community connection, safety, and drug and alcohol prevention. The program provides opportunities for families, youth, and adults to learn and practice our cultural traditions and languages. CLAN classes and events are open to all at no cost to participants.

Our activities are infused with Dakota and Ojibwe languages and are rooted in traditional teachings.

To inquire about possible ways to partner with CLAN, please reach out at clan.maic@gmail.com.

Please note that all CLAN events maintain a strict zero tolerance policy for tobacco, alcohol, and other substance abuse. 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

Dakota and Ojibwe language online classes are currently on pause due to funding limitations. The courses will resume in early 2026. Please check this page and the CLAN Facebook page for updates.

CLAN offers a variety of robust, free, online language classes for adults and youth to learn Dakota and Ojibwe at no cost to participants. The classes are focused on teaching the grammar and foundations of the languages. The courses utilize Zoom and Google Classroom.

Intro to Dakota

CLAN offers an introductory Dakota language course that teaches students basic fundamentals, including:

How to speak at a beginner level.
How to read and write simple sentences in Dakota.
How to build and expand on vocabulary.

The course is taught by Alexx Eagleman-James. Instruction takes place on Zoom, and materials are shared on Google Classroom. There are currently no upcoming classes scheduled at this time. Please check this page or the Culture Language Arts Network Facebook for updates.

Intermediate Dakota

CLAN offers an intermediate Dakota language course that focuses on understanding and expanding vocabulary through speaking, reading, writing, and listening at a beginner to intermediate level. This class will help students speak about themselves, others, and their environment. The course is taught by Alexx Eagleman-James.

The class is free and open to everyone. Instruction takes place on Zoom, and materials are shared on Google Classroom. There are currently no upcoming classes scheduled at this time. Please check this page or the Culture Language Arts Network Facebook for updates.

Intro to Ojibwe

CLAN offers an introductory Ojibwe course that focuses on teaching grammar essentials, building vocabulary, and providing opportunities to practice speaking. It is taught by Memegwesi Sutherland, CLAN Language Coordinator and Ojibwe Language Instructor.

The class is free and open to everyone. Instruction takes place on Zoom, and materials are shared on Google Classroom.There are currently no upcoming classes scheduled at this time. Please check this page or the Culture Language Arts Network Facebook for updates.

Intermediate Ojibwe

CLAN offers a continuation of the Intro Ojibwe class, focusing on VTI, VTA, and VII verb conjugations as well as dependent clause sentence structures. Students learn common phrases, questions, vocabulary lists, and traditional prayers to further enhance their language skills and cultural understanding.

It is taught by Memegwesi Sutherland, CLAN Language Coordinator and Ojibwe Language Instructor.

Tradish Project

The Tradish Project is an opportunity to build basic skills and knowledge that help people participate in the powwow circuit. The project promotes the joy of traditional dance by fostering a positive cultural identity and community strength while combating obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. The project is led by Lumhe “Micco” Sampson, Tradish Project Coordinator.

Activities include:

Weekly traditional dance class
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 CLAN TALK has closed but follow CLAN Facebook for updates on future programming.

Family Fun Night

Family Fun Nights are monthly themed Ojibwe and Dakota language-infused family-friendly events.

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. The event typically takes place on the third Friday of the month from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. in the Minneapolis American Indian Center.

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 the center’s Events page. Powwows are hosted in the Frances Fairbanks Memorial Gymnasium within the Minneapolis American Indian Center.

Drum and Dance

Drum and Dance is held every Wednesday from 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. in the Frances Fairbanks Memorial Gymnasium at the Minneapolis American Indian Center. The event is also livestreamed on the Culture Language Arts Network Facebook page. Women’s back-up singing lessons take place in Niibi Hall.

CLAN Drum and Dance provides:

Drum instruction
Dance instructors
Practice for female back-up singers

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 projects developed by our youth that promote Indigenous languages and culture. The event is an opportunity to celebrate our culture and empower youth to create art and share their work.

Details about the 2026 Film and Art Festival will be shared in mid-2026.

PROGRAM STAFF

Cheryl Secola

Program Director:
Culture Language Arts Network & Native Fitness and Nutrition
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