ALL AGES
Culture Language Arts Network (CLAN)
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 to learn and practice our cultural traditions and language. They are geared towards Native youth, adults, and families, but CLAN classes and events are open to all.
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 our events maintain a strict zero tolerance policy for tobacco, alcohol, and other substance abuse. 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 robust language classes for adults and youth to learn Dakota and Ojibwe 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. Spring 2025 classes are currently underway, and registration for summer 2025 classes will reopen in late spring.
Intro to Dakota
CLAN is currently hosting a free online introductory Dakota course for Winter/Spring 2025. The 12-week course is offered every Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and began on Feb. 9.
The introductory course 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 your vocabulary.
The course is taught by Alexx Eagleman-James. Instruction takes place on Zoom, and materials are shared on Google Classroom. Registration for Spring 2025 classes is closed, and summer class registration will open in late spring.
Intermediate Dakota
CLAN is offering an intermediate level Dakota course in Winter/Spring 2025. The 12-week course is offered online every Sunday starting at 2:30 p.m. CST.
The class focuses on understanding and expanding vocabulary through speaking, reading, writing, and listening at a beginner to intermediate level. This class will help you speak about yourself, others, and your 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. Registration for Spring 2025 classes is closed, and registration for Summer 2025 classes will open in late spring.
Intro to Ojibwe
CLAN is offering an introductory level Ojibwe course in Winter/Spring 2025. The 12-week course is offered online every Monday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. CST.
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 takes place on Zoom, and materials are shared on Google Classroom. Registration for Spring 2025 is closed, and registration for Summer 2025 classes will open in late spring.
Intermediate Ojibwe
CLAN is offering an intermediate level Ojibwe course in Winter/Spring 2025. The 12-week course is offered online every Tuesday from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. CST.
This course is a continuation from 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, 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. Registration for Spring 2025 is closed, and registration for Summer 2025 classes will open in late spring.
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.
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.
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
Miiskogihmiiwan Poupart-Chapman
Technology Assistant
mpoupart-chapman@maicnet.org