Philanthropy Tour of Red Lake Nation

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The Red Lake Nation has a Tribal history that includes establishing villages in the Red Lake area beginning in the 17th century. Over the centuries, the Tribal nation has worked to “protect sovereignty while moving forward to maintain the traditions of the past”. Red Lake Reservation is owned and occupied entirely by members of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians — the only such reservation in Minnesota. As such, Red Lake is the only “closed reservation” in Minnesota where all land is held in common by the Tribe and there is no private property.

This learning tour, hosted by MCF in collaboration with WASH-MN, will highlight how Native-led institutions, organizers, and leaders are expanding the notion of sovereignty while shaping intergenerational futures. Participants will explore the meaning of sovereignty in relation to land, food, energy, health, and education. We will hear from Tribal elders and leaders, including representatives of the Red Lake Tribal Council, who are advancing culturally grounded models of development and care. Each stop of the tour reflects the power of place keeping and the deep roots of community ownership. This experience invites reflection on how cultural work sustains belonging, sovereignty, and transformation.    

This event is presented in collaboration with We Are Still Here - Minnesota (WASH-MN). WASH-MN is a collaboration fiscally sponsored by Indigenous Roots, an arts organization that supports a coalition of people, organizations, and small businesses dedicated to the Reclaiming Native Truth research and its findings.  

Agenda at a Glance (details, coming soon)

Wednesday, September 9

• 1:30 p.m. Tour group departs from Seven Clans Casino Hotel, Red Lake
• 1:30 – 5:00 p.m. Tour stops across Red Lake Nation (locations, TBD)
• 5:00 – 6:00 p.m. Return to hotel; check-in and free time
• 6:00 – 7:30 p.m. Communal dinner and discussion at Seven Clans
• 7:30 – Overnight: Lodging at Seven Clans Casino Hotel (please reserve your room; MCF will not cover hotel reservations or costs)

Thursday, September 10

• 8:00 – 8:30 a.m. Communal breakfast at Seven Clans
• 8:30 – 12:00 Tour stops across Red Lake Nation (locations, TBD)
• 12:00 – 2:00 Lunch at amphitheater
• 2:30 p.m. Tour concludes at Seven Clans Casino Hotel, Red Lake

Additional Details

• Lodging at Seven Clans Casino Hotel, Red Lake, is on-your-own; please make your room reservation for September 9 and additional nights as needed, based on your travel schedule.
• The tour is designed to allow travelers from across Minnesota to spend only one night in Red Lake. Please feel free to stay longer, as your schedule allows. Approximate travel time:
  • Duluth (3 hours)
  • Mankato (5+ hours)
  • Minneapolis (4+ hours) 
  • Moorhead (2.5 hours)
  • Saint Cloud (3 hours)
• Three meals will be provided (dinner on Wednesday; breakfast and lunch on Thursday). Please update your MCF online account with any requests for accommodation or dietary restrictions.
• Dress for the weather. Check the forecast for the possibility of rain. We recommend wearing layers in case you're feeling too warm or too cool.
• The tour will include significant time sitting, standing, and walking. Wear comfortable clothing and good walking/standing shoes.
• Bring a readiness to listen, hear, and see. Various communities will be welcoming us into their spaces. We're grateful for their generosity of time and connection. 
• MCF takes seriously the health of staff, members and other stakeholders. Please see the public health measures that we've instituted for in-person programming. In order to create the best in-person experience, this event will not be simulcast. Learn more here.
• If you would like to receive an auto-generated invoice to pay later, please log in to your account before registering.
• For additional information, please reach out to Paul Masiarchin ([email protected]).