MINNEAPOLIS — On the first day of American Indian Month in Minnesota—a time usually dedicated to honoring and celebrating Native American history, culture, and contributions—grief lingers in south Minneapolis. 

According to Minneapolis police, four of the five people killed in a string of shootings over 24 hours were Native American. Two others were injured.

Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI) Vice President of Arts and Culture Angela Two Stars emphasized the importance of community members coming together during such tragedies.

“These are our relatives, and we hate to see our families hurting,” Two Stars said. “We want an end to the violence in the community, and we want to support each other.”

Located on Franklin Avenue, NACDI is a hub for preserving Native American culture and providing a space for healing through art, civic engagement, and food sovereignty, Two Stars explained. The organization houses the All My Relations Gallery and shares its building with Pow Wow Grounds, a coffee shop bringing community members together daily.

Two Stars said her artwork has guided her on her healing journey. She hopes to help others in the same way. “Healing is a big component of what I incorporate into my art,” the Dakota artist said.

“I know yesterday my heart was really hurting,” Two Stars said, adding that the pain is felt collectively throughout the community. “These are our relatives, and we hate to see our families hurting. We want an end to the violence in the community, and we want to support each other.”

As the community mourns, Angela urges people to hold onto their identity, resilience, and strength.

“We are some beautiful people,” she said. “That’s something I want our community to remember while we go through these tragic times. There is that strength and resilience that we have within us, that our ancestors instilled in us, and that will get us through and carry us through these hard times.”

Two Stars also highlighted the lack of long-term investment in Native American neighborhoods and called for more support, especially youth empowerment.

All My Relations Gallery and NACDI will be hosting a new art exhibit starting May 8 titled Creation.Story. The opening ceremony will take place on May 8 from 6 to 8 p.m.