MNHS Indian Advisory Committee

The MNHS Indian Advisory Committee (IAC) is made up of tribally appointed representatives of the 11 Minnesota tribes, as well as representatives of key groups, such as educators. IAC advises on planning, developing, and evaluating MNHS activities and initiatives including exhibitions, publications, public programs, and curatorial policy as they relate to the research, collection, preservation, and interpretation of Minnesota and American Indian history in Minnesota. Relationships among IAC members, MNHS, and tribal communities are supported by thrice-annual meetings held at various tribal communities around the state. IAC members learn about current work happening within MNHS in their own communities. For example, the October 2015 IAC meeting was hosted by the Red Lake Nation. IAC members and MNHS staff toured the newly built Red Lake tribal college and government buildings and heard a presentation given by Brenda Child, MNHS Executive Council representative on the IAC and enrolled Red Lake member. Also, in a newly expanded role, the IAC coordinator now assists in developing and carrying out institutional community outreach strategies through the work of MNHS's Department of Inclusion and Community Engagement.