Boards & Commissions

In 2015 the Indigenous Commission requested to change the name of what was then known as Lake Place Park. Since then they have put their knowledge of culture, history and local needs to work in consulting with local stakeholders to create a new vision for the park. The new name, Gichi-ode’ Akiing which translates to A Grand Heart Place, was adopted by City Council in December 2018. This newly named park will be a place of healing for Indigenous people and all who enter it. It will also offer peace, joy and invitation to people of all cultures. The park’s name will help express a law found in traditional Anishinaabe expressions, nindinawemaganidog, which means “All of my relations”. The park will be an opportunity to showcase the Indigenous history of this area. Having a positive representation of Native culture will be of great benefit for people in the downtown area and for young people who have been inundated with negative stereotypes and representation. This park is about acknowledging the past, but not getting stuck in the trauma or the guilt and fear. We will not forget the past, but this park offers our city an opportunity to create reconciliation through reclaiming the Indigenous part of our history and to move forward with a grand heart.

the Indigenous Commission, working with Native Artists had paintings celebrating Chief Buffalo and native culture along the lake walk at Gichi-ode’ Akiing park.           

the Indigenous Commission actively worked to establish an advisory board to the Police Department and City Council for the purposes of fostering relationships and communication between the Police Department and the Duluth Community.

in 2014 the Indigenous Commission successfully applied for a grant from the Minnesota Historical Society to conduct an "ethnographic study," one which studies both the historical character of Duluth and the cultural influences the region of the city has felt over many hundreds of years.

the Indigenous Commission, in partnership with the Bemidji Ojibwe Language Project, has developed a list of frequently used words in Ojibwe that can be used by businesses and the public. Recently the Commission has received a grant from the Duluth Legacy Endowment Fund to create an online pronunciation guide

The Commission working with University of Minnesota Duluth, worked on a project where people in the community could record themselves on cameras to visually represent an communicate to others about their lived experience.

The Indigenous Commission is an advisory board to City Council, as well as a safe place where people can attend to discuss important events, concerns, and/or ideas that impact the native community. The Commission has used this platform to advise City Council on actions as well as other boards and elected officials. 

Duluth Annual Events for MMIWR, are recognized each year by the city of Duluth with Proclamations and Lighting Enger Tower “Red for MMIWR.” Gaagige - Mikwendaagoziwag Honor Fires are Held in Conjunction with Duluth Annual Events for Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives. Hosted By: Native Lives Matter Coalition - No More MMIWR Great Lakes  Co - Hosted in Support with Gaagige - Mikwendaagoziwag Committee Community Partners, City of Duluth, Duluth Indigenous Commission.

The Indigenous Commission members are actively working to improve their Community as well thinking towards the future . Some of the specific items the Commission is working on include:

• Improving the Visibility of Native People
• Actively encouraging decolonization
• Repudiation of the Doctrine of Discovery
• Promoting Missing and Indigenous Woman and Girls, Two Spirt People, Relatives Activities
• Working with education institutions to improve opportunities for Native Youth
• Advocating for Better Health programs
• Supporting Environmental Causes
• Being Water Protectors 

the Indigenous Commission holds gatherings that serve free food to the community and supporters, while providing an open and informal public so people can learn what the Indigenous Commission has accomplished, as well as listen to needs in the community and celebrate experiences.  

every year the Indigenous Commission organizes events to recognize Indigenous People’s Day, including working with the City of Duluth and the City of Superior to have formal Mayoral proclamations

the Indigenous Commission has hosted many pow-wow celebrations within the City of Duluth, typically they occur at Gichi-ode’Akiing

the Indigenous Commission hosts round dances throughout the year which are well attended by people in the Community.

the Indigenous Commission partners with Community Organizers to celebrate people’s success in achieving sobriety in downtown once a month.