As the fall colors paint the Minneapolis landscape, the Owámni: Falling Water Festival is set to bring a vibrant celebration of indigenous Minnesota cultures to the heart of the city. Slated for October 12, from 1 – 5 p.m., this family-friendly event, co-presented by the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board and the St Anthony Falls Heritage Board, offers a rich tapestry of cultural expressions at Mill Ruins Park and Waterworks Park. The festival's name, "Owámni," pays homage to the Dakota word for St. Anthony Falls, translating to "whirling or falling water," and symbolizes the deep history at the confluence of art, nature, and community.
With no admission fee to worry about, locals and visitors alike can indulge in an array of activities. Festival attendees can expect to find an arts area displaying Native contemporary, traditional, and fine arts. According to Minneapolis Parks, indigenous visual artists will showcase their work and festival-goers can purchase authentic jewelry and native art. It's not just about visual aesthetics though; the festival also brings educational opportunities with resources from the Minnesota Historical Society, and Owámniyomni Okhódayapi offering learning experiences for all ages.
Music and entertainment will be decidedly indigenous, with acts including War Bonnet, Steve Turner, James Harvin, and Bear Runner. The Twin Cities Intertribal Dancers and comedian Trish Cook are set to take the stage too, ensuring a mix of high energy and laughter. Deanna StandingCloud and Trish Cook, doubling as entertainers and guides, will be the festival emcees.
The festival isn't skimping on the culinary front either. An exceptional lineup of Indigenous foods will tickle those taste buds, with food trucks and vendors such as The Tatanka Truck, Wanna Wotapi, Fry Bread Factory, and Cones N Creams serving up their specialties. Beyond filling your stomach, this offers a taste of a rich culinary heritage.
The Owámni Falling Water Festival is underpinned by a grant from the St. Anthony Falls Heritage Board. Moreover, it is through the collaborative efforts of partners including the Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board and the Minnesota Historical Society that such a community-centric festival takes flight, celebrating the indigenous spirit that remains an integral part of Minnesota's cultural landscape.
