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The Minnesota Historical Society’s Mille Lacs Indian Museum & Trading Post located on 169 and Oodena Drive on the Mille Lacs Reservation has some great events scheduled for the winter season. Events are open to all interested participants.

Many of our programs are free of charge and no registration is necessary:

Sewing Circle is an opportunity to finish those sewing projects that have been gathering dust or provide incentive to begin those projects you have always wanted to do. Work on them amongst friends, share good cooking. We have a sewing machine on hand and knowledgeable staff can offer help and suggestions. Meets every other Monday (11-2) throughout the winter with the exception of holidays (in which the circle will be held on Tuesday following).

Beading Circle is a gathering of beaders sharing stories, ideas and good food. A great way to spend an afternoon and get some work done. Meets every other Monday (11-2) throughout the winter with the exception of holidays (in which the circle will be held on the Tuesday following).

During the winter months the Museum will be hosting Storytelling on Monday evenings beginning December 2nd (excluding Dec. 30th) through February 2003, 6-7:30 PM. Minnesota Historical Society, Mille Lacs Indian Museum is seeking Band Elders who wish to share their stories with others in order to keep the traditions and language alive and living here at Mille Lacs. If you are interested in sharing the stories you have been told and want to contribute the oral traditions of the people, please call for more information.

Conversational Ojibwe is an opportunity to engage in and listen to the Ojibwe language with Band Elder, Norman Clark every Tuesday afternoon 4 – 5:30 PM, beginning November 12. Students, Band Members and Band Employees are welcome to come practice their language skills, receive help with homework, translations and pronunciation. Children under the age of 18 years must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or pre-registered to attend. Call 320-532-3632 for more information or to register your child.

Affordable workshops and classes are also offered in Ojibwe language, culture and crafts. Prepayment and registration are required. No college credit offered:

Ojibwe language for the beginner
All persons wishing to learn Ojibwe are welcome to attend Ojibwe for the beginner classes every Sunday 11-12:30, December through February. This twelve-week course covers basic language skills, counting, colors, animate and inanimate nouns, verbs, prefixes and suffixes. Band Elder Norman Clark teaches class. Cost: $100 for the general public, $50 for MHS members and $30 for Band Members and students. Pre-registration & payment required. Walk-ins are welcome at a cost of $10 for general public, $5 for MHS members, $3 for Band members and students.

Intermediate Ojibwe
Ojibwe language course for people wanting to build on their basic language skills. This twelve-week course will cover first, second, third person use of verbs with animate and inanimate nouns. Class is taught by Band Elder Norman Clark on Sundays 12:30 – 2 PM, December through February. Cost: $100 for public, $50 for MHS members and $30 for Band Members & students. Pre-registration & payment required. Walk-ins are welcome at a cost of $10 for general public, $5 for MHS members, $3 for Band members & students.

Birch Bark Ornaments
Workshop taught by Band Elder and Artisan Margaret Hill. Learn techniques in working with birch bark. Create small ornaments to give as gifts or decorate for the holidays. Materials provided. Your creations are yours to keep. This two-day workshop will be held December 11 (10 –2) and December 12 (12-4 PM). Cost: $25 for public, $20 for MHS members and $10 for Band members. Pre-registration & payment required.

Ojibwe Snowshoe Workshop
Learn to lace a pair of snowshoes with local snowshoe makers Eric and Shelley Larson. History, styles, materials, finishing care and use will all be covered as part of this two-day workshop. During breaks you will have an opportunity to try out a variety of snowshoes and bindings. All tools are provided. This two-day workshop will be held January 11 & 12 (10-4). Cost: $120 public, $115 MHS members and $105 Band Members. Pre-registration and payment required.

Although the Museum is closed for the season you can still arrange a group tour or educational tour, call to schedule.

The Trading Post, a restored 1930’s landmark and a great place to shop! December shopping days are Mondays 12-6 PM, Fridays 11 AM-4 PM, Saturdays 10 AM-3 PM and Sundays 12-3 PM. Trading Post will close December 24th through the New Year for inventory. The store will be open some weekends throughout the rest of the winter season, please call for hours. For more information or to register for any events, call Jodell Meyer, phone: 320-532-3632 or send e-mail.