A corridor of renewal

How Indigenous-led community projects are revitalizing the American Indian Cultural Corridor

The American Indian Cultural Corridor in south Minneapolis has become one of the region’s most powerful examples of community-led transformation, and Hennepin County’s investments have played an important role in bringing that vision to life.

Over the past several years, the county has deepened its commitment to strengthening Indigenous communities by supporting major capital projects, health and wellness facilities, cultural centers, affordable housing, and public realm improvements along Franklin Avenue. These investments honor Indigenous leadership, advance long-term community health, and reinforce the corridor as a vibrant center for art, culture, and economic opportunity.

Remember our teachings

The Indigenous Peoples Task Force’s (IPTF) new Mikwanedun Audisookon Center for Art & Wellness represents a major investment in community-driven cultural and health infrastructure.

Mikwanedun Audisookon translates to “remember our teachings” in Ojibwe.

The newly opened center expands culturally grounded holistic services for Native youth and adults by integrating health and environmental education, traditional healing, case management, and arts programming in one space. It also offers training in green building technologies.

IPTF received an investment of $750,000 through the county’s Community Investment Initiative in 2022 to help make this project possible.  

“As a county, we are committed to centering community voices and ensuring our investments align with what residents say they need: culturally relevant health services, cultural spaces, housing stability, and opportunities to thrive,” said County Board Chair Irene Fernando at a recent celebration for the center. “This project reflects exactly that: a collaborative, community-led effort that promotes holistic well-being through culture, wellness practices, and connection.” 

New beginnings

Just blocks away, the Native American Community Clinic (NACC) and Wellington Management are nearing completion of the Wihinaphe Apartments, which translates to “new beginnings,” and a new clinic.

The 83-unit affordable housing development is now taking applications for residents, and the clinic opened earlier this month. 

The county has invested $2.9 million in the project via housing and economic development funding through our Supportive Housing Strategy, Affordable Housing Incentive Fund and Transit Oriented Communities programs. 

NACC opened in 2003 to promote the health and wellness of mind, body and spirit of Native American families by offering a range of healthcare services.

A renewed Minneapolis American Indian Center

The newly expanded Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC) stands as one of the corridor’s most visible transformations. After a major renovation that added 20,000 square feet, MAIC now serves nearly twice as many visitors, offers expanded cultural programming, and features a striking new rotunda and enhanced public realm along Franklin Avenue.

Hennepin County contributed $1 million toward the project, which totaled $32.8 million in development costs, supported by federal, state, local, and tribal partners. The center reopened in May 2024, marking a new chapter for one of the most prominent institutions in the Minnesota Native community.

Investing along the entire corridor

Other notable projects in the area include:

• Mino‑Bimaadiziwin: The project (translated to the “good life” in Ojibwe) is a 110‑unit, mixed‑use affordable housing development that includes a wellness clinic, childcare space, and offices for the Red Lake Nation Embassy. Hennepin County contributed $750,000.
• Wadaag Commons: A 39‑unit affordable housing development near the Franklin LRT station supported with $1.26 million from Hennepin County.
• Mni Sota Fund Indigenous Wealth Building Center: A forthcoming economic hub dedicated to Native small business development, entrepreneurship support, and community gathering space. Hennepin County is investing $250,000 in the project.
• The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC): The renovated center includes 24 units of culturally tailored supportive housing for people exiting homelessness. The county invested $800,000 in the project.