[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 193 (Monday, November 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CELEBRATING THE MINNEAPOLIS AMERICAN INDIAN CENTER'S 50TH ANNIVERSARY

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                            HON. ILHAN OMAR

                              of minnesota

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 17, 2025

  Ms. OMAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Minneapolis 
American Indian Center on its 50th anniversary. Since opening its doors 
on Franklin Avenue in 1975, the Center has been a cornerstone of 
support, empowerment, and cultural preservation for the more than 
35,000 tribally diverse American Indians living in the Minneapolis-St. 
Paul metropolitan area.
  Guided by strong Native values, the Minneapolis American Indian 
Center has carried out its mission through a wide range of programs and 
services that preserve cultural traditions and create pathways for 
opportunity. Its youth, elder, and intergenerational programs provide 
stability, encourage academic achievement, improve health and wellness, 
and help break the cycle of generational poverty. Importantly, all 
programs and services are provided at no cost to participants, ensuring 
equitable access to resources.
  Over the past five decades, the Center has developed and expanded 
initiatives that address the holistic needs of community members. 
Programs such as Family Services, Youth Services, the Culture Language 
Arts Network, Native Fitness and Nutrition, and more all reflect the 
Center's broad impact. The Family Stability Program, for example, 
provides case management, financial aid, and critical connections to 
prevent families from entering the child protection system. Meanwhile, 
the Native Fitness and Nutrition Program successfully promotes physical 
activity and healthy nutrition among Native families by providing free 
gym and fitness center space and exercise and sport activities.
  The Minneapolis American Indian Center has also made significant 
contributions to arts and culture. The renovated facility includes 
expanded gallery and studio spaces, language classes, dance, and film 
festivals. The Two Rivers Gallery nurtures emerging Native artists by 
offering exhibition opportunities, creativity support, and professional 
development. Through the Boys & Girls Club of the Minneapolis American 
Indian Center, Native youth are empowered with culturally relevant 
opportunities to grow, lead, dream, and realize their full potential.
  I am proud that my office was able to secure $3 million in federal 
funding to support the renovation and expansion of the Minneapolis 
American Indian Center. These investments have created new health and 
wellness facilities, strengthened youth programming, and ensured that 
this vital institution will continue to thrive for generations to come.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating the Minneapolis American 
Indian Center's 50 years of service. Its tireless work has strengthened 
families and enriched cultural traditions across Minnesota. The Center 
stands as a powerful example of resilience, community, and the enduring 
strength of Native nations.

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