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American Indian Initiative

Plymouth stands in the midst of an unusually rich ethnic neighborhood that includes one of the larger urban American Indian populations in the country. Several Plymouth members met in 2007 to explore pursuing a broader relationship with that community and met with representatives of All Nations Indian Church on 23rd Street, leading to establishment of the Plymouth American Indian Initiative (PAII). 

In recent past, PAII has screened films with the Film Club, both documentaries and feature films, on various Indian topics, has worked with Adult Forum to bring in several Indian presenters, including a panel of representatives from three Minnesota tribes discussing tribal environmental and green initiatives, and has assisted in incorporating Indian music, drumming, spiritual practices, storytelling and artifacts into both worship services.

In 2010-11, in addition to exploring other possibilities, PAII collaborated with the Fine Arts Board to bring to Plymouth an exhibit of the works of several American Indian artists and with Adult Forum to present well-known Indian leaders as part of the educational program of the church. 

For more information, contact Judd Sheridan, 651/787-0424, sheri012@umn.edu, or other members of PAII: Deb Gessner, Jim Lenfestey, Mariana Shulstad, David Good, Virgil Foote or Tony Stoneburner.