Indigenous Women Water Protectors Exhibition

Conn Gallery November 2, 2025 – February 28, 2026

We are privileged to display a portrait exhibition by John Kaul, which honors twenty-one indigenous women water protectors and also displays art by five of these women. It was born out of a friendship between John and Sharon Day, the spiritual leader of the Nibi Walk movement. The Nibi (Water) Walks are indigenous-led, extended ceremonies to pray for the water. Every step is taken in prayer and gratitude for water, our life-giving force.

Reception: Nov 2nd, 11 am – 1 pm
Sunday Forum: Dec 14, 10 am

Artists

John Kaul

After decades of policymaking experience and lobbying at the Minnesota State Capitol, John Kaul is using documentary filmmaking, photography and art to raise awareness on the critical issues of our time.
www.afton-films.com

Sharon Day

Sharon M. Day is the Executive Director of the Indigenous Peoples Task Force and is known as a leader of Nibiwalks along the rivers to pray for our waterways. Sharon is an Ojibwe artist working in a variety of mediums, such as watercolors and sculpture.

Gio Cerise

Gio Cerise ‘Giiwedini Binesiikwe’ of the Eagle Clan is a descendant and citizen of the White Earth Nation. She is Beishigo Asemaa Program Assistant for the Indigenous Peoples Task Force and a Usui Reiki Master.

Maryanna Harstad

Maryanna Harstad is enrolled in the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and has paternal lineage in the Blackfeet Nation. As a performance artist, Maryanna has participated in unscripted performance pieces to raise awareness on topics including climate change, anti-military parody, and Ojibwe and Dakota culture.

Heidi Inman

Sunkawakan Ota Wicayuhe Win A/K/A Heidi (Miner) Inman Dakota/Lakota/Anishinaabe, is a citizen of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate.  Her art and activism honor water, ancestors, and women’s leadership, carrying forward stories of resilience and care.

Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ

Tanaǧidaŋ To Wiŋ ( Tara Perron) is a Dakota and Anishinaabe mother. She grew up in Imnížaska (Saint Paul), Minnesota. The loving hearts of her sons inspire Tara, who is a creator, a plant medicine enthusiast, and has always loved to write. She believes in the healing power of storytelling. www.bluehummingbirdwoman.com