By Emily Jarrett Hughes
“This place is beautiful” are often the first words spoken by people coming to Mikwanedun
Audisookon for food, services, or cultural programming. This summer Indigenous Peoples Task
Force (IPTF) opened Mikwanedun Audisookon, which means “remember our teachings,” to
provide an oasis dedicated to strengthening the wellness of the Indigenous community.
A free community meal on Wednesdays from 1-3 is a weekly highlight. Recent menus include
jerk chicken with rice or roasted chicken with potatoes and green beans. Many of the
ingredients are acquired at no cost through partnerships with local farms and food shelves.
Hennepin County residents can collect a free grocery bag on Thursdays beginning at 1 until they
are gone. Grocery bags include staples like milk and eggs as well as ingredients and a recipe for
a family dinner. One recent recipe was for lemon chicken pasta salad. Farm fresh produce filled
many of the grocery bags this summer.
When stopping by for food, people can also access harm reduction resources and walk in for
HIV testing. People can make appointments for testing between 8:30 – 4 PM Monday through
Friday – walk ins also welcome. Call 612-463-6502 to schedule a test.
The community is invited to an Open House celebration for the new building on Friday, October
2 from 1-4 PM. The address is 2313 13 th Ave S in Minneapolis. The gardens, earth block
architecture, circular rotunda, clinic, dining room, and gathering spaces make Mikwanedun
Audisookon a special place for wellness programs rooted in Indigenous culture.
