By Ka Vang, Vice President of Equity & Community Impact at Meet Minneapolis
Before Minneapolis became known for its lakes, arts, and skyline, it was Dakota land—alive with culture, language and stories that continue to shape the city today. At Meet Minneapolis, we are proud to bring this narrative to the forefront, partnering with Native leaders, artists, and entrepreneurs to ensure visitors experience the city through the eyes, voices, and contributions of Native Americans. Our approach goes beyond inclusion as an idea. Through Native American tourism programming, we honor the land, celebrate Native leadership, and recognize Indigenous contributions as essential to Minneapolis’ identity.
Honoring Leadership and Building Relationships
This work begins with leadership. Native American leaders serve on our Board of Directors, guiding our vision and ensuring Native perspectives are woven into how we define, measure, and share success. Their presence affirms our belief that equity must be structural, not symbolic.
Authenticity requires relationships. Our programs were co-created with Native organizations such as the Native American Community Development Institute, artists, and businesses. These partnerships create opportunities for visitors to engage directly with Native art, food, language, and storytelling in meaningful ways as highlighted in our Native American Community in Minneapolis guide.
Embedding Truth and Respect
At the heart of our work is a commitment to truth-telling. Meet Minneapolis created and regularly uses a Land and Water Acknowledgement in all major meetings and events. We share this acknowledgment with visiting business groups so they, too, can honor the Dakota homeland and the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples.
We invest in our own learning, too. Through professional development and cultural education, staff are trained to tell an authentic narrative of Minneapolis and Minnesota—one that begins with recognition of Native Americans and continues through the contemporary vibrancy of Indigenous communities.
Economic Empowerment Through Inclusion
Tourism is an economic engine for our city and state, and we believe it must power opportunity for everyone. Native-owned businesses are prominently featured in our Diverse Suppliers Guide, helping meeting planners and event organizers intentionally choose vendors from underrepresented communities.
We’re also thinking big. Meet Minneapolis and our partners created a signature sales event at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian, bringing together meeting planners, hotel partners, and community representatives to showcase Minneapolis’ thriving Native American tourism industry. The event reflects both pride and partnership, positioning the city as a national leader in Indigenous tourism.
Looking Forward
Our vision is simple but transformative: to make Minneapolis a model for tourism that honors truth, advances equity, and celebrates Native American leadership. This summer, Meet Minneapolis presented our Native American programs work at the annual conference for Destinations International, the premier gathering of destination marketing and management professionals from around the world.
When we tell our full story, beginning with the Dakota homeland and continuing through the vibrant Native communities shaping our city today, we do more than attract visitors; we inspire understanding. Tourism isn’t just about where we go—it’s about who we become when we arrive.