Indigenous Roots Cultural Center (IRoots) is a coalition of artists, culture bearers, business owners, cultural groups and organizations dedicated to building, supporting and cultivating opportunities for and with Brown, Black, Native and Indigenous Peoples through cultural arts and activism.
We are a community arts and activism hub based in Saint Paul. Click the titles below to learn more about how we support each other.
Indigenous Roots is more than a space—we actively invest in community growth. From connecting people and supporting artists with resources, to offering financial opportunities, marketing support, and creative development, we help ensure that arts and activism thrive. In a world where cultural erasure is real, our work protects traditions, uplifts voices, and strengthens solidarity across communities.
Our center is home to drum circles, dance groups, language classes, and traditional teachings led by community knowledge-keepers. Elders are held in the highest regard, their wisdom bridges generations and keeps cultures alive. Through partnerships like the McKnight Foundation’s Culture Bearer program, we honor these voices and show that the old ways are not dead—they are alive and thriving in our community.
Indigenous Roots is a place where young people are seen, supported, and celebrated. From youth-led initiatives like Roots Café to ongoing classes, music workshops, and intergenerational programs, the center provides constant opportunities for learning and connection. Here, children grow up high-fiving elders, sharing space with artists, and finding their own role in the community; gaining the skills, confidence, and belonging they need to thrive.
Indigenous Roots nurtures artists through residencies, rehearsal space, and a gallery that sits alongside Roots Café. But the art doesn’t stop at the walls—it spills into the streets through vibrant murals, performances, multimedia events, and a sculpture garden that together transform the neighborhood into a living canvas. What was once an overlooked corridor in East Saint Paul has become a cultural beacon—reaching communities too often ignored. We send a powerful message to the city and beyond: our roots are strong, and they grow stronger every day.
We invest in leadership development, wellness programming, and cultural organizing that amplify Indigenous, Native, Black, and Brown voices. By centering community-driven initiatives, we build resilience today and lay the foundation for generations to come.
Your support helps sustain artists, culture bearers, and community spaces for generations to come.
Through stories, art, and teaching, Culture Bearers pass traditions to future generations. Explore past fellows, learn about our mission, and apply to become a fellow Culture Bearer through this McKnight Foundation–funded program.
At the heart of the Indigenous Roots Center, Roots Café is more than a coffee shop—it’s a youth-powered hub for leadership, creativity, and community building. Every cup supports young people learning real-world skills and leading initiatives that strengthen our future.
Eagle and Condor Wellness connects traditional knowledge with modern practices to support holistic healing for Indigenous, Native, Black, and Brown communities. Through workshops, teachings, and community care, it uplifts balance, wellness, and cultural resilience.
Over 60 unique artworks now brighten our halls and the blocks of East Saint Paul. Indigenous Roots, together with artists, residents, and partners, is building the 7th Street Cultural Corridor and Intercultural (Intertribal) Mural Corridor on Dakota land in Kap’óža (Dayton’s Bluff). Come explore the corridor and experience the growth of a community in full bloom.
“As a full-time, lifelong Eastside artist, Indigenous Roots has been a gift—an artistic home…”
Saymoukda Vongsay, Eastside Saint Paul Artist
“Indigenous Roots continues to play a significant role in my life, work, family, and community—offering space to grow my business and always lifting my spirit.”
Aiyana Sol Machado, Founder of Karaya Guey , Co-Founder of Kumbé Healing & Wellness
“We were welcomed and treated like family—always given a hand and a safe space for our community to explore Hmong culture through dance.”
Nkauj Sheng Xiong, Owner of YeS Dance Academy
“They’ve supported me with space for my business, financial and emotional support. I’ve grown tremendously and owe a big thanks to IRoots for being part of my journey.”
Lue "Finisher" Thao, Owner of Cypher Side : Breakdance, Hip-Hop, and Urban Dance
“Maryanne and Sergio are passionate about creating art and space to unite cultures in our community. I'm so grateful they make the distinct effort to be available for many genres of artists.”
Christal Moose, Member of the Mille lacs Band of Ojibwe
“IRoots has been such an amazing place for growth, resilience, and most importantly love!”
Alma Lora, Eastside Community & Kalpulli Yaocenoxtli Member
“[IRoots] has given groups like Away Runakuna the helping hand to do what we do best—preserve our traditions for future generations to learn and grow.”
Lyton Guallpa-Naula, Director of Away Runakuna
“[IRoots] has supported our murals, helped fund the first Intertribal Styles BIPOC Graffiti Jam, and served as Fiscal Agent for artist grants. I greatly appreciate our relationship—Chi Miigwetch!”
Holly (Miskitoos Wapunewoetum) Henning, Artist/ City Mischief Murals
“Indigenous Roots is a movement that is actively modeling what community can be and showing that another world is possible.”
Samuel B. Torres, Mexica-Nahua
“My kids have participated in dance classes, my partner and I enjoy the visual art exhibits, my elderly parents appreciate the wealth of cultural diversity, we all love the warmth and openness of the staff and artisans.”
Julia Hobday, Neighbor & Associate at Better World Partner
“As a biracial artist and new business owner, Indigenous Roots has been a launching pad—connecting me with collaborators, grants, and commissions. Most of all, I finally have a place to call home.”
Georgia Fort, Artist / Producer / Filmmaker / Blck Press
“To many of us youth, IRoots is home—a safe space where our essence flourishes. It offers mentorship, collaboration, and connection to our ancestors’ resilience.”
Ruti Mejia, Indigenous Roots Member & Partnerships Director
Indigenous Roots operates as a coalition and network of artists, culture bearers, business owners, and community organizations, bringing together diverse voices across age, gender, cultural background, and lived experience. Our programming is community-responsive, meaning that the projects and initiatives we support emerge from the expressed needs, ideas, and visions of the communities we serve. We act as collaborators and facilitators, lending expertise, space, and resources to help bring community-driven ideas to fruition while ensuring cultural integrity, inclusivity, and accessibility.
Our work is grounded in ancestral teachings such as the Four Principles of a Mazehual and the 20 Sacred Ancestral Advices, which guide both our organizational values and programmatic approach: service to community, respect for everything and everyone that surrounds us, gratitude for abundance and fostering collaborative honesty. These principles inform every aspect of our decision-making, from supporting artists and culture bearers to fostering youth leadership, advocating for marginalized communities, and developing cross-cultural exchanges. By centering these values, we create a culture of collaboration, mutual respect, and shared responsibility that strengthens the social, cultural, and economic fabric of the Twin Cities and beyond.
This approach ensures that Indigenous Roots is not only a hub for cultural preservation and artistic practice but also a living embodiment of community care, intergenerational knowledge transfer, and collective elevation.
A special thank you to all of our individual donors who generously gave their energy, time and/or financial support.
We would like to recognize and give a heartfelt thanks to Minnesota's Legacy Fund for supporting our partnership with Cypher Side Dance School.
