First, IRCC has provided FIRM with a physical meeting space anchored in the heart of one of the most vibrant and diverse parts of the Twin Cities metro area.  Furthermore, IRCC is a creative locus for amazing artists and performers who have inspired our work and enriched our spirits in a way that helps keep us motivated to doing work that is usually unpaid and challenging. IRCC is also a cultural hub with trusted connections to many communities that has given FIRM a solid starting point from which to conduct our civic engagement campaigns.  Most of all, IRCC is a gathering space for a remarkable network of activists and organizers which gives us access to veterans of the social justice movement with vital skills like facilitation, strategic planning, and  mediation, all of which have been crucial for the growth of a fledgling organization like FIRM.  In all seriousness, FIRM would be only a fraction of what it is today, and may have been disbanded altogether, if not for the support and inspiration that we've gotten from our partnership with IRCC.

Greg King / Director / Organizer

Filipinx for Immigrant Rights and Racial Justice in MN 

 First, IRCC has provided FIRM with a physical meeting space anchored in the heart of one of the most vibrant and diverse parts of the Twin Cities metro area. Furthermore, IRCC is a creative locus for amazing artists and performers who have inspired our work and enriched our spirits in a way that helps keep us motivated to doing work that is usually unpaid and challenging. IRCC is also a cultural hub with trusted connections to many communities that has given FIRM a solid starting point from which to conduct our civic engagement campaigns. Most of all, IRCC is a gathering space for a remarkable network of activists and organizers which gives us access to veterans of the social justice movement with vital skills like facilitation, strategic planning, and mediation, all of which have been crucial for the growth of a fledgling organization like FIRM. In all seriousness, FIRM would be only a fraction of what it is today, and may have been disbanded altogether, if not for the support and inspiration that we've gotten from our partnership with IRCC.

 I'm grateful to have collaborated with Indigenous Roots several times since they opened up on the East Side with a gallery exhibition, film screening, and other community events. One thing is always consistent in working with I Roots in the feeling of coming together as a community that everyone has coming into the space. I remember finishing setting up photos for my show when class was about to start, youth were break dancing next to me, a parent was making food, and others were coming in to do homework, meet friends, or just be together with people they felt safe with. It affirmed to me that my artwork was exactly where it needed to be; with community that would identify with the subject matter, and would engage with and around the work in different ways. Maryanne and Sergio create space and allow community to bring it to life in their vision. It’s rare to find that and we are all blessed that they have continued to hold down the center amidst gentrification and colonization trying to take it away from us. I’m thankful for Indigenous Roots and happy to support them in any way they need.

 Tumal Sinu Relatives!

I wanted to express my appreciation towards Indigenous Roots for giving the youth of various communities a space to come together and help organize events to connect in these strange times. IRoots has helped ignite a light in all of us that we did not know we had. To many of us youth we call this place home our safe space. We spend countless hours bouncing ideas off of each other or we are constantly wondering what the next big event. Recently we were able to create bridges between St. Paul and Minneapolis DURING A PANDEMIC. Something that you do not see a lot even without a pandemic. Our Dia de Los Muertos Ride or Die to the Four Directions brought communities from Northside and Southside of Minnapolis together with community from West and East side of St. Paul. When I think about the role that IRoots had in this event I think of this the place where the essence of the youth was able to flourish. We as youth need spaces to be supported and not called crazy for imagining the impossible. On top of just providing space it provides mentorship and collaboration something that is needed to build community network to continue the work. It has helped me in my journey of restoring the connection between my ancestors something I always knew was there but never had someone to tell me directly you carrying generations of resilience.

 I am a new business owner and a mid-career artist. As a biracial woman who strongly identifies with my Black heritage I have struggled to find resources and to find a community where I feel like I belong. That changed when I met the Directors of Indigenous Roots Cultural Center. I was working on a project about them and from the moment we met they were encouraging, helpful and kind. Since then the center has served as an access point to connect with other artists that I am able to collaborate with. Additionally, because the directors know my goals and understand the scope of my work they consistently send me information on grants including three or four that I have actually received. Also, they have opened up their network, introducing me to dozens of people in the community, some of which have commissioned my work. So I guess you could say Indigenous roots has been a launching pad for me but what I am most grateful for is that as an artist I finally have a place to call home.

This center is an amazing resource for our community. IRoots is one of the only community spaces where EVERYONE is truly welcomed and honored for who they are. 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. There is always something new to experience at Indigenous Roots! But especially in this year of 2020 that has seen its share of intersecting crises, IRoots has been a leader in meeting the needs of the community. It is important for our family to be able to follow leadership that is directly tied to the communities it serves. IRoots is the real deal. And because of the Covid pandemic and the shut downs all around, the income that IRoots depends on to do this important work has been compromised. Please join me to help keep the doors of IRoots open for ALL!

 I am writing this letter regarding Maryanne Sergio Quiroz and Indigenous Roots Cultural Arts Center. I am the Residential Director of Ain Dah Yung Center a culturally specific nonprofit serving American Indian Youth and Families in Saint Paul. I wanted to speak to the positive partnership we have had as an organization collaborating with IROOTS and our Ninijanisag prevention program. We have been able to work together in our youth programs and IROOTS has shared safe space for youth groups, parenting groups as well as traditional drum and dance clinics. I am also writing as an Anishinaabe artist working with City Mischief Murals. Maryanne was instrumental in several mural projects with us over the last two years, and assisted in planning, and garnering funders to help support the first ever Intertribal Styles BIPOC Graffiti Jam that provided a socially distanced, safe event for BIPOC artists to come together to create in Dayton’s Bluff. IROOTS has also assisted us in being a Fiscal Agent for a number of artist grants that we were not equipped to accept as individuals. I greatly appreciate the relationship that I have with Maryanne and Indigenous Roots, it has been an honor working alongside her!Chi Miigwetch!

Holly (Miskitoos Wapunewoetum) Henning

Marten Falls| Constance Lake First Nation

Cree & Ojibwe| Bear Clan

Residential Director / Ain Dah Yung (Our Home) Center

Artist / City Mischief

 Lyton Guallpa-Naula / Director / Away Runakuna 

Indigenous Roots is an amazing organization to work with for Away Runakuna. Throughout the years of partnership, Indigenous Roots have always supported the group with opportunities for growth and community engagement. Each year, Away Runakuna is always excited to perform for their annual Mexica New Year in which we are grateful to share our Ecuadorian traditions to our indigenous brothers and sisters.

Both Maryanne and Sergio, along with their team of community leaders have been doing an amazing job in giving small groups like Away Runakuna the helping hand to do what we do best which is preserve our traditions for our future generation to learn and grow.

 Lue “Finisher” Thao

"Indigenous Roots is more than just an organization, they're family. I am grateful for the support and accessibility that has been made available for me over the years. Mary Anne and the entire IRoots have continuously proven themselves that they have my best interest in mind. They've gone beyond supporting me in various ways such as providing a space for my business, financial and emotional support. I've grown tremendously over the years and I owe a big thanks to IRoots for being a part of my journey."

 Indigenous Roots Cultural Center is a valued resource for Artists and Arts Producers. I am the founder of Native Arts Collaborative Agency and I reached out for support from IRoots when I was looking for location to film an episode for a PBS production which features my client, J.Gokey Traditional Designs floral beadwork. 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.

Alma Lora 

IRoots has been such an amazing place for growth, resilience, and most importantly love! The endless opportunities I’ve been given, the amount of support I receive from them, and the open minded space is why I live for IRoots. I’ve never felt so at home in a place not only where I can identify but other youth/peers/friends/family can self identify as well. It’s amazing how much of an impact IRoots has done in the East Side community with building a foundation right in the heart of this side of the city. Not to mention that they also do an amazing job branching across the nation to build long lasting relationships where ever someone may be coming to visit from. IRoots is the space where all are welcomed, loved and supported. It’s where dreams come true because I know mine have because of this space!