Minneapolis – Book Launch for Marie Louise Bottineau Baldwin: Political Pathfinder

Join us for the official launch of Marie Louise Bottineau Baldwin: Political Pathfinder, a newly released title in the acclaimed Native American Lives Series. Hear from series editor and former Minneapolis Poet Laureate Heid E. Erdrich alongside author Hema Erdrich Patel as they discuss the life, legacy, and political vision of Marie Louise Bottineau Baldwin. 

This biography was written because Baldwin’s story, while not widely known, has much to teach us today. One of the first Native people to work in the White House in 1904, Baldwin’s legal career in which she spent decades defending her tribe in Washington, exemplifies how politics and activism can be bridged through advocacy, and that education is a path to sovereignty.

Designed especially for educators, parents, and youth, this event is an opportunity to engage directly with the creators of the series and explore the teachings of Baldwin’s story. The evening will include a reading, conversation with the authors, and space for questions and dialogue.  

About the Author
Hema Erdrich Patel is a writer, artist, dog lover, and lifelong student. She comes from a beautiful blend of cultures—on her mother’s side, mixed German and Turtle Mountain Ojibwe, and her father’s side, Gujarati Indian. She was raised in Belcourt, North Dakota, and Sisseton, South Dakota, and calls Minneapolis, Minnesota, home. She graduated from Yale University with a BA in the History of Science, Health, and Medicine and an Education Studies Certificate. Her most recent artistic adventure consisted of a three-month bharatanatyam dance intense in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, India. She is pursuing a path toward medicine as future pediatricians.  

About the Editor
Heid E. Erdrich is the author of a dozen books in both poetry and prose. She grew up in North Dakota and is Ojibwe, enrolled at Turtle Mountain. She curates art exhibits, teaches, researches, and collaborates with other artists. In 2024, Heid served as the Inaugural Minneapolis Poet Laureate. She is the 2025 James Welch Visiting Writer at University of Montana Missoula. 

Registration

This event is free, however registration is required.The first 20 people to register will receive a free copy of the book and educator guide.

Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org

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