Minnesota Humanities Center

St. Paul – Learning Through Play: An Ojibwe Games Workshop for Educators
2026-09-14 17:00 - 19:30 (America/Chicago) | Minnesota Humanities Event Center, 987 Ivy Avenue East, Saint Paul, MN, 55106, United States
Join the Minnesota Humanities Center and Tony Drews of Nashke Native Games for an interactive professional development experience exploring how Ojibwe games can be used in K–12 classrooms. Through hands-on participation, educators will experience culturally grounded games and consider how they can support engagement, retention, and classroom learning.
Research on game-based learning shows that thoughtfully designed games can increase student engagement and support deeper understanding of academic content.
Throughout this event, educators will explore Nashke Native Games and practical strategies for integrating Ojibwe language, history, and culture into instruction. Discussions will highlight how games can support engagement, inquiry, and connections to Indigenous learning.
Participants will be introduced to Minnesota Humanities Center resources, including the Native American Lives biography series, educator guides, and newly developed lesson plans designed for Indigenous Peoples Day and year-round classroom use. These materials are aligned with Minnesota’s Indigenous Education for All state requirements, which support the inclusion of Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives across K–12 curriculum.
The evening begins with a light dinner and conversation, followed by gameplay, resource sharing, and opportunities to connect with fellow educators. Participants will also have a chance to win educational resources and games through a raffle.
Whether you teach elementary, middle, or high school students, you’ll leave with practical classroom ideas and new ways to engage students with Indigenous histories and experiences. Each participant will also receive an Ojibwe game to use with students in their classroom or educational setting.
Following the workshop, Nashke Native Games will have additional games and educational resources available for purchase.
K-12 Educators will receive 2 clock hours upon completion of the event.
Registration
Complimentary registrations are available to help ensure cost is not a barrier. Use discount code FEEWAIVER when registering.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | Cancellation Policy
Register Now

St. Paul - Celebrating Native Language and Culture Through the Joy of Games
2026-11-05 18:00 - 20:30
Put the cell phones away and join us for an evening of fun, food, and cultural connection. As we recognize National Native American Heritage Month, the Minnesota Humanities Center welcomes Tony Drews and Nashke Native Games for a lively, intergenerational game night.
Unlike mainstream board games that reflect dominant cultural experiences, Nashke Native Games centers Ojibwe language, stories, and values, offering a playful way to engage with culture, strengthen family and community bonds, and support language preservation. The evening begins with conversation over a light dinner provided by an Indigenous caterer followed by gameplay that is certain to be fun – and educational – for all.
Guests will also have a chance to participate in a drawing for prizes, including items from Nashke Native Games and books from Native American Lives, the Minnesota Humanities Center’s biography series highlighting Native voices. One title, “Charles Albert Bender: National Baseball Hall of Fame Pitcher,” tells the story of Bender and his passion for baseball – a reminder that games, in all forms, bring people together.
Whether you come with family, friends, or on your own, you’ll leave with new words, fresh insights, and a deeper appreciation for the power of play in preserving culture and fostering connection. Each household will also receive an Ojibwe game to take home and continue learning together. Everyone is welcome—families, educators, and community members ages 10 and up.
Following the event, Nashke Native Games will have additional games and educational resources available for purchase.
K-12 Educators will receive 2 clock hours upon completion of the event.
Registration
$15 for adults. $10 for children 10 and under. Complimentary registrations are available to help ensure cost is not a barrier. Use discount code FEEWAIVER when registering.
Registration Questions: registrations@mnhum.org | Cancellation Policy
Register Now
