Indigenous snow sculptures highlight seasonal stories in Minneapolis parks

Indigenous snow sculptures are being installed across Minneapolis riverfront parks as part of a public art project led by an all-female Indigenous team, according to MPR News. The Minneapolis Park and Recreation Board titled the installation “Carved in Snow: Stories of Land and Legacy,” which highlights Indigenous history, seasonal storytelling and youth mentorship. The project includes four snow sculptures, each representing one of the four seasons, at parks near downtown Minneapolis.

Team Kwe, a three-person Indigenous snow carving team led by Heather Friedli, completed the first sculpture at Mill Ruins Park in January, according to MPR News. The sculpture depicts a merganser with flames emerging from its torso and is based on Ojibwe stories about the transition from winter to spring. Team Kwe is working on the second sculpture at Father Hennepin Bluff Park. Additional sculptures will be installed at Nicollet Island Park and Graco Park, with the project concluding in early February, according to MPR News.