​Gala seeks to bring equality, acceptance to Detroit Lakes

By Amy Venn

amyvenn86@gmail.com

The Baapinakamagid Gala will be hosted in Detroit Lakes by Niijii Radio, complete with musical performances, vendors, food and dancing to honor Minnesota art and culture.

“This is our fourth year and we are doing it a little later in the year than usual, but it’s going to be an awesome two days,” Margaret Rousu, general manager of Niijii Radio said about the family friendly event.

The wide variety of music includes local bands The Hanks Family Band, The Confused Brothers Band, and Coffee Shop Death Metal, with a total of 13 musical performances. “It’s like our radio station: beautifully random,” Rousu explained, “We pride ourselves in the area of diversity.”

Jacob Woody, a local 16-year-old musician will also perform his unique blend of original songs and classic country covers. Another local musician, Rachel Ianiro, will be the first act on Saturday, performing her own original music. “She has a voice that resonates in a person. Her music has a message and she’s a very talented young lady,” Rousu said.

The music isn’t the only thing to catch at the Baapinakamagid Gala. Over 20 vendors will be attending as well and include everything from clay pottery made from the Minnesota earth to wind chimes made from recycled material. Handmade jewelry and a wide variety of innovative arts and crafts will be available. “We really open our doors to various talents, not just musicians,” Rousu said, “This is the first year we haven’t had to turn vendors away.”

That doesn’t mean it’s easy to get a spot at the Gala; it’s a competitive application process. A committee comprised of Niijii Radio employees and volunteers listen to all of the music. Rousu said, “Because we serve a native community we also like to bring in Native performers, but being Native doesn’t mean they get in.” The committee also looks at work samples and a decides what acts will perform or which vendors will have a table. Vendor fees are waived, however, as Rousu explained, “We recognize that we live in an impoverished area. We have a lot of great talent in this area; we don’t have a lot of money.”

Funding for the Baapinakamagid Gala comes from the Minnesota Art and Culture Heritage Fund, specifically the Legacy Amendment from 2008. This fund protects drinking water sources, wildlife habitats and preserves art and cultural heritage. Niijii Radio receives a grant each year dedicated to arts and heritage, allowing them to put on the Gala.

“The idea for the Gala came when we first got Legacy funding. We were trying to figure out what would be good for our community and what could bring people together,” Rousu said, “We talk about building relationships between the Native and non-Native community. Detroit Lakes is the ideal place to bring a gathering around arts and music. When you see people in a different light than what you normally see, you can start building relationships and breaking down walls.”

The aim for equality and acceptance is an important message for the Gala. “We talk all the time about equality,” Rousu continued, “I think about what we can do here, as a local radio station, to increase the equality of people and to move forward with acceptance of diversity. Building those relationships is what’s going to make the change.”

Such a message is easily translated in the artists that attend and perform. “Arts can really change the consciousness of a person. There’s a story behind everything people make,” Rousu concluded.

IF YOU GO

Baapinakamagid Art and Music Gala

September 24 and 25, begins at 11am both days

Detroit Lakes Pavilion, 1361 Washington Ave, Detroit Lakes, Minn.