Who We Are

Noki’s  is a Minnesota 501c3 nonprofit, with a vision of a world in balance and a mission to connect the People to themselves, to each other, and to the Earth, through indigenous art, culture, and food    

 Noki's founders know the value of family, of community, of knowing who you are, of knowing that no matter what language you use to say

Noki’s  is a Minnesota 501c3 nonprofit, with a vision of a world in balance and a mission to connect the People to themselves, to each other, and to the Earth, through indigenous art, culture, and food    

 Noki's founders know the value of family, of community, of knowing who you are, of knowing that no matter what language you use to say her name, Grandmother guides us, teaches us, helps us grow. Noki’s (short for Nokomis – Grandmother in Ojibwe) is founded on that philosophy. We believe that people need to have a place; a safe space to heal, to learn, to grow, to regain hope. 

Noki’s Executive Director is Annie Humphrey (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe), a grandmother, award-winning musician,  accomplished artist, and  Marine Corp veteran. 

Noki’s Board of Trustees includes Chairman Chris Wahwassuck (Prairie Band Potawatomi), Vice-Chairman Alec Hornedeagle (Jemez Pueblo/Kickapoo), Secretary/Treasurer Dana “Korey” Wahwassuck, 

 , (Cree), and Member Clyde Hornedeagle (Ihanktonwani-Yankton Sioux). Collectively, they possess a wealth of traditional knowledge coupled with modern experience building true collaborations that transform people’s lives.

Noki's is also developing an advisory body with representatives from varied backgrounds,  beliefs,  and disciplines to help guide Noki's work

Change begins from within, for people and for communities. Connections matter, and big change starts small, one family at a time. To heal and move forward, “we must put “a new memory in the minds of our children. We have to put ourselves in a position to tell stories about freedom, success, love, safety, and the kind of future we want to 

Change begins from within, for people and for communities. Connections matter, and big change starts small, one family at a time. To heal and move forward, “we must put “a new memory in the minds of our children. We have to put ourselves in a position to tell stories about freedom, success, love, safety, and the kind of future we want to have” -Satsan.

Noki’s work is grounded on the belief we can shift power dynamics, dismantle systemic racism, and decrease disparities by changing human behavior and systems. Having a sense of space, a community hub where people feel safe and helpers understand their overwhelming challenges builds trust, provides opportunities and overcomes barriers. Families taste success and reconnect with traditional Anishinaabe values, building resiliency through pro-social activities, and experience better outcomes. Families must heal as they live - TOGETHER. Noki’s work shows that  multiple generations heal when families participate together., and that community heals one family at a time.

People need each other to heal. They must come together, to remember who they are and where they come from.  Noki’s  wants to create a place, a safe space, where people can begin to reconnect, to relearn without shame. Noki's wants to gather whole families for beading, sewing, music and art, community gardening, traditional food preparati

People need each other to heal. They must come together, to remember who they are and where they come from.  Noki’s  wants to create a place, a safe space, where people can begin to reconnect, to relearn without shame. Noki's wants to gather whole families for beading, sewing, music and art, community gardening, traditional food preparation, ricing, sugar bush. Noki's wants to help them reclaim a pride in space,  to have a place where they can learn to thrive, not just survive, right where they are.  For healing to cut across generations, replacing the despair and addiction that plagues our families now.  To help them hold their heads up and be proud of who they are. To help them move beyond survival and begin living again. 

Noki’s received a generous donation to purchase a 1.5 acre property in Ball Club on the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe reservation in northern Minnesota. Located on a quiet wooded lot near the Headstart Building, there is a single family home as well as a separate “bunkhouse” with a large open meeting room, a separate office off the meeting room, and two large rooms that will serve as private meeting spaces and for overnight accommodations. The property also has outbuildings, including a loafing shed with tack room for horses; and the land and buildings are well-situated for installation of solar panels/wind energy and there is enough room for a small community garden.   

Activities available to the larger community will include support group meetings (Sober Squad, AA, NA, Wellbriety) currently not available in the community. There will be access to an onsite Zoom Room where people can access tele-health/treatment/therapy, on-line classes, court hearings, etc. The space will be available evenings and weekends, both high-risk times for families and especially for youth who currently have little available to them.  Noki's will have talking circles, drumming, social dances, language classes, yoga, equine, LGBTQ activities, and other healing ceremonies. 

Unfortunately, the property is in need of major renovations, including a new septic system, and Noki’s needs funds to complete the work before the dream can become a reality. A Go Fund Me account was set up for donations to Noki’s to support this work. So far, we have received $4000+ in donations toward a goal of $25,000 for renovations. Work has begun. Noki’s depends on donations to continue bringing people together through art, culture, and food.

Visit the Gallery for pictures of Noki’s Place.