Native American Initiatives Intern

DEADLINE DATE:October 26, 2026

SEMINAR EVENTS:Interns are required to participate in three, in-person seminars focused on professional development, learning how cultural organizations operate, and building a network of industry professionals. At the end of the semester, interns complete a final presentation to share their work.

Please ensure you are available for these dates when applying:

• Thursday, February 4 from 11:30am-1:00pm

• Thursday, March 18 from 1:00-3:00pm

• Thursday, April 22 from 2:00-4:00pm

• Final Presentations: May 23 from 11:30am-1:00pm

TO APPLY:Interested applicants must apply online at the Minnesota Historical Society’s career center at www.mnhs.org/jobs and include a cover letter, resume, and any required additional materials by the application deadline date.

DESCRIPTION: The Native American Initiatives (NAI) intern will work collaboratively with the NAI department and other MNHS departments as needed to assist with program facilitation, community outreach, and administrative tasks.

RESPONSIBILITIES: 1) Engage in recruitment and program planning for the Native American Museum Fellowship (NAMF); 2) Manage NAMF-related administrative tasks such as accruing program materials; 3) Work with other MNHS departments to coordinate NAMF seminar guests and internships; 4) Coordinate 2-3 community outreach tabling events for NAMF recruitment at MN-local colleges and Native gathering spaces; 5) Attend community outreach events if able; 6) Organize MNHS NAI program materials.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, or have graduated within the past 12 months at the time of application.

• Ideal candidates might be currently pursuing, or a graduate with a degree in the following areas: History, anthropology, public history, sociology, library and archives, or other related degrees.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain an open mind.

• Collaborate effectively in team environments.

• Exercise discretion with confidential information discussed in private project meetings.

• Adapt flexibly to evolving plans and priorities.

Knowledge Intern is Expected to Gain:

• Practical museum operations experience as well as experience in what Native community-centered work can look like in the museum field.
• How museums operate internally, including interdepartmental collaboration processes.
• How Native-focused initiatives are developed within a museum setting.
• Greater understanding of Native histories, cultures, and contemporary issues in MN and historic MN.
• Exposure to Indigenous perspectives in museums and archives.
• The role of museums in cultural preservation, education, and public engagement.
• Event and program development for initiatives like NAMF.
• Managing evolving project timelines and priorities.
• Understanding Indigenous community-centered approaches to collaboration.
• Professional communication.

Should you have questions with the application process, email internships@mnhs.org or call 651-259-3191.

At MNHS, we don’t just accept difference — we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on diversity for the benefit of our employees, interns, volunteers, our products and services, and our community. The Minnesota Historical Society believes that an inclusive culture among our team members is critical to our success as a historical society and museum, and we seek to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. The Minnesota Historical Society is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and employer.