Jill Schramm/MDN Mark Hajicek sings as participants in the Aki Onizhishin: Garden Gathering perform the Round Dance Friday around a new stage at Minot State University. Joining Hajicek at left is Daniel Henry, who shared a creation story from the Ojibwe tradition.

A ceremony to celebrate the start of another year’s community garden took place Friday at Minot State University.

The MSU Native American Cultural Center and the Red and Green School hosted Aki Onizhishin (Earth if Beautiful): Garden Gathering at the garden space at 725 University Ave. with food, music and a telling of the creation story in Ojibwe tradition by Daniel Henry, a Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa elder.

It also was an occasion to thank the Magic City Lions Club and Paul Breiner of Ackerman-Estvold for their contributions toward a new stage. The Lions donated $1,000 and Breiner employed his architectural and carpentry skills in the construction of the stage. They were presented gifts, as were Annette Mennem of the cultural center, Erik Holland of the State Historical Society and Alex DeCoteau of the Turtle Mountain tribe, whose knowledge guided the planting of the 2020 Native garden.

Daniel Conn, associate professor of education at MSU and chairman of the Red and Green School, said volunteers are expected to plant the garden about the second week of May.

Last year’s garden was planted in the tradition of the Knife River Indian Villages. Due to COVID-19, last year’s harvest was distributed as part of a drive-through powwow.

This year, Ojibwe gardens will be added, which will include different crops, such as berries, turnips and rhubarb, Conn said. There also will be a pollinator garden this year.

Conn said a speaker series will be offered, utilizing the new stage. Herb use, composting and yoga are among topics being planned.