Skip to main content

The Chief Buffalo Mural in Duluth visually tells the story of a community and the descendants of Chief Buffalo, remembered as a prominent figure that led the Anishinaabe to permanent resettlement in northern Minnesota.

Started in 2019 and led by artist Moira Villiard, this project also features work from other artists such as Michelle Defoe (Red Cliff Ojibwe), Awanigiizhik Bruce (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe), and Sylvia Houle (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe).

video poster

The Artists

Moira Villiard

Michelle Defoe

Awanigiizhik Bruce

Sylvia Houle

ā€œI hope people get an authentic taste of many different aesthetics, many different visuals, historical imagery and contemporary imagery.ā€

Moira Villiard

About the Organization

For more than 112 years, Duluth Art Institute has been providing arts programming to Duluth and the surrounding region. The institute strives to enrich the daily lives of its community with dynamic innovative visual arts programming that upholds excellence and promotes inclusive community participation.

Art In This Present Moment

This project is part of Art in This Present Moment, an initiative of the Saint Paul & Minnesota Foundation. We provided grants to three Minnesota-based nonprofit organizations to fund work by BIPOC artists who are changing and challenging dominant narratives through their craft.

More Stories

Singing for Justice: Waigwa Leads Choir in Lifting Voices and Community

Choral director Waigwa aims to bring the human experience to the concert stage.

See the project

Empowering Change in the Next Generation of Asian Leaders

Minnesota nonprofit Future of Us is helping Asian American Pacific Islander youth find their voices and become agents of change.

See the impact

Women of Faith in Philanthropy — Legacy, Leadership and the Future

A panel event showcased how women of faith are poised to shape and enrich the philanthropic landscape, as they have for generations.

See the impact

Three Minnesota Foundations Launch ā€˜Our Home State’ Initiative with $20 Million Commitment

The initiative, focused on expanding housing stability and catalyzing local housing solutions, includes Ecolab as an early funder.

See the News

Faith in Action: ISAIAH’s Blueprint for a Multicultural Democracy

A multiracial, multi-faith coalition empowers Minnesotans to shape their communities and secure lasting change.

Watch the video

Meeting the Moment: How the Foundation Expanded Community Support in a Critical Year

A one-time, twenty percent increase in dollars granted reflects the Foundation’s commitment to community-driven solutions, urgent needs and long-term equity.

See the impact

Leading a Path Forward: How Queen Drea Uses Music to Find Her Roots

Sound alchemist Queen Drea seeks reconnection with her family’s heritage through music and storytelling.

See the project

Fall 2025 Food Assistance: What You Can Do

Nonprofits, community partners and food shelves are working swiftly to provide resources to fill in the gap as best they can.

View the list

GET MONTHLY STORIES, NEWS AND UPDATES

JOIN
US!

* Indicates a required field