Melissa Walls (memengwaa) is Eagle Clan and a first generation descendant of the Couchiching First Nation and Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe (maternal) and of Swedish/German descent (paternal). She grew up in northern Minnesota along the Canadian border and now lives in Duluth, MN where she serves as Director of the Center for Indigenous Health’s Great Lakes Hub and an Associate Professor of American Health in the Department of International Health at Johns Hopkins University.

Melissa is trained as a social scientist (PhD sociology, 2007) and is committed to collaborative, community-driven research. She has been working on health equity research projects with Tribal Nations in the Great Lakes region of the US and Canada since 2002. The Great Lakes Hub project focus on topics including mental health epidemiology, culturally-relevant, family-based substance use prevention and mental health promotion programming and evaluation, and promoting better health for families living with type 2 diabetes.

Sean’s cooking style is based on pre-colonial Indigenous food systems, using only ingredients that are native to North America. His menus are inspired by the seasons and the land, featuring traditional ingredients like bison, hand-harvested wild rice, cedar, and sumac. He draws on the knowledge and culinary techniques of his ancestors to develop innovative, nutritious, and flavorful dishes that incorporate wild game, fish, foraged plants, and heirloom grains.

Through his activism and advocacy, Sean is helping to reclaim and celebrate the rich culinary heritage of Indigenous communities around the world.

Owamni Restaurant https://owamni.com/ 

We explore the unique challenges and opportunities that the Red Lake Nation College faces in the post-COVID landscape, shedding light on student-focused initiatives and the power of partnerships and collaborations. Our guests eloquently discuss the pivotal role education plays in improving and transforming health outcomes for American Indian Communities. 

Nadine Bill, B.S.

Director of Assessment and Institutional Effectiveness

​

Nadine Bill is a higher education professional with over twenty years’ experience in leadership positions.

​

Nadine has extensive experience in admissions and student services at the University of Washington.  She has served as a development and community outreach director at Green River Community College. In 2005 Nadine was honored with a prestigious fellowship in Higher Education at Harvard University.  During her time at Harvard, Nadine focused on student services research and worked on an inter-faculty initiative at the Kennedy School of Government.

​

Nadine is a published author who led the primary research in 2009 funded by the Gates Foundation on “Native Pathways: A Study of Colleges and Universities Best Practices for Native American Students in Washington State”.  For the last 10 years she has served in the Tribal College system as a Dean of Students and Institutional Research.

​

Nadine Bill, is a member of the Upper Skagit Tribe of Washington State and descendent of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma.  She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Central Washington University, graduate work in higher education, and graduate fellowship from Harvard University.

Rachel King-Siert, M. Ed.

Director of Student Services
 

Rachel King-Siert is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Nation. As a first-generation student, she attended the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Speech, Hearing, and Language Sciences. She continued on to earn a Master’s in Education with a focus on learning through community and experiential learning, also from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities.
  
 Over the past 18 years, Rachel has dedicated her work to helping students and families navigate through educational systems. She has had the opportunity to work in most areas for student support, from admission and financial aid, to academic advising. She has also worked with a diverse array of college students at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, Minneapolis Community and Technical College, Concordia College, and Dartmouth College.

​

Her role at RLNC will include working in outreach to the Native community in Minneapolis and online, and assisting students with registration, enrollment, and financial aid. She will also focus on student success and retention.

Kayla Duane
Communications Director
 
Kayla Duane is an enrolled member of the Leech Lake Band of the Ojibwe, raised in Minneapolis. As a first generation student, she attended the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business Marketing Education. During Kayla’s time at the University of Minnesota - Twin Cities, she served as the President of the American Indian Student Cultural Center, and the External Relations Officer for the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. Kayla’s experience as a President of the American Indian Student Cultural Center and an External Relations Officer for the American Indian Science & Engineering Society has given her a deep understanding of business operations, marketing trends, and data analysis while also advocating for Indigenous perspectives in the Marketing and STEM field.

Most recently, Kayla Duane worked at SPS Commerce as an Associate Consultant for a little over a year. In previous roles, she has worked as IT Support, a Sales Analyst, and Marketing intern at various companies across the Twin Cities. 

At RLNC, Kayla will be working as the Communications Director where she is focusing on marketing and fundraising for the future of the Minneapolis Site in order to help RLNC grow and expand their resources to help all our students thrive.

https://www.rlnc.edu/ 

Mary and Colette delve into the pressing health disparities faced by Indigenous communities and how the center’s Fitness and Nutrition program has evolved to face these challenges head-on. They emphasize the crucial role of culture in designing and implementing fitness and nutrition programs, highlighting the importance of art, youth, elders, and intergenerational programming in promoting healthy lifestyles. 

Looking ahead, they share their long-term goals of fostering holistic wellness and building strong partnerships and collaborations to amplify their impact on the local Indian Country’s health and wellness landscape.

Mary LaGarde

Mary LaGarde, Executive Director of the Minneapolis American Indian Center, was selected to lead the organization in June 2013.  Ms. LaGarde has over 30 years of nonprofit experience in program services, including management and development. In 1994, Ms. LaGarde established a therapeutic preschool for American Indian children at the Little Earth of United Tribes Housing Development in Minneapolis, in 1999 managed the opening of the Little Earth Neighborhood Early Learning Center, and since then has developed numerous programs for the American Indian community in Minneapolis.  In 2008 Ms. LaGarde received the DreamMaker Award from the Ann Bancroft Foundation, in 2014 was honored at the University of Minnesota’s American Indian Student Cultural Center’s Honoring American Indian Women Luncheon, and named a 2016 Local Public Health Hero by the City of Minneapolis’ Health Department.  She received her B.A. in Sociology/American Racial and Multicultural Studies from St. Olaf College (Northfield, MN), and is a member of the White Earth Nation.  

Colette Lawrence

Colette Lawrence is a seasoned public health advocate with a rich background in serving Indigenous communities. With over 7 and a half years of experience at the Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC), she has demonstrated her commitment to community health through various roles, including directing the FAN Program. Colette’s passion for empowering Native American elders led her to partner with institutions like the University of Minnesota Extension and Blue Cross Blue Shield Prevention Center to implement evidence- based cooking demonstrations and nutrition education programs. She is also recognized for her pivotal role in organizing critical COVID vaccine clinics, further solidifying her dedication to improve the health and well-being of the American Indian’s in Minnesota.

Welcome back to Community Health Conversations, a special program from Minnesota Native News! Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Dr. Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) lead insightful discussions about the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare in Indian Country. They discuss the valuable lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore how Native communities are responding and adapting beyond COVID-19.

https://www.maicnet.org/ 

Susan Beaulieu (She/Her), is Anishinaabe and an enrolled member of the Red Lake Nation. Susan has worked directly with Indigenous communities for over 17 years in a variety of capacities including project development, training and facilitation. Her primary focus for the last 7 years has been helping communities, organizations, and individuals understand the impacts of unresolved individual, ancestral and collective trauma, and to develop strategies to support healing. Susan is passionate about creating opportunities and encouraging processes for reconnecting to the mind, body, heart and spirit to support wellbeing. Susan was a 2016 Bush Leadership Fellow, is an ACE Interface Master Trainer, and a certified Mind-Body Medicine Facilitator. She has a Master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Minnesota.
 

Briana Matrious, is an enrolled member of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and works for the University of Minnesota Extension as a Tribal Community Facilitator. She is a part of the American Indian Resource and Resiliency Team which focuses on the opioid crisis by increasing the capital recovery in Tribal communities. Her work helps people from all backgrounds understand the root causes of historical and intergenerational trauma and the correlation to the many challenges we face today. Briana has lived experience through her life and has facilitated many presentations, webinars, and workshops on; trauma, lateral oppression, history, connection, and spirituality just to name a few. She wholeheartedly believes that to heal ourselves moving forward, we must understand the past. She is an advocate for mental health and is passionate about understanding trauma, psychedelics and plant medicines for healing, and overall wellness for the mind, body, and spirit. Outside of her full-time work, she is the boxing chairwoman for the Mille Lacs Band Department of Athletic Regulation, she stays busy traveling, and loving her two cats.

https://rememberingresilience.home.blog/season-three/ 

Angela Two Stars is a public artist and curator. She is the director of All My Relations Arts, a project of the Native American Community Development Institute in Minneapolis, MN. Angela is an enrolled member of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate and received her BFA from Kendall College of Art and Design. Angela’s professional arts career began at All My Relations Arts gallery as an exhibiting artist, which then led to further opportunities including her first curatorial role for the exhibition titled, Bring Her Home, Stolen Daughters of Turtle Island, a powerful exhibition highlighting the ongoing epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous women. Angela’s public art graces the shores of Bde Maka Ska and honors the Dakota people of Mni Sota. Angela was selected as the finalist for the Walker Art Center’s Indigenous Public Art Commission which is currently installed in the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden.

Juleana Enright is an Indigenous, queer, non-binary, freelance writer, independent curator, theatre artist and DJ. They are an enrolled member of the Lower Brule Lakota Tribe. Juleana is the Gallery and Programs Coordinator at All My Relations Arts. Their past roles have included Culture Editor for l’étoile magazine and Communications Specialist for Gamut Gallery. They have contributed to local platforms, Pride Magazine, mplsart, Primer and City Pages. Juleana has curated four art exhibitions, including Soft Boundaries and biskaabiiyang (returning to ourselves), and their most recently curated exhibit for Paradox. In 2020, they were a participating artist in “Controlled Burn” at the Phoenix Theatre, where they exhibited, “To Wash the Native Out of Us” – an audio/visual installation on the history of Indian boarding schools through the lens of intimate family experiences. Juleana is a recipient of the Emerging Curators Institute 2020-21 Fellowship program and a writer’s fellow with MnArtists.

Welcome back to Community Health Conversations, a special program from Minnesota Native News! Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Dr. Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) lead insightful discussions about the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare in Indian Country. They discuss the valuable lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore how Native communities are responding and adapting beyond COVID-19.
 
https://allmyrelationsarts.org/ 

 
Get your free at-home COVID-19 tests monthly: https://sayyescovidhometest.org/

Mino Bimaadiziwin Wellness Clinic: https://www.rlpmh.org/ 

On today’s conversation, Dr. Charity Reynolds, Medical Director at Fond Du Lac Human Services, joins the conversation to reflect and discuss the significant changes in healthcare since the end of the federal public health emergency. Dr. Reynolds shares her insights on sustaining positive change in healthcare, addressing mental health, the importance of cultural competence and inclusivity in healthcare systems and promoting long-term community well-being.
 
 Dr. Stately would also like to remind listeners that Medicaid certifications were not required to be renewed during the pandemic; this changed with the ending of the public health emergency. Folks with Medicaid coverage are now required to be recertified within the next month. Watch your mail for a notice from your Medicaid provider or visit NACC or another community health center and talk with a patient advocate or a MNSure navigator to complete recertification to keep your coverage!

For more valuable insights and conversations on community health, visit MinnesotaNativeNews.org/CommunityConversations. 
 
 Community Health Conversations is made possible with the support of the Minnesota Department of Health. To find information about COVID vaccines and boosters, please visit MN.gov/COVID19.

On today’s show, Antony and Leah are joined by Laz Carreon RN, the COVID project manager at the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis, for a discussion about the new COVID booster, which is a bivalent booster. Laz helps us understand what “bivalent” means and other things to know to make an informed decision about getting boosted.

Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic.

Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic.

Decision-Making around Vaccines & Boosters for Young Children & Babies

Co-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.

On today’s show, Leah and Antony discuss vaccines for our youngest relatives: children under the age of five. Both Pfizer and Moderna have been developing pediatric doses of their vaccines and both are currently awaiting FDA authorization. 
 

Pfizer has developed a three-dose vaccine for children ages 6 months to 4 years, while Moderna has developed a two-dose vaccine for kids ages 6 months to 5 years. Once the FDA authorizes the vaccines, the CDC says they will move quickly to roll out pediatric vaccines and make them available. 

Producer Chaz Wagner (Bois Forte Ojibwe) talks with two parents who share their perspectives on decision-making and vaccines for their children and they share tips on how they have managed stress throughout the pandemic. 

Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic. 

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

Pregnancy, Vaccines, and Decision-making during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Co-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.

On today’s show, Leah and Antony sort through many of the questions and concerns that arise around pregnancy, vaccines, and decision-making during this stage of the pandemic.  

Public health officials encourage pregnant women and women of childbearing age, to get vaccinated.  Evidence shows that the vaccines are safe and go a long way in protecting pregnant people from getting seriously ill or needing hospitalization, even if they do contract COVID-19.  There is also some evidence that women vaccinated during pregnancy, pass some protection on to their babies. 

Producer Chaz Wagner (Bois Forte Ojibwe) talks with two expectant moms, who share their perspectives and reflect on how they are keeping themselves and their babies healthy during the pandemic.  

Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic. 

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

Decision-making in Daily Life Two Years into the COVID- 19 Pandemic

Co-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.

On today’s show, Leah and Antony are back to discuss how COVID has affected our decision-making processes now that we are two years into the pandemic.  Leah and Antony reflect on the latest statistics from the World Health Organization, about the numbers of cases and deaths worldwide.  Antony shares his perspective and first-hand experience with the HIV pandemic and how the landscape changed as we learned more about the disease and scientists developed breakthrough treatments and medications. 

Plus, educator and producer Chaz Wagner (Bois Forte Ojibwe) checks in with some community members, who share their approach to decision-making and caring for our relatives, at this point in the pandemic.  

Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic. 

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

Pediatric COVID Vaccines Now Available for Kids 5+ and Coming Soon: Boosters for All

Co-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.

On today’s show, Leah and Antony discuss pediatric COVID vaccines and how parents can go about getting their young ones vaccinated, as children who are ages 5 and up are now eligible.  We also discuss the recent surge of COVID in our region and how Minnesota Health Officials are preparing to recommend booster shots for all vaccinated adults. 

KBFT Producer Chaz Wagner (Bois Forte Ojibwe) catches up with Daniel Frye (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), the Director of Indian Health Services in the Bemidji Area. Daniel shares how tribes are faring at this point in the pandemic, as many wrestle with the question of vaccine mandates, and the future of Indian Health Care. 

Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic. 

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

Leah and Antony discuss booster shots, third shots, and why it’s important for some people to get it. We also talk about vaccine acceptance and rates in Indian Country.  And we look ahead to what’s happening with the COVID vaccine for our young ones.

Reporter Dalton Walker shares his conversation with Melissa Wentz Opsahl, a pharmacist and vaccine consultant, who has worked at Indian Health Services for many years.

Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic. 

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

Leah and Antony discuss navigating all the complexities of the pandemic and how being a good relative is core to making decisions to protect ourselves and each other.  Antony shares what went into his decision to require vaccines for all the workers in the community health clinic he leads.   

Plus, producer KBFT Chaz Wagoner checks in with Melissa Wright, Behavioral Health Supervisor at the Bois Fort Band, to hear about handling anxiety, depression, and destigmatizing the need for mental health care. 

Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic. 

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

Leah and Antony discuss getting our young ones back to school and how to navigate all the knowns and unknowns of what’s ahead, so we can make good decisions for ourselves, our families, and our communities. 

Plus, producer Chaz Wagner talks with Bois Forte community members to hear what’s on their minds about kids going back to the classroom, the challenges of the Delta variant, vaccinations, and much more. 

Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic. 

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

On this show, Leah is joined by her spouse, Daniel Lemm (Lower Sioux Indian Community), to remember and reflect on some of the wisdom and insights shared by the many guests to this program over the last 14 months. 

We recall our early conversation with James Vukelich (Turtle Mountain Band), a linguist and educator, who reminded us to keep in mind the joy of small moments, even as we all faced the uncertainty of the pandemic.

Susan Beaulieu (Red Lake Nation) who works for the UMN Extension, offered great perspectives about meeting challenges, with compassion for self and others, and reminded us to keep breathing!

We were moved by Laz Carreon, RN, who heads the COVID team at the Indian Health Board (IHB) of Minneapolis, as he recounted the relief and joy among health care workers, as vaccinations arrived, following so many months of exhausting work caring for patients.

We appreciated hearing how Indian Health Service (IHS) rose to meet the logistical challenges of vaccine distribution, as told by Daniel Frye (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), the Director of Indian Health Services for the Bemidji Area.

We are thankful for the leadership of so many, including Patina Park (Mnicoujou Lakota) who is Director of Tribal State Relations and Systems Implementation at the State of Minnesota, and who reminded us that we can always learn from hardship.

Chi Miigwech to all our guests on this program, to our Tribal leaders and ancestors, and to all of you who shared your time and attention listening. Gigaawaabamin!

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

On today’s show, Leah catches up with Daniel Frye (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), who is the Director of Indian Health Services in the Bemidji Area, which includes Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the urban center of Chicago.  Daniel speaks about the many ways that Indian Health Services has risen to meet the challenges of the pandemic, including the complex process of vaccine distribution, ongoing COVID testing, and how things are changing now that restrictions are loosening.  

Daniel and Leah discuss some of the changes the world has gone through since the pandemic began, how it brought many lessons both personally and professionally, and how these tools and valuable insights can be carried into the future, to keep each other healthy. 

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

On today’s show, Leah talks with Mariah Norwood (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma) who is the Infectious Disease American Indian Liaison at the Minnesota Department of Health. Mariah Norwood is also a J.D. Candidate at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and has a Master’s in Health Administration from the University of Oklahoma. 

Mariah explains how their passion for decolonizing public health, advancing health equity, promoting Tribal data sovereignty, makes them a fervent advocate for community-led change in the health system. 

In our conversation, Mariah offers examples of how Tribal approaches have led the way in caring for communities and confronting the health crisis brought on by the pandemic.  

Mariah’s enthusiasm is inspiring, as they make the case for why this all matters, and how Indigenous perspectives and practices can positively impact public health care systems for Native and non-Native people and communities. Miigwech, Mariah!

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

We hear from Melissa Walls, Ph.D. (Bois Forte and Couchiching First Nation Anishinaabe), who recently helped launch a virtual program called Indigenous Stories of Strength, which showcases stories in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. Melissa Walls is the Director of the Great Lakes Hub for the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health and associate professor of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

We also hear from Christine Diindiisi McCleave, M.A. (Turtle Mountain Ojibwe), who is the Chief Executive Officer for the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. Christine Diindiisi McCleave shares how the organization adapted to the pandemic and is supporting boarding school survivors and descendants with loving care packages.

And finally, we revisit an inspiring conversation with addiction specialist Sharyl Whitehawk (Lac Courte de Oreilles Ojibwe), who makes the critical connection between caring for oneself to be able to be of service to others.

Indigenous Stories of Strength: A Virtual Showcase https://indigenousstrengths.com/

National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition https://boardingschoolhealing.org/

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

On today’s show, Leah revisits several conversations with people rising to meet the challenges of the pandemic.   We hear from Jenn Hall (Leech Lake), a Minneapolis Firefighter who is on the front lines responding to medical emergencies, in addition to fighting fires. Jenn shares how she wrestled with the decision to get vaccinated, and why she chose to do so. We also hear how Jenn and her colleagues reacted to the vaccine.

We also hear from Jessica Bobrowski (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa), the program coordinator for ISD 318 Indian Education, and Ella Cummings, a Student Advocate at the Grand Rapids High School. Jessica and Ella share many of the different ways they and their colleagues are innovating and problem-solving so that their students can thrive even as school life has been changed and disrupted.  Jessica and Ella explain how incorporating the Seven Grandfather teachings of Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth has helped raise up all students, both Native and Non-Native in their schools and classrooms.

And we hear from Red Lake Nation Chairman Seki, who offers encouraging words reminding everyone that the pandemic is not yet over, and we must remain vigilant and continue caring for others by taking safety precautions, like masking up and social distancing when necessary. 

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

On today’s show, Leah meets two dynamic education innovators who are helping bolster math skills for students, by drawing on Indigenous language and history, and creating fun and engaging digital games.

Leah talks with CEO Maria Burns Ortiz and Juliana Taken Alive (Hunkpapa/Mnicoujou Lakota and Standing Rock Nation) who is Director of Regional Partnerships for 7 Generation Games.  Maria Burns Ortiz co-founded the company back in 2013. Since then, 7 Generation Games has been braiding math, language, and Indigenous history into educational games for students and schools across the country. 

In November of 2020, the company was awarded a one-million-dollar COVID-19 Rapid Response grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, aimed at creating more resources to help meet the challenges in education during the pandemic, especially for students in Indigenous, Latino, underserved, and rural communities.

The popularity of these 7 Generation Games has grown swiftly among students, parents, and educators as everyone strives to keep young people engaged and learning through all the challenges brought on by the pandemic.  Maria and Juliana explain how the company has sought counsel from elders and students to meet multiple goals: to increase learning about historical and contemporary Indigenous culture and to demonstrate measurable improvement in math skills among students playing the games.

Miigwech to Maria and Juliana for your creative innovation, even during the pandemic!  

Check out 7 Generation Games here: https://www.7generationgames.com/

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

On today’s show, Leah reflects on the many choices people are making to help keep each other safe.  Leah enjoys a lively and fun conversation with college student Skylar Kuczaboski (Leech Lake) who is a senior at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, although she is completing her spring semester virtually from Minnesota. Skylar reflects on her experience as a first-generation college student at an Ivy League school amid all the disrupted circumstances over the last year of the pandemic, and the choices she is making to keep her relatives safe. 

We also hear from Dr. Anton Treuer (White Earth/Leech Lake Ojibwe), a prolific author, international speaker, historian, and professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University, who shares “A Traditional Native American Perspective on Covid Vaccines,” in a recently released video.

Plus, we hear from Red Lake Nation’s Chairman Darrel G. Seki Sr., who expresses gratitude for the community’s vigilance in helping one another stay healthy.  He cautions people not to let their guard down and encourages everyone to consider getting vaccinated. 

Anton Treuer’s recent video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKjUB3MiP2Q

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

On today’s show, Leah reflects on conversations about cultural medicines and viewing the pandemic and vaccinations through a lens of history and experience. 

We hear from Megan Schnitker (Lakota) who works with plant medicines. Megan learned about plant medicines from her grandmother. She shares perspectives about the year-long harvest cycle, the rise in interest in first medicines, and traditional reliance on plant medicines to get through hard times, including COVID.

We also hear from Briana Michels (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) who works for the American Indian Resource and Resiliency team out of the University of Minnesota extension. Briana leads workshops on healing from trauma, and connects historical and current traumas, like the pandemic and the killing of George Floyd, with vaccine hesitation, and what it takes to heal. 

Plus, Dr. Antony Stately recalls his first-hand experience becoming seriously ill with COVID-19, and how he recovered with the aid of medical care combined with traditional practices, prayer, and wisdom from elders.

And, Governor Walz and Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) both express hope for the future, tempered with caution and safety, as we move into the future with many more people receiving vaccines.

Many thanks to all of our guests, we appreciate your insights and perspectives. 

Learn about cultural medicines at Megan Schnitker’s website: https://www.lakotamade.com/

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

On today’s show, we hear how two visionaries are looking forward to life after the pandemic, in their respective fields.  Rhiana Yazzie (Navajo) is a theatre artist, filmmaker, playwright, and she founded New Native Theatre twelve years ago. Marisa Cummings (Omaha) is the President and CEO of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC), a non-profit organization committed to traditional ways of being and support of Native women and families.

Rhiana Yazzie speaks about how safety is a top concern, as the New Native Theatre imagines bringing new productions to audiences in the future. Rhiana reflects on how COVID-19 has disproportionately affected Native peoples, and how considerations for the well-being of community members will continue to be woven into the mission and experience of New Native Theatre, as it always has been pre-pandemic.  

Marisa Cummings shares about the great work the MIWRC does to support Native women and families in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis, and how the organization’s efforts took shape and continued throughout the pandemic.  Marisa explains how meeting the challenge of engaging communities by creating programming in the virtual world, has prompted the organization to envision and imagine new ways of serving and strengthening even more women and families long into the future. 

Miigwech, Rhiana Yazzie and Marisa Cummings! We are thankful for your vision and leadership in your respective fields. 

New Native Theatre, based in the Twin Cities, is a new way of looking at, thinking about, and staging Native American stories. https://newnativetheatre.org/

The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC) is a non-profit social and mental health services organization committed to traditional ways of being and support of Native women and their families. https://www.miwrc.org/

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/ 

On today’s show, we hear how language education is thriving through the pandemic, as students, teachers, and schools all rise to meet many challenges over the past year. We talk with Barry Hand (Lakota) a Dakotiyapi Culture and History teacher at the Bdote Learning Center. Bdote is a dual-language immersion school (Ojibwemowin and Dakotiyapi) and provides students with an academically rigorous education that is place-based and rooted in the Native language and culture of indigenous peoples.

We hear about the White Earth Nation’s indoor powwow, held in early March. Powwow committee member Dana Goodwin (White Earth) explains all the planning and precautions that went into organizing the event, and how they kept dancers, drummers, and community members safe.  Dana also shares the relief and joy felt by many participants as they gathered for healing and celebration, after many months apart. 

Governor Walz reflects on the last year, the pains and loss felt by many, how things are now looking brighter, and how we’ve learned and grown in many ways from this experience.  

Plus, Barry Hand teaches us a few Dakotiyapi words - phrases to help us remember to be compassionate to one another and to encourage us to keep going, even as we face hardship. 

Please enjoy hearing from Barry Hand and Dana Goodwin; we thank you both for all you do to keep our communities safe and thriving. 

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

We hear from Jessica Bobrowski (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) is the program coordinator for ISD 318 Indian Education and Ella Cummings is a Student Advocate at the Grand Rapids High School. Jessica and Ella share different ways they and their colleagues have risen to meet all the changes and challenges of the pandemic, so students can thrive even as school life has been changed and disrupted. 

The goal of Indian Education is to introduce Ojibwe culture and history and provide hands-on learning experiences for all students, and Jessica and Ella explain how incorporating the Seven Grandfather teachings of Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth has helped raise up all students, both Native and Non-Native in their schools and classrooms. 

Plus, Governor Tim Walz reflects on the last year: the many losses and challenges, and how far we’ve come to get to this point where now more than one million Minnesotans have received their vaccine.

On today’s show, we celebrate successful vaccine rollouts in Indian Country!  And we hear from two dedicated health care professionals about their experiences providing good medicine to community members throughout the pandemic. 

Dr. Angela Erdrich (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe) is a Pediatrician and Laz Carreon, RN, heads the COVID team at the Indian Health Board (IHB) of Minneapolis. Dr. Erdrich and Laz speak about the yearlong challenges brought on by the pandemic, and now, how the vaccine rollout is being received by the community members the IHB serves. 

Dr. Erdrich shares many resources and recommendations, including information about the extra protection offered by KN95 masks. Laz Carreon describes the deep emotions and relief felt by both staff and community members as vaccines are being administered. 

We also hear from White Earth Nation, Chairman Michael Fairbanks, who proudly shares the wonderful news that more than 87% of their elders have now been fully vaccinated!

Plus, tag along with Leah and her spouse Daniel as they receive their first dose of vaccine, thanks to Leech Lake Tribal Health in partnership with Indian Health Service. Now that all the elders and healthcare workers have been offered vaccines, the tribe is now reaching out to tribal and community members who are 18 and up.

We listen in as Leah and Daniel reflect on finally arriving at this hopeful and historic moment, as so many have faced loss and hardship over the past year. 

You can find the information Dr. Erdrich and Laz Carreon spoke about, here on our website: https://minnesotanativenews.org/health/ 

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

Melissa Walls discusses how tribal communities provide much knowledge and perspectives, aimed at keeping our communities healthy and safe, even during the most difficult times. She talks about how research is at its best when it includes community members, intending to help and not exploit. And Melissa shares ways tribal communities confront stress and loneliness during the pandemic, by emphasizing the care and support of one another.

First speaker and elder Bill Premo (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) shares the Ojibwe word Ningii-pajiishka'wigoomin, which means “we got our shot”.  

Plus, Antony Stately (Ojibwe/Oneida) CEO of the Native American Community Clinic, offers advice about drawing on tradition and gifts from our Ancestors, to help make good decisions about keeping healthy and whether to get the vaccine.  

Check out the Center for American Indian Health Great Lakes Hub at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health here: https://caih.jhu.edu/locations/great-lakes-hub

Sign up for the Minnesota COVID-19 Vaccine Connector here: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/connector/

Find helpful links and more conversations exploring how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the pandemic here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/health/

In today’s conversation, Host Leah Lemm and Reporter Melissa Townsend reflect on how we’re helping one another get through the pandemic. Throughout the 22 weeks of this program, we have been moved and inspired by so many sharing their stories; people have risen above the challenges they've faced to care for themselves and their families, to keep our communities safe.

Throughout the pandemic, life still goes on. People celebrate holidays, birthdays, and new life. We all still need support, coping skills, and encouragement. Today we celebrate some of the people who share their gifts with community members to help others stay healthy.

We hear from Shashana Craft (White Earth Nation) who stays connected with new moms through the Minneapolis Indigenous Breastfeeding Support Circle, which she founded.

Kim Dickson (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) is the Learning Center Director at the Leech Lake Tribal College. Kim explains how she and other educators pull out all the stops to support students and their families so they can reach their educational goals.

And we enjoy hearing from 13-year-old Rizal Agaton Howes (Anishinaabe) and his mother Sarah Agaton Howes (Anishinaabe), who share how their family is approaching new ways of learning in response to changes brought on by the pandemic.

Plus, Reporter Melissa Townsend talks with Madonna Peltier Yawakie (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians), who is the President of Turtle Island Communications, and we learn how Tribes confronting the digital divide are improving broadband services for community members across Indian Country.

Winter is coming! So, on today’s show Host Leah Lemm looks at how to stay physically and mentally active while continuing to keep our communities safe. 

Leah shares a fun conversation with Bill Premo (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) a retired elder who is also her dad. Bill Premo shares wisdom with a side of humor and offers his take on how to stay sharp and keep moving throughout the winter months. 

Reporter Melissa Townsend talks with Mary LaGarde (White Earth Nation), who is the Executive Director of the Minneapolis American Indian Center. Mary LaGarde shares some of the many ways she and her team are supporting the health and connection of Urban Native communities, through limited in-person classes and online activities for families, youth, and elders.

Plus, Dani Johnson, a wellness physical therapist at The Mayo Clinic, offers some good suggestions for how people can squeeze in some exercise throughout their day without having to leave their desks.  Check out Dani’s "5 Fabulous Exercises" on the Mayo Clinic News Network here: https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-clinic-minute-5-exercises-you-can-do-without-leaving-your-desk/.

Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.

Today on the show, Host Leah Lemm looks at how schools are supporting their students under seemingly constantly changing conditions, especially given how internet access has been crucial for distance education for learners and educators of all ages. 

Leah checks in Kim Dickson (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) the Learning Center Director at the Leech Lake Tribal College. Kim shares how schools on Leech Lake are supporting their students, especially when it comes to internet connectivity and distance learning.

Reporter Melissa Townsend talks with Dan McKeon, the School Director at the Bug-O-Nay-Ge-Shig School in Bena, MN, on Leech Lake as well. Dan shares how the Leech Lake reservation school is meeting the challenge for its 220 students from 115 households in an area of rural northern Minnesota where there are spots with absolutely no internet access.

Plus, the 2020 National Tribal Broadband Summit took place in late September. We hear from summit speaker Joni Buffalohead of Indigenous Pact, who highlighted the inequities in internet access and the wide-reaching effect that has in Indian Country.  You can hear all the National Tribal Broadband Summit speakers on the in U.S. Indian Affairs’ YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/user/bia4432.

Today on the show, Host Leah Lemm hears what’s on the minds of Native youth in Minnesota.

Leah chats with Caley Coyne (Athabaskan and Yup’ik) a 10th grader from Saint Paul.  Caley shares her reflections on distance learning, missing powwows, racial justice, and new hobbies. 

Reporter Melissa Townsend talks with 13-year-old Rizal Agaton Howes (Anishinaabe), who lives on the Fond du Lac reservation with his family. Rizal and his family are participating in unschooling, and he shares how that is going and what he misses most, since COVID came to Minnesota. 

It was back in March, when Governor Tim Walz announced that schools would close.  Since then, school officials, teachers, and parents have grappled with so many considerations like IEP plans, mental health support and nutrition services, and basic instructional materials. We have talked quite a bit on those topics on this program. Today we turn to young people to find out what is most important to them during this time.

Today on the show, Host Leah Lemm explores the question: what have we learned? As we cross the six-month milestone of this pandemic. We hear from two Minnesota Leaders about some of the topics the pandemic has brought to the surface, including health inequities, injustice, and the resiliency of our communities. 

Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Nation) speaks with Leah about her time in office, what it takes to lead through a major health crisis, the importance of the Native Vote, and her reflections on Justice Ginsburg’s legacy.  

Reporter Melissa Townsend shares her conversation with Patina Park (Mnicoujou Lakota), the Director of Tribal State Relations for the Walz Flanagan administration, and we learn more about the partnership between the tribes and state during these challenging times. 

Plus, a timeless message from the nonpartisan campaign called Native Vote, initiated from the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) about the history of overcoming barriers to voting for Native peoples in the United States.

Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.

On this show, Host Leah Lemm celebrates what the earth provides in the way of food and medicines grown and harvested throughout the year, and how this connects to our health and well-being.

Leah’s guests work closely with the land to help provide for our communities’ food and health needs. Megan Schnitker (Lakota) speaks about the year-long harvest cycle, the rise in interest in first medicines, and the care that goes into harvesting them. Matt Smaus is the agriculture supervisor of the Wozupi Tribal Gardens, which is owned and operated by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.

Reporter Melissa Townsend shares her conversation with story-teller Hope Flanagan (Seneca) who is the Community outreach and Cultural Teacher at the Dream of Wild Health Farm in Hugo, MN.

And, Chaz Wagner (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa) reflects on the joys of harvesting wild rice, as the season winds down.

Mahkato Revitalization Project website: www.mahkatorevitalizationproject.org.

Wozupi Tribals Gardens website: www.wozupi.com.

Dream of Wild Health website: www.dreamofwildhealth.org.

On this show, Host Leah Lemm reflects on the moments of beauty during challenging times. Leah is joined by reporter Melissa Townsend and together they review and reflect on some of their inspiring conversations with community members. 

Minnesota Native News launched several programs in response to the pandemic in addition to this one, including Native Lights: Biidaapi, a podcast hosted by Leah Lemm and her brother Cole Premo. And in the last six months, we've learned so much from Native voices in MN.

Some of the voices highlighted in this show include James Vukelich (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians), Maggie Thomspon (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa), Rafael Gonzalez - a.k.a.Tufawon - (Dakota, Boricua), Dr. Shelbie Shelder (Little River Band of Ottawa Indians), Susan Beaulieu (Red Lake Nation), and Patina Park (Mnicoujou Lakota).

We hear how people are connecting with one another, how they're recognizing and working to resist injustice and inequities, and how they've learned to cope with the shared trauma of the pandemic.  

A big thank you to all who have shared their stories and reflections.

On today’s show, how two different musicians find creative ways to make and share their music, even as the pandemic continues.  

Leah visits with Annie Humphrey, an Anishinaabekwe mother, grandmother, and an award-winning musician who’s been a presence on the music scene for decades. Annie tells Leah how she is enjoying her time outdoors, playing board games with family, and what inspires her songwriting. And she shares some unreleased lyrics that she’s working on, much to Leah’s delight. 

We also hear from Rafael Gonzalez, also known as Tufawon, a hip-hop artist who is Dakota and Boricua, and grew up in South Minneapolis. Reporter Melissa Townsend talks with Tufawon about his music, his work for justice, and how changes brought on by the pandemic have pushed him to innovate and find new ways to bring his music to new listeners, something he says is definitely a silver lining.  

On today’s show, Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) looks at how parents and families are grappling with the challenge of heading back-to-school as the pandemic continues.

Reporter Melissa Townsend spoke with three different parents about how they are gearing up for the school year and making decisions that best meet the needs of their school-age children.

We hear from Ryan Dixon (Oglala Sioux Tribe) who lives in Lower Sioux Indian Community and is a Dakota language teacher. Ryan Dixon has three children – a college freshman, a 9th grader, and a 7th grader. Ryan teaches in two high schools and the tribal immersion program.

We also hear from Susan Beaulieu (Red Lake Nation) who lives in Brainerd, MN. She has 4 kids, ages 21, 10, 6, and 2 years old.  Susan Beaulieu works for the UMN Extension with Mille Lacs and Fond du Lac on opioid abuse prevention and treatment, and her husband works outside the home.

And we hear from Sheila Lamb (Eastern Cherokee and White Earth Ojibwe) who lives in Cloquet near Fond du Lac. Sheila Lamb has two daughters – a high school junior and senior, and her youngest is on the autism spectrum so she’s been homeschooling for about a year with an IEP. Sheila works at Lifehouse with vulnerable youth who have been trafficked and she has been working from home since the start of the pandemic with a flexible work schedule.

Host Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.

On today’s show, Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) looks at how tribal leaders and health care providers are ensuring tribal community members are getting the care and information they need.

Joining Leah is Community Health Nurse Teri Morrison, who has lived and worked on the Bois Forte Reservation for 18 years. Teri shares how the tribe’s emergency response team has been preparing for crises, including viral outbreaks, for years. And Teri emphasizes the continued importance of battling COVID fatigue, by providing timely and accurate information.

We also hear from Daniel Frye, Director of Indian Health Services in the Bemidji Area, which includes Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the urban center of Chicago. Melissa Townsend reports on how the Indian Health Services works with tribes in the region to manage the complex logistics of COVID testing, as needs shift and change.  

At the beginning of the pandemic, we heard from Stacy Hammer, the Director of Community Health at the Lower Sioux Health Care Center, who spoke about how this crisis will reveal both strengths and areas that need improvement.  We reflect on her words, and on our gratitude to all the health care workers helping to keep us informed and safe as we continue to encounter all the unknowns of this COVID-19 pandemic. 

On this show, Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) continues her look at how parents of very young children and specifically how new moms are facing the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic  

Leah’s guest today is Shashana Craft (White Earth Nation) who works for Headway Emotional Health as a Family Spirit Infant Parent Support Specialist and is also the founder of the Minneapolis Indigenous Breastfeeding Support Circle.  Leah and Shashana talk about breastfeeding, the stresses parents of little ones are facing right now during the pandemic, and how to build strong support. Shashana shares how learning traditional practices can be especially during these times.

We also hear from Dr. Anne Eglash, with the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the University of Wisconsin, about how breastfeeding helps a baby’s immune system and may offer extra protection if they become ill with COVID-19.

Additional resources for new moms and moms-to-be: 

Pregnancy and Post-Partum Support Minnesota: 612-787-7776.

Strong Hearts Native Helpline: 1-844-7-NATIVE or 1-844-762-8483.

Look for the Minneapolis Indigenous Breastfeeding Support Circle on Facebook. 

Some of the voices highlighted in this show include Vanessa Goodthunder (Lower Sioux Indian Community), Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Nation), Anishinaabe M.C. Tall Paul (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe), elder Sharon Day (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa), addiction counselor Sharyl Whitehawk (Lac Courte de Oreilles Ojibwe), Anishinaabe elder and healer Dennis Jones (Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation), actress Isabella Star Leblanc (Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota), and Anishinaabe artist Robert DesJarlait (Red Lake Nation). 

We heard about passing the time while staying home, keeping up healthy practices, and using technology to stay connected. During the blur of days in quarantine, we also faced the tragedy of George Floyd’s killing which unearthed deep pain around police brutality and long-standing racial inequities.  We are so grateful to all our relatives for sharing their wisdom, insights, and hope, as we support one another during these difficult times. 

Leah and Isabella have a lively discussion about how we use art to adapt to crisis, what it takes to be inspired, and to rise to the occasion, and for each of us, making art helps heal and protect our communities.  

We also get a reminder from the playwright, poet, and author Marcie Rendon (White Earth Nation) about taking time to experience joy no matter what.  And we get perspective from Chief Mutáwi Mutáhash (Many Hearts) Marilynn “Lynn” Malerba of the Mohegan Tribe, on moving ahead even during times of uncertainty.  Chief Mutáwi Mutáhash recently kicked off a panel called Stories, Sovereignty, and Imagining Forward at The International Festival of Arts & Ideas, an annual event in Connecticut.

We hear wise words from Dr. Anthony Stately, and elder Sharon Day. And we also hear information from Mayo Clinic oncologist Dr. Tanios Bekaii-Saab and Dr. Halena Gazelka of the Mayo Clinic, courtesy of the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast 

Also, MN Native News reporter Melissa Townsend speaks with AICAF’s Misha Loeffler and Jessica Makori, about getting help and support while navigating a cancer diagnosis and treatment, especially given the added challenges of the pandemic.

And we check out the great resources the American Indian Cancer Foundation (AICAF) has on their website, including the Cancer Burden Booklet. Find out more at americanindiancancer.org.

MN Native News reporter Melissa Townsend talks with Dennis Jones, a retired professor from the Department of Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota, who now works at the American Indian Family Center, performs traditional ceremonies and has a gift for healing. Dennis offers some cultural perspective the awakening we are going through right now.

Plus, drummer Chaz Wagner on adapting the Saagibagaa Powwow at Nett Lake, while keeping up social distancing. 
And, a special message from Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe member and cultural advisor, Bobby Eagle.