Biidaapi: s/he comes laughing. (Ojibwemowin)

Boozhoo! We catch up with our friend Mike Laverdure (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota), a partner with DSGW Architects. Mike offers his perspective on how the pandemic will change building codes and designs long into the future. And when Mike shares a story about his 3-year-old twin daughters, we laugh about the joys and woes of working from home, especially with children around.

Biidaapi: s/he comes laughing. (Ojibwemowin)

Greetings! Today we talk with Louise Matson (White Earth Band of Ojibwe) the Executive Director of the Division of Indian Work and founding board member of Bdote Learning Center. Louise shares how she and her staff are working hard to support community members, by making remote connections and distributing pre-packed food supplies, even as they long for and miss the in-person gatherings.

Biidaapi: s/he comes laughing. (Ojibwemowin)

Boozhoo! We’re happy to connect with our friend Briand Morrison (Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa), the renowned jazz guitar player (you can hear him and his music on Native Lights podcast S1 Ep2, check it out!). Briand has no public gigs right now, due to the pandemic, but he’s still making plenty of music and enjoying life with family at home.

Biidaapi: s/he comes laughing. (Ojibwemowin)

Hello Relatives! Today we talk with Shelbie Shelder (Little River Band of Ottawa Indians), a 4th year medical student at the University of Minnesota. Shelbie talks about how the Coronovirus pandemic has impacted her rigorous academic load but also re-invigorated her desire to be a physician. Shelby is also focused on Native youth mental health during this time and recording the health disparities amplified by Covid-19.

Biidaapi: s/he comes laughing. (Ojibwemowin) Greetings! On this day we check in with registered dietician Stacy Hammer (Bdewakantunwan Dakota). Stacy is the Director of Community Health at the Lower Sioux Health Care Center. When the pandemic hit, Stacy and her team swung into action to figure out how to provide health care and support, even as everything was shutting down.

Biidaapi: s/he comes laughing. (Ojibwemowin)

Hello! Today we talk with Jenn Hall (Leech Lake), who is a brand-new Minneapolis firefighter! Jenn gives us a glimpse into how she safely does her job, answers calls, responds to emergencies, and faces danger, even with the pandemic going on. Jenn also shares how she stays grounded through quiet time, rest, watching Netflix, and talking on the phone with family and friends.

This week on Minnesota Native News, primary results from the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe and artistic expressions of hope and thanks.

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

Today’s show looks at how traditional health adapting and helping community members through distress, especially given our current realities of increased isolation and worry.

More businesses are now allowed to open and restrictions on some social gatherings are being lifted. Still, the virus continues to pose a threat. so Health officials are urging people to wear masks in public and to keep up the social distancing in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The new guidance means, indoor restaurants, swimming pools, movie theaters, fitness clubs and other venues can resume limited business. Churches, hair salons and indoor bars and restaurants can serve up to 50% of their capacities, while fitness centers, bowling alleys and movie theaters can serve 25% of their capacities. No venue, whether they are indoors or outdoors, can host more than 250 people.