Diverse radio for Minnesota’s communities
18 Unique Stations from Border to Border
18 Unique Stations from Border to Border
Special Editions | documentaries and special reports
Native Lights | stories of people within Minnesota’s Native communities
[Song Intro]
That’s the song, “Not Even A Little Bit”, from musician Laura Hugo.
[More song]
Her story is complex and dynamic, much like her music.
I sat down with Laura at one of the places she, and many other musicians, including myself, frequent. Moto-i in Uptown.
Hugo is from a small town, called Teec Nos Pos, Arizona, which is a part of the Navajo Nation. Growing up was a struggle for her on the reservation, to say the least.
HUGO:“The reservation unfortunately does fall into some of those stereotypical categories of poverty and alcoholism and dysfunction. So there, my life has definitely been really chaotic. Not stable.”
Her father wasn’t around a whole lot growing up, and she and her mother moved frequently. Plus, since she’s of mixed ancestry, it was hard fitting in.
HUGO: “People would call me like a dog or a mud. Um, and so I didn't look Navajo like everybody else.”
Despite hardships, her family remained strong and even inspired her to begin creating music. Her grandmother was in a gospel group and her grandpa, well..
HUGO: “My grandpa John is like the Navajo Elvis, like he’s got the good hair, but his voice is just like chillingly beautiful.”
Tough times, however, continued and In 2009, Laura dropped out of high school at the age of 18 -- struggling with mental health issues and a tough home life. It was at that low point in her life when her father’s sister came to visit…
HUGO: I didn't really want to be around anymore and I think she could sense that and she was like, so why don't I fly you up for the summer? And I've been here for eight years. (Laughs)
Now, Laura is an up-and-coming artist in the Twin Cities music scene. And while she’s proud of her Arizona roots, she loves it here. And it’s help launch her music into the world.
HUGO: “It's been probably one of the most beautiful experiences that I've ever had.”
Her songs bridge worlds of country, folk and indie pop.
HUGO: “It's just kind of all over the place.”
She recently recorded a single, “Not Even A Little Bit.”
Here’s a bit of that and her inspiration behind writing it.
That song will be part of her debut EP.
Laura had always planned to record the EP as soon as she could, but a tragedy struck and gave her even more drive to complete it.
Her father, who she had reestablished a relationship with and became very close to, passed away in February after battling pneumonia.
HUGO: “After he passed away, I kind of had this like, oh my God, like people just go, they just disappear and I want to make sure that before I'm done here that I've done something that I can be proud of.
So, she started a Kickstarter campaign as a way to not only fund her EP, but to get the community involved in her music.
Making the goal of $7,000 dollars wasn’t easy, though. And during the ending stretch, she didn’t think she’d raise enough. If she didn’t make the goal, the money is refunded and she would have to try again.
HUGO: “Four days left, I was at 50 percent and I was like ‘I'm not, I'm not going to make it.’”
But at the last minute, a very generous friend of hers offered to match contributions until the goal was met. And it was indeed. She surpassed the goal by over $1,000.
HUGO: “It still doesn't feel real. It's very cool. I did cry and I had to like take a walk just to be like, to just kind of take it in a little bit.”
She plans on recording the 6-song EP in the next few months. You can find her on Bandcamp and Facebook. Just search “Laura Hugo.”
[SONG OUTRO]
This week, we listen in on a Twin Cities musician who just completed an impressive kickstarter push for her new E.P.
Biidaapi: s/he comes laughing. (Ojibwemowin)
Greetings! Today we’re honored to talk with Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Nation). Peggy Flanagan speaks about her daily duties as a state leader, the challenge of helping her first-grader with distance learning, as well as the deep loss felt by many families, including her own, during these times.
Businesses, artists, and freelance workers, among many others… are being hit hard by the economic reach of the COVID-19 pandemic and the precautions necessary to prevent the spread.
But as times get even more uncertain, there are adjustments and innovations that are being made.
Here’s reporter Leah Lemm with the story.
Marie: This is Minnesota Native News, I’m Marie Rock.
Headlines: Businesses, artists, and freelance workers, among many others… are being hit hard by the economic reach of the COVID-19 pandemic and the precautions necessary to prevent the spread.
But as times get even more uncertain, there are adjustments and innovations that are being made.
Here’s reporter Leah Lemm with the story.
STORY #1 - BUSINESSES ADJUSTING DURING PANDEMIC
The University of Minnesota’s Extension Center for Community Vitality, Bii Gii Wiin, and Minnesota’s Indigenous Business Alliance came together tohost a conversation with the the community of American Indian businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs who reside in the Twin Cities, Duluth, and Bemidji….
With the hope of further understanding the needs of Indigenous businesses right now, with the goal of helping find solutions and connecting businesses to resources.
Fawn Sampson is the American Indian Leadership and Civic Engagement Liaison for the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Community Vitality.
FAWN SAMPSON: hoping that we would at least get three, maybe 10 people. So having 22 people, a part of that conversation, just even listening ears was really nice to have. Knowing that there's people that want to collaborate and want to give each other resources in some way.
REPORTER: Business owners, artists were on the call… but also those in philanthropy and other organizations willing to share their knowledge and resources were on the line as well.
The conversation was not recorded to allow for people to speak freely. But a theme that emerged from the conversation was… how can businesses and artists and entrepreneurs continue their work online? While not leaving many behind?
FAWN: this idea of moving things online is somewhat new. A lot of the younger generations can do that, but a lot of the craft in the way businesses work with American Indians is a lot of, you know, face to face selling going to was going to conferences.
So we wanted to see where they were at, if they needed help with technology. I know there's some places that, you know, maybe people use the library, you know, and libraries are colds.
REPORTER: Not only online, but also social media, which can make some people hesitant. So sharing these resources will be crucial. And this conversation is just the beginning.
FAWN: Speaker 1: (16:11) we've already been in conversations of talking about building webinars, having a podcast and kind of bringing in people just to, you know, talk more about either their leadership duties or even just their businesses highlighting businesses.
REPORTER: And in our own conversation, Fawn and I talk about cultural values that will help this work move forward.
FAWN SAMPSON: I think showing up and being present is courageous enough. Being humble, asking for help. A lot of people have to put aside their egos and remind themselves that sometimes we need to ask for help.
REPORTER: And in Duluth, the Indigenous First: Art and Gift Shop is a business that’s kicking their online presence into high gear.
JAZMIN WONG: the website started about a year ago and then we didn't have time to launch until about three weeks ago because it became a necessity to go online.
REPORTER: I spoke with Jazmin Wong who works at Indigenous First. The 3 year old shop is run by the American Indian Community Housing Center, AICHO, and is located inside their building. Even though the doors are locked, Jazmin is still at work, creating emergency food packages for tenants at AICHO and… preparing art for shipment or curbside pickup…
When the pandemic hit, Jazmin knew it was time to launch the site that had once been slowly worked on.
JAZMIN WONG: If you know, all this negativity, at least one thing at AICHO positively that came out of this pandemic, um, and it's getting our website pushed out there so our 70 different native American artists can continue to make an income from Indigenous First.
REPORTER: And the art that’s sold on the site, that’s supporting their artists, range from high quality prints, beadwork and jewelry, to some food items, and even seeds. And Indigenous First is open to new artists, though there is currently a wait time.
JAZMIN WONG: If we take on a new artist, the easiest way is to message us through Facebook, indigenous first arts and gift shop. Facebook. We're currently, we're on pause for probably about another month, but after that we would love to continue to take on new artists and do art shows.
REPORTER: Indigenous First: Art and Gift Shop is on Facebook and can be found online at Indigenous First DOT ORG.
For Minnesota Native News, I’m Leah Lemm.
Hosts Leah Lemm and Cole Premo check-in with Tall Paul (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) an Anishinaabe and Oneida Hip-Hop artist.
Tall Paul calls in to talk about family life, staying safe and smart, and how to continue with a workout routine while in the comfort of his own home.
And, of course, we talk about creating music in times of uncertainty.
This week on Minnesota Native News, we get an update on how tribes across the state are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also hear about a native film series you can binge while quarantined in your homes .. plus a new podcast series from us! Here’s reporter Cole Premo with more.
MARIE: Welcome to Minnesota Native News, I’m Marie Rock. This week on Minnesota Native News, we get an update on how tribes across the state are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. We also hear about a native film series you can binge while quarantined in your homes .. plus a new podcast series from us! Here’s reporter Cole Premo with more.
COLE: To combat the spread of the COVID-19 virus, states across the nation are issuing stay-at-home orders, restricting travel to essential activities only.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s stay-at-home order began just before midnight on Friday, March 27 and, as of now, will end on April 10. Nonessential businesses in Minnesota are closed, like dine-in restaurants, bars, gyms and basically anything that includes entertainment and gatherings of people.
Hospitals, pharmacies, grocery stores and other essential businesses remain open.
Tribes across Minnesota have responded to the pandemic similarly, shutting down their casinos and gaming operations, focusing on keeping health care and advising band members to practice social distancing.
At the Mille Lacs Band Of Ojibwe, a stay-at-home order began at the same time Walz’s order began.
Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin stresses that the order will not change anything in the daily lives of most band members, because many have already been self-restricting activities and practicing social distancing.
White Earth Nation, which confirmed its first case of COVID-19 on its reservation on March 26, also issued a stay at home order.
Red Lake Nation issued a shelter in place order, and also implemented a curfew forbidding nonessential travel between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
Here’s Red Lake Nation Chairmain Darrell Seki: “We as a tribe are trying to save lives for our membership.”
More information on the state’s stay-at-home order can be found at mn.gov/stayhomemn.
IN OTHER NEWS: If you’re looking for something to binge watch while you practice social distancing, we have a great option for you.
The Walker Art Center will be offering online presentations of INDI-genesis, GEN3, an ongoing native film series. The film series, curated by Missy Whiteman, was canceled at the Walker due to the COVID-19 response.
The series of short films, all created by indigenous filmmakers, is called Revitalization. The titles include “Isabella’s Garden”, “Boxer of Brule” and “Fast Horse”.
Missy Whiteman says indigenous people have always adapted during times of uncertainty and invites everyone to the virtual screenings.
You can find links to the short films in the “Crosscuts” section of the Walker Art Center’s website.
LASTLY: Here’s another bingeable option if you love listening to podcasts…
In addition to “Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine”, we’ve started another podcast series “Native Lights: Biidaapi”. We’re checking in with our native communities as we all adjust to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Ojibwe word, Biidaapi, means she or he comes or arrives laughing… and it reminds us to keep our spirits up through connection and conversations.
We are already posting episodes, so check out “Native Lights: Biidaapi” wherever you get your podcasts! And let us know on our Minnesota Native News Facebook page if you have suggestions. Stay safe everyone.
I’m Cole Premo.
We talk with Brenda Child (Red Lake Nation) about the origin story of the Jingle Dress and how it relates to the 1918 Flu epidemic, and what the past can teach us about our current pandemic.
Biidaapi: s/he comes laughing. (Ojibwemowin)Greetings from Native Lights! Sometimes we just want to talk to a parent or elder during uncertain times, and today we chat with our dad, Bill (“Papi”) Premo (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe). Bill Premo lives at Owl Hoot Station –what he calls home –just Northeast of Hinckley with his dog Kek Kek, and is always full of advice and perspective. He’s an associate judge for District III for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe and serves on the board for MLB Corporate Ventures.
Biidaapi: s/he comes laughing. (Ojibwemowin)
Greetings from Native Lights! Thanks for listening. During this COVID-19 pandemic, when we’re encouraged to keep a greater distance from our community members, friends, and loved ones, it’s so important to keep our relationships strong. And that’s what we’re doing here on Native Lights: Biidaapi. To us, “biidaapi” (s/he comes or arrives laughing) reminds us to keep our spirits up through connection and conversations. So, join us as we hear from people in our communities as we share how the COVID-19 pandemic affects us at home.
Lives are changing drastically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are out of work, more and more people are holding work meetings virtually, and everyone is making major adjustments.
Students are also home from school. Which means families are trying to find ways to keep the learning going. And for Native students, there are online resources that provide culturally focused learning through language and art.
Marie: This is Minnesota Native News, I’m Marie Rock.
Headlines: Lives are changing drastically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are out of work, more and more people are holding work meetings virtually, and everyone is making major adjustments.
Students are also home from school. Which means families are trying to find ways to keep the learning going. And for Native students, there are online resources that provide culturally focused learning through language and art.
Here’s reporter Leah Lemm with the story.
STORY #1 - CULTURAL LESSONS WHILE HOME WITH KIDS
SOUND OF THE LEMM HOUSEHOLD
REPORTER: Most students have been home from school since Wednesday March 18th due temporary school closures, leaving families to make arrangements for care and continued education at home.
As a parent, I immediately started searching for cultural resources to supplement our school districts online learning resources.
And… artist Marlena Myles is helping us out with a few of those.
MARLENA MYLES: I’m Spirit Lake Dakota, I live in Saint Paul, MN, I like to create digital art, fabrics, illustrate children’s books and animations, and I also teach in classroom.
REPORTER: My son sits side by side with my spouse as they examine the laptop screen. They have Marlena’s Dakota Land Map open.
DAN/MARVIN DISCUSSION
The map is colorful and full of information all on a single page with Dakota language throughout.
Also included on the Dakota Land Map are symbols for the places represented. From Dakota villages, sacred sites, along with bodies of water, and locations such as the Mall of America, public transportation, and the University of Minnesota. (Might switch this around given their convo. Marvin says Bde Makha Ska super easily, so that’s awesome.)
And each location has an accompanying symbol, which Marlena highlights as a project opportunity for families.
MARLENA MYLES: Each of the places that I illustrated- they all have a little symbol I sort of drew to illustrate what that place may mean. And so if parents are with their children, they can teach about their own family history to their kids , and then the kids can draw the symbol that represents the family history that they heard.
A lot of Dakota art is personal. It’s something they can do with with any sort of art materials. Could be collage work, they could look through a magazine and clip out pieces of things that remind them of the story they just learned, use markers or crayons…
Marlena also has a Dakota Coloring Book on her website. Marlena m y l DOT e s That’s her name Marlena m y l DOT e s
The Dakota Land Map and the Coloring Book are available as free downloads.
And… other educators are turning to social media and live streaming to help students continue learning.
//SOUNDS OF JEI’s STREAM
Jei Herald-Zamora works at Bdote Learning Center on the Middle School team as an Ojibwe Language and Culture Teacher.
Jei: I am wolf clan, I am Spirit Lake Nation enrolled, but I was raised and identify as LCO Ojibwe in Wisconsin.
REPORTER: Jei is utilizing Instagram and Facebook streaming platforms to read and instruct participants.
Jei: Right now my social media teaching project is doing storybooks for about one hour and the second hour is doing Ojibwemowin instruction for an hour and to give basic vocabulary, sampling what I usually give as content within my lessons.
//SOUND of stream
JEI: In a way I just wanted to give something that people could look forward to. It’ll give me an excuse to get out of bed and do my makeup and give me an excuse to put on something besides pajama pants.
REPORTER: And Jei has been getting positive feed back about the project.
JEI: I have family members that are really enthusiastic, teachers are appreciate and parents are appreciative.
REPORTER: Jei Herald-Zamora hosts the public live streams at 1 and 2pm on Wednesdays and Fridays, and videos are archived for future viewing.
Links for both of these resources are on the Minnesota Native News facebook page
For Minnesota Native News, I’m Leah Lemm.
The state’s new Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force is moving forward. The task force had planned a set of state-wide listening sessions where people could come and share their stories. Those are cancelled because of the Covid-19 pandemic, but there are other ways for the public to impact the work of the task force. Reporter Melissa Townsend explains.
The state’s new Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force is moving forward.
The group will create a list of recommendations on how the state can better handle the crisis.
Those recommendations are due in December.
The task force had planned a set of state-wide listening sessions where people could come and share their stories.
The first listening session was at the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center in Minneapolis last month.
State Representative Mary Kunesh-Podein, a Dakota descendent, is on the task force steering committee.
KUNESH-PODEIN:There are plenty more stories to be heard if folks want to share them and it does help us when we go forward with recommendations with real life experiences.
But the task force has cancelled the remaining listening session because of the Covid-19 outbreak.
However, people can still share their stories on-line, over email or on the phone.
You can search for M-M-I-W on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.
Or you can call this number: 651-280-2661 and leave a message with your story.
That’s 651-280-2661.
Kunesh-Poein says you can opt to keep your story anonymous if you’d like.
KUNESH-PODEIN: We won’t publicize names, we won’t take these stories public, unless the person wanted to. But these are precious stories and we will treat them with the utmost respect.
There is no word yet if deadlines for the task force recommendations will be extended due to the Covid-19 outbreak.
On April first the House of Comedy comedy club at the Mall of America was supposed to feature its first all Indigenous line-up of comedians. Red Lake comic Jon Roberts had set it up. Reporter Melissa Townsend has the story
On April first the House of Comedy comedy club at the Mall of America was supposed to feature its first all Indigenous line-up of comedians.
Red Lake comic Jon Roberts had set it up.
ROBERTS: The booker had a post on facebook. He was asking for ideas for a new show and I just messaged him my idea - have a Native comedy, indigenous comedians night. It went from there, I think he ran it by the club owners and so they asked me if I could book some comics and…
And he lined up Rez Reporter Rob Fairbanks, Sheldon Starr and Will Spotted Bear.
He did call a few female Native comics - just so you know - but they were booked.
Roberts says as a Red laker, comedy serves a special purpose.
ROBERTS: It’s our way of healing - we’re just sharing our stories. And we’re just here to help each other. (:05)
Since the Mall of America is now closed through at least March 31st, you will need to check back with the House of Comedy to find out when this fun show will happen!
Eventually, Roberts hopes it will be rescheduled as a monthly event!
