Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities

As shelter in place orders continue across the state of Minnesota, many tribes and urban Native organizations are moving their work online. Reporter Melissa Townsend spoke with leaders in the Twin Cities about how well it’s working.

Today is the 50th anniversary of Earth Day! Anna Carlson, professor of Environmental Studies at Bemidji State University and Aili Kultala who specializes in compostables, recycling and reuse at the Beltrami County Solid Waste Department spoke on the morning show about their sustainability efforts, what more can be done, and why it matters.

Kultala educated us on what gets recycled and what can be composted. She also discussed a newly implemented re-use program that gives people an opportunity to take someone else’s junk that can be repurposed. From couches to bicycles, Beltrami county is working hard to eliminate unnecessary waste.

Carlson shared her insights on realistic, intentional, sustainable living as well as her knowledge of sustainability practices other countries have implemented to inspire recycling and limit single use plastics. She encourages mindfulness in our behaviors and an overall attitude of gratitude for the gifts the earth provides.

Since Covid has eliminated opportunities for entertainment, Mary Overlie found herself missing live music, local musicians and open mic nights. She’s created a virtual experience called Songcatchers to satisfy her cravings… Just like typical open mic nights, musicians sign up for a performance slot in advance and folks gather to watch and experience their music. In keeping with the regularly scheduled open mic night at Brigid’s pub in Bemidji, Songcatchers happens every Thursday from 7-8:30.

Greetings! Today we check in with Antony Stately, Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida), CEO of Native American Community Clinic (NACC). NACC is located in the Phillips neighborhood in Minneapolis and provides health, dental, and counseling services to community members. Antony speaks about the challenges of managing a health care clinic during the pandemic, transitioning to telehealth, and we compare notes on the fun and foibles of distance learning.

Guitarist John Penny composes in multiple styles of course want to record and release it his work. But that is easier said than done, as he explained to Phil Nusbaum.