Host Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.
On this show, we hear some nuts and bolts about COVID testing in Indian Country and current challenges our relatives face in getting treatment. And Leah looks at ways we embrace a healthy lifestyle while keeping an eye on our communities.
Leah catches up with Dani Pieratos (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa) who is a mother, an entrepreneur, and a passionate supporter of food sovereignty and access. Pieratos is President/Sales & Marketing Director of Harvest Nation Inc., and she works with The Rutabaga Project, an Iron Range initiative making local, nutritious, food accessible and affordable for everyone.
Reporter Melissa Townsend talks with Jackie Dionne (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) who is the Director of American Indian Health at the Minnesota Department of Health. As the public health liaison for tribes and urban Indian communities, Dionne has been working with the 11 tribes in Minnesota on the response to Covid-19. And she speaks frankly about testing, managing positive cases, and making life and death decisions if there is a surge in the number of people hospitalized for Covid-19.
Plus, Red Lake Nation Chairman Seki makes a heartfelt plea, encouraging everyone in Minnesota to take the virus seriously.