Special Editions | documentaries and special reports
Native Lights | stories of people within Minnesota’s Native communities
After working as an American Indian advisor for the state, she now oversees the states’ anti poverty support programs that include food stamps, food banks, shelters, and community action programs. She shares how family, community, and Yupik values has guided her along the her path.
If you’re looking to do some good while having fun in April, there’s an critical org looking for your help. Here’s MNN team lead Sam Choo with something worth putting on your schedule for the 6th. The American Indian Community Housing Organization, or AICHO, is hosting a benefit concert and fundraiser at the NorShor Theatre in Duluth.
Today Leah and Cole speak with Wayne Somes, a citizen of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Wayne shares how his passions for family, early childhood development, and Ojibwemowin have led him along a path to Northern Minnesota.
She specializes in large-scale murals; her work can be seen on the sides of buildings throughout the Twin Cities and the country. Cole talks with her about City Mischief Murals, which she co-founded. It’s an all Indigenous, Black & Pacific Islander artist collective centered on healing through art. She had some great things to say about how murals can build a stronger community, the process of painting a mural, and much more.
Minnesota state Representative Heather Keeler from Moorhead, authored a bill that would direct $3-million each fiscal year for 2024 & 2025. The state Office of Higher Education would then distribute grants to pay for general operations and maintenance.
Leah and Cole chat with Tabitha Chilton, a White Earth Nation member who serves as Sanford Health’s Native American patient advocate in Bemidji, Minnesota. Tabitha’s focus on outpatient care at the Joe Lueken Cancer Center helps Native communities access healthcare throughout Northern Minnesota.
Today Leah and Cole chat with Jewell Arcoren (Sisseton Wahpeton Nation). Jewell is a community activist and the Executive Director for Wicoie Nandagikendan, an Ojibwe and Dakota language immersion preschool in Minneapolis. There, she pursues her commitments to early childhood education, language revitalization and addressing intergenerational historical trauma. Jewell talks about how cultural integration is a key to healing and moving forward, including language revitalization and traditional foods. She shares about her journey with Wicoie Nandagikendan, the schools hope to expand and how culture can put people onto a path of healing.
Native Americans and south Minneapolis neighbors testify to state lawmakers, about funding for the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute. An organization leading the peaceful demonstrations against the Roof Depot warehouse demolition. They are advocating for their plan to create an indoor urban farm, and prevent increased pollution-related illnesses for people living nearby, including those living in Little Earth.
Ahead, reporter Alexander Aman brings us to the Red Lake Chemical Health Programs’ annual gathering. But first, people living in the East Phillips neighborhood are hunkering down in defiance of Minneapolis city leaders and police.