Minnesota Native News

This week MN Native News reporter Emma Needham brings us some of the latest from Minnesota's native communities including a new novel from the author of Good Berry Cookbook, a doctoral study about the effects of tribal membership on Native American identity, and how Red Lake, White Earth, and Lower Sioux communities are leading the state in recreational marijuana and hemp industries

By now you've probably heard of Chef Sean Sherman. Maybe you've eaten at his award-winning restaurant Owanmni, overlooking the river in downtown Minneapolis. Owamni is the Sioux-Chef’s for-profit business. The nonprofit he started is flourishing too. It’s called Natifs. And you can find it at the Midtown Global Market on Lake Street in Minneapolis

Welcome back to Community Health Conversations, a special program from Minnesota Native News! Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Dr. Antony Stately Ph. D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) lead insightful discussions about the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare in Indian Country. They discuss the valuable lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore how Native communities are responding...

This week on Minnesota Native News, reporter Emma Needham provides an update about ongoing work by Native organizations and activists to protect water and land throughout Minnesota. Across Minnesota, Indigenous peoples and their allies work to uphold their traditional obligations and duties to protect the land, air, and water for the next seven generations. Mid-July was busy for many, with events...

This week Lieutenant Commander John Naegeli, a Pharmacist at the Cass Lake Indian Health Services discusses the Walking Shield program. The program brings army doctors, dentists, and other soldiers to offer medical, psychological, and dental services to the Cass Lake community. The Walking Shield mission began in Cass Lake on July 18 and goes to July 26, with appointments available on weekends as...

This week we take a visit to the Four Sisters Farmers Market in Minneapolis for a taste of community well-being that happens each Thursday during the Summer. Native Lights host and MN Native News reporter Cole Premo has the story.

This week on Minnesota Native News, we preview a new documentary. DeCoded is about Native veterans from Minnesota who used tribal languages to help win World War Two. For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampersradio/ instagram.com/mnnativenews/   Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. a...

The government that tried to destroy Indigenous culture used it as a weapon on the battlefield. Listen to Decoded: Untold stories of Native Veterans in Minnesota whose tribal languages helped win World War Two. Special thanks: Gary Robinson at Tribal Eye Productions, Travis Zimmerman, Freedom Porter, Darlene St. Clair, Moira Villiard, Laurie Stern, and Allison Waukau DeCoded is produced by Ampers,...

American Indian Month in Minnesota continues this May. And, this weekend’s a busy one. The Minneapolis American Indian Center is hosting their free Open House and Family Fun Night - May 19th. A carnival with free entry, free food, and free prizes found among their games and attractions.  The MAIC Facebook page shows while its Franklin Avenue building renovation continues on, the Minneapolis event’...

Tribes and Native American organizations around Minnesota, including in the cities, are hosting open houses, pow wows, and other events throughout the month.

The TRUTH Report details findings from the university’s own records. And, that as a land-grant institution, the U of M has systematically profited from exploiting and harming Indigenous people.

The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is taking a stand as water protectors in northeast Minnesota. The Band’s Department of Natural Resources launched its Water Over Nickel initiative just last month. Its goal? To protect cultural resources, sacred medicines and its people in Aitkin County. Which could be hurt by proposed nickel mining.

Drost grew up in Grand Portage and is an enrolled member of the Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. Her interest in tribal politics traces back to her childhood and especially to her father.

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.

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.

The Roof Depot demolition project in south Minneapolis has gotten a lot of media attention, but at the heart of it is a neighborhood’s fight to protect their children’s health

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...

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.

Young Indigenous creatives from the Twin Cities are carving their path by using traditional practices and teachings. MN Native News reporter Isavela Lopez spoke with two artists who continue to drive their cultures forward. Plus more than one issue was highlighted during the MMIWR rally on Feb. 14 

New Artificial Intelligence or AI programs can generate art based on phrases and prompts entered into a program that references art pieces and styles already found online to create a unique piece. This debate has taken the internet by storm. Some use it to create art to sell. But now, lawsuits against some AI art companies are changing the narrative. Some believe it violates copyright law because...

This week, Emma Needham talks with story-keeper Hope Flanagan about why stories are essential to keeping native knowledge, culture, and language alive.

This week on the Health Report, the Minnesota Department of Health has announced a new telehealth program to help people receive treatment for COVID19. And Bivalent COVID19 vaccines are now available for the youngest age group; Chaz Wagner has more. - The state of Minnesota has launched a new program to help Minnesotans have better access to COVID19 treatments when they get sick. The new test-to-t...

The returned land, a stretch of beach along Lake Superior’s North Shore outside Grand Marais, MN, was once part of a larger native settlement known as Chippewa City. The historic occasion was celebrated with a ceremony at the Grand Portage Lodge and Casino. John Morrin, a Grand Portage Tribal Elder, was one of the keynote speakers. 

This is Minnesota Native News. I’m Marie Rock. For over two months, advocates for Leonard Peltier walked in prayer from Minneapolis to D.C. to raise awareness about his unjust imprisonment. This week reporter Feven Gerezgiher speaks with the walk lead and Peltier’s lawyer to hear how the walk went…and the outlook on Peltier’s release. Senator Tina Smith was one of seven lawmakers that recently sig...

The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) hosted a Covid19 Vaccine clinic where some families reevaluate their motives on whether or not it is important to get the vaccine, Isabel Lopez has more.