Minnesota Native News

Reporter Feven Gerezgiher takes a look at findings from the U.S. Department of the Interior with regards to the department's investigative report on the Federal Indian boarding school system, and speaks with one of its research partners about what this means for Indian Country. --- Transcript: This is Minnesota Native News. I’m Marie Rock. The U.S. Department of Interior recently released a long-a...

This week on Minnesota Native News, the Science Museum of Minnesota is funding mini-projects for Native Community members… We’ll tell you how you can get involved. Here’s Diego Luke with the story… DL: Have you ever wanted to create a project that would accurately reflect you, your tribe and your culture?  As the Science Museum of Minnesota works to“create an inclusive, equity-based institution th...

[Loon sounder]   This is the Minnesota Native News Health Report, I’m Marie Rock.   This week…COVID infection rates are on the rise. Reporter Feven Gerezgiher shares some of the latest data…..and connects with organizers about what they are doing to prevent COVID-19 at powwows and other large gatherings.   STORY A   As of May 3, preliminary counts from the Minnesota Department of Health show more...

The U.S. Postal Service is commemorating George Morrison, a key figure in Native American and modern art, with Forever stamps showcasing his work. Family, art historians, and community members alike agree George Morrison was an underappreciated force in Native American art. Feven Gerezgiher reports

For Minnesota Native News, I’m Marie Rock.   Monday, a federal judge ruled against the federal mask requirement on public transportation, even as health officials continue to recommend precautions like masking and vaccination to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus.   This week…reporter Feven Gerezgiher speaks with three women about their experiences with the COVID vaccine…and shares some of t...

At the forefront of the fight against COVID these last two years have been health care workers trying to deliver primary care while also keeping boots to the ground with vaccine and testing clinics. This week, we check in with a healthcare leader for a reflection on how the pandemic has been. Script: [LOON SOUNDER]   This is the Minnesota Native News Health Report, I’m Marie Rock.    This week, we...

MINNESOTA NATIVE NEWS Artist Carl Gawboy is showing brand new work in Duluth. The art exhibit, "New Paintings, Old Stories," features Anishinaabe and Finnish culture, landscapes, and teachings. The exhibit is located at the Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center and was curated by Wendy Savage. /// TRANSCRIPT: Reporter:  This is Minnesota Native News. I'm Leah Lemm, in for Marie Rock. Coming up, artis...

This week the Walz administration launched an online program to make access to COVID testing easier.  Minnesotans can now order free at-home rapid tests online at mn.gov/covid19. You can also order them over phone through the Minnesota Department of Health COVID-19 Public Hotline at 1-833-431-2053. The state is offering two rapid antigen test kits per home (for a total four tests). They are availa...

Bridget Saice-Childs of the White Earth Nation is a resident of the Elder’s Lodge in St. Paul. This week, she shared with us how things have been going and what she’s been thinking about. Feven Gerezgiher reports.

Host: This is Minnesota Native News, I'm Marie Rock. Coming up a conversation on suicide prevention brings culture, facts, and experience together. And we hear words from the late artist, Jim Denomie, with reflections on his work. Here's reporter, Leah Lemm with more. Reporter: The American Indian Community Housing Organization, AICHO, will host a virtual panel with four Native leaders, discussing...

Governor Tim Walz announced that “registration is open” for parents whose 5- to 11-year-olds have received the COVID-19 vaccine.     Minnesotans can enter to win one of five college scholarships… in the amount of 100-thousand dollars.   This is all part of the state’s “Kids Deserve a Shot” vaccine incentive program.   Any Minnesota parent or guardian whose 5- to 11-year-olds have EVER received BOT...

This is Minnesota Native News. I’m Marie Rock. Coming up…At the University of Minnesota, a $5 million grant is funding projects to address racial justice... with the aim of leading social and cultural transformations. One project examines the University's history with the state's Tribal Nations. Here’s reporter Feven Gerezgiher with more.   In the wake of a racial reckoning and thirty years after...

This is Minnesota Native News. I'm Marie Rock. Coming up, two opportunities to hear about inspiring work around Indian Country in Minnesota. The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council's Language Revitalization Working Group has partnered with the Minnesota Humanity Center to host a Dakota and Ojibwe Languages Symposium. And the Lower Phalen Creek Project brings Native women's stories to the virtual spac...

Winter is known as the time for storytelling and one Dakota family is sharing their stories in a new book. Reporter Emma Needham speaks with one of the authors about the publication and a virtual event to celebrate its launch.

Host: This is Minnesota Native News, I'm Marie Rock. Coming up, the new Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative helps empower parent voices at Red Lake and White Earth Nations.  And it's been a year since the Clearbrook Aquifer was punctured. Calls for accountability and action were held at the site and in the Twin Cities. Here's reporter Leah Lemm with more. Reporter: Indigenous Visioning is brin...

Last year, both state and federal officials announced initiatives to help uncover missing and murdered relatives. Here’s reporter Feven Gerezgiher with the update.   On October 22nd, 2021, 15-year-old Neveah Kingbird disappeared without a trace.  For months, friends, family, and law enforcement have been looking for the Bemidji teen, organizing searches across town and soliciting tips on social me...

Long-time civil rights advocate Clyde Bellecourt of the White Earth band of Ojibwe died January 11th, leaving behind a legacy of Native changemakers. Reporter Feven Gerezgiher digs into the archives for a look into history.   A giant in the movement for American Indian lives has passed. Family confirmed the death on Tuesday morning of NeeGawNwayWeeDun, The Thunder Before the Storm, who was known b...

Marie Rock: As we enter the new year 2022, we also enter the time of new COVID Variants and guidelines. Reporter Emma Needham caught up with Dr. Antony Stately to get a little clarity as we enter year three of the COVID 19 Pandemic. EN: The new year brought the new Omicron COVID 19 Variant and new CDC Guidelines for quarantine. The omicron Variant is significantly more contagious than its predeces...

Host: This is Minnesota Native News, I'm Marie Rock. Coming up a new alliance for Native arts addresses community needs in Minnesota. And, the Interior Department will collaborate with the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. Here's reporter Leah Lemm with more. Reporter: The Mnisota Native Artists Alliance launched earlier this year and seeks to advance artistic expression,...

MARIE: This week on Minnesota Native News, the Minnesota Vikings recently hosted the 2021 Indigenous Bowl. Two all Indigenous football teams competed in front of friends and family.  Here’s Diego Luke with the story… [Soundbite of the Little Earth Singers] Announcer: Welcome to the 2021 Indigenous Bowl here at U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings. Diego: On Sunday, December 5th, the Mi...

According to a recent survey, a majority of Minnesotans support more lessons on Native American studies for K-12 students. Tiffany Bui reports: Minnesotans across the political spectrum want to see an expanded curriculum on Native American culture, history and tribal government. That’s according to a survey conducted by the Understand Native Minnesota campaign. Of the 800 people surveyed, 90% supp...

MARIE: This week on Minnesota Native News, the Science Museum of Minnesota is seeking feedback from Native Community members… we’ll tell you how you can get involved. Here’s Diego Luke with the story… DL: Museums have long been a place of fascination, with many housing some of the world's most important artistic, cultural, historical, or scientific artifacts. The history of museums has been shroud...

Host: This is Minnesota Native News. I'm Marie Rock. Coming up, audio plays are coming your way thanks to New Native Theater and the National Native American 10 minute play's festivals of years past. Here's reporter Leah Lemm with the story. Reporter: When COVID hit, theaters went dark, but the show must go on, so to speak. New Native Theater was up to the challenge. It hosted play festival, works...

The United States Postal Service has announced the new stamps for 2022. The stamps are described as miniature works of art and celebrate American culture and history.  And one of the panes will feature the work of the late modernist artist George Morrison, who was from the Grand Portage Band.  Here’s Reporter Leah Lemm speaking to Briand Morrison, son of George Morrison.

MR: Electric vehicles are gaining traction on Minnesota’s roadways. I’m Marie Rock: This week on Minnesota Native News, reporter Emma Needham shares how a Native-led organization is driving Minnesota into the future by creating a network to power electric vehicles.  EN: Last week, the federal Department of Energy awarded 6.67 million dollars to support the construction of an Inter-Tribal Electric...