Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) is back exploring how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.
On today’s show, Leah reflects on conversations about cultural medicines and viewing the pandemic and vaccinations through a lens of history and experience.
We hear from Megan Schnitker (Lakota) who works with plant medicines. Megan learned about plant medicines from her grandmother. She shares perspectives about the year-long harvest cycle, the rise in interest in first medicines, and traditional reliance on plant medicines to get through hard times, including COVID.
We also hear from Briana Michels (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) who works for the American Indian Resource and Resiliency team out of the University of Minnesota extension. Briana leads workshops on healing from trauma, and connects historical and current traumas, like the pandemic and the killing of George Floyd, with vaccine hesitation, and what it takes to heal.
Plus, Dr. Antony Stately recalls his first-hand experience becoming seriously ill with COVID-19, and how he recovered with the aid of medical care combined with traditional practices, prayer, and wisdom from elders.
And, Governor Walz and Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) both express hope for the future, tempered with caution and safety, as we move into the future with many more people receiving vaccines.
Many thanks to all of our guests, we appreciate your insights and perspectives.
Learn about cultural medicines at Megan Schnitker’s website: https://www.lakotamade.com/
More from Community Conversations
- Mary LaGarde and Colette Lawrence: Unveiling Resurgence at The Grand Reopening of the Minneapolis American Indian CenterIn this episode, we speak with Mary and Colette, two dynamic voices from the Minneapolis American Indian Center. As leaders in the community, they shed light on their roles in spearheading the center’s initiatives, particularly as they gear up for the grand re-opening celebrations starting May 1st. Mary and Colette delve into the pressing health …
- Boundaries, Community, and HealthIn this insightful episode, Susan and Briana open up about their personal journeys and experiences with boundary-setting. Through the lens of their respective podcast series Remembering Resilience, they delve into the profound significance of boundaries not only with oneself but within American Indian communities at large. They offer invaluable perspectives on cultural nuances and illuminate …