Appreciating What We’ve Learned in the Pandemic and Embracing New Opportunities

Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.

In today’s conversation, Host Leah Lemm and Reporter Melissa Townsend reflect on how we’re helping one another get through the pandemic. Throughout the 22 weeks of this program, we have been moved and inspired by so many sharing their stories; people have risen above the challenges they’ve faced to care for themselves and their families, to keep our communities safe.

Throughout the pandemic, life still goes on. People celebrate holidays, birthdays, and new life. We all still need support, coping skills, and encouragement. Today we celebrate some of the people who share their gifts with community members to help others stay healthy.

We hear from Shashana Craft (White Earth Nation) who stays connected with new moms through the Minneapolis Indigenous Breastfeeding Support Circle, which she founded.

Kim Dickson (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) is the Learning Center Director at the Leech Lake Tribal College. Kim explains how she and other educators pull out all the stops to support students and their families so they can reach their educational goals.

And we enjoy hearing from 13-year-old Rizal Agaton Howes (Anishinaabe) and his mother Sarah Agaton Howes (Anishinaabe), who share how their family is approaching new ways of learning in response to changes brought on by the pandemic.

Plus, Reporter Melissa Townsend talks with Madonna Peltier Yawakie (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians), who is the President of Turtle Island Communications, and we learn how Tribes confronting the digital divide are improving broadband services for community members across Indian Country.