Mary LaGarde and Colette Lawrence: Unveiling Resurgence at The Grand Reopening of the Minneapolis American Indian Center

In 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 disparities faced
by Indigenous communities and how the center’s Fitness and
Nutrition program has evolved to face these challenges head-on.
They emphasize the crucial role of culture in designing and
implementing fitness and nutrition programs, highlighting the
importance of art, youth, elders, and intergenerational
programming in promoting healthy lifestyles. 


 


Looking ahead, they share their long-term goals of fostering
holistic wellness and building strong partnerships and
collaborations to amplify their impact on the local Indian
Country’s health and wellness landscape.


Mary LaGarde


 


Mary LaGarde, Executive Director of the Minneapolis American
Indian Center, was selected to lead the organization in June
2013.  Ms. LaGarde has over 30 years of nonprofit experience
in program services, including management and development. In
1994, Ms. LaGarde established a therapeutic preschool for
American Indian children at the Little Earth of United Tribes
Housing Development in Minneapolis, in 1999 managed the opening
of the Little Earth Neighborhood Early Learning Center, and since
then has developed numerous programs for the American Indian
community in Minneapolis.  In 2008 Ms. LaGarde received the
DreamMaker Award from the Ann Bancroft Foundation, in 2014 was
honored at the University of Minnesota’s American Indian Student
Cultural Center’s Honoring American Indian Women Luncheon, and
named a 2016 Local Public Health Hero by the City of Minneapolis’
Health Department.  She received her B.A. in
Sociology/American Racial and Multicultural Studies from St. Olaf
College (Northfield, MN), and is a member of the White Earth
Nation.  


Colette Lawrence


 


Colette Lawrence is a seasoned public health advocate with a rich
background in serving Indigenous communities. With over 7 and a
half years of experience at the Minneapolis American Indian
Center (MAIC), she has demonstrated her commitment to community
health through various roles, including directing the FAN
Program. Colette’s passion for empowering Native American elders
led her to partner with institutions like the University of
Minnesota Extension and Blue Cross Blue Shield Prevention Center
to implement evidence- based cooking demonstrations and nutrition
education programs. She is also recognized for her pivotal role
in organizing critical COVID vaccine clinics, further solidifying
her dedication to improve the health and well-being of the
American Indian’s in Minnesota.


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 and adapting beyond COVID-19.


https://www.maicnet.org/