Doing Our Best for Our Children’s Education During the Pandemic

Host Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and
adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. On this show, Host
Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) looks at how parents and
teachers are facing the challenges and opportunities of getting
back to school, even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The state
is providing data-driven guidance, which allows local school
districts to determine what’s best for their students when it comes
to returning to classrooms, distance learning, or a combination
method. Leah talks with Andrea Fairbanks (Leech Lake Band of
Ojibwe), a mother and educator, who speaks about considerations
from both the parental and educator perspective when it comes to
the new school year. Andrea shares her insights about online
learning: what works well and what is lost by not being in the
classroom. MN Native News reporter Melissa Townsend talks with
Native educator Govinda Budrow (White Earth Nation) about the
challenges and opportunities distance learning created for Native
students and families. They have a thoughtful conversation about
the unique challenges to Native students, including those in
special education. And Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan conveys an
empathetic and hopeful message to students, parents, and educators,
as she speaks to the challenge of balancing health and safety with
meeting the educational needs of all students.