Reflections on Rising to the Challenge of the Pandemic and Respecting the Virus

Minnesota Native News launched several programs in response to
the pandemic in addition to this one, including Biidaapi Podcast
hosted by Leah Lemm and her brother Cole Premo. Through dozens of
interviews with folks in Indian Country in Minnesota, we stayed
connected and learned a lot over the last four months.


 


Some of the voices highlighted in this show include Vanessa
Goodthunder (Lower Sioux Indian Community), Lt. Governor Peggy
Flanagan (White Earth Nation), Anishinaabe M.C. Tall Paul (Leech
Lake Band of Ojibwe), elder Sharon Day (Bois Forte Band of
Chippewa), addiction counselor Sharyl Whitehawk (Lac Courte de
Oreilles Ojibwe), Anishinaabe elder and healer Dennis Jones
(Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation), actress Isabella Star
Leblanc (Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota), and Anishinaabe artist Robert
DesJarlait (Red Lake Nation). 


 


We heard about passing the time while staying home, keeping up
healthy practices, and using technology to stay connected. During
the blur of days in quarantine, we also faced the tragedy of
George Floyd’s killing which unearthed deep pain around police
brutality and long-standing racial inequities.  We are so
grateful to all our relatives for sharing their wisdom, insights,
and hope, as we support one another during these difficult
times.