Tribal Sovereignty and the Health of Native Communities

Host Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and
adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. In this show, Leah
welcomes Lyz Jaakola, an Anishinaabe mother, teacher, and musician
living on her home Rez, Fond du Lac in Cloquet, MN. They reflect on
the relationship between the federal government and tribes –and how
it affects the health and economic well-being of tribal communities
during the pandemic. Reporter Melissa Townsend talks with U.S.
Senator Tina Smith about her recent speech on the floor of the
Senate, where she urged Congress and the President to make good on
treaty and trust responsibilities to Native America, specifically
about money allocated by the CARES Act, which has been slow in
reaching tribes. Minnesota Senator Tina Smith (D) is a member of
the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. Lyz Jaakola shares her
perspectives on how COVID-19 and highlights long-held
misunderstandings around tribal sovereignty and treaty promises,
which can directly impact the health and well-being of community
members.