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

07/29/20 • 29 min

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

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 reflects on the themes of rising to the challenge of the pandemic, respecting the virus, and coping with many unknowns. Leah is joined by reporter Melissa Townsend and together they review and reflect on some of their wonderful conversations with community members.

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.

Host Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.

Previous Episode

Keeping Track of COVID Testing and Treatment in Indian Country

Host Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. On this show, we hear some nuts and bolts about COVID testing in Indian Country and current challenges our relatives face in getting treatment.

And Leah looks at ways we embrace a healthy lifestyle while keeping an eye on our communities. Leah catches up with Dani Pieratos (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa) who is a mother, an entrepreneur, and a passionate supporter of food sovereignty and access. Pieratos is President/Sales & Marketing Director of Harvest Nation Inc., and she works with The Rutabaga Project, an Iron Range initiative making local, nutritious, food accessible and affordable for everyone.

Reporter Melissa Townsend talks with Jackie Dionne (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) who is the Director of American Indian Health at the Minnesota Department of Health. As the public health liaison for tribes and urban Indian communities, Dionne has been working with the 11 tribes in Minnesota on the response to Covid-19. And she speaks frankly about testing, managing positive cases, and making life and death decisions if there is a surge in the number of people hospitalized for Covid-19.

Plus, Red Lake Nation Chairman Seki makes a heartfelt plea, encouraging everyone in Minnesota to take the virus seriously.

Next Episode

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.