Minnesota Native News

MNN June 10
MARIE: Headlines. This week on Minnesota Native News, primary results are in for members of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe - and expressions of hope after a week of protests. Producer Laurie Stern has those stories.
#1 Four of the six bands in the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe had contested primaries for chair. At Grand Portage, Bobby Deschampe will be the new chair after winning a majority of votes over incumbent Beth Drost. Incumbent Faron Jackson will be the chair at Leech Lake, and Incumbent Mike Fairbanks won a majority at White Earth. The Mille Lacs Band will have a runoff between incumbent Melanie Benjamin and Carolyn Beaulieu. The general election is set for August 18, when committee member races will also be decided.
#2 thank you aim
[ambi painting] That’s the sound of young people creating something new.   In this case it’s a mural on the front of Franklin Library down the street from the American Indian Center in Minneapolis.  
My  name is Missy Whiteman, I belong to the Northern Arapaho and Kickapoo nations. And I am here on Franklin Avenue at the library. And we're working on a thank you mural for AIM and for the native community for protecting the avenue.
Missy Whiteman is an artist and filmmaker and the recipient of many awards including the 2020 McKnight Media Artist Fellowship. 
it's really important to have indigenous voices right now, especially when we're talking about rebuilding, and we're talking about, you know, coming into the new world, because we've been a part of, you know, seeing system  seeing, you know, society seeing structures that aren't sustainable crumble. And, you know, the best metaphor that I've heard and seen in this movement is the Phoenix. And so we see like murals all around,  the Twin Cities, we see that metaphor, because it's like, well, things are crumbling, they're, they're, you know, projects like this,  just small, you know , one day projects that are give me think thanks to community, people are coming together and, you know, are helping.
#3 Migizi [migizi ambi]
A phoenix rising from the ashes suits what’s happening down on Lake Street at Migizi. Migizi supports Native youth as they claim their heritage and find their creativity. The building burned during the protests, but donors and volunteer are stepping up – and recently there was a unity celebration…[more ambi]. That’s where I met Angelica Deloria, and asked her to file this report:
[Angelica’s story 1:04] Hello, my name is Angelica Deloria. Migizi has kind of been a second home for me just because my brother worked there when he was in high school. And I've known the people for a long time. I really think that the current events that have happened with George Floyd are going to highly impact us here at Migizi. Not only do we have to rebuild our current site, which was burned down, but we also have to help our brothers and sisters within the native community who have been impacted some way either be physically or emotionally during this time. I personally have been reaching out to both my family members and friends who currently are still living on the south side of Minneapolis, making sure that they're okay and staying safe. I grew up in that same neighborhood. So I'm doing everything in my power to help both Migizi and my neighborhood rebuild and thrive during this time of much needed change.
 :
buzu Jennifer indigent casca kabhi con and Dune Jabba Hello everyone, my name is Jennifer. I'm 16 and I'm from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. I am also a use a part of the Ikidowin  acting ensemble. We do theater activities and plays around our communities. On Monday they decided to draw a mural and George Floyd's name on their building. I got to be a part of this really cool opportunity. And it was super fun to experience. We got there at four in the afternoon and got back at six or seven. And we're going back on Thursday to finish the job. We painted this mural to show that we support the Black Lives Matter movement, and that we stand with you and we support you. My piece was black lives matter. I made it in different and bold colors to catch people's eyes. I wrote matter in red handprints. I felt that that was pretty powerful to write it like that. It shows that how the police department have blood on their hands. And we aren't getting the justice. It was a good atmosphere to be around. And that's what I was up to this week.
Marie tag: Minnesota Native News is eager to hear from more youth. If you have a story to share, leave us a message on our Facebook Page or at  612 430 9368.

Marie: This is Minnesota Native News, I’m Marie Rock.

Today we look at Native stories, art, and healing ceremony in honor of George Floyd.

Here’s reporter Leah Lemm.

STORY #1: ON GEORGE FLOYD

Sounds from ceremony.

Reporter: Native community members in Minneapolis offer healing after the death of George Floyd.

A letter was released by the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors Group. The collective of about thirty Twin Cities American Indian organizations responded to the tragic death of George Floyd and QUOTE “Condemns the murder of one of our fellow citizens."

And George Floyd’s murder has sparked mourning, peaceful protests, and opportunist agitators. Buildings burned, including MIGIZI, an organization in South Minneapolis that is dedicated to empowering Native youth.

But so many helped take care of people during this time of heartbreak. Donations to organizations like MIGIZI have been substantial. Community members have been helping to protect organizations from violence. A week after George Floyd’s death on 38th and Chicago, jingle dress dancers came and danced at the same intersection. The jingle dress has been shared to provide medicine and healing.

Miiskogihmiiwan Poupart-Chapman told her story of witness and healing at the ceremony, and shared these words with MN Native News team member Justus Sanchez:

Miiskogihmiiwan Poupart-Chapman: My name is Miiskogihmiiwan Poupart-Chapman. I'm 19 years old. I attend Augsburg university. I live in this area. I have family members just around the corner. Um, I represent the Minnesota Indian education association and I'm a woman's powwow dancer.

Justus Sanchez: Fantastic. Who are you dancing for today?

Speaker 1: I'm dancing for the people. I'm dancing for healing. I came here with compassion in my heart with empathy. I know how these families are feeling because it happens to ours and it happens to all these families daily. You see it in the news all the time and it's not every day that we get to record what's happening and you know, a movement like this, we're all hurting and I'm here dancing for the people. That's why all these dancers are here. The jingle just came in the 1920s when the pandemic was happening back then too. And it's not a surprise that it's showing back up in these times. We need healing and that's what these dances are for.

SOUNDS

STORY #2: DIVISION OF INDIAN WORK HOLDS ART CONTEST FOR AMERICAN INDIAN MONTH

May was American Indian Month in Minnesota, and had a very different look to it this year through the pandemic and distress in Minneapolis. No celebration, no powwows, no smell of Indian Tacos down Franklin Avenue. but it was still celebrated.

One such event came from The Division of Indian Work. They announced the winners of their Video/Art Contest. Attendees joined over video conference to appreciate the art of the community and to choose their favorites. Hosting the event was Ashley Zukowski from DIW.

Ashley Zukowski: "All of the artwork here was submitted by a large variety of people, mostly in the Twin Cities, but even from Wisconsin. A lot of younger kids, lot of varying age ranges. Uh, we really appreciate everyone that submitted things. I think this is just something fun to be able to look at and experience today. You know, this month has been difficult for a lot of people, especially this week, and it's nice to be able to have something to enjoy and come to."

There were art pieces painted by youth, traditional dancers, and even some lively chalk art all celebrating this years theme of We Are Still Here.

Though there were over a dozen entries, only three could win. Co-host of the event, Afton Delgado, introduced the first place winner Adam Nelson’s piece.

Afton Delgado: "And this is Adam Nelson. So this is a great piece. It really shows the importance of how the Plains and how everyone feels about Bdote, which is the center of a lot of our communities."

Reporter:… with hashtag We Are Still Here displayed in the center.

STORY #3: TASHIA HART RELEASES GIDJIE AND THE WOLVES

In other news, Tashia Hart from Red Lake Nation has a new young adult novel that recently made its debut. Gidjie and the Wolves is the first in a series of books called the Intermediaries. Gidjie, a young Anishinaabe girl has friends and loved ones who are intermediaries, beings who walk as both animal and humans.

Tashia Hart: This series, like this first book gets you in the wolves. It's sort of like the intro into this world.

Reporter: Tashia describes the novel as embracing both the real and the fantastical, all the while embracing Anishinaabe culture and the landscape of Minnesota. Find out more at Tashia hart DOT com. T-A-S-H-I-A H-A-R-T DOT COM

For Minnesota Native News, I'm Leah Lemm.

Headlines: This week on Minnesota Native News, Minnesota Chippewa Tribe elections and more. This is Minnesota Native News, I’m Marie Rock.

STORY 1: MCT Postponed Primary Happening on June 9 

HOST: The 6 Bands who are part of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe are holding their primary election on June 9. Reporter Melissa Townsend has the details. 

MELISSA: Mille Lacs, White Earth, Boise Forte, Leech Lake, Fond du Lac, and Grand Portage will be choosing candidates for Band Chairmen and several District Representatives seats. The primary election was postponed from March 31 because of safety precautions due to the Covid-19 pandemic.  

Gary Frazer is the Executive Director of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe.  

FRAZER: I think the voter turnout is going to be way lower at the polls because they’ve been requesting people vote with absentee over the last month and a half. (:10)

He says tribal leaders are taking a number of precautions to keep voters safe. MCT members can vote by absentee ballot up through June 9. 

At polling places, some Bands will practice social distancing and some may require a temperature check before you can vote. If a person has an elevated temperature, they can get an absentee ballot.The candidates who make it through the Primaries will run in the General Election. That’s scheduled for August 18. 

In other news… Some tribes in Minnesota are reopening their casinos. 

All tribes in Minnesota closed their gaming enterprises in mid-March as a part of social distancing to slow the spread of Covid-19.

Joe Naquanabe, the head of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe’s Corporate Ventures says that decision to close was really tough.

NAQUANABE: It was really scary knowing what the properties represent to the region and especially the Mille Lacs Band. (:08)

But he says - the decision to reopen is even more difficult. 

NAQUANABE: It’s harder because there’s this fact that we will be increasing the same risks that we are trying to avoid by closing. (:13)

The Upper Sioux community opened their doors earlier in May. The Shakopee Mdewaukanton Sioux Community, Prairie Island Indian Community, the Red Lake Nation and the Mille Lacs and the Bois Forte Bands of Ojibwe casinos are reopening this week. 

Angela Heikes [HIGH-kiss] is President and CEO of the Shakopee Mdewaukanton Sioux Community Gaming Enterprise. Both Naquanabe and Heikes say their tribes are consulting both with their own internal health and safety departments and outside agencies.

HEIKES: We are really watching and understanding the guidance coming form the federal government, the CDC, different health organizations, coming from the state of Minnesota. We also have our own tribal public health department. (:19)

The casinos are not opening to full capacity so that patrons can practice social distancing. Customers will have their temperature taken at the entrances. Shakopee is requiring everyone to wear masks; Mille Lacs is not. Other tribes around the country are also reopening their casinos.

GILES: Casinos in different states are further along in the process, particularly Oklahoma. (:05)

Jason Giles, Muscogee Creek, is Executive Director of the National Indian Gaming Association.  It’s a non-profit advocacy organization for tribal gaming operations.

GILES: To be honest it’s not without its hiccups right off the bat.  There are reports of employees showing up a-symptomatic but they have the virus. There have been other reports of people showing up not wearing a mask. (:15)

Giles says there are some tribes who say they will NOT reopen their casinos in the near future.  

GILES: There’s plenty of tribes in South Dakota, North Dakota, Arizona, New Mexico - some of the tribes that just don’t have strong health care systems on the reservation and are a commute away from the nearest hospital, they are at particular risk if the virus starts to spread. They just can’t afford to have it run through their populations. (:20)

Here in Minnesota, tribal casino heads say they will pay close attention to what’s happening and adjust as needed.

For Minnesota Native News, I’m Melissa Townsend.

HOST: And finally, The Leech Lake tribal newspaper, the Debahjimon [dih-BOJ-ih-mon] is reporting that the US Environmental Protection Agency has reached a decision on the Superfund site located within Leech Lake reservation boundaries. 

The agency has gone agains the wishes of the tribe and has decided to retain the contaminated soil on site rather than truck it off the reservation.

This decision comes after decades of consultation over the St. Regis Superfund site where the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe voiced opposition to this very plan. 

The Band is exploring their options for further action.

Marie: This is Minnesota Native News, I’m Marie Rock.  

Headlines: Twin cities based non-profit, Dream of Wild health, is expanding its farm operation to help meet community needs.

but first…

STORY #1 - MMIW

Marie: The state of Minnesota’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force is continuing its work to create recommendations for the state in its response to the MMIW crisis.

Due to the pandemic, no in-person meetings are scheduled for community input, but people can share their stories on-line, over email or on the phone.

Mary Kunesh-Podein: (00:42) If you or someone you know would like to share their personal story of a missing or murdered loved one, we have extended the listening period to May 18th, 2020

Marie: State Representative Mary Kunesh-Podein announced the May 18th end date and encourages the stories be submitted to help guide the work of the task force. Mary Kunesh-Podein stresses that stories will kept private upon request.

Mary Kunesh-Podein: (01:26) please know that your information will be held sacred and private.

Marie: The phone number to submit a testimonial is (651) 280-2661. 

Email submission is also available at [email protected]. MMIC TASKFORCE AT WILDER DOT O-R-G

And, comments can be submitted on the office of justice programs page on the department of safety website D-P-S DOT M-N DOT G-O-V

Transition Music

Marie: Next, Dream of Wild Health is adding 20 acres to its existing 10.

Here’s reporter Leah Lemm with the story…

STORY #2 - Dream of Wild Health Expands FARM ACREAGE

Reporter: Dream of Wild Health has been providing food to the community through the Indigenous Food Share, Farmers Markets, and Youth Programs, community gatherings and more. Neely Snyder is the Executive Director for Dream of Wild Health.

Neely Snyder: (00:15) we just seen over and over again the, um, the clear need for us to grow, um, to add additional acreage.

Reporter: The additional acreage didn’t look like a reality until the beginning of this year. And the pandemic has added additional hurdles, but food creation is essential. 

Neely Snyder: (00:34) at that time, um, COVID wasn't really a thing, but we still had this longterm vision of, you know, eventually growing out that acreage and, um, providing more for our community - just being that provider, but then COVID hit. And, now it's just more apparent that we have to be ready to provide more food. 

Reporter: Dream of Wild Health is also providing education and is teaching the food producers of tomorrow, and Neely hopes to grow in that capacity as well, where they can.

Neely Snyder: (04:53) I think it's really going to be a teaching tool for our youth and our community, I'm not sure if we'll be able to expand our youth programs because it's such a closely knit small group of youth that we get to work with. However, when we can bring families out there or have, um, some workshops and things like that, that would be a great opportunity.

Reporter: The land that Dream of Wild Health is obtaining is just a short tractor ride away from the original 10 acre farm. The new land was previously farmed for corn, and it’ll now be converted into a more bio-diverse community of plants, trees, birds and insects. Jessika Greendeer is Dream of Wild Health’s Seed Keeper & Farm Manager.

Jessika Greendeer: (01:28) we've been doing some invasive tree removal at this point, But essentially we're looking at adding different fruit and nut trees in the alleyways. Um, and then not only is it providing a windbreak for our crops that we're growing, but it's also providing habitat for insects and birds. 

Jessika Greendeer: (03:19) we're looking at, um, adding a lot of cover cropping and soil amendments to the property. Um, a lot of the trees that are coming down are actually gonna get wood chipped. Um, and then we'll actually reincorporate it back into the soil so that way we've got, um, what they call micro remediation. So essentially adding some more organic matter into the soil to start building it back up again. 

Reporter: The process will take years, but it’s already tillable land, it’ll be a bit easier than starting from untouched land. 

Jessika Greendeer: (04:03) I'm grateful that we're able to start healing the earth in this particular spot and hopefully it'll help our, our neighbors want to expand that, um, expand that vision for the rest of the community. 

Reporter: For Minnesota Native News, I’m Leah Lemm.

MINNESOTA NATIVE NEWS: AMERICAN INDIAN MONTH KICKS OFF IN THE STATE, SHIFTS EVENTS DUE TO PANDEMIC

This week on Minnesota Native News, it’s May, and the 51st American Indian Month has kicked off in Minnesota! But this year… things are going to be celebrated a bit differently due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Here’s reporter Cole Premo with how the month will be celebrated this year -- and more.

ROBERT (:30): “It is an honor to welcome you all to the Indian Month celebration”

That’s White Earth Ojibwe Nation’s Robert Lilligren, the CEO of the Native American Community Development Institute, or NACDI… NACDI has helped organize past parades celebrating the month, typically held on May 1 in Minneapolis. Of course, the coronavirus pandemic changed that.

Instead, Lilligren kicked off a month of celebration with a live Facebook video on May 1.

ROBERT (0:40): “Our theme this year is, ‘We are still here -- honor life.’ And things are very different this year then they’ve been in the past...we only care about what we look like from the waist up.”

American Indian Month in Minnesota goes back to 1969, when it was just a week-long event. It began as an effort from the native community to change the way native history was taught in school.

ROBERT: 2:10 “This year, we’ll be celebrating in different ways… we’ll be online.”

Minnesota’s Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan also helped kick off the month on May 1, echoing the month’s theme and reminding those of another important issue at hand.

PEGGY (0:42): “Native people are here and will be here… it’s important as ever to make sure we’re counted by taking part in the census…chi-miigwech.”

As NACDI’s Robert Lilligren said earlier, many activities have shifted online this year and a full month of events are planned. Part of those online events are being facilitated with Twin Cities community radio station KFAI. I spoke with KFAI personality and Leech Laker, Melissa Olson, who talked to me about the special programming and how plans shifted due to the pandemic.

MELISSA: (03:23) it was a shift for us too, because usually we just covered parade on May 1st. We have one entire day of programming. Right. We do it from like eight until midnight. Well, obviously we can't cover the parade. It's not happening. Um, so Kathy, I contact committee, um, just you know, out a month ago, I said, what if we spread programming throughout the month?

Things are getting planned and situated still, but special programming will run on Mondays and Saturdays during the afternoons. On Mondays, part of the focus will be “open houses”... basically giving native organizations who would have normally held an open house during the month… to have a voice on radio and online that day. Some of the participants will be the Minesota Fund and Dream of Wild Health.

Saturdays will be more focused on current affairs, as well as arts and culture. Topics will include census mobilization, health issues.. And on May 23rd, there’ll be a “memorial program.”

MELISSA: (07:50)
“Talk about, um, relatives we've lost during the pandemic and to the pandemic. Um, and the idea is that because people can't gather for wakes and funerals, but it might be appropriate to memorialize, um, family members and relatives that have been lost during this time so that people, um, are able to memorialize in their own ways at home if they listen.”

On the same day, the 23rd of May, they’ll feature an “All My Relations” panel for artists who were going to showcase their work at the All My Relations gallery… that has been canceled due to the pandemic. The talk will also include, according to Melissa Olson…

MELISSA: “To some degree on how cancellation due to COVID-19 impacts artists.”

A lot of information on events happening during American Indian Month in Minnesota can be found on Facebook. Check out the American Indian Month in MN 2020 Facebook page AND the American Indian Month on KFAI Facebook page for the latest events happening during the month.

MELISSA :“I think it’s how native people lead in this moment, right? … ”

So, I asked Melissa Olson, and yes, these radio events will be live streamed on Facebook, too, if you’d like to get involved, leave comments and connect with the presenters -- that’s there for ya.

BIIDAAPI MUSIC PLAYS

AND…. before this Minnesota Native News episode concludes, I’d like to remind listeners that Minnesota Native News has a new podcast series, called Native Lights: Biidaapi. My sister, Leah Lemm, and I catch up with those in the native community… finding connection during these social/physical distancing times. We’ve spoke with Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, Ojibwe Word of the Day’s James Vukelich, author Marcie Rendon, and many, many more great individuals already, and we’re keeping it going during the pandemic. Check it out wherever you get your podcasts.

Not only that… we also recently released the second season of Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine. We’re so excited. Our second season is filled with amazing guests, telling their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community. These are stories of joy, strength, history, and change from Native people who are shaping the future and honoring those who came before them.

Check that out AND Native Lights: Biidaapi. Go ahead, binge it! We won’t judge.

Miigwech. I’m Cole Premo.

STORY #1 - Native Organizations Move From In Person to Online

HOST: As shelter in place orders continue across the state of Minnesota, many tribes and urban Native organizations are moving their work online. Reporter Melissa Townsend spoke with leaders in the Twin Cities about how well it’s working.

REPORTER: The American Indian O-I-C in Minneapolis has moved all its programs online. That includes the accredited high school, the adult basic education and the career training programs. President and CEO Joe Hobot says the organization was well positioned to make this move.

HOBOT: For a good portion of 2018 and 2019 we had been already on-boarding internet based programming as a way to expand our reach, as our community often colocates between their tribal homelands and the twin cities metropolitan areas. (:15)

He says he expects a real drop off in the number of community member she can work with.

HOBOT: The pre-existing economic disparities around digital access really coming to bear in this crisis. Those who have means are accessing the internet based platforms, those who do not are probably the ones most in need. (:14)

Many leaders are concerned with being able to connect with people in the community. Patina Park was until recently the Executive Director of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center. She now works in the Walz-Flanagan administration.

PARK: For MIWRC, how do you provide services that are so needed while still honoring social distancing. How do you do outreach when you are not supposed to be out. (:11)

Park says this can impact the financial health of an organization.

PARK: To be closed, creates a dynamic that they don’t have work that’s billable necessarily. (:10)

Joe Hobot says the American Indian OIC is on good financial footing.

HOBOT: There are some contracts that are based on interfacing with the client and there will be a decline in the earned revenue there. But we should be good through the rest of our fiscal - if you can’t see me, I’m knocking on wood - but we should be good through the rest of our fiscal. (:13)

The Native American Community Clinic in Minneapolis recently moved all their services online. Antony Stately is the head of NACC. He says the pandemic has put the clinic in an unstable financial situation.

STATELY: March was a scary month. April we’ve been kind of slowly working our way back. We’ve been able to successfully compete for some of the emergency funding. (:10)

Stately says the Native American Community Clinic is financially OK for now.

Nancy Bordeaux is a Lakota elder who has her own organization training others on how to heal through traditional culture. She is currently in the middle of leading a 12 month training based out of the Minneapolis American Indian Center, but she put it on hold right after the shelter in place order.

BORDEAUX: So I’m working on how to do a day and a half training on-line - the planning, development, and creation of all of that stuff. (:13)

Bordeaux says she believes the work can be just as powerful through online tools and social media.

BORDEAUX: The words that we put out there, the presentation, everything that we put out there, is still healing because we are a spirit. And our spirit travels with those words and our spirit travels with a presentation that we are telling because people can feel it in our hearts, so collectively we are communicating from heart to heart. (:27)

The current shelter in place order expires on May 4th.

For Minnesota Native News, I’m Melissa Townsend

STORY #2 - MOVIE REVIEW FOR ONLINE VIEWING
HOST: While we are sheltering in place, our film critic Gerald Zink has a few recommendations for movies available on digital platforms. Gerry is a 17 year old comics aficionado. He is Mnicoujou Lakota from Cheyenne River. He posts his movie reviews on Facebook.

ZINK: Bloodshot is based on the Valiant Comics character of the same name, and it stars Vin Diesel as the main character. It is a well done, turn-your-brain-off-style, super-powered, Vin Diesel action picture. Vin Diesel gives a fun performance that does a fine job anchoring the story and action scenes. The action scenes are massively entertaining, with colorful visuals and larger than life spectacle. The plot is the one point where the film stumbles. The writers try to give the story a deeper meaning, but the film focuses so little on them that they don’t really add anything. Bloodshot is an amazingly fun and entertaining super-powered Vin Diesel movie, and viewed under those guidelines it is well worth your time.

Birds of Prey is a Harley Quinn crime drama, that stars some of the most popular C-list characters from the Batman franchise. Margot Robbie finally gets to give the performance she wants to as Harley Quinn, and she does an effective job at centering the movie. The rest of the cast all give great performances as well. Birds of Prey is a surprisingly fun comic book crime drama that does a good job at balancing comedy and humor.

Marie: This is Minnesota Native News, I’m Marie Rock.

Headlines: Businesses, artists, and freelance workers, among many others… are being hit hard by the economic reach of the COVID-19 pandemic and the precautions necessary to prevent the spread.

But as times get even more uncertain, there are adjustments and innovations that are being made.

Here’s reporter Leah Lemm with the story.

STORY #1 - BUSINESSES ADJUSTING DURING PANDEMIC

The University of Minnesota’s Extension Center for Community Vitality, Bii Gii Wiin, and Minnesota’s Indigenous Business Alliance came together tohost a conversation with the the community of American Indian businesses, artists, and entrepreneurs who reside in the Twin Cities, Duluth, and Bemidji….

With the hope of further understanding the needs of Indigenous businesses right now, with the goal of helping find solutions and connecting businesses to resources.

Fawn Sampson is the American Indian Leadership and Civic Engagement Liaison for the University of Minnesota Extension Center for Community Vitality.

FAWN SAMPSON: hoping that we would at least get three, maybe 10 people. So having 22 people, a part of that conversation, just even listening ears was really nice to have. Knowing that there's people that want to collaborate and want to give each other resources in some way.

REPORTER: Business owners, artists were on the call… but also those in philanthropy and other organizations willing to share their knowledge and resources were on the line as well.

The conversation was not recorded to allow for people to speak freely. But a theme that emerged from the conversation was… how can businesses and artists and entrepreneurs continue their work online? While not leaving many behind?

FAWN: this idea of moving things online is somewhat new. A lot of the younger generations can do that, but a lot of the craft in the way businesses work with American Indians is a lot of, you know, face to face selling going to was going to conferences.

So we wanted to see where they were at, if they needed help with technology. I know there's some places that, you know, maybe people use the library, you know, and libraries are colds.

REPORTER: Not only online, but also social media, which can make some people hesitant. So sharing these resources will be crucial. And this conversation is just the beginning.

FAWN: Speaker 1: (16:11) we've already been in conversations of talking about building webinars, having a podcast and kind of bringing in people just to, you know, talk more about either their leadership duties or even just their businesses highlighting businesses.

REPORTER: And in our own conversation, Fawn and I talk about cultural values that will help this work move forward.

FAWN SAMPSON: I think showing up and being present is courageous enough. Being humble, asking for help. A lot of people have to put aside their egos and remind themselves that sometimes we need to ask for help.

REPORTER: And in Duluth, the Indigenous First: Art and Gift Shop is a business that’s kicking their online presence into high gear.

JAZMIN WONG: the website started about a year ago and then we didn't have time to launch until about three weeks ago because it became a necessity to go online.

REPORTER: I spoke with Jazmin Wong who works at Indigenous First. The 3 year old shop is run by the American Indian Community Housing Center, AICHO, and is located inside their building. Even though the doors are locked, Jazmin is still at work, creating emergency food packages for tenants at AICHO and… preparing art for shipment or curbside pickup…

When the pandemic hit, Jazmin knew it was time to launch the site that had once been slowly worked on.

JAZMIN WONG: If you know, all this negativity, at least one thing at AICHO positively that came out of this pandemic, um, and it's getting our website pushed out there so our 70 different native American artists can continue to make an income from Indigenous First.

REPORTER: And the art that’s sold on the site, that’s supporting their artists, range from high quality prints, beadwork and jewelry, to some food items, and even seeds. And Indigenous First is open to new artists, though there is currently a wait time.

JAZMIN WONG: If we take on a new artist, the easiest way is to message us through Facebook, indigenous first arts and gift shop. Facebook. We're currently, we're on pause for probably about another month, but after that we would love to continue to take on new artists and do art shows.

REPORTER: Indigenous First: Art and Gift Shop is on Facebook and can be found online at Indigenous First DOT ORG.

For Minnesota Native News, I’m Leah Lemm.

This week on Minnesota Native News - tribes make decisions about how to handle the Covid-19 virus outbreak and a reminder that humor helps heal. Here’s Reporter Melissa Townsend with those stories and more.

STORY #1 - COVID-19 RESPONSES

[Governor Walz]

In his press conference on March 13th, Governor Tim Walz said that the state is working with tribal governments to handle the Covid-19 outbreak.

WALZ: The tribal leadership has sovereignty over making sure… (:05)

Patina Park is the state’s tribal liaison in this matter. Leaders of each of the tribes in Minnesota are taking a number of steps to protect their citizens from the virus.

CHAVERS: We are meeting every morning with our senior management staff at 8:30 at the tribal government building.

Cathy Chavers is Chair of the Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe. She is regularly updating tribal members through the Band’s Youtube channel.

CHAVERS: Events that are occurring on a minute by minute, hourly basis, we need to be aware of what’s to do and procedures and processes to put in place to ensure community safety. (:23)

The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe is also issuing updates on its Youtube channel.

According to online statements, many tribes have activated their emergency preparedness groups. They are following news from the Minnesota Department of Health and the National Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Across the 11 tribes, meetings, events and gatherings have been cancelled and travel bans for tribal employees are in effect in many places.

As of March 18th, the Fond du Lac and Mille Lacs Bands of Ojibwe are the only tribes that have closed their casinos. They have committed to paying hourly and salary workers throughout their furlough.

These precautionary measures and more are in effect until further notice.

Many tribes have created a link on their webpages to find out more abouut the precautions they are taking.

STORY #2 (1:42)
In other news…The State’s new Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force is moving forward.The group will create a list of recommendations on how the state can better handle the crisis.Those recommendations are due in December.

The task force had planned a set of state-wide listening sessions where people could come and share their stories. The first listening session was at the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center in Minneapolis last month.State Representative Mary Kunesh-Podein, a Dakota descendent, is on the task force steering committee.

KUNESH-PODEIN:There are plenty more stories to be heard if folks want to share them and it does help us when we go forward with recommendations with real life experiences.

But the task force has cancelled the remaining listening session because of the Covid-19 outbreak. However, people can still share their stories on-line, over email or on the phone.You can search for M-M-I-W on the Minnesota Department of Public Safety website.Or you can call this number: 651-280-2661 and leave a message with your story.
That’s 651-280-2661.

Kunesh-Poein says you can opt to keep your story anonymous if you’d like.

KUNESH-PODEIN: We won’t publicize names, we won’t take these stories public, unless the person wanted to. But these are precious stories and we will treat them with the utmost respect.

There is no word yet if deadlines for the task force recommendations will be extended due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

STORY #3 - COMEDY NIGHT (1:05)
And finally… On April first the House of Comedy comedy club at the Mall of America was supposed to feature its first all Indigenous line-up of comediansRed Lake comic Jon Roberts had set it up.

ROBERTS: The booker had a post on facebook. He was asking for ideas for a new show and I just messaged him my idea - have a Native comedy, indigenous comedians night. It went from there, I think he ran it by the club owners and so they asked me if I could book some comics and…

And he lined up Rez Reporter Rob Fairbanks, Sheldon Starr and Will Spotted Bear. He did call a few female Native comics - just so you know - but they were booked.

Roberts says as a Red laker, comedy serves a special purpose.

ROBERTS: It’s our way of healing - we’re just sharing our stories. And we’re just here to help each other. (:05)

Since the Mall of America is now closed through at least March 31st, you will need to check back with the House of Comedy to find out when this fun show will happen! Eventually, Roberts hopes it will be rescheduled as a monthly event.