Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) is back exploring how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.

On today’s show, Leah revisits several conversations with people rising to meet the challenges of the pandemic.   We hear from Jenn Hall (Leech Lake), a Minneapolis Firefighter who is on the front lines responding to medical emergencies, in addition to fighting fires. Jenn shares how she wrestled with the decision to get vaccinated, and why she chose to do so. We also hear how Jenn and her colleagues reacted to the vaccine.

We also hear from Jessica Bobrowski (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa), the program coordinator for ISD 318 Indian Education, and Ella Cummings, a Student Advocate at the Grand Rapids High School. Jessica and Ella share many of the different ways they and their colleagues are innovating and problem-solving so that their students can thrive even as school life has been changed and disrupted.  Jessica and Ella explain how incorporating the Seven Grandfather teachings of Wisdom, Love, Respect, Bravery, Honesty, Humility, and Truth has helped raise up all students, both Native and Non-Native in their schools and classrooms.

And we hear from Red Lake Nation Chairman Seki, who offers encouraging words reminding everyone that the pandemic is not yet over, and we must remain vigilant and continue caring for others by taking safety precautions, like masking up and social distancing when necessary. 

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/