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, we celebrate successful vaccine rollouts in Indian Country!  And we hear from two dedicated health care professionals about their experiences providing good medicine to community members throughout the pandemic. 

Dr. Angela Erdrich (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe) is a Pediatrician and Laz Carreon, RN, heads the COVID team at the Indian Health Board (IHB) of Minneapolis. Dr. Erdrich and Laz speak about the yearlong challenges brought on by the pandemic, and now, how the vaccine rollout is being received by the community members the IHB serves. 

Dr. Erdrich shares many resources and recommendations, including information about the extra protection offered by KN95 masks. Laz Carreon describes the deep emotions and relief felt by both staff and community members as vaccines are being administered. 

We also hear from White Earth Nation, Chairman Michael Fairbanks, who proudly shares the wonderful news that more than 87% of their elders have now been fully vaccinated!

Plus, tag along with Leah and her spouse Daniel as they receive their first dose of vaccine, thanks to Leech Lake Tribal Health in partnership with Indian Health Service. Now that all the elders and healthcare workers have been offered vaccines, the tribe is now reaching out to tribal and community members who are 18 and up.

We listen in as Leah and Daniel reflect on finally arriving at this hopeful and historic moment, as so many have faced loss and hardship over the past year. 

You can find the information Dr. Erdrich and Laz Carreon spoke about, here on our website: https://minnesotanativenews.org/health/ 

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