Minnesota Native News: COVID-19 Community Conversations

Welcome back to Community Health Conversations! Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Dr. Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) lead insightful discussions about the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare in Indian Country. They discuss the valuable lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore how Native communities are responding and adapting beyond COVID-19. On today's conversation, Dr. Charity Reynolds, Medical Director at Fond Du Lac Human Services, joins the conversation to reflect and discuss the significant changes in healthcare since the end of the federal public health emergency. Dr. Reynolds shares her insights on sustaining positive change in healthcare, addressing mental health, the importance of cultural competence and inclusivity in healthcare systems and promoting long-term community well-being.  Dr. Stately would also like to remind listeners that Medicaid certifications were not required to be renewed during the pandemic; this changed with the ending of the public health emergency. Folks with Medicaid coverage are now required to be recertified within the next month. Watch your mail for a notice from your Medicaid provider or visit NACC or another community health center and talk with a patient advocate or a MNSure navigator to complete recertification to keep your coverage!For more valuable insights and conversations on community health, visit MinnesotaNativeNews.org/CommunityConversations.   Community Health Conversations is made possible with the support of the Minnesota Department of Health. To find information about COVID vaccines and boosters, please visit MN.gov/COVID19.

Co-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. On today's show, We'll revisit some of the people we've chatted with since the pandemic began and reflect on what we, as community members, can still do to keep the virus at bay. We chat about the precautions that we should still be considering and how we're thinking about those decisions. 

Co-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. On today's show, Leah and Antony are back to discuss how the pandemic with Kelly Miller the Executive Director of the Division of Indian work in St. Paul. Kelly Miller and the Division of Indian Work have been working tirelessly to continue meeting community needs and to help community members navigate the pandemic as a Covid-19 Community Coordinator

Co-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On today's show, Antony and Leah are joined by Laz Carreon RN, the COVID project manager at the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis, for a discussion about the new COVID booster, which is a bivalent booster. Laz helps us understand what “bivalent” means and other things to know to make an informed decision about getting boosted.Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic.

Co-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. On today's show, Antony and Leah are joined by Dr. Angela Erdrich and Laz Carreon RN, from the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis, for a discussion about COVID as our communities prepare for back-to-school. We discuss vaccines for school-age children, Paxlovid, and what to do to prepare you and your family for a COVID infection. We also talk about making the most of your back-to-school clinic visits, figuring out if you can take Paxlovid for a covid infection, and the complications around testing and COVID precautions.Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic.

MN Native News Special Edition: COVID-19 Community ConversationsDecision-Making around Vaccines & Boosters for Young Children & BabiesCo-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On today's show, Leah and Antony discuss vaccines for our youngest relatives: children under the age of five. Both Pfizer and Moderna have been developing pediatric doses of their vaccines and both are currently awaiting FDA authorization.  Pfizer has developed a three-dose vaccine for children ages 6 months to 4 years, while Moderna has developed a two-dose vaccine for kids ages 6 months to 5 years. Once the FDA authorizes the vaccines, the CDC says they will move quickly to roll out pediatric vaccines and make them available. Producer Chaz Wagner (Bois Forte Ojibwe) talks with two parents who share their perspectives on decision-making and vaccines for their children and they share tips on how they have managed stress throughout the pandemic. Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic. Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

MN Native News Special Edition: COVID-19 Community ConversationsPregnancy, Vaccines, and Decision-making during the COVID-19 PandemicCo-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On today's show, Leah and Antony sort through many of the questions and concerns that arise around pregnancy, vaccines, and decision-making during this stage of the pandemic.  Public health officials encourage pregnant women and women of childbearing age, to get vaccinated.  Evidence shows that the vaccines are safe and go a long way in protecting pregnant people from getting seriously ill or needing hospitalization, even if they do contract COVID-19.  There is also some evidence that women vaccinated during pregnancy, pass some protection on to their babies. Producer Chaz Wagner (Bois Forte Ojibwe) talks with two expectant moms, who share their perspectives and reflect on how they are keeping themselves and their babies healthy during the pandemic.  Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic. Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

MN Native News Special Edition: COVID-19 Community ConversationsDecision-making in Daily Life Two Years into the COVID- 19 PandemicCo-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On today's show, Leah and Antony are back to discuss how COVID has affected our decision-making processes now that we are two years into the pandemic.  Leah and Antony reflect on the latest statistics from the World Health Organization, about the numbers of cases and deaths worldwide.  Antony shares his perspective and first-hand experience with the HIV pandemic and how the landscape changed as we learned more about the disease and scientists developed breakthrough treatments and medications. Plus, educator and producer Chaz Wagner (Bois Forte Ojibwe) checks in with some community members, who share their approach to decision-making and caring for our relatives, at this point in the pandemic.  Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic. Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/ 

MN Native News Special Edition: COVID-19 Community ConversationsPediatric COVID Vaccines Now Available for Kids 5+ and Coming Soon: Boosters for AllCo-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On today's show, Leah and Antony discuss pediatric COVID vaccines and how parents can go about getting their young ones vaccinated, as children who are ages 5 and up are now eligible.  We also discuss the recent surge of COVID in our region and how Minnesota Health Officials are preparing to recommend booster shots for all vaccinated adults. KBFT Producer Chaz Wagner (Bois Forte Ojibwe) catches up with Daniel Frye (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), the Director of Indian Health Services in the Bemidji Area. Daniel shares how tribes are faring at this point in the pandemic, as many wrestle with the question of vaccine mandates, and the future of Indian Health Care. Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic. Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

Co-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.Leah and Antony discuss booster shots, third shots, and why it's important for some people to get it. We also talk about vaccine acceptance and rates in Indian Country.  And we look ahead to what's happening with the COVID vaccine for our young ones.Reporter Dalton Walker shares his conversation with Melissa Wentz Opsahl, a pharmacist and vaccine consultant, who has worked at Indian Health Services for many years.Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic. Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

Co-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. Leah and Antony discuss navigating all the complexities of the pandemic and how being a good relative is core to making decisions to protect ourselves and each other.  Antony shares what went into his decision to require vaccines for all the workers in the community health clinic he leads.    Plus, producer KBFT Chaz Wagoner checks in with Melissa Wright, Behavioral Health Supervisor at the Bois Fort Band, to hear about handling anxiety, depression, and destigmatizing the need for mental health care.  Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic. Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

Co-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.Leah and Antony discuss getting our young ones back to school and how to navigate all the knowns and unknowns of what's ahead, so we can make good decisions for ourselves, our families, and our communities. Plus, producer Chaz Wagner talks with Bois Forte community members to hear what's on their minds about kids going back to the classroom, the challenges of the Delta variant, vaccinations, and much more. Dr. Antony Stately is the CEO of the Native American Community Clinic. Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

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 this show, Leah is joined by her spouse, Daniel Lemm (Lower Sioux Indian Community), to remember and reflect on some of the wisdom and insights shared by the many guests to this program over the last 14 months. We recall our early conversation with James Vukelich (Turtle Mountain Band), a linguist and educator, who reminded us to keep in mind the joy of small moments, even as we all faced the uncertainty of the pandemic.Susan Beaulieu (Red Lake Nation) who works for the UMN Extension, offered great perspectives about meeting challenges, with compassion for self and others, and reminded us to keep breathing!We were moved by Laz Carreon, RN, who heads the COVID team at the Indian Health Board (IHB) of Minneapolis, as he recounted the relief and joy among health care workers, as vaccinations arrived, following so many months of exhausting work caring for patients.We appreciated hearing how Indian Health Service (IHS) rose to meet the logistical challenges of vaccine distribution, as told by Daniel Frye (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), the Director of Indian Health Services for the Bemidji Area.We are thankful for the leadership of so many, including Patina Park (Mnicoujou Lakota) who is Director of Tribal State Relations and Systems Implementation at the State of Minnesota, and who reminded us that we can always learn from hardship.Chi Miigwech to all our guests on this program, to our Tribal leaders and ancestors, and to all of you who shared your time and attention listening. Gigaawaabamin! Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

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 catches up with Daniel Frye (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), who is the Director of Indian Health Services in the Bemidji Area, which includes Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the urban center of Chicago.  Daniel speaks about the many ways that Indian Health Services has risen to meet the challenges of the pandemic, including the complex process of vaccine distribution, ongoing COVID testing, and how things are changing now that restrictions are loosening.   Daniel and Leah discuss some of the changes the world has gone through since the pandemic began, how it brought many lessons both personally and professionally, and how these tools and valuable insights can be carried into the future, to keep each other healthy.  Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

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 talks with Mariah Norwood (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma) who is the Infectious Disease American Indian Liaison at the Minnesota Department of Health. Mariah Norwood is also a J.D. Candidate at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and she has her Master’s in Health Administration from the University of Oklahoma.  Mariah explains how her passion for decolonizing public health, advancing health equity, promoting Tribal data sovereignty, makes her a fervent advocate for community-led change in the health system. In our conversation, Mariah offers examples of how Tribal approaches have led the way in caring for communities and confronting the health crisis brought on by the pandemic.   Mariah’s enthusiasm is inspiring, as she makes the case for why this all matters, and how Indigenous perspectives and practices can positively impact public health care systems for Native and non-Native people and communities. Miigwech, Mariah! Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

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.We hear from Melissa Walls, Ph.D. (Bois Forte and Couchiching First Nation Anishinaabe), who recently helped launch a virtual program called Indigenous Stories of Strength, which showcases stories in response to the COVID 19 pandemic. Melissa Walls is the Director of the Great Lakes Hub for the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health and associate professor of International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. We also hear from Christine Diindiisi McCleave, M.A. (Turtle Mountain Ojibwe), who is the Chief Executive Officer for the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition. Christine Diindiisi McCleave shares how the organization adapted to the pandemic and is supporting boarding school survivors and descendants with loving care packages. And finally, we revisit an inspiring conversation with addiction specialist Sharyl Whitehawk (Lac Courte de Oreilles Ojibwe), who makes the critical connection between caring for oneself to be able to be of service to others. Indigenous Stories of Strength: A Virtual Showcase https://indigenousstrengths.com/National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition https://boardingschoolhealing.org/ Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

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/

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 meets two dynamic education innovators who are helping bolster math skills for students, by drawing on Indigenous language and history, and creating fun and engaging digital games. Leah talks with CEO Maria Burns Ortiz and Juliana Taken Alive (Hunkpapa/Mnicoujou Lakota and Standing Rock Nation) who is Director of Regional Partnerships for 7 Generation Games.  Maria Burns Ortiz co-founded the company back in 2013. Since then, 7 Generation Games has been braiding math, language, and Indigenous history into educational games for students and schools across the country.  In November of 2020, the company was awarded a one-million-dollar COVID-19 Rapid Response grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, aimed at creating more resources to help meet the challenges in education during the pandemic, especially for students in Indigenous, Latino, underserved, and rural communities. The popularity of these 7 Generation Games has grown swiftly among students, parents, and educators as everyone strives to keep young people engaged and learning through all the challenges brought on by the pandemic.  Maria and Juliana explain how the company has sought counsel from elders and students to meet multiple goals: to increase learning about historical and contemporary Indigenous culture and to demonstrate measurable improvement in math skills among students playing the games. Miigwech to Maria and Juliana for your creative innovation, even during the pandemic!  Check out 7 Generation Games here: https://www.7generationgames.com/ Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

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 reflects on the many choices people are making to help keep each other safe.  Leah enjoys a lively and fun conversation with college student Skylar Kuczaboski (Leech Lake) who is a senior at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, although she is completing her spring semester virtually from Minnesota. Skylar reflects on her experience as a first-generation college student at an Ivy League school amid all the disrupted circumstances over the last year of the pandemic, and the choices she is making to keep her relatives safe. We also hear from Dr. Anton Treuer (White Earth/Leech Lake Ojibwe), a prolific author, international speaker, historian, and professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University, who shares “A Traditional Native American Perspective on Covid Vaccines,” in a recently released video.Plus, we hear from Red Lake Nation’s Chairman Darrel G. Seki Sr., who expresses gratitude for the community’s vigilance in helping one another stay healthy.  He cautions people not to let their guard down and encourages everyone to consider getting vaccinated. Anton Treuer’s recent video can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KKjUB3MiP2QListen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/

On today’s show, Leah reflects on conversations about cultural medicines and viewing the pandemic and vaccinations through a lens of history and experience.

On today’s show, we hear how two visionaries are looking forward to life after the pandemic, in their respective fields. Rhiana Yazzie (Navajo) is a theatre artist, filmmaker, playwright, and she founded New Native Theatre twelve years ago. Marisa Cummings (Omaha) is the President and CEO of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC), a non-profit organization committed to traditional ways of being and support of Native women and families.

On today’s show, we hear how language education is thriving through the pandemic, as students, teachers, and schools all rise to meet many challenges over the past year. We talk with Barry Hand (Lakota) a Dakotiyapi Culture and History teacher at the Bdote Learning Center. Bdote is a dual-language immersion school (Ojibwemowin and Dakotiyapi) and provides students with an academically rigorous education that is place-based and rooted in the Native language and culture of indigenous peoples.

We hear from Jessica Bobrowski (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) is the program coordinator for ISD 318 Indian Education and Ella Cummings is a Student Advocate at the Grand Rapids High School. Jessica and Ella share different ways they and their colleagues have risen to meet all the changes and challenges of the pandemic, so students can thrive even as school life has been changed and disrupted.

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.

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. Today we talk with Melissa Walls, Ph.D. (Bois Forte and Couchiching First Nation Anishinaabe) a social scientist and the Director of the Great Lakes Hub for the Center for American Indian Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

Throughout the 22 weeks of this program, we have been moved and inspired by so many sharing their stories; people have risen above the challenges they've faced to care for themselves and their families, to keep our communities safe.

Today on the show, Host Leah Lemm looks at how schools are supporting their students under seemingly constantly changing conditions, especially given how internet access has been crucial for distance education for learners and educators of all ages.

Today on the show, Host Leah Lemm hears what’s on the minds of Native youth in Minnesota. It was back in March, when Governor Tim Walz announced that schools would close. Since then, school officials, teachers, and parents have grappled with so many considerations like IEP plans, mental health support and nutrition services, and basic instructional materials. We have talked quite a bit on those topics on this program. Today we turn to young people to find out what is most important to them during this time.

Today on the show, Host Leah Lemm explores the question: what have we learned? As we cross the six-month milestone of this pandemic. We hear from two Minnesota Leaders about some of the topics the pandemic has brought to the surface, including health inequities, injustice, and the resiliency of our communities.

On this show, Host Leah Lemm celebrates what the earth provides in the way of food and medicines grown and harvested throughout the year, and how this connects to our health and well-being.

On this show, Host Leah Lemm reflects on the moments of beauty during challenging times. Leah is joined by reporter Melissa Townsend and together they review and reflect on some of their inspiring conversations with community members. Minnesota Native News launched several programs in response to the pandemic in addition to this one, including Native Lights: Biidaapi, a podcast hosted by Leah Lemm and her brother Cole Premo. And in the last six months, we've learned so much from Native voices in MN.

Leah visits with Annie Humphrey, an Anishinaabekwe mother, grandmother, and an award-winning musician who’s been a presence on the music scene for decades. We also hear from Rafael Gonzalez, also known as Tufawon, a hip-hop artist who is Dakota and Boricua, and grew up in South Minneapolis.

On today’s show, Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) looks at how parents and families are grappling with the challenge of heading back-to-school as the pandemic continues.

Host Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. On today’s show, Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) looks at how tribal leaders and health care providers are ensuring tribal community members are getting the care and information they need.

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) continues her look at how parents of very young children and specifically how new moms are facing the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 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.

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.

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.

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.

Host Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. In this show Host Leah Lemm continues her conversation about art and health, with artist Isabella Star Leblanc (Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota). Leblanc grew up in the Twin Cities and is a writer and acclaimed actress, starring in theater productions around the country and on the big screen.

Host Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. Today on the show, Leah looks at how our artistic gifts can be motivation to prioritize health, to get healthy, to stay healthy. Last week we discussed how a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be complicated during the pandemic.

Host Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. June is National Cancer Survivor Awareness Month, and in this show Host Leah Lemm explores how it's important to stay focused on health, even as the pandemic adds more risk and uncertainty.

Host Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. Lung disease, cancer, and now complications due to COVID19 are a few of the many dangers that smoking cigarettes or using commercial tobacco causes. Today’s show looks at how Indian Country is helping our communities reduce commercial tobacco use. Leah talks with Mille Lacs Band member Bobby Eagle, who is a cultural advisor for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Health and Human Services Department at Four Winds treatment center. And she talks with Madge Ducheneaux, who works at the Division of Indian work in the Youth Leadership Development Program MN Native News reporter Melissa Townsend speaks with Sharon Day, an elder from the Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe, and is the Executive Director of the Indigenous People’s Task Force in Minneapolis. The Indigenous Peoples Task Force has hosted programs to teach youth and adults about traditional tobacco and to help and support those wanting to quit commercial tobacco.

MN Native News Special Edition: COVID-19 Community Conversations Host Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. Today’s show looks at how traditional health adapting and helping community members through distress, especially given our current realities of increased isolation and worry.

On this show, we find out how Native health care providers are expressing their values through their work during the Covid-19 pandemic Samantha Nelson, a Health Unit Coordinator in Monticello who is working on a team conducting COVID-19 testing, joins Leah for the conversation. MN Native News reporter Melissa Townsend goes in-depth with Dr. Mary Owen about her work with underrepresented medical students, and how inequities are built into systems of healthcare and beyond. Dr. Mary Owen is a physician with the Fond du Lac tribe and is also Director of Indian and Minority Health at the University of Minnesota in Duluth. And, our communities came together at the very intersection of George Floyd’s death, with the healing medicine of the jingle dress. Miiskogihmiiwan Poupart-Chapman shares why she was dancing. Hosted by Leah Lemm

Host Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the COVID-19 health crisis. Today’s in-depth conversation looks at how Tribal leaders are deciding when and how to re-open businesses and assessing how to keep employees, patrons, and community members safe. Leah talks with Casino employee RJ Dahl. And MN Native News reporter Melissa Townsend talks with Joe Nayquonabe, CEO of Mille Lacs Band Corporate Ventures. MN Native News Special Edition: COVID-19 Community Conversations is supported by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health.