Native Minnesota with Rebecca Crooks-Stratton

With the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's Understand Native Minnesota campaign ending, so is this podcast. In this final episode, host Rebecca Crooks-Stratton shares highlights from the podcast series and talks about the campaign's successes in Minnesota classrooms. She is also joined by two Native students to reflect on their education experiences and SMSC Chairman Cole Miller to discuss what's next for the tribe. EPISODE RESOURCES Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/ Sign up for email alerts: https://www.understandnativemn.org/get-involved/stay-updated/ A Guide to Reliable Native American-Related Teaching Resources: https://www.understandnativemn.org/publications/ Minnesota Native American Essential Understandings for Educators: https://www.understandnativemn.org/publications/ Minnesota Native News podcast: https://minnesotanativenews.org/ Learn more about Mdewakanton Dakota history and culture at the SMSC's cultural center: https://hocokatati.org/

Rebecca sits down with author, speaker, trainer and professor Dr. Anton Treuer. Anton is a professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University and author of many books, including “Everything You Wanted to Know About Indians But Were Afraid to Ask” and “The Language Warrior's Manifesto.” They discuss Ojibwe language revitalization efforts, writing and the exciting projects he has on the horizon, such as the release of his debut novel, “Where Wolves Don't Die.” This podcast series is a part of the SMSC's Understand Native Minnesota campaign that concluded in January 2024. This episode was filmed before the series concluded. EPISODE RESOURCES Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/ More about Anton Treuer: https://antontreuer.com/ Anton Treuer's books: https://antontreuer.com/books Follow Anton on X/Twitter for Ojibwe Word of the Day videos: https://twitter.com/antontreuer Follow Anton on YouTube for Ojibwe Word of the Day videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC02Ei64PpI3ET-bMvTAr-sQ Educator Academies on February 21 and March 14: https://www.understandnativemn.org/register-for-educator-academies-on-february-21-or-march-14/

Rebecca is joined by Brenda J. Child, a University of Minnesota professor, historian and author of several award-winning books about Native American history. They cover important elements of Native history that people should know about, like Native boarding schools, and Brenda's latest endeavor – a new Center for Indigenous Arts at the University of Minnesota. This podcast series is a part of the SMSC's Understand Native Minnesota campaign that concluded in January 2024. This episode was filmed before the series concluded. EPISODE RESOURCES Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/ Learn more about Brenda's books: https://birchbarkbooks.com/collections/vendors?q=Brenda%20Child Dreaming Our Futures exhibit: https://cla.umn.edu/art/news-events/news/dreaming-our-futures-ojibwe-and-ochethi-sakowin-artists-and-knowledge-keepers Learn more about the work of Dr. Charles Eastman: https://birchbarkbooks.com/collections/vendors?q=Charles%20Eastman Read “From the Deep Woods to Civilization” Dr. Charles Eastman for free here: https://books.google.com/books/about/From_the_Deep_Woods_to_Civilization.html?id=RG0_AAAAMAAJ

In this podcast episode, Rebecca is joined by Ferin Davis Anderson, supervisor of environmental sciences at the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community. They talk about what caring for natural resources means, and how Ferin combines traditional Indigenous knowledge with modern science. They also discuss Ferin's new, forthcoming book, “Wildfire” and the important role fire plays in environmental stewardship. EPISODE RESOURCES Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/ Minnesota DNR Prairie Pod series: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/prairiepod/index.html Ferin's book, “Wildfire: The Culture, Science, and Future of Fire”: https://lernerbooks.com/shop/show/23175 Learn more about the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's environmental stewardship: https://shakopeedakota.org/culture/our-environmental-stewardship/

In this podcast episode, Rebecca is joined by Heid E. Erdrich, a talented multi-hyphenate Native artist. They discuss her poetry, her experiences teaching creative writing and curating art exhibits, and the many Native artists she loves. Heid also gives ideas for how everyone can experience more art and embrace their creativity. EPISODE RESOURCES Heid's website: https://heiderdrich.com/ Birchbark Books: https://birchbarkbooks.com/ Patrick DesJarlait's website: https://www.patrickdesjarlait.com/ Carl Gawboy's website: https://www.aicho.org/carl-gawboy-2022.html#/ Dyani White Hawk's website: https://www.dyaniwhitehawk.com/ Jonathan Thunder's website: https://www.jonthunder.com/ MN Museum of American art: https://mmaa.org/ Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/

For the first time, we welcome two guests at the same time on the podcast: Teresa “Terri” Peterson and Walter “Super” LaBatte Jr. This niece and uncle duo from the Upper Sioux Community are both focused on preserving and sharing Dakota culture. They recently wrote a book together – Voices from Pejuhutazizi: Dakota Stories and Storytellers – in which they share and reflect on family stories. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community's Understand Native Minnesota initiative has organized a statewide K-12 One-Read program of the book for Native American Heritage Month, donating 20,000 copies to classrooms across the state. In this episode, Rebecca talks with Terri and Super about their book, writing process, family, language revitalization and art. EPISODE RESOURCES Voices from Pejuhutazizi: Dakota Stories and Storytellers: https://shop.mnhs.org/products/voices-from-pejuhutazizi Understand Native Minnesota Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/NativeMNFacts/ Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/ Daḳota Wiċoḣaŋ: https://dakotawicohan.org/ Upper Sioux Community Wacipi: https://www.uppersiouxcommunity-nsn.gov/traditional-wacipi

In this special edition of the podcast, Rebecca interviews Native authors, artists and education experts at the most recent Understand Native Minnesota Educator Academy. This free event hosted by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community brought hundreds of educators and administrators together for professional development workshops. In the episode, guests share advice and tips for educators and parents looking to engage children on Native topics like history, culture and civics. Featured guests include: • Tori Campbell | Prairie Island Indian Community Buffalo Project • Tom Peacock | Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing • James Vukelich | Speaker, author and creator of Ojibwe Word of the Day • Eden Bart | Minnesota Humanities Center • Darlene St. Clair | St. Cloud State University • Tony Drews | Nashke Games • Art Coulson | Native children's author EPISODE RESOURCES Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/ Prairie Island Indian Community Buffalo Project: https://prairieisland.org/who-we-are/our-culture/buffalo-project Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing: http://www.blackbearsandblueberries.com/ James Vukelich: https://www.jamesvukelich.com/ Minnesota Native American Lives Series: https://www.mnhum.org/program/minnesota-native-american-lives-series/ Nashke Games: https://www.nashke.com/ Art Coulson: https://artcoulson.com/

In honor of pow wow season, we're revisiting one of the podcast's most popular conversations. Rebecca chats with Rosemma Lafferty, a member of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) in Minnesota. Rosemma dances in and helps plan the SMSC's annual wacipi, or pow wow, a free event that welcomes thousands of people to experience Native dance and culture each August. This episode gives listeners an overview of what they can expect at the SMSC Wacipi and other pow wows, plus tips if you're attending a pow wow for the first time. EPISODE RESOURCES SMSC Wacipi (this year's event is August 18-20, 2023): https://www.smscwacipi.org/ Explore Minnesota article about pow wows in Minnesota: https://www.exploreminnesota.com/article/dance-drums-artistry-combine-minnesotas-native-american-powwows Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/ Wacipi Dance Styles: https://youtu.be/aWVpdHT-dvc History of the Jingle Dress: https://youtu.be/A9RoeJJWKI4

In this special edition of the podcast, Rebecca interviews Native leaders from across the country and elected officials at the recent National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Mid-Year Convention. This episode features conversations with nine different tribal leaders and staff members as well as U.S. Senator Tina Smith. Guests share about the issues facing Indian Country including environmental sustainability, the Violence Against Women Act, the Indian Child Welfare Act, and the 2023 Farm Bill. EPISODE RESOURCES National Congress of American Indians: https://www.ncai.org/ Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/

In this episode, Rebecca interviews Monique Gray Smith, an award-winning author and cultural consultant of Cree, Lakota and Scottish descent. They discuss how Monique's books are used to share Indigenous wisdom, knowledge and hope with people of all ages, including her new book, Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults. Monique also shares how her work conveys themes of resilience and reciprocity, particularly the importance of being in reciprocal relationships with the land and living things, as well as her belief that “love is medicine.” EPISODE RESOURCES Monique Gray Smith: https://www.moniquegraysmith.com/ Braiding Sweetgrass for Young Adults Teaching Guide: https://lernerbooks.com/teaching_guides/736 Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/

In this podcast episode, Rebecca is joined by Andy Vig, a Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Member and the director of the tribe's Cultural Center, Hoċokata Ti. They discuss how Hoċokata Ti and its public exhibit came to be, as well as Andy's passion for Dakota language, art, and culture preservation and revitalization. In the video version of this episode, Andy and Rebecca share some highlights from the tribe's public exhibit, “Mdewakanton: Dwellers of the Spirit Lake.” You can watch at UnderstandNativeMN.org/podcast. EPISODE RESOURCES Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/ Hoċokata Ti: https://hocokatati.org/

In this podcast episode, Rebecca travels to Prior Lake City Hall to meet with Mayor Kirt Briggs. The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community and City of Prior Lake are neighboring governments that have worked together on several major projects over the years. The two leaders talk about these innovative projects and the importance of building relationships between tribes and local governments. In the video version of this episode, Mayor Briggs takes Rebecca on a walking tour of Prior Lake City Hall and shares a few surprises. You can watch at UnderstandNativeMN.org/podcast. EPISODE RESOURCES Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/ City of Prior Lake: https://www.priorlakemn.gov/ South Area Water Treatment Plant: https://shakopeedakota.org/enterprises/water-treatment/

We have welcomed many fantastic guests since the podcast launched in 2021, including Sean Sherman of The Sioux Chef, Minnesota Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan, Dr. Kate Beane, Crystal Echo Hawk, and many more. Each has a different area of expertise, but each uses their unique voice to shine a light on Native cultures and communities and advance issues important to Native peoples. In this special episode, we share some of our favorite stories and inspiring quotes from past guests.

In this special edition of the podcast, Rebecca interviews Native leaders from across the country at the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) annual convention. This episode features conversations with eight different tribal elected officials and staff members sharing the issues facing their tribe – from environmentalism to tribal sovereignty to invisibility. Guests also share their hopes for the future, what they wish non-Native Americans knew about tribes and the importance of coming together at events like NCAI. EPISODE RESOURCES National Congress of American Indians: https://www.ncai.org/ Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/

In this podcast episode, Rebecca sits down with Minnesota author, speaker and educator Diane Wilson. In the conversation, Diane talks about using writing to explore cultural identity, the power of telling Native American stories and her latest novel, “The Seed Keeper.” Diane also shares her interests in tribal food sovereignty and gardening, including how she practices Indigenous seed keeping to preserve heirloom seeds and plants. EPISODE RESOURCES Diane Wilson's website: https://www.dianewilsonwords.com/about “The Seed Keeper”: https://milkweed.org/book/the-seed-keeper Birchbark Books: https://birchbarkbooks.com/ Crystal Echo Hawk and the IllumiNative organization: https://illuminative.org/ All My Relations Native Authors Program: http://www.allmyrelationsarts.com/news/native-authors-program/ Well-Read Native book club: https://wellreadnative.com/about Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/

On this episode, Rebecca is joined by Rosemma Lafferty, a member of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) in Minnesota. Rosemma dances in and helps plan the SMSC's annual wacipi, or pow wow, a free event that welcomes thousands of people to experience Native dance and culture each August. Rosemma explains what visitors can expect at the SMSC Wacipi, tips for people attending for the first time and how the event helps people learn more about Dakota culture. EPISODE RESOURCES SMSC Wacipi (this year's event is August 19-21, 2022): https://www.smscwacipi.org/ Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/ Wacipi Dance Styles: https://youtu.be/aWVpdHT-dvc History of the Jingle Dress: https://youtu.be/A9RoeJJWKI4

We welcome Odia Wood-Krueger, the author and principal investigator of a new research report, “Restoring Our Place,” commissioned by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community as part of its Understand Native Minnesota campaign. Odia shares what she learned through her research – what Native resources are most helpful to educators and what materials are still desperately needed. She also provides tips for educators trying to evaluate whether books about Native American subjects should be used in the classroom and examples of the great work teachers are already doing. EPISODE RESOURCES Restoring Our Place: An analysis of Native American resources used in Minnesota's classrooms: https://www.understandnativemn.org/research/ American Indians in Children's Literature: https://americanindiansinchildrensliterature.blogspot.com/ A Broken Flute: The Native Experience in Books for Children: http://oyate.org/index.php/resources/44-resources/a-broken-flute Indian Education for All: Evaluating American Indian Materials & Resources in the Classroom: https://opi.mt.gov/Portals/182/Page%20Files/Indian%20Education/Indian%20Education%20101/Evaluating%20AI%20Materials%20and%20Resources%20for%20the%20Classroom.pdf Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/

Native Americans were the first inhabitants of the lands now known as Minnesota. Yet when people talk about our state's history and culture, Indigenous art and stories are often left out. Kate Beane, executive director of the Minnesota Museum of American Art, is working to change that. She joins the podcast to talk about how Indigenous traditions redefine what art means and how artistic expression is tied to history. Kate also discusses how she and her family have advocated for Dakota place names in Minnesota, including restoring the name of Bde Maka Ska (formerly known as Lake Calhoun) in Minneapolis. EPISODE RESOURCES The Minnesota Museum of American Art (the M): https://mmaa.org/ Our Home: Native Minnesota exhibit: https://www.mnhs.org/historycenter/activities/museum/our-home Returning home, restoring a name: https://twin-cities.umn.edu/news-events/kate-beane-returning-home-restoring-name Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/

In this episode, Rebecca welcomes Karen Diver, the senior advisor to the president for Native American Affairs at the University of Minnesota. Their conversation centers around the university's history with tribal governments and how higher education institutions can rebuild trust with Indigenous peoples. They also talk about Karen's own educational experiences and her extensive career – including serving as President Obama's Special Assistant for Native American Affairs. EPISODE RESOURCES University of Minnesota: https://twin-cities.umn.edu/ University of Minnesota Duluth's Master of Tribal Administration & Governance program: https://cahss.d.umn.edu/departments/american-indian-studies/mtag Native American Promise Tuition Program: https://system.umn.edu/native-american-promise-tuition-program SMSC Scholarship program: https://diversity.umn.edu/student-financial-aid/shakopee-mdewakanton-sioux-community-smsc-endowed-scholarship Dakota land maps by Marlena Myles: https://marlenamyl.es/project/dakota-land-map/ Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/

In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Dennis Olson, the commissioner of the Minnesota Office of Higher Education and member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. In this conversation, Rebecca and Dennis talk about his early educational experiences, the achievement gaps between white and Native college students, and how his agency is working with tribes and Native communities to address issues in higher ed. EPISODE RESOURCES Minnesota Office of Higher Education: https://www.ohe.state.mn.us/ Minnesota Indian Scholarship: http://www.ohe.state.mn.us/mPg.cfm?pageID=149 Understand Native Minnesota: https://www.understandnativemn.org/ Understand Native Minnesota survey findings: https://www.understandnativemn.org/ninety-percent-of-minnesotans-support-teaching-more-native-american-content-in-k-12-schools/

In this podcast episode, Rebecca sits down with Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan, only the second Native American woman to be elected to statewide executive office in U.S. history. The conversation focuses on Native American representation, leadership – particularly among Native women – and the importance of understanding Minnesota's history and historical trauma.

This episode features an interview with Sean Sherman, an award-winning Lakota chef and cookbook author based in the Twin Cities. Sean is the founder and CEO of The Sioux Chef, a company devoted to Indigenous foods, and co-founder of the nonprofit North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems. In this conversation, Rebecca and Sean talk about Native American cuisine, making Native foods accessible, and Sean's and his partner Dana Thompson's new Minneapolis restaurant, Owamni by The Sioux Chef. EPISODE RESOURCES The Sioux Chef: https://sioux-chef.com/ Owamni restaurant: https://owamni.com/ The Sioux Chef's Indigenous Kitchen cookbook: https://www.upress.umn.edu/book-division/books/the-sioux-chef Celebrating Indigenous Women Chefs cooking demonstrations: https://hfhl.umn.edu/events/indigenouschefs I-Collective: https://www.icollectiveinc.org/ Native American Food Sovereignty Alliance: https://nativefoodalliance.org/ UNDERSTAND NATIVE MINNESOTA Learn more about the campaign: https://www.understandnativemn.org/ Follow the campaign on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/NativeMNFacts/ and Twitter at https://twitter.com/NativeMNFacts Song: Buffalo Moon by Brulé

We welcome Ramona Kitto Stately to the podcast for a conversation about Native American education here in Minnesota. Ramona is the project director of We Are Still Here Minnesota and the chair of the Minnesota Indian Education Association. In this episode, we talk about the “Minnesota paradox” when it comes to Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) communities and the powerful impact of teaching children to recognize, understand and celebrate different histories and cultures.

In this episode, Rebecca sits down with Tadd Johnson to cover his varied career in law, government and higher education. Tadd currently serves as the senior director of American Indian Tribal Nations Relations at the University of Minnesota, director of the Tribal Sovereignty Institute and director of graduate studies in the American Indian Studies Department. In this conversation, Rebecca and Tadd talk about his work in education, how universities are evolving in their work with Native peoples and what folks don't understand about Native history.

The lack of Native representation - whether it's in government, movies or sport - has allowed false narratives about Native Americans to spread. In this episode, Rebecca speaks with Crystal Echo Hawk of IllumiNative about her research on Native representation and how her organization is fighting against misconceptions and stereotypes in pop culture and news media.

In this first episode, Rebecca speaks with Wayne Ducheneaux, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux nation in South Dakota and the executive director of the Native Governance Center. Wayne shares his background and how he was called to serving his tribe and Indian Country in his career. The conversation centers on the importance of Native American representation – whether its in the White House Cabinet or in pop culture – and how the current focus on racial inequities can serve Native communities. “In the wake of the George Floyd incident, there's been a bright light shown on inequities. We as Native people have experienced these since the first treaty was broken… we have a chance to address them now.”