Ruralite The Podcast

Angel Sobotta is a dedicated teacher of the Nimiipuu (nee-MEE-poo) language at Lapwai School District in Lapwai, Idaho. The Nimiipuu—also known as the Nez Perce people—are deeply rooted in the landscape they have called home for millennia. By sharing stories in the Nimiipuu language, Angel helps students and teachers reclaim their cultural identity for future generations.Several of the sound clips used in this episode are courtesy of the www.nimipuutimt.org.

The Alaska mountain range is inaccessible to most people due to its ruggedness and remoteness. But for Klara Maisch and Leighan Falley, the harsh wilderness is their inspiration to create art and share Alaska's beauty with others through paint.

In Oakridge, Oregon, a group of volunteers led by Editor Doug Bates, coaxed out of retirement, began an online nonprofit journalism site after the local newspaper closed down.

In Monmouth, Oregon, Darryl Thomas and Valerie Bergman run Rainbow Dance Theatre, a modern dance company that incorporates lighting and projection effects into one-of-a-kind performances.

At Face Rock View Point in Bandon, Oregon, Denny Dyke and his team of volunteers draw labyrinths in the sand. The circles in the sand have helped many locals and tourists find peace and purpose during life's uncertainties.

As the pandemic took hold across the country last year, health care workers everywhere wrestled with a troubling contradiction: How could they create a sense of togetherness when all guidance told them to keep their distance? In the town of Walla Walla, Washington, an unexpected answer came in the form of simple art supplies. Local artists and health care workers would come together to deliver relief, hope and inspiration — all through the healing power of creativity. This episode was written by Drew Woolley. It's based on the story in Ruralite magazine by Vicki Miller.

When the pandemic stopped live musical performances, Alaska native Caitlin Warbelow created a virtual stage to support traditional musicians in sharing their love of music with a global online community. One musician really can make a difference.

Learn more about the Columbia Gorge Orchestra Association at https://www.gorgeorchestra.org/.

Learn more about Pioneer Utility Resources at https://www.pioneerutilityresources.com/. Learn more about the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust at https://murdocktrust.org/.