Two opportunities to hear about inspiring work around Indian Country in Minnesota. The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council's Language Revitalization Working Group has partnered with the Minnesota Humanity Center to host a Dakota and Ojibwe Languages Symposium. And the Lower Phalen Creek Project brings Native women's stories to the virtual space for a new twist on winter storytelling.

A new alliance for Native arts addresses community needs in Minnesota. And, the Interior Department will collaborate with the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition.

The United States Postal Service has announced the new stamps for 2022. The stamps are described as miniature works of art and celebrate American culture and history. And one of the panes will feature the work of the late modernist artist George Morrison, who was from the Grand Portage Band. Here’s Reporter Leah Lemm speaking to Briand Morrison, son of George Morrison.

The disparity in media coverage for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives cases has, once again, been brought to the surface. Here’s Leah Lemm with the story...

Applications for the 12th cohort of the Native Nations Rebuilders Program are now open. The program is operated by the Native Governance Center. And the Native American Community Clinic in Minneapolis is now requiring COVID-19 vaccinations for its health center staff.

The podcast, Indigenized Connections On Air, examines tribal issues and leadership through a lens of Economic Development. And the Counter Stories podcast recently featured an in-depth conversation about Indian Boarding Schools and their Intentional Trauma.

The Mitchell Hamline School of Law seeks to address systemic racism in Minnesota’s criminal justice system… And a new scholarship program wants to help descendants of Indian Boarding Schools... Plus, do you or someone you know have an Indigenous story of strength to showcase? Online nominations are open! Reporter Leah Lemm has these stories…

Duluth Superior Film Festival Is Partnering Again With The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) For A Virtual Indigenous Film Series. Reporter Leah Lemm recently had a conversation with Local filmmaker Khayman Goodsky, who will host the series.

The confirmation of Deb Haaland as U.S. Secretary of Interior is a historic moment. Deb Haaland… Now Secretary Haaland… is the first Native person to hold a cabinet position in U.S. History. Reporter Leah Lemm has reactions to this historic event, from folks in Minnesota.

Coming up, from a 2020 report by the Minnesota Task Force on Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, "While Indigenous people make up just 1% of the state's population, 9% of all murdered girls and women in Minnesota from 2010 to 2019 were American Indian." Reporter Leah Lemm speaks with three survivors about the significance of the color red in the search and honoring of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Relatives. If you need help, there are free resources available. Strong Hearts Native helpline provides culturally appropriate support and advocacy for American Indians and Alaskan natives. And that hotline is 1-844-7NATIVE. It's anonymous and confidential. That's 1-844-762-8483. This information can be found on the Minnesota Native News website, mnnativenews.org.

A new catalog from the Minnesota Indigenous Business Alliance highlights Native artist products and shops in time for the busy shopping season.

Come January, there will be new leadership in the White House with a plan for Tribal Nation relationship... and Minnesota tribes band together to assist in fighting wildfires out West. Reporter Leah Lemm has these stories….

The 2020 Native American College Fair goes virtual… And Lt Governor Peggy Flanagan talks about the significance of the Native vote….

Last month, the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis had a virtual watch party on social media, bringing together viewers to see what community members are saying about sexual health and and related topics, including why it’s difficult to talk about sex. We’ll hear more about how the Indian Health Board of Minneapolis works with the community to talk about sexual health. But first… the US Census is well on its way, collecting information from citizens across the country… And, there’s still time to fill out the Census. The U.S. Census Bureau has extended the 2020 census deadline to September 30th.

It’s been over three years since a group of Ball Club youth came together with the support of their community, to build a new park for area kids to play in and for the community to enjoy. They’ve worked alongside the Ball Club Local Indian Council… an area group called the Circle of Healing… and a playground project manager. The park they envisioned, designed, and planned, was set for a grand opening early July but, like many projects during this time, it’s been delayed. However, the effort to build the park - that centers culture and inclusion - is still going as strong as ever.

Today, a healing ceremony in honor of George Floyd, plus Native art and stories. Here’s reporter Leah Lemm.

Lives are changing drastically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are out of work, more and more people are holding work meetings virtually, and everyone is making major adjustments. Students are also home from school. Which means families are trying to find ways to keep the learning going. And for Native students, there are online resources that provide culturally focused learning through language and art.

The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe held its annual 2020 State of the Band address in mid-January.

This week, an up and coming company builds its innovative business for the benefit of their community’s health and beyond.

This week… Women’s Handrumming groups gathered at the Cloquet Foresty Center to share songs and knowledge… to make drums, and celebrate community.

This week, we’ll hear more from our recently released podcast - Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine. Throughout the first season, we’re joined by many people all over Minnesota and beyond, people who talk about finding their purpose in life, finding family, celebrating accomplishments, and working through hard times, and lots more.

Coming up, Twin Cities Native Lacrosse is recruiting new players and getting the word out about the sport. And, a food sovereignty initiative, grounded in community, strives to increase both food independence… and accessibility to Native foods.

February fourteenth is a day dedicated to remembering Missing Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and People. Marches and gatherings happen all around the state, the US, and Canada. Data reveal the murder rate of American Indian/Alaskan Native women is almost 3 times that of non-Hispanic White women. And Minnesota is one of the top ten states in the U.S. with the highest case number of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Reporter Leah Lemm attended the solidarity walk in Bemidji.

Youth display their photography at the Dr. Robert Powless Cultural Center in Duluth, And a language teacher finds his own way to reach language learners…

An organization based in Minneapolis is raising breast cancer awareness with “Indigenous Pink Day” … And, comedian Rob Fairbanks talks about the power of humor…

Theater company, Turtle Theater Collective, produces a rendition of 'Our Town,' an American Classic. And the Duluth Art Institute hosts the work of three widely known artists in its current exhibit.

A new early headstart and preschool focusing on Dakota language is opening in the Lower Sioux community… A playwright and actor talks about an upcoming theater festival… And a group visits the Vatican to request the revocation of the Doctrine of Discovery.

This week on Minnesota Native News: The artwork of Julie Buffalohead is on display at the Bockley Gallery, three Native women are being honored for their work in the community, and the newly proposed wild rice water rule amendments fall short.

Governor Mark Dayton has appointed key Mille Lacs Band Police leader to the Minnesota Board of Peace Officer Standards and Training. And the art and photography exhibit of Mazinaakizige: American Indian Teen Photography Project is on display at Two Rivers Gallery.

Solar energy professional Robert Blake discusses solar power opportunities, social justice, and his entrepreneurial and life goals of making solar power available to all.