Doing Our Best for Our Children’s Education During the Pandemic

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

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.