Language Education Thrives During the Pandemic and White Earth’s Powwow Returns

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

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, 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 about the White Earth Nation’s indoor powwow, held in early March. Powwow committee member Dana Goodwin (White Earth) explains all the planning and precautions that went into organizing the event, and how they kept dancers, drummers, and community members safe. Dana also shares the relief and joy felt by many participants as they gathered for healing and celebration, after many months apart.

Governor Walz reflects on the last year, the pains and loss felt by many, how things are now looking brighter, and how we’ve learned and grown in many ways from this experience.

Plus, Barry Hand teaches us a few Dakotiyapi words - phrases to help us remember to be compassionate to one another and to encourage us to keep going, even as we face hardship.

Please enjoy hearing from Barry Hand and Dana Goodwin; we thank you both for all you do to keep our communities safe and thriving.

Listen to past COVID-19 Community Conversations here: https://minnesotanativenews.org/category/community-conversations/