In recognition of 2024 Indigenous Peoples’ Day, the MPR Archive Portal presents a curated sampling of varied stories, documentaries, arts, interviews, and reports on Native people, their culture, and history.
Please note: Most content related to this topic that is contemporary or created after 2005 can be found on our main content pages of MPR News, YourClassical MPR, The Current, APM Reports, and Marketplace.
April 3, 1992 - On this Voices of Minnesota segment, Native American storyteller Anne Dunn tells a tale of wood gathering.
May 7, 1992 - MPR’s Chris Roberts reports from a dining site for St. Paul’s elderly Native American community started by Ramsey Actions Programs. Roberts interviews staff and guests on the positive effects as an outreach program and safe space for Native elders.
May 9, 1992 - MPR’s Cathy Wurzer talks with Marcy Hart, board member of Saint Paul American Indians in Unity, about the Minnesota celebration “American Indian Month.” Hart discusses the purpose behind May’s month-long recognition of Native Americans in the state.
June 15, 1992 - MPR’s Stephen Smith reports on a mediation program focused specifically for Native Americans in Minnesota. The mediation panel consists of twelve 11 Elders trained to assist with courtroom alternative. Several local Indian organizations banded together to create the council.
October 10, 1992 - MPR’ Chris Roberts interviews sisters Lisa Mayo, Gloria Miguel and Muriel Miguel about "Power Pipes" by Spiderwoman Theater at Walker Art Center. The three also discuss Native American experience growing up in Brooklyn, NY.
April 26, 1993 - MPR’s Leif Enger reports from Mille Lacs Lake on Anishinaabe Liberation Front preparing to spear in violation of state law. Report includes numerous interviews, including Ojibwe writer Jim Northrup, who participates in traditional spearing.
July 9, 1993 - MPR’s Liz Hannon interviews author Jim Northrup about his book, "Walking the Rez Road." Northup also speaks about oral tradition and the Vietnam War.
August 28, 1993 - Mainstreet Radio’s Leif Enger profiles new Nay Ah Shing School on the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation. Thanks in part to casino era revenue funding, the new school will provide K-12 classes, as well as enhanced cultural curriculum and Native American centric elements.
October 12, 1993 - MPR’s Euen Kerr talks with Native American poet Jamison Mahto about poetry and cultural misconceptions. Mahto reads "The Blue Apache" from his book “Blues For Franklin Avenue: A Collection of Poetry.”
April 12, 1994 - Native American environmentalist and writer Winona LaDuke speaks at the Woman's Club of Minneapolis on the difference between indigenous and industrial ways of thinking. She also discusses feminism, environmental racism and broken treaties.