MPR Archive presents a collection of varied Native topics in and around Minnesota. Stories include interviews, commentary, events, speeches, documentaries, and reports.
November 30, 1990 - MPR’s Beth Friend interviews Native American poet Joy Harjo, who discusses language, the Earth, and Western reality. Segment includes Harjo reading her poetry.
December 29, 1990 - MPR’s Paula Schroeder interviews Native American activist Clyde Bellecourt, who talks about Red Road Pow Wow, spirituality, and education of younger generation.
February 8, 1991 - MPR’s Catherine Winter reports on opening of Elaine M. Stately Peacemaker Center in Minneapolis. The center is designed as a safe place for Native American and other neighborhood youth to gather. Segment includes speech by Clyde Bellecourt, a founder of center.
April 5, 1991 - Mainstreet Radio’s Leif Enger profiles The Ojibwe News, an independent newspaper serving Bemidji area. The paper focuses on tribal and reservation news, with some controversial stances. While read by many, the paper’s independence from Red Lake Reservation tribal government does not keep some from questioning paper’s objectivity as a Native press.
May 13, 1991 - Mainstreet Radio’s Rachel Reabe visits the newly opened Grand Casino in Mille Lacs. The casino, built on reservation land by Twin Cities investors, guarantees over 50% of profits to the Mill Lacs Band and has dramatically improved the unemployment problem in area. The reservation has plans to expand with a much larger facility.
July 3, 1991 - MPR’s Gary Eichten gets a Native American perspective of Mount Rushmore National Memorial on the 50th anniversary of stone sculpture.
August 6, 1991 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten interviews individual on seeking better representation of tribal governments for tribal members.
September 15, 1991 - MPR presents the documentary “Learning the White People Way: A Documentary Essay on the History of Federal Indian Boarding Schools.” It is narrated and co-written by Ted Mahto, a Native American from the Red Lake band of Chippewa in northern Minnesota. Mahto reflects on his experience at boarding schools in Pipestone, Minnesota and Flandreau, South Dakota.
October 29, 1991 - Midmorning’s Paula Schroeder hosts MPR Special Coverage of Twins victory parade. Program includes reports from start of parade in downtown St. Paul and preparation of Minneapolis parade and celebration event at Metrodome.
November 20, 1991 - MPR’s Bill Wareham reports on debate over use of sports teams using American Indian inspired nicknames, symbols, and mascots. Segment includes comments from differing viewpoints.