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.
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.
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.
March 2, 1992 - Midday program presents two documentaries: "Messages from the Grandparents", a look at Cherokee, Winnebago, Pueblo, and Mohawk elders who present oral narratives which provide the basis for community behavior at how oral traditions are passed from one generation to the next; and "Cultural Identity," a look at the cultural and social bases for contemporary Indian identity among the Houma, Lumbee, and Yaqui.
March 9, 1992 - Midday program presents two documentaries: "America's Heritage: Preserving Our History," about cultural centers and the new National Museum of the American Indian; and "Rebuilding our Nations," a documentary about Native American economic development projects.
March 18, 1992 - Midday program presents two documentaries: "Shared Visions: Art, Music and Literature", reflections on cultural continuity by Native American artists, writers, dancers, and musicians; and "Traditional Caring: Non-traditional Health Issues," a look at how Native Americans confront contemporary health concerns such as diabetes, alcoholism and AIDS with traditional healing practices.
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.