MPR Archive presents a collection of varied Native topics in and around Minnesota. Stories include interviews, commentary, events, speeches, documentaries, and reports.
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.
December 31, 1991 - All Things Considered’s Gary Eichten completes a phone interview with Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist and a member of the American Indian Movement (AIM), who is in prison after first degree murder convictions in the deaths of two Federal Bureau of Investigation agents. Peltier states he did not kill them and speaks about appeals process.
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 11, 1992 - A conversation with an educator on the historical background of tribal government and the how that pertains to controversy of White Earth elections.