North Star Journey: MnDOT drivers are keeping Indigenous languages alive, one snowplow at a time

Types | Reports | Interviews | Programs & Series | Morning Edition | Special Collections | Native American | Awards & Honors: An Audio Trophy Case | North Star Journey |
December 15, 2023
Cathy Wurzer - Host, Gracie Stockton - Reporter, Christopher Chee - Interviewee, Anne Meyer - Interviewee
Listen: PKG: Native snowplow names (Stockton)
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MPR’s Gracie Stockton reports that the Minnesota Department of Transportation announced that its plow-naming event will return for a fourth year. The contest offers people the chance to submit ideas and vote to pick eight winners, with the winning names going on plows in each of MnDOT's eight districts around the state. Some plow drivers are hoping more Indigenous names make the cut.

Christopher Chee, a member of the Diné Nation, works for MnDOT out of Redwood Falls in southwest Minnesota. He’s happy that many Indigenous communities are investing in teaching young people their native languages, and he says something as simple as a dual language road sign or a name on a snowplow can help with that mission.

Awarded:

2024 MNSPJ Page One Award, third place in Coverage - Feature Reporting category

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