Best Community Broadband Podcasts (2025)

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Jonathan Thunder's Ish Meets a Mermaid; Federal Cuts Hit Tribal Colleges & Universities 5:00

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3h ago5:00

5:00

This week, how Tribal Colleges and Universities are responding to federal funding cuts, plus, details on Red Lake Nation artist Jonathan Thunder's new film project. ----- Producers: Xan Holston and Travis Zimmerman Editing: Victor Palomino Anchor: Marie Rock Mixing & mastering: Chris HarwoodBy Minnesota Native News

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MNN Extended Interview: Anne O’Keefe and Frankie Jackson of Wanna Wotapi 5:00

7d ago5:00

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This week, a special extended interview from a past segment. Travis Zimmerman interviews Wanna Wotapi food truck owners Anne O’Keefe and Frankie Jackson. ----- Producer: Travis Zimmerman Editing: Britt Aamodt Anchor: Marie Rock Mixing & mastering: Chris HarwoodBy Minnesota Native News

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What a Recent Change to Minnesota’s Mascot Ban Means to Communities & How Indigenous Fire Stewardship Is Influencing the State’s Wildfire Response 5:00

14d ago5:00

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This week on Minnesota Native News, how Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe officials' recent approval of the Grand Rapids School District request for an exemption from the state's mascot ban impacts communities. Plus, a look at how Indigenous fire stewardship is influencing Minnesota's response to wildfires ----- Script editing: Emily Krumberger, Emma Needh…

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MNN Extended Interview: Korina Barry & Holly Cook Macarro of NDN Collective 5:00

21d ago5:00

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This week, a special extended interview from a past segment. Emma Needham interviews NDN Collective’s Korina Barry and Holly Cook Macarro about Leonard Peltier’s release back in February. ----- Producer: Emma Needham Editing: Britt Aamodt Anchor: Marie Rock Mixing & mastering: Chris HarwoodBy Minnesota Native News

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Dress Offers Healing to Hurting Community and Fond du Lac Indigenous Food Gathering Celebrates the Harvest 5:00

28d ago5:00

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This week on Minnesota Native News, the story behind Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe citizen Anita Lovelace's MMIR jingle dress, which took home the 2025 People's Choice Award at the State Fair's Fine Arts Competition. Plus, how Fond du Lac Tribal & Community College recently celebrated the harvest and food sovereignty. ----- Executive Producer: Emma Nee…

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276: Scaling Wireless World to Regional Domination | Vince Lubben’s Midwest Empire 50:46

30d ago50:46

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Vince Lubben is the Co-Owner of Wireless World. Vince began working in the wireless sector as a sales executive for CommNet Cellular, when the cell phone industry was young. He saw an opportunity to start his own business and opened his first store in Vermillion, South Dakota in 1999. Today, there are 54 Wireless World outlets and the company has 3…

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MNN Extended Interview: Amber Annis of Native Governance Center 5:00

1M ago5:00

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This week, a special extended interview from a past segment. Travis Zimmerman interviews the Native Governance Center’s new Executive Director, Amber Annis. ----- Executive Producer: Emma Needham Script editing: Emily Krumberger Anchor: Marie Rock Mixing & mastering: Chris HarwoodBy Minnesota Native News

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Mille Lacs's Water Over Nickel Survey Results Are in, and Tribal Broadband Bootcamp Grows Internet Access 5:00

2M ago5:00

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This week, results from the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe's Water Over Nickel survey. Plus, how Tribal Broadband Bootcamp is supporting Minnesotan tribal internet access. ----- Executive Producer: Emma Needham Script editing: Emily Krumberger Anchor: Marie Rock Producers: Emma Needham and CJ Younger Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood…

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LaX 4 Life Camp at Fond Du Lac, and MN Artists win at 2025 Native American Music Awards. 5:00

2M ago5:00

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This week, a summer sports camp brings Lacrosse to life in Fond Du Lac. And Minnesota musicians win at the 2025 Native American Music Awards. ----- Executive Producer: Emma Needham Script editing: Emily Krumberger Anchor: Marie Rock Producer: Xan Holston, Chaz Wagner Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood…

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275: From the Battlefield to the CBD Boardroom: Craig Henderson of Extract Labs 1:12:40

2M ago1:12:40

1:12:40

Craig Henderson is the CEO of Extract Labs, a Boulder, Colorado-based full-service hemp extraction laboratory offering a proprietary line of boutique CBD-infused products. Craig started the company in his garage in 2016. This Episode is Sponsored By: Jon Ostenson, Founder of FranBridge Consulting and Top 1% US Franchise Consultant is here to help y…

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Native Studies Summer Workshop for Educators (NSSWE) Second Session for 2025, and Preventing Invasive Species in Tribal Nations 5:00

3M ago5:00

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On this week’s episode of Minnesota Native News, the upcoming Native Studies Summer Workshop for Educators Conference and a recap of the prevention & impacts of invasive species on Tribal Nations.By Minnesota Native News

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An Update on the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation (MIFPA) Act and the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act 5:00

3M ago5:00

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This spring, the Minnesota Supreme Court heard arguments challenging the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act. And, the proposed Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act passed in the US House in April. Now awaiting Senate hearings, it is raising concerns about voting rights across the country.…

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KOJB's Anishinaabe Arts & Culture Festival, and Afro-Indigenous Author Launches Memoir in Twin Cities 5:00

3M ago5:00

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This week on Minnesota Native News, a recap of the 2nd Annual Anishinaabe Music & Art Festival hosted by Leech Lake Nation's KOJB radio station. Plus, the upcoming launch party for the new book, Sweetgrass and Soul Food, by Minneapolis author and educator Marique Moss.By Minnesota Native News

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How the Birds Got Their Songs Book Tour & Federal Cuts to Tribal Colleges and Universities 5:00

4M ago5:00

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This week, Minnesota Native News covers how cousins Sam and Travis Zimmerman brought a family story to life in "How the Birds Got Their Songs." Plus, how some Minnesota Indigenous leaders and educators are bracing for federal cuts to Tribal Colleges and Universities.By Minnesota Native News

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274: The Cable Cowboy Who Went from Broke to Broadband 🤠 | Terry Koosed of Bel Air Internet 2:16:14

4M ago2:16:14

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Terry Koosed is the Founder of Bel Air Internet, a Los Angeles based Internet Service Provider, and a leading authority on successful entrepreneurship. He has founded and successfully run seven companies in the high-tech industry during the past 40 years, sometimes concurrently, and is what some would call, a serial entrepreneur. Listen to Part II,…

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Two Spirit Relatives Honored in Minneapolis, While Potential Medicaid Cuts Loom 5:00

4M ago5:00

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The 4th Annual Two Spirit Pow Wow in Minneapolis welcomes and celebrates all relatives. Meanwhile, proposed federal Medicaid cuts are heading to the Senate, raising concerns for community health.By Minnesota Native News

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Celebrating Indigenous Graduates and Preventing Invasive Species in Tribal Nations 5:00

5M ago5:00

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This week on Minnesota Native News, a look at how Indigenous educators are celebrating Native graduates, plus, how invasive species are impacting tribal waterways.By Minnesota Native News

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Tribal Energy Evolution Summit Comes to St. Paul, MN Tribal Nations Call for Unity 5:00

5M ago5:00

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This week on Minnesota Native News, the third annual Tribal Energy Evolution Summit brings over 70 Indigenous nations to St. Paul, and leaders from 11 Minnesota tribes call for unity and action following recent neighborhood violence impacting the Little Earth community.By Minnesota Native News

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273: Publishing to EdTech: The Unlikely Road to Evolution Labs with Founder Peter Kraft 1:26:53

5M ago1:26:53

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Peter Kraft is the Founder and President of Evolution Labs. Prior to founding Evolution Labs, Kraft was instrumental in forming and re-envisioning two educational software companies that led the industry in recruitment, enrollment and retention of college students. He co-founded GoalQuest in 2000 and served as its CEO until 2007 when he spearheaded…

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MMIW Awareness Day is May 5th, and Pow Wow Season Guidance for Visitors 5:00

5M ago5:00

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May 5th is MMIW Awareness Day — a day to honor Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people, with events statewide. Plus, pow wow season kicks off in Spring, and pow wow planners provide guidance, especially for those new to attending these events.By Minnesota Native News

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New Native Theatre's 15th Year & REAL ID 5:00

6M ago5:00

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This week, how REAL ID requirements impact Indigenous people, especially Two-Spirit individuals. Also, New Native Theatre's latest play runs April 16-May 4.By Minnesota Native News

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Ziigwan Biidaajimowin (Spring News): NACC Issues Call for Artists and Little Earth Kicks Off American Indian Month with a Parade 5:00

6M ago5:00

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This week, Minneapolis's Native American Community Clinic (NACC) seeks artists to commission pieces for their new building. Plus, nearby, the Little Earth of United Tribes housing community will kick off May's American Indian Month with a celebration organized in part by the Minneapolis Public Schools American Indian Youth Council, Ogichida Oyate.…

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Indian Child Welfare Law Challenged at MN Supreme Court and Native Nations Impacted by Proposed SAVE Act 5:00

6M ago5:00

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This week, the Minnesota Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could reshape child custody laws for Native American children. At the heart of the case is a challenge to the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, or MIFPA. Plus, a proposed bill in Congress is raising concerns about voting among Native communities across the country. The Sa…

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The Sugarbush Tradition Continues in Minnesota’s Urban Areas, and Khayman Goodsky’s New Film 5:00

6M ago5:00

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This week on Minnesota Native News, a look at Indigenous Minnesotans continuing the sugarbush tradition in urban areas, and a conversation with Khayman Goodsky, director of the Minnesota-produced film, When Thunderbird Dances.By Minnesota Native News

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272: From Selling Phones Out of a Van to Leading a 9-Figure Empire | Brett Beveridge of T-ROC 1:13:10

7M ago1:13:10

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Brett Beveridge is the President of The Revenue Optimization Companies. Brett is an entrepreneurial, results-driven executive with over 20 years of experience and success in the wireless and technology industries. He has hands-on success in start-ups, profit turnarounds, mergers and acquisitions, IPOs and fundraising and is the driving force behind…

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Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge Faces Staffing Cuts; Headlines Affecting Indigenous Minnesotans 5:00

7M ago5:00

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This week on Minnesota Native News, we cover the recent staff terminations at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, and headlines affecting Indigenous communities in Minnesota.By Minnesota Native News

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Great Lakes Indigenous Farming Conference & the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Child Tax Credit 5:00

7M ago5:00

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This week on Minnesota Native News, we cover the 22nd Great Lakes Indigenous Farming Conference in Cohasset, Minnesota. Also, timely information about the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Child Tax Credit. Producer: Deanna StandingCloud Voicing: Emma Needham Host: Marie RockBy Minnesota Native News

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Leonard Peltier’s Homecoming 5:00

7M ago5:00

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This week on Minnesota Native News, the recent homecoming celebration for recently released AIM activist Leonard Peltier. We also cover state-wide and federal headlines affecting Indigenous nations. Scripting: Deanna StandingCloud, Reporting & Voicing: Emma Needham, Voicing & editing: Britt Aamodt, and Host: Marie Rock…

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Indigenous state-wide climate justice 5:00

8M ago5:00

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This week, Minnesota’s first copper-nickel mine faces delays as legal rulings hold up permits, and a local Indigenous-led coalition’s push for climate justice at the state legislature. Producers: Vincent Moniz, Deanna StandingCloudBy Minnesota Native News

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The Big Auntie Energy Comedy Show Does Valentine’s Day, and Iktomi Tattoo Hosts Arts Festival 5:01

8M ago5:01

5:01

The Minnesota comedy duo Big Auntie Energy prepares a special Valentine’s Day event. Plus, a new Indigenous-owned tattoo shop launches a community art and tattoo festival. Producers: Travis Zimmerman, Deanna StandingCloud Editing help from Chandra Colvin Host: Marie RockBy Minnesota Native News

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271: How to Breathe Life into a Business... Dr. Dan Cohen of Breathe Right Strips 55:39

8M ago55:39

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Dr. Dan Cohen is the former Chairman of CNS, Incorporated. Dr. Cohen was the driving force behind the meteoric rise of Breathe Right nasal strips, acquiring the rights to manufacture and sell the product for the medical equipment company he founded in 1982. In 2006, GlaxoSmithKline acquired CNS, including its Breathe Right nasal strips and FiberCho…

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The Native Community Approaches Mental Health in Innovative Ways, and February MMIWR Actions and Events 5:01

8M ago5:01

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New mental health care treatments are now available for the Native community to help individuals heal from traumatic events impacting their lives. Plus, the Indigenous community takes action for missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives in February. Producers: Deanna StandingCloud, Emma Needham Host: Marie Rock Executive Producer: Emma Ne…

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Leonard Peltier Granted Clemency, Native Governance Center Under New Leadership 5:00

9M ago5:00

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This week, former President Biden granted Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier clemency, and there's new leadership at the Native Governance Center in Minneapolis. Producers: CJ Younger, Emma Needham, Travis Zimmerman Host: Marie Rock Executive Producer: Emma NeedhamBy Minnesota Native News

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Minneapolis Native Community’s Legacy of Protectors and Tribal-State Cannabis Compacts Underway 5:01

9M ago5:01

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Tension with Minneapolis police drove the Native community to form safety patrols. Now, with a federal investigation, the Minneapolis police department faces additional oversight. Plus, tribal – state cannabis compact negotiations are underway in Minnesota. Producers: Deanna StandingCloud, CJ Younger Host: Marie Rock Executive Producer: Emma Needha…

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Mashkiki in Classrooms & College Bound Native Students 5:00

9M ago5:00

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This week, how an organization is advancing Indigenous cultural education across the state, plus: college application deadlines are right around the corner! Hear experiences and information from the Native American College Fair. Producers: Chandra Colvin, Joely Kelzer Host: Marie Rock Executive Producer: Emma Needham…

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Revisiting Anangong Miigaading - “Star Wars: A New Hope” Released in the Ojibwe Language 5:01

9M ago5:01

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This week, we revisit how the box-office hit, Star Wars: A New Hope, returns to the big screen in one of Minnesota’s Indigenous languages. Producer: Deanna StandingCloud Host: Marie Rock Executive Producer: Emma NeedhamBy Minnesota Native News

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270: Once Again, the Return of the Non-Food Franchise King: Jon Ostenson of Franbridge Consulting 59:52

9M ago59:52

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Jon Ostenson is the Founder of FranBridge Consulting. Jon is a top 1% Franchise Consultant in the US, and frequent contributor on franchising across a variety of outlets and publications. Jon is a multi-brand franchisee himself, and along with his business partners, he has great operators leading these ventures. As a result, he is able to commit ov…

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AIM Leader Frank Paro Passes On & Minneapolis “Sioux Chef” Earns Pathfinder Award 5:01

10M ago5:01

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This week on Minnesota Native News: AIM co-director, Lisa Bellanger, speaks about the legacy of respected AIM leader Frank Paro, who passed on earlier this month; and the Sioux Chef Sean Sherman tells MN Native News about his work after earning a Pathfinder Award this month.By Minnesota Native News

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Revisiting the Winter Art Market 5:01

10M ago5:01

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This week on Minnesota Native News, we revisit the Winter Artist Market Collaboration between the Native American Community Development Institute’s All My Relations Arts Gallery and the Four Sisters Farmers Market, with details on the upcoming Niimiwin Artist Market at the Minneapolis American Indian Center.…

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License Plate Recognizes Missing Indigenous Relatives and Winter Storytelling Season Begins 5:01

10M ago5:01

5:01

This week on Minnesota Native News: how a new license plate helps Minnesota drivers support the families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives; Native people across Minnesota welcome the winter season through cultural and spiritual storytelling. Photo: Senator Mary Kunesh holds the MN MMIR license plate she helped design and pass legislation…

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269: Blowing Minds with Carey Smith: The Big Ass Fans Story! 🫏... 1:12:04

10M ago1:12:04

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Carey Smith founded Big Ass Fans in 1999 and served as its Chief Big Ass until the company's sale in 2017. Under his guidance, Big Ass Fans grew an average of 30% a year, with offices across the globe. It made the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies 11 consecutive years — a feat achieved by only 34 others — and expanded from industr…

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Minnesota filmmakers bring author Tashia Hart’s 'Native Love Jams' to Life 5:01

11M ago5:01

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An upcoming film production in northern Minnesota plans to bring together a talented team of Indigenous storytellers, actors, and crew. Producers say the film will portray Indigenous culture, life, and romance. Photo: From left to right, Tashia Hart, John Williams, and Elizabeth Day take a photo together with the screenplay of Native Love Jams. Cou…

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Celebrating Strength and Spirit: Upcoming Events for 2024 Native American Heritage Month 5:02

11M ago5:02

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Events are scheduled all over Minnesota in honor of Native American Heritage Month. This week, Minnesota Native News highlights three events planned during November. Photo: Grand Entry at Minnesota Pow Wow. Courtesy of Joel Glaser, AMPERS.By Minnesota Native News

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268: Manufacturing Shutters & Company Culture | 🪟 Rick Skidmore of Timberlane Inc. 1:06:53

12M ago1:06:53

1:06:53

Rick Skidmore is the Founder and CEO at Timberlane, Inc. Having been born an entrepreneur, it should have been clear early on that despite considerable success in the insurance and investment industry, Rick's future was outside the traditional career path. Rick founded his current company, Timberlane Inc., in 1995, based on a passion and a gaping n…

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Tradition and Taste: Teaching Minnesotans the Importance of Wild Rice 5:01

12M ago5:01

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Manoomin, also known as wild rice, holds immense cultural significance for Native Americans in Minnesota and the surrounding region. Chandra Colvin takes us to a festival that teaches people about the history and the different ways manoomin is harvested and prepared.By Minnesota Native News

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Remembering and Reconciling the Pain of Indian Boarding Schools 5:01

12M ago5:01

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Indian boarding schools left a devastating impact that is still felt today. We are just starting to get a true sense of just how damaging they were. Deanna StandingCloud shows us what some in Minnesota are doing to remember and reconcile that incredibly tragic part of our state’s history. Photo credit: Minnesota Historical Society…

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Celebrating Native Art and Culture this Fall 5:01

1y ago5:01

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This week, we’ll learn about a podcast exploring books and other K-12 teaching resources on the Native American experience, an emerging embroidery artist, and an upcoming theatre production. Image: "Butterfly Girl.” Embroidery piece by artist Loriene Pearson.By Minnesota Native News

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Honoring the Land: New Amphitheater Celebrates Indigenous Heritage at Sherburne Wildlife Refuge 5:00

1y ago5:00

5:00

A national nature refuge in Minnesota celebrates the opening of a new amphitheater that honors the site’s Indigenous historyBy Minnesota Native News

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Native Food Trucks are a Family Affair 5:01

1y ago5:01

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Native food trucks are becoming more popular to start family-owned and operated businesses. Image: Anne O’Keefe and Frankie Jackson’s Food Truck “Wanna Wotapi.” Courtesy of Travis ZimmermanBy Minnesota Native News

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267: Powering Innovation: Jim Kalb's Journey with OptiFuse & the Future of Fuses!⚡ 1:25:19

1y ago1:25:19

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Jim Kalb is currently the President of OptiFuse, an innovative high-growth manufacturer of power protection components distributed by high-quality select wholesalers throughout the world. OptiFuse has been listed on the Inc. 5000 for the last 5 years, as well as being named as one of Forbe's magazines "25 Best Small Companies" in 2017. This Episode…