Melissa Olson

1 week ago | sahanjournal.com | Melissa Olson |Alberto Gomez

This story comes to you from MPR News through a partnership with Sahan Journal. This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center. There’s been increased attention in recent years to the parcels of land used to create and fund the University of Minnesota. The U.S. government gave the land to the state in the mid-1800s after taking it from tribal nations through treaties often signed under the threat of violence.

Dec 12, 2024 | sahanjournal.com | Melissa Olson

This story comes to you from MPR News through a partnership with Sahan Journal. For the past several days, members of Frank Paro’s family, his friends and members of the community gathered at Pow Wow Grounds — a coffee shop and community gathering place — to mourn and to remember him.  Community members lit a fire in honor of Paro outside the coffee shop and shared their stories of him, a tradition in many Ojibwe families and communities.

Oct 3, 2024 | sahanjournal.com | Melissa Olson |Alberto Gomez

This story comes to you from MPR News through a partnership with Sahan Journal. The Harris-Walz campaign kicked off a nationwide effort to earn the votes of Native Americans. Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan spoke Wednesday at the launch of “Native Americans for Harris-Walz,” a new effort by the campaign to reach out to Native American voters. The midday event was held at the Mystic Lake Event Center, a complex owned by the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community.

Aug 22, 2024 | sahanjournal.com | Melissa Olson |Alberto Gomez

This story comes to you from MPR News through a partnership with Sahan Journal. Two weeks have passed since presidential nominee Kamala Harris, the current vice president, chose Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate. Leading up to the pick, elected tribal leaders across Minnesota voiced their support of Walz as choice for VP in a letter to the Harris campaign. Leadership from all 11 tribal nations in the state signed the letter of support, citing Walz’s commitment to tribal-state relations.

Jul 19, 2024 | sahanjournal.com | Melissa Olson |Alberto Gomez

This story comes to you from MPR News through a partnership with Sahan Journal. The Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe celebrated the transfer of more than 11,000 acres to the tribe this week. Federal officials at the celebration acknowledged they represent the nation who took the land away and who have now helped enable the return.