‘Cover Stories’ Archives
Commentary On ”˜Reframing Minnesota,”' Paint the real stories
BY LAURA WATERMAN WITTSTOCK My writer”'s instinct reacted to the metaphor, “reframing Minnesota,” as a failure to see the content within the frame. So I decided to follow that, by beginning with a hard look at the large painting that sat in the Minnesota governor”'s reception area. It is the source of controversy about whether the painting should remain in the state Capitol, once the extensive renovations underway now are completed. It is seven feet four inches by ten feet ten inches wide. In this painting, government officials are on a raised platform and Native people are sitting submissively on the ground. It is a grand view of the signing of the Treaty of Traverse des Sioux (1851), and of the painting, the Minnesota Historical Society describes the Native people as being dressed in “barbarian finery.” In another painting of the same size we see Father Hennepin depicted standing with a great gesture while seemingly submissive Native people sit [...]
Red Lake Nation will build affordable housing on Ambles site next to AIOIC, Cedar Box Co. and Franklin LRT Station
Sam Strong, RedLake Economic Development Director BY RED LAKE NATION NEWSPAPER Courtesy of Red Lake Nation Newspaper and website The Red Lake Nation has bought an old warehouse property in Minneapolis, and announced plans this week to turn it into an affordable housing complex. According to Red Lake Economic Developmenat Director Sam Strong, it”'s the tribe”'s first attempt to provide affordable housing to members who live outside the northern Minnesota reservation. “It”'s really more than just a housing development,” Strong said. “It”'s a fully inclusive development that allows us to serve all of our band members in Minneapolis.” The design process is still in its preliminary stages, but Strong said the tribe plans to build a clinic and social services hub for tribe members on the main floor of the former Amble”'s Hardware building. (more…)
Remembering MaMa
BY JANET GILLESPIE My mother would have been embarrassed by this attention, but I know she would have also been very honored”¦it feels like just yesterday that I was reflecting on my dad”'s life”¦now, all too soon, I celebrate my mom”'s life. It was no accident or stroke of good luck when God moved the Adam family across the street from my parents in 2005. They began helping and supporting my parents and me from day one. They visited, mowed lawns, shoveled walks, brought meals and adopted my parents (and me) into their family. As my parent”'s needs grew, so did the helpfulness and support from Thor, Mary and their children. I don”'t really have words to tell you, Thor and Mary, how your coming along side me in the last 3 1/2 weeks of mom”'s life lifted me up. I knew all I had to do was call and you would come, which you did 3 times in one day on the last day of her life. Mary, your help, advice and guidance with medications, your [...]
