PBS NORTH | DULUTH, MN PBS North & Legacy Funding Illuminate Native Language and Arts IMPACT STORY
PBS North’s program, Native Report , illuminates the voices of Indian Country and offers a trusted venue for tribal communities to share their stories. It is meant to educate but also meant to inspire and celebrate the language, arts, and culture of Native communities across the country and here in our region. In season 17 of Native Report , we highlight important work being done in our community to preserve Ojibwe language and showcase three unique artforms that honor culture, tradition, and the modern experience.
The segment, Ojibwe Language on the Trail , tells the story of a partnership between Cyclists of Gitchee Gumee Shores (COGGS) and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa that worked to install signage on city trails that incorporated the Ojibwe language. Ricky DeFoe, of the Fond Du Lac Museum, shared his thoughts on the importance of showcasing this work:
“Original means going back in time, at least in our consciousness. Being interviewed was like a pause in the rush to modernity. Recognizing the significance of things indigenous. Some folks commented positively on the symbology of putting Indigenous Land on signposts as a way of reclaiming and revitalizing land and language!”
Ricky DeFoe helping COGGS install signage incorporating the Ojibwe language
The story even inspired viewers in other communities to make a difference through updating signage. One viewer reached out to say that they planned to share the segment with their community members as insight into how to proceed with their own changes.
In the segment, Round Lake Traditions , Herb Fineday Jr. of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa shares his stunning applique designs, a craft which has its roots in Ojibwe culture. The segment had over 9000 views on Facebook alone and garnered 33 comments from inspired viewers…
“Miigwetch, You do good work and with tradish ways, Do our people proud ! Aho !”.
“Indian Country has so many untold stories that go unheard. Carrying these stories forward builds a better understanding of who we are as a Nation. The best part of being interviewed by Native Report is that we get to control the narrative! Native Report is a great platform for Indigenous people to be heard and seen.” –Herb Fineday Jr.
Herb Fineday Jr. teaching applique
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