Indigenized Connections On Air

Indigenized Connections On Air was a podcast from University of Minnesota Extension's leadership and civic engagement team and its Minnesota Indigenous Leadership Network. The podcast series explored issues that impact tribal communities and leadership throughout Minnesota. The episodes featured research from University of Minnesota and Extension professionals, along with inspiring stories from local communities, community leaders and organizations.

Ten episodes of Indigenized Connections on Air were produced from June 2020 to August 2021. In 2024, the Extension Center for Community Vitality became the Extension Center for Community Development. Podcast host Jason Schlender is a former Extension educator. Guests may have also changed positions and/or organizations, and views and research may have been updated. 

The Extension Department of Community Development was grateful to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for funding that made this work possible.

Episodes

Indigenized Connections On Air Podcast, Episode 10: Boarding Schools and American Indian Education

(2021-08-17) Schlender, Jason; Child, Brenda

Join us for a conversation about the legacy of the Boarding School Era and its impact on tribal land dispossession, and long-standing influence on American Indian education.

Indigenized Connections On Air Podcast, Episode 9: MIIN: Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network

(2021-07-02) Schlender, Jason; Burnette, Dustin

Join us for a conversation with Dustin Burnette as he shares the story of his leadership journey and his efforts in creating an indigenous immersion network that will provide curricula, training, resources, essential support to tribes in the Great Lakes region and many more topics on the latest episode of Indigenized Connections On Air.

Indigenized Connections On Air Podcast, Episode 8: Indigepreneurship and the Kwepack

(2021-06-09) Schlender, Jason; Agaton Howes, Sara

Join us for a conversation with Sarah Agaton Howes as she shares stories about resilience, heartache, and perseverance, and how it influenced her life journey. Sarah shares her strategies to fuel indigenous entrepreneurship, and many more topics on the latest episode of Indigenized Connections On Air.

Indigenized Connections On Air Podcast, Episode 7: Leadership in a Crisis: Resiliency Part 4

(2021-04-06) Schlender, Jason; Treuer, Anton

Join us for a conversation with Dr. Anton Treuer as he shares stories about resilience and how it influenced his leadership journey, his relationship with tribal elders, his take on overall wellness, and his COVID-19 response. Anton shares the latest strategies on Indigenous language revitalization initiatives and many more topics on the latest episode of Indigenized Connections On Air.

Indigenized Connections On Air Podcast, Episode 5: Leadership in a Crisis: Resiliency Part 2

(2020-11-11) Schlender, Jason; Nayquonabe Jr., Joe

Join us for a conversation with Joe Nayquonabe, Jr., CEO and Chair of the board of directors of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, about his stories of resiliency which influenced his leadership journey, his take on the COVID-19 pandemic, and more topics on this episode of Indigenized Connections On Air.

Indigenized Connections On Air Podcast, Episode 4: Leadership in a Crisis: Navigating Change Part 3

(2020-09-09) Schlender, Jason; Drost, Beth

Join us for a conversation with Grand Portage Band of Chippewa Chairwoman Beth Drost. Chairwoman Drost talks about the impact of COVID-19 on her tribal community, and she shares her passion for serving her community which inspired her own leadership journey, and many more topics on this episode of Indigenized Connections On Air.

Indigenized Connections On Air Podcast, Episode 3: Leadership in a Crisis: Navigating Change Part 2

(2020-07-20) Schlender, Jason; Larsen, Robert

Join us for a conversation with Lower Sioux Indian Community President Robert Larsen. President talks about the impact of COVID-19 on his tribal community, the Minnesota Indian Affairs Council, the legacy of leadership in his family, and many more topics in this episode of Indigenized Connections On Air.

Indigenized Connections On Air Podcast, Episode 2: Leadership in a Crisis: Navigating Change Part 1

(2020-06-24) Schlender, Jason; Olson Jr., Dennis

Join us for Jason Schlender's conversation with Dennis Olson, Jr. as he takes us through a journey filled with inspiration and admiration for his parents and many mentors that guided his journey. His story showcases a strong display of leadership, his desire for servant leadership, and the need for resources to bolster education with tribes and the state of Minnesota

Indigenized Connections On Air Podcast, Episode 1: Leadership in a Crisis: Resiliency Part 1

(2020-06-08) Schlender, Jason; Harrington Jr., Bradley; Nazhikeawaasang

In our inaugural episode, we focus on the leadership journey and resiliency of tribal leaders as well as discuss how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their daily lives and tribal communities. Join us for a conversation with Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Tribal Liaison, Bradley Harrington, Jr. (Nazhike-awaasang) as he takes us through his journey filled with obstacles, trauma, and sorrow. Follow us as he showcases the resiliency in his life that brought him hope and motivation to live a better life and to be an asset to his tribal community.