In this episode, we speak with Mary and Colette, two dynamic voices from the Minneapolis American Indian Center. As leaders in the community, they shed light on their roles in spearheading the center’s initiatives, particularly as they gear up for the grand re-opening celebrations starting May 1st. 

 

Mary and Colette delve into the pressing health disparities faced by Indigenous communities and how the center’s Fitness and Nutrition program has evolved to face these challenges head-on. They emphasize the crucial role of culture in designing and implementing fitness and nutrition programs, highlighting the importance of art, youth, elders, and intergenerational programming in promoting healthy lifestyles. 

 

Looking ahead, they share their long-term goals of fostering holistic wellness and building strong partnerships and collaborations to amplify their impact on the local Indian Country’s health and wellness landscape.

Mary LaGarde

Mary LaGarde, Executive Director of the Minneapolis American Indian Center, was selected to lead the organization in June 2013.  Ms. LaGarde has over 30 years of nonprofit experience in program services, including management and development. In 1994, Ms. LaGarde established a therapeutic preschool for American Indian children at the Little Earth of United Tribes Housing Development in Minneapolis, in 1999 managed the opening of the Little Earth Neighborhood Early Learning Center, and since then has developed numerous programs for the American Indian community in Minneapolis.  In 2008 Ms. LaGarde received the DreamMaker Award from the Ann Bancroft Foundation, in 2014 was honored at the University of Minnesota’s American Indian Student Cultural Center’s Honoring American Indian Women Luncheon, and named a 2016 Local Public Health Hero by the City of Minneapolis’ Health Department.  She received her B.A. in Sociology/American Racial and Multicultural Studies from St. Olaf College (Northfield, MN), and is a member of the White Earth Nation.  

Colette Lawrence

 

Colette Lawrence is a seasoned public health advocate with a rich background in serving Indigenous communities. With over 7 and a half years of experience at the Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC), she has demonstrated her commitment to community health through various roles, including directing the FAN Program. Colette’s passion for empowering Native American elders led her to partner with institutions like the University of Minnesota Extension and Blue Cross Blue Shield Prevention Center to implement evidence- based cooking demonstrations and nutrition education programs. She is also recognized for her pivotal role in organizing critical COVID vaccine clinics, further solidifying her dedication to improve the health and well-being of the American Indian’s in Minnesota.

Welcome back to Community Health Conversations, a special program from Minnesota Native News! Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Dr. Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) lead insightful discussions about the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare in Indian Country. They discuss the valuable lessons learned during the COVID-19 pandemic and explore how Native communities are responding and adapting beyond COVID-19.

https://www.maicnet.org/