On Wednesday, November 6, 2024, we had the privilege of gathering online to learn from Allison Waukau (Menominee/Navajo) Tribal Liaison and Native Relations Coordinator at the Metropolitan Council. Allison is also the host of Books are Good Medicine, a podcast exploring books and other K-12 teaching resources on the Native American experience.
We invite you to view the recorded presentation and conversation and explore the excellent resources provided by Allison below. Allison’s presentation includes key Native American topics, including land acknowledgments, cultural appropriation, and the impact of stereotypes and microaggressions. She shares personal experiences as a Native person, teaches a few Ojibwe words, and provides resources on Indigenous foods and environmental values. The presentation also offers insights into Native teachings and values, with an emphasis on allyship practices, helping participants to connect and learn in a meaningful way.
Native American Resources for Learning and Allyship
- American Indians in Children’s Literature (AICL)
- Heartdrum
- Bdote Memory Map, MN Humanities Center
- Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing
- Wisconsin First Nations Education
- NDN Girls Book Club
- National Indian Education Association
- National Museum of American Indian
- Great Lakes Indian Fish & Wildlife Commission (GLIFWC)
- Minnesota Indian Education Association
- Eaglecrest Books
- Julie Flett
- Birchbark Books & Native Arts
- Woodland Pattern Book Center
- Indigenous Reads Rising
- American Indian Youth Literature Award
- Hennepin County Library
- Understand Native Minnesota
- Illuminative
Social Media
Podcasts | The following podcasts are around Indigenous topics and issues from across Minnesota, Wisconsin, the United States, and Canada.
- Books are Good Medicine **hosted by Allison Waukau!!
- All My Relations
- Media Indigena
- Native America Calling
- This Land
- Toasted Sister: Radio about Native American Food
- MN – Haha Wakpadan
News and Media Sources | The following links are to media resources, television, and radio that covers news and entertainment for and about American Indian nations and tribal communities across Minnesota, Wisconsin, the United States, and Canada.
- High Country News
- The Circle News
- Indian Country Today
- MPR: Native News
- MN Native News Podcast
- National Native News
- Native Americans – AP News
- Native Americans – The New York Times
- Native News Online
- Native Report
- Native Roots Radio
- Native America Calling
- PBS TPT Resources
- Travel Wisconsin (Native Culture)
- Vision Maker Media: Native Stories for Public Broadcasting
- WOJB Radio
Twin Cities Native Organizations & Businesses:
- Minnesota Indian Women Resource Center
- American Indian Family Center
- Minneapolis American Indian Center (Gatherings Cafe)
- First Nations Development Institute
- Division of Indian Work
- Birchbark Bookstore
- Pow Wow Grounds Coffee Shop
- Takoda Institute/American Indian OIC
- Migizi/ Empowering Our Youth
- Native American Community Development Institute
- Native Governance Center
- National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition
- NDN Collective
- American Indian Community Development
- Indigenous Peoples Task Force
- MN Gaming Association
- MN Indian Affairs Council
Schools:
Minnesota Tribes:
- Boise Forte band of Chippewa
- Fond du Lac band of Superior Chippewa
- Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
- Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
- Lower Sioux Indian Community
- Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
- Prairie Island Indian Community
- Red Lake Band of Chippewa
- Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community
- Upper Sioux Community
- White Earth Nation
Presenter
Allison M. Waukau (Menominee/Navajo) currently resides in Minneapolis, MN, and has a strong background in Community Engagement. She currently serves as the Tribal Liaison and Native Relations Coordinator at the Metropolitan Council. Previously, Allison worked at Hennepin County Library as the American Indian Community Liaison—a role she also held at Roseville School District. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Humanities from Fort Lewis College. Allison is the Past President of the American Indian Library Association and was recognized as one of Library Journal’s 2021 Movers & Shakers. She also received the Rising Leader award at the Joint Conference of Librarians of Color. Allison co-hosts the podcast “Books are Good Medicine,” which aims to increase knowledge for educators and libraries about Native American books and materials. Her professional interests include exploring land acknowledgment practices, developing community-led initiatives, and amplifying the voices and perspectives of her Native community.
