News Items

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe was one of two Tribes to receive a Tribal Broadband Connectivity Program grant from the U.S. Dept. of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration, to bring high-speed internet to more than 4,300 homes on the Leech Lake Reservation. Read more here

PBS’s Crafts in America focuses on the ways woodcrafts enrich and support the economy and social fabric of Grand Marais, and keep wealth in the community. Catch it December 16 on your local PBS station. “The new roles Hedstrom Lumber plays in this community include providing economic diversity to the area to counterbalance the strong …

Business North takes a deep look into the past, present and future of broadband access on the Iron Range. It took lots of hard work from leaders across geographies and sectors to bring home the benefits of broadband. “Fast, reliable broadband is tied to every facet of community life and is vital for rural places …

As part of Round 1 Rural Leadership Boost Grant awards, ReVive Virginia will “create a series of events as a means to restore community cohesion negatively affected by the pandemic and promote a sense of community for those who may feel disconnected by working remotely or those who chose to leave the workplace.” Read the …

Culturally-appropriate mental health care is vital to the continued healing and growth of Minnesota’s Native people. Yet there’s a gaping shortage of Native American psychologists — to the tune of 200 to 300 in the entire country. With population numbers of over several million, more mental health practitioners area needed. This article explores the issue …

Deer River Schools was featured as a successful example of a Full Services Community School in this Brookings article. A few years ago, we lifted up the work of local leaders to create a community hub within their school to support the whole student, above and beyond their academic needs. Read the blog here.

St. Peter leaders are finding ways to connect across differences to create community. In an effort that started during the community’s time in the Blandin leadership program, Leaders in Ethnically Diverse Communities, local champions have kept up the momentum, creating a nonprofit (St. Peter Good Neighbor Diversity Council) dedicated to creating a “caring, supportive, and …