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In partnership with KFAI’s MinneCulture and Migizi Communications, First Person Plural illuminates the Indigenous history of Minnesota using newly digitized radio archives of the nationally syndicated Native American radio program, First Person Radio. In this series, KFAI’s Dixie Treichel and Britta Greene complimented this historic audio with modern interviews, sharing stories about boxing, film, FBI harassment and more. Listen below.
The Native Boxing Gyms of 1970s Minneapolis
In Minneapolis in the 1970s Native American youth boxing was at its peak. Experienced boxers committed their time and energy to start gyms and coach the youth. In the turmoil of the urban environment, boxing was a way for Native American boys to step into the ring, stay out of trouble and gain self confidence. KFAI’s Dixie Treichel reports.
Self-Determination and Other Teachings of the Red School House
In the early 1970’s, Native American youth experienced high drop out rates and discrimination in the Twin Cities public schools. This lead to the creation of an alternative accredited school named The Red School House. KFAI’s Dixie Treichel filed this report.
The G-Men Cometh: When the FBI Targeted Nuns, AIMsters, Cab Drivers & More
In the 1970s, throughout the Twin Cities and beyond, the FBI infiltrated activist organizations and disrupted these groups using the grand jury system. The Minnesota Citizens Review Commission on the FBI listened to testimonies from a variety of communities who were being harassed and intimidated by the FBI. The Review Commission’s goal was to educate and inform citizens about the FBI’s tactics and explore what could be done if targeted. KFAI’s Dixie Treichel has more.
Harold of Orange: Gerald Vizenor’s Silver Screen Trickster
Writer and scholar Gerald Vizenor, of the White Earth Nation, wrote the screenplay for the film Harold of Orange in 1983 while teaching at the University of Minnesota. It’s a playful film about a modern day trickster played by Native American actor/comedian Charlie Hill (Oneida). Set in Minnesota and filled with comedy and irony, the film explores the interaction between Native Americans and philanthropic foundations. It premiered in Minneapolis in 1984 at the Uptown Theater. KFAI’s Dixie Treichel has the story.
No Roles with Horses: Charlie Hill, The Big Break for Native Comedy
Charlie Hill was the first Native American stand-up comic to appear on a late night talk show. Richard Pryor first hosted Hill on his show in 1977, David Letterman and Jay Leno would go on to do the same later in Hill’s career. Beyond stand-up comedy, Hill broke into to movie business as an actor, refusing to be typecasted. Hear more about Hill’s Legacy in this story by Britta Greene.
AIM Through the Lens of Dick Bancroft
In this edition of First Person Plural, we hear the story of Richard “Dick” Bancroft, who used his passion for social justice to become a documentary photographer for the American Indian Movement (AIM). Bancroft began working with AIM in the Twin Cities in the 1970s and travelled the world, covering many of the movement’s political, spiritual and cultural activities for more than 40 years. This story was produced by Dixie Treichel.
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This work is funded in part by the Minnesota Humanities Center with money from the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008.”