Ep. 5. Sage in the City- Drug Abuse & Community Safety

Ep. 5. Sage in the City- Drug Abuse & Community Safety

Episode 5 Summary: “Drug Abuse & Community Safety” In this episode of Sage in the City, Bear and Savannah take on one of the most urgent crises facing South Minneapolis: substance abuse and community safety. They break down the rise of fentanyl, overdose statistics impacting Native communities, and the visible harm affecting elders, youth, and families. The episode explores the deeper roots of addiction, including generational trauma, colonization, poverty, mental health, and environmental factors, while also explaining how addiction physically rewires the brain. Most importantly, the conversation highlights hope—recovery, harm reduction, outreach, cultural reconnection, and Indigenous-led community safety efforts. Guests […]

Ep 4 Sage in the City- Two Spirit

Episode 4 breaks down the history, roles, and resilience of Two-Spirit relatives — and why reclaiming these teachings matters today.

Ep 3 Sage in the City- Missing Murdered Indigenous Relatives

In this episode of Sage in the City, Bear and Savannah dive into the epidemic of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR). They trace the roots of violence back to colonization, sharing the true story of Pocahontas and the genocide of the Lucayan Taino people as early examples of exploitation and erasure. The hosts unpack how domestic violence, human trafficking, and systemic failures continue to put Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirit relatives at disproportionate risk today. Drawing on statistics, lived experiences, and stories close to home—like the case of Allison Lussier in Minneapolis—the episode emphasizes both the deep grief and the ongoing movement for accountability and healing. Special guest Jana joins to share personal reflections and the urgent demand for justice. The message is clear: our women are sacred, our relatives matter, and silence is not an option. Episode 3 Outline Introductions – Bear and Savannah welcome listeners. What is MMIR? – Defining the epidemic, from murder to trafficking and domestic abuse. Colonial Roots of Violence – The true story of Pocahontas; the genocide of the Lucayan Taino people. Why Women Matter – The sacred role of women in Indigenous societies. Domestic Violence – Statistics, generational trauma, systemic barriers, and hotline resources. Human Trafficking – Historical roots, present-day exploitation, and local realities in Minnesota. Murder and Missing Cases – Statistics nationwide and in Minnesota, including Allison Lussier’s case. Government & Tribal Responses – Savannah’s Act, Not Invisible Act, and Minnesota’s Gaagige-Mikwendaagoziwag program. Community Action – Annual MMIR marches, awareness campaigns, and grassroots organizing. Guest Interview – Jana shares about Allison Lussier, systemic failures, and the fight for justice. Conclusion – A call to keep talking, keep fighting, and keep protecting our sacred relatives.

Sage in the City- Episode 2 "The Timeline to the Cities"

From treaties and boarding schools to the birth of AIM, Episode 2 uncovers the timeline that brought our people to the cities.

Ep 1 Sage in the City- Welcome to the South Side

[https://kfai.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Untitled-2-2.png]Title: Welcome to the Southside 1. Introductions – Bear and Savannah share who they are and what inspired Sage in the City. 2. Origins of the Podcast – Why the youth wanted to create a space for Indigenous stories and perspectives. 3. The 2020 Uprisings – George Floyd, community grief, riots, resilience, and the healing power of the jingle dress. 4. Little Earth & AIM Mobilizing – Protecting the southside during the unrest and connecting history to present-day action. 5. Leonard Peltier – Remembering AIM history and the Walk for Justice from Minneapolis to DC. 6. The Roof Depot Fight – Environmental justice, occupation, and the birth of IPM. 7. Homeless Encampments – Southside struggles, community care, and the saying “Never homeless before 1492.” 8. June 3rd, 2025 Raid – The immigrant and Indigenous response to heavy police and ICE presence. 9. Community Realities – Surveillance, incarceration, and resilience in Native Minneapolis. 10. Guest Conversation – Interview with Rachel Dionne-Thunder and Vincent Dionne about activism, community defense, and the future of IPM. 11. Closing – “Just like sage, we don’t just grow on the rez… you can always find Sage in the City.”