A Strong and Resilient People

A letter from District I Representative Sandi Blake

Boozhoo Gakina Awiiya,

Hello everyone, Sandi Blake here. I wanted to check in somehow and touch base with Band members to let you know that I am thinking about each and every one. These certainly are trying times we are living in, and it is important that we
take care of ourselves as well as each other.

Make sure to take care of yourself during these times by giving yourself a break from the work that you are doing. Fresh air is very good for you, so if you can, take a walk outside or just go out and sit and watch the birds and listen to them singing. Isn’t it comforting to know that even during times like these, life is still going on around us in nature? The loon family is back, as well as the robins, among many others. After the first thunder a couple of weeks ago, Omakakii woke up and started singing. My mom used to say when the frogs woke up, it was time to put the sugar camp away and get out the fishing stuff.

Anyway, make sure you take breaks regularly throughout your day in whatever you are doing. A lot of us are doing way more cooking and cleaning lately. I know I am. So make sure you give yourself a break and give yourself some peace and quiet. After all, we need to take care of ourselves so we can take care of our loved ones.

In these times, we are all together more closely sheltered at home. We can practice having better patience with each other and take breaks from being around each other when we need to. Also, we can practice being more kind to one another. Whatever your situation, hang in there. Franklin D Roosevelt once said, "When you get to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on."

Don’t forget, practice physical distancing when you are out and about in public. And remember to wear a mask. You can make these or you can use a bandanna or scarf. Don’t be shy! Some people say a mask won’t protect you, but others say it is better than nothing. A mask can protect you from breathing in droplets of COVID-19 that may be in the air after an infected person coughs when you are walking around Walmart or some other public place. And then, be mindful of what you are touching and don’t touch your face or rub your eyes. Wash your hands when you can or carry Clorox wipes in your car to wash your hands immediately when you get back into your car.

Take care everyone, and be safe. Check on Elders that they have everything they need or just to visit. There are numbers posted in the Inaajimowin for most places you would need to contact.

I also wanted to shout out a huge Miigwech to the Tribal Emergency Response Committee (TERC) for all of the work they have been putting in this past month ensuring our communities are safe and services are provided.

A huge Miigwech to all of the Band's essential employees who put themselves out there working so service is being continued.

I am very grateful that we have our Drum Society carrying our ceremonies so that our people will be watched over and taken care of.

We are a strong and resilient people here in Mille Lacs, and we will get through this together.

Mii iw.