"The way forward for these young people is to go back -- back to the rich, life-sustaining Ojibwe culture from which they have been torn. Salvation for these young people means connecting with elders who care. Elders who will teach them about wild rice and show them how to skin a whitetail. Elders who will tell them the old Ojibwe stories and teach them the Ojibwe ceremonies. Elders who will teach them how to shoot and fish and make moccasins and snowshoes. Elders who will educate them in the use of native plants and medicines. Most important, elders who will reconnect them with Ojibwe spirituality, who will give them an Ojibwe soul."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Leech Lake/To go forward, go back (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 5/2)
pwlat

Full Series:
The lost youth of Leech Lake | Slide Shows | Discussion Forum | About this series | Editor's Note

Related Stories:
Beacons of hope for youth of Leech Lake Reservation (4/27)
Paper examines 'lost youth' of Leech Lake reservation (4/26)