National | Red Lake

Column: Red Lake combats negative perception

Tuesday, April 3, 2007

"The discovery on Sunday of the bodies of two little boys -- 4-year-old Tristan White and his 2-year-old brother Avery Stately -- two years after the horrific shootings at Red Lake High School means that we in the media again are trying to report about Red Lake.

Red Lake Band member Tom Barrett, who with his wife, Karen, chose to leave the Twin Cities 15 years ago and raise their family on the reservation, understands the media's job. Still, he often doesn't recognize his home when he sees our reports.

"There was one story I saw, after the little boys were found, where the reporter was talking about how the mother had held on to hope in a place where there is none," said Barrett.

"I thought that was taking it a little too far. When you see stories about Red Lake you'd think we all must walk around with dark clouds over our heads."

The Barretts have known tragedy. Their oldest son, Robert, drowned a few years ago when his boat capsized. Two of his nephews were killed in shootings. Another relative was indicted in a killing.

"Hard and tragic as that all sounds, this is where we live," Barrett said."

Get the Story:
Doug Grow: Tragedy isn't only thing Red Lake has to offer (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 4/3)
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Relevant Links:
Red Lake Net News - http://www.rlnn.com
Red Lake Nation - http://www.redlakenation.org