Radio station to apologize for offensive remarks

A popular Twin Cities radio station will apologize for offending Native Americans in Minnesota.

KQRS agreed to air apologies from the hosts of its morning program. Tom Barnard and Terri Traen blamed a high rate of suicides on "incest" within the Red Lake Nation and criticized the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community for its wealth.

"These were irresponsible comments that are way out of bounds and intolerable," Red Lake Chairman Floyd Jourdain said, according to Minnesota Public Radio.

Tribal and Indian leaders met with KQRS on Monday for over an hour. In addition to airing the apologies, the station will hire Indian interns, invite tribal representatives on the morning show and air public service announcements about suicide.

'I think it's just the beginning. There's a lot of sensitivity, a lot of education that needs to take place," said Clyde Bellecourt of the American Indian Movement.

Get the Story:
KQRS to apologize for Red Lake remarks (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 10/30)
pwlat
Indian leaders win concessions from KQRS (Minnesota Public Radio 10/29)

Relevant Links:
KQRS - http://www.92kqrs.com
Red Lake Net News - http://www.rlnn.com

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