{"id":3112,"date":"2020-10-15T13:20:15","date_gmt":"2020-10-15T18:20:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.indianz.com\/News\/?p=3112"},"modified":"2020-10-15T13:22:12","modified_gmt":"2020-10-15T18:22:12","slug":"red-lake-nation-puts-finishing-touches-on-new-community-center","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/indianz.com\/News\/2020\/10\/15\/red-lake-nation-puts-finishing-touches-on-new-community-center\/","title":{"rendered":"Red Lake Nation puts finishing touches on new community center"},"content":{"rendered":"\"redlakecommunitycenter\"\r\n
The entrance to the new Red Lake Community Center on the Red Lake Nation in Minnesota. Photo by Michael Meuers \/ Red Lake Nation Public Relations \r\n<\/figcaption>\r\n
A Tour of the New Red Lake Community Center<\/div>\r\n
By Michael Meuers<\/div>\r\n
Red Lake Nation Public Relations<\/div>\r\n
redlakenation.org<\/a><\/div>\r\n

<\/p>\r\nIt was Friday, October 9 when I returned to Red Lake. It was one day shy of six months, my last visit being the March 10, Tribal Council meeting. It is the longest time without a visit in 26 years by far. COVID<\/a> kept this Gichi-mookomaan<\/em> in Bemijigamaag<\/em> for long time with all events and powwows cancelled or postponed.\r\n

<\/p>\r\nThe first thing I notice\u2026curbs. Curbs? And isn\u2019t that dip down to Ogaakaaning-Ziibiing<\/em> (Pike Creek) shallower? Hwy. 1 thru Red Lake wider with a fresh coat of blacktop? A new Day Care building going up by the park? And I\u2019m told a water tower in Redby? Hey COVID-19 ain\u2019t holding Red Lake Nation back. \u2018Course you been through worse than this.\r\n

<\/p>\r\nIt felt good to be back at my second home, the Homeland of the Red Lake Ojibwe, where laughter fills the air. I miss that. I need that. I came to witness the impressive Voter Registration Drive going on at the reservation that, I\u2019m told, registered thousands of new Red Lake voters, through the efforts of scores, of Red Lake canvassers, in friendly competition, over ten days. \r\n

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A very shiny floor in the large hall reflects the painting on the wall at the new Red Lake Community Center on the Red Lake Nation in Minnesota. Photo by Michael Meuers \/ Red Lake Nation Public Relations \r\n<\/figcaption>\r\n

<\/p>\r\nAfter experiencing the excitement of the registration drive at the OLD Red Lake Community Center, Mary Omen, Red Lake Center Coordinator, (her office still at the old center) offered to give me a tour of the new Red Lake Community Center, which is nearly finished.\r\n

<\/p>\r\nSo beautiful and in a special place. Off to the NW is Red Lake Nation College, and Tribal Headquarters both uniquely depicting Migizi<\/em>. Out the west windows are the Boys and Girls Club and the Powwow Grounds, all within easy healthy walk.\r\n

<\/p>\r\nThe new Red Lake Community Center on the Red Lake Indian Reservation is the 4th of four new community centers built over the last dozen years or so beginning with Ponemah, followed by Little Rock, Redby and now Red Lake. All four communities\u2026finally\u2026enjoying new and much needed Community Centers.\r\n

<\/p>\r\nMiigwech to the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux which has played a role in building projects at Red Lake, not only of the four Community Centers, but other Red Lake projects including the Skate Park and the Boys and Girls Club.\r\n

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Looking toward tribal headquarters and Red Lake beyond. In the foreground is a fire ring and lounge\/picnic area outside the new Red Lake Community Center on the Red Lake Nation in Minnesota. Photo by Michael Meuers \/ Red Lake Nation Public Relations \r\n<\/figcaption>\r\n

<\/P>\r\nThe first thing I noticed about the center, is it didn\u2019t have a high-ceilinged gym. No basketball court. When I mentioned that to Coordinator Omen, she said simply \u201cthere are lots of basketball courts in Red Lake, outdoors and indoors, and within walking distance.\u201d \u201cI knew that,\u201d I said quickly.\r\n

<\/p>\r\nThough a grand opening or a ribbon cutting ceremony has been postponed due to COVID, good things are already happening at the new Red Lake Community Center. The Census team set-up inside the entrance of the new center to make sure Red Lake gets accurately counted. Cooks and Drivers are on board for homebound delivery and elder community meals.\r\n

<\/p>\r\nOn the inside: One\u2019s eye is drawn to the Ojibwe floral patterns gracing the walls of the board room and hall, plus two wonderful large paintings both created by Patrick DesJarlait. The Center features a full kitchen, top quality coffee maker, and yes, a \u201ca movie theater like\u201d popcorn maker. Wonderful woodwork is seen throughout a rustic board\/meeting room, and the gorgeous community hall\/events center that seats 200. There are large restrooms, and office space.\r\n

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