In the 19th century, Native Americans created frybread from the limited rations provided by the US government, a dish that became a symbol of survival during persecution. Today, Native communities in Minneapolis and St. Paul, far from the nearest reservation, continue to feel the lasting impacts of oppression, including addiction and violence. However, places like the American Indian Cultural Corridor and Little Earth of United Tribes stand as both reminders of these challenges and powerful examples of resilience, where residents have turned to tradition, spirituality and community to not only survive but to live. Little Earth proves how decades after having their identities stripped away, these same communities are actively working to reclaim their cultural heritage and restore their past.
Derek Beauchamp and his grandson wait outside the Little Earth Gym for Protectors Movie Night on July 20, 2024, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Little Earth Protectors, a grassroots community safety initiative, was formed in response to the unrest following George Floyd's death when police presence was limited. Dedicated to serving their predominantly Native American community, they continue their efforts by enforcing curfews, disrupting drug trafficking and providing meals and entertainment.