PODCAST · society
The Waterers
by In Progress
a series of stories and reflections shared across generations. These episodes were created by young artists seeking to honor stories shared with them by family members across the state of Minnesota.
Episodes
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Nuestro Servicio Militar
This video follows Michael Ramirez, a National Guard member based in Crookston, Minnesota, as he reflects on his service, future reenlistment, and the balance between stateside responsibilities and overseas missions. He discusses the educational and financial opportunities the military provides,...
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Nuestro Servicio Militar
This episode highlights McKenzie Schmiedt, a female service member, reflecting on progress and ongoing challenges for women in the military. She speaks candidly about gaining greater opportunities and respect while still confronting stereotypes, inequities, and sexual harassment, emphasizing the...
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Vetrano
This video features David Medrano, a Mexican American veteran who reflects on his 20-year military career spanning the Army Reserve and U.S. Air Force, including deployments during Desert Storm and humanitarian missions abroad. He shares how service shaped his identity, strengthened his pride in...
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Open Arms for our Nieces and Nephews
Rena Zapata explores the meaning of being an auntie as a role defined by open arms, shared responsibility, and deep emotional care. Through reflections on growing into the role at a young age and learning when to step in, guide, or simply be present, the speaker highlights both the joy and fear...
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Be Who You Are
This episode reflects on being an auntie as the privilege of helping raise children with love, guidance, and the care of a second mother. Through memories of growing up surrounded by many aunties—especially one who modeled joy, authenticity, and acceptance—the speaker shares how these…
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I Am The Cool Auntie
This episode features Morgen Arguelles reflecting on what it means to be an auntie during the early years of her nephew’s life. She describes the joy of being a playful, supportive presence—setting loving boundaries while encouraging fun and exploration. The story also honors a wider network of...
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I Worry For His Future
This episode captures Monique Arguelles's joyful memories of aunties who bring laughter, playfulness, and guidance into everyday life. Through birthday cake fights, shared advice, and moments of trust—like learning to drive—the story highlights aunties as people who show patience, humor, and...
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I Am A Tîa
This episode follows Miracle Espericueta , a young auntie, who steps into a caregiving role early in life, balancing school, work, and family while helping raise her niece and nephews. She reflects on the joy of witnessing their first milestones alongside the fear and heartbreak of protecting…
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Aunt Letty
Masyn Arguelles shares her reflections on becoming a tia at fourteen, capturing the joy, playfulness, and deep love she shares with her nephew. Alongside this bond, she honors the influence of her Aunt Letty, whose humor, confidence, and shared identity helped her feel understood and accepted....
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Everybody Needs The Extra Support
This episode reflects on how the meaning of “auntie” evolves across cultures, generations, and chosen family, expanding beyond biology to those who step in with care when it is needed most. Through memories of great aunties, loss, resilience, and everyday acts of support, the speaker honors…
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We Are The Village
Dave Nelson reflects on how aunts and uncles form the backbone of the village that helps raise children across generations. Through personal stories, the speaker shares how guidance, accountability, and hard-earned life lessons are passed down, shaping younger family members in ways parents…
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I Would Do Anything for Them
This episode follows Chris Espericueta's journey from becoming an uncle at age twelve to embracing the role as a lifelong commitment rooted in love, responsibility, and guidance. Through reflections from both the uncle and his niece, the story shows how uncles step in as steady, caring...
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They Care About Me
In this short reflection, Calixtra Bouchard shares what aunties mean to her through moments of joy, care, and celebration. She describes aunties as kind, respectful people who show up, make her laugh, and help her feel better when she is sad. Through simple memories like birthday traditions, the...
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It's All About Listening
Bienvenida Matias reflects on being an auntie—or titi—as a role defined by care, honesty, and deep involvement across generations and distance. Through memories of migration, chosen family, and moments of stepping in during times of need, the speaker describes aunties as co-mothers and trusted...
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Por Amor a Nuestras Tîas y Tîos
This episode explores what it means to be an auntie or uncle as a role rooted in love, responsibility, and presence across generations. Through personal reflections, family members describe aunties and uncles as second parents, protectors, mentors, and safe havens—people who step in, listen…
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The Yearling
Deanna Drift from Nett Lake Village shares a lighthearted story about a mischievous young bear that frequently visited her home, earning the nickname “mangy butt.” Through humor and observation, she reminds us that bears are curious yet gentle beings, often more afraid of humans than we are of...
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Taking A Ride
Serena Logan, a youth from Nett Lake Village, shares her joy in watching bears with her great-grandmother Mavis and caring for them by leaving food along the road. Her story reflects the love, respect, and connection between generations and the bears that live nearby. This story was collected as...
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Stand Up For Bears
Margaret Benner from Nett Lake Village emphasizes the need to educate others about the cultural and spiritual importance of bears to Native people. She shares how she greets bears in Ojibwe, honoring them as relatives who understand and deserve respect and protection. This story was collected as...
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Spiritual Protectors
Téa Drift Rivera from Nett Lake Village shares teachings learned from her elders about the Bear Clan and the sacred role of bears as protectors, healers, and symbols of bravery. She reflects on their wisdom and self-healing nature, drawing connections between the bears’ behavior and the teachings...
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Spiritual Protection
Deanna Drift from Nett Lake Village recounts how she sought guidance from spiritual advisor Vern Adams to speak to tribal leaders about the sacredness of bears and the harm caused by their killing. She reflects on the spiritual and communal consequences that followed, the ceremonies of…
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Protect Them
Serena Logan, a youth from Nett Lake Village, expresses her heartfelt wish to protect the bears and honor their place in Ojibwe culture. Her words reflect a deep sense of care and responsibility for the natural world and its sacred beings. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral...
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Poor Bear
Téa Drift Rivera from Nett Lake Village shares a humorous yet heartfelt story about a bear that climbed into her car, teaching an unexpected lesson about responsibility and compassion. Through her young daughter’s innocent response, she reflects on the deep understanding that bears are relatives...
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Our Relatives
Téa Drift Rivera from Nett Lake Village speaks about the sacred kinship between people and bears, emphasizing respect, protection, and reciprocity. She reflects on traditional teachings that honor the bear’s sacrifice and condemns wasteful harm against these spiritual relatives. This story was...
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A Message To Our Leaders
Deanna Drift of Nett Lake Village calls on community leaders to deepen their understanding of the cultural and spiritual significance of bears within Bois Forte traditions. She reminds them that true leadership includes learning from both traditional and contemporary knowledge to better serve…
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Makwa
Mavis Drift, an elder from Nett Lake Village, shares teachings about the Bear Clan and its deep meaning in Ojibwe culture—symbolizing bravery, family, and spiritual protection. She reflects on the importance of naming ceremonies and the guidance they offer in understanding one’s connection to the...
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Honor Them
Serena Logan, a youth from Nett Lake Village, reflects on her experiences growing up in connection with her community and the natural world that surrounds it. Her story highlights the importance of listening, learning, and carrying forward the teachings of her elders. This story was collected as...
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Ceremonies
Margaret Benner of Nett Lake Village reflects on the teachings passed down from her mother, aunties, and elders about honoring the bears through seasonal feasts and ceremony. She shares how these traditions and the guidance of spiritual advisors continue to shape her understanding of culture,...
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Bears Are Medicine
Margaret Benner of Nett Lake Village reflects on the sacred relationship between her community and the bears that share their land. As a Bear Clan member, she speaks about standing up to protect them, honoring the deep spiritual connection that defines her identity and responsibility. This story...
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Bears Won't Attack
Téa Drift Rivera from Nett Lake Village reflects on growing up alongside the bears that roam her backyard, sharing a story of coexistence and trust. Her words reveal a deep respect for the animals and the balance between humans and nature in her community. This story was collected as part of the...
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Bear Hunt
Deanna Drift of Nett Lake Village, Bois Forte Nation, shares her thoughts on the spiritual and impact of bear hunts in her community. This story was collected as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program.
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Growing Up In Bena
Valerie Cash Young shares with her daughter Animikiikaakwezenz (Mickaylynn Fasthorse) memories of what her life was like grwoing up in the small community of Bena, located on the Leech Lake Reservation. Animikiikaakwezenz, recorded Valerie's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program…
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Parenting
Valerie Cash Young shares parenting advice and reflections to her daughter Animikiikaakwezenz (Mickaylynn Fasthorse). Animikiikaakwezenz, recorded Valerie's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig…
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Respect
Elder Shirley Young speaks to the need to show respect and kindness to others Animikiikaakwezenz, her granddaughter, recorded Shirey's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech...
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Memories of Childhood
Elder Shirley Young recalls memories of growing up in Winnie Dam on the Leech Lake Reservatio. Animikiikaakwezenz, her granddaughter, recorded Shirey's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School...
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Dating
Elder Shirley Young and her daughter Valerie Cash Young, provide insight and advice about the joys and responsibilities of dating. Animikiikaakwezenz (granddaughter and daughter) recorded Shirey's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak...
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Becoming A Parent
Elder Shirley Young speaks to her personal experiences raising children and the discipline and determination it requires. Animikiikaakwezenz, her granddaughter, recorded Shirey's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the…
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My Father Had A Dream
Elder Sarah Jackson tell of how her father had a dream about making a drum for the community. Bezhigo Binesiikwens, her granddaughter, recorded Sarah's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School...
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Drum Songs
Elder Sarah Jackson explains how drums get their songs. Bezhigo Binesiikwens, her granddaughter, recorded Sarah's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.
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Miskwaabik
Michael Smith Jr. graciously shared a traditional teaching about the origins and purpose of copper with the Nigaane Bizindamoo-Makak production team. In this episode he tells the story of how the Ojibwe people came to learn about copper. This episode is in Ojibwemowin.
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The Gift of Copper
Michael Smith Jr. graciously shared a traditional teaching about the origins and purpose of copper with the Nigaane Bizindamoo-Makak production team. In this episode he tells the story of how the Ojibwe people came to learn about copper.
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Our Water Walkers
Michael Smith Jr. graciously shared a traditional teaching about the origins and purpose of copper with the Nigaane Bizindamoo-Makak production team. In this episode he speaks to the role of water walkers and protectors of the earth and how they utilize copper in their work.
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Learn Our Teachings
Michael Smith Jr. graciously shared a traditional teaching about the origins and purpose of copper with the Nigaane Bizindamoo-Makak production team. In this episode he speaks to the community asking everyone to learn their teachings.
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Becoming A Drum Keeper
Elder Sarah Jackson tells how she became a drum keeper. Bezhigo Binesiikwens, her granddaughter, recorded Sarah's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.
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Bravery
Gerald White speaks to how he was taught about the act of bravery when he was a youth. Lucy Kingbird, his student, recorded Gerald's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech...
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Back In The Day
Gerald White speaks to what is was like to grow up in Inger as a boy. Lucy Kingbird, his student, recorded Gerald's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.
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Growth
Gerald White reflects on how he sees youth learning from their elders and how he strives to be their teacher of Ojibwe traditional activities. Lucy Kingbird, his student, recorded Gerald's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program...
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How We Were Raised
Gerald White reflects on the traditional values he was raised with and how he practices those values in his daily life. Lucy Kingbird, his student, recorded Gerald's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge...
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Kindness
Gerald White talks about the importance of being kind to others. Lucy Kingbird, his student, recorded Gerald's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.
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Telling A Story
Anne Dunn talks about how she tells stories so that her audience will listen and potentially find themselves through words . Her granddaughter Nigigoonsikwe, recorded Anne's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O...
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My First Book
Anne Dunn reflects on her early writing. Her granddaughter Nigigoonsikwe, recorded Anne's stories as part of the Waterers Oral Histories Program in partnership with Niigaane Bizindamoo-makak program and the Bug O Nay Ge Shig School located on the Leech Lake Reservation.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
a series of stories and reflections shared across generations. These episodes were created by young artists seeking to honor stories shared with them by family members across the state of Minnesota.
HOSTED BY
In Progress
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Waterers have?
The Waterers currently has 67 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Waterers about?
a series of stories and reflections shared across generations. These episodes were created by young artists seeking to honor stories shared with them by family members across the state of Minnesota.
How often does The Waterers release new episodes?
The Waterers has 67 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to The Waterers?
You can listen to The Waterers on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts The Waterers?
The Waterers is created and hosted by In Progress.
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