In 2008, the White Earth Land Recovery Project built the first Native community-based radio station in northwestern Minnesota. Niijii (meaning “friend”) Broadcasting went on air a few years later and has been delivering news, local events, history, language and stories to White Earth Reservation and tribal members since.

The Mardag Foundation supported Niijii in its beginnings and continues that support with a recent $15,000 grant to help the station realize its current goals.

The grant will enable Niijii to be fully staffed and equipped, create a media and communications program, upgrade its website and deliver Internet-based radio, and develop long-term capacity by recruiting and training staff and volunteers.