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| Red Lake Net News Michael Barrett P. O. Box 80 Redby, MN 56670 Telephone: 218-679-5995 |
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| An interesting story appeared on Minnesota Public Radio recently, titled "Blackduck company recruits Latino workers to fill labor gap." The story is interesting because of statements made by Anderson Fabrics owner, Ron Anderson, in reference to absenteeism among Red Lake members who have worked for him. |
| In the article Anderson talked about his efforts to locate a new plant at Red Lake several years ago and he stated he dropped the idea because of problems he experience with absenteeism among Red Lake members who have worked for him. Was that how that 'really' went? Carol Priest, Red Lake Homeless Shelter Director, stated that wasn't how she remembered the situation. She added that she also found it disturbing that Anderson was perpetuating a negative stereotype through the media in reference to Red Lake people. She also fond it disturbing that Robertson, the author of the story, contacted people from Hmong and Latino employement agences to support his story, but did not mention a similar contact with anyone from Red Lake. Priest stated in an email that as she remembers it, the reason for Anderson Fabrics not locating at Red Lake had more to do with Tribal land ownership and property issues that with potential employee problems. In late December she said she emailed Tom Robertson with these concerns but have not received a response. The article ccame up again in January because she received the Housing Minnesota Bulletin by email, and found this story referenced by internet link as an example of how a lack of housing effects business growth. Priest has also sent an email with these concerns to Housing Minnesota. If anyone wishes to comment on Anderson Fabrics of Blackduck--and rlnn.com has heard a lot of stories about Mr. Anderson--feel free to email me with your comments for publication on rlnn.com.. More research will also be done on the reason(s) Anderson Fabrics did not set up a smaller plant in Red Lake. I know for certain it had nothing to do with absenteeism by Red Lake members. |
| Mr. Robertson, Did you try to contact or think about contacting the Red Lake Tribal Council for a comment or perspective on the remarks of Ron Anderson? I consider his remarks to be pretty negative toward the people of Red Lake, and also following the usual stereotype of Native people being on "Indian time". Perhaps there were other reasons this project didn't work out. Being that you did make contacts with people representing both the Hmong and Latino communities, why not with someone to speak for the workers of Red Lake? Carol Priest 19608 Rinde Road NW Puposky, MN 56667 Tom Robertson's Reply Hi Carol, I must apologize for not responding to your email sooner! It sort of got lost in the shuffle during a busy period. Forgive me, please. Your comments about my story on Anderson Fabrics are well taken. You are absolutely right. I should not have allowed Ron Anderson's comments to go unanswered. Early on, I considered following up on his comment. It was, in fact, discussed with my editor in St. Paul. I should have done so, but did not. No excuses, except to say that I was working on deadline and with a limited amount of airtime. However, you are right. Having said that, I must also add that I have spoken with many tribal leaders, workers, community members and people both on and off the reservation over the years. They tell me that absenteeism is, in fact, an issue among at least some employees there, as well as other reservations. As it was explained to me, the problem is often due to lack of resources, inadequate transportation (older cars that often break down), geographic remoteness, issues of family dysfunction, substance abuse issues or lack of work experience. As you might agree, all of this is symptomatic of people who live in economically disadvantaged regions. And reservations in northern Minnesota certainly fall into that category. It's not an issue of race, but one of poverty. I appreciate your comments. Feel free to call me if you'd like to talk more. Respectfully, Tom Robertson, Minnesota Public Radio, Bemidji |
| Carol Priest letter to Tom Robertson |
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