Carissa Thomas

Carissa is a local historian in the Twin Cities. She holds a BA in history and communication studies and began her career working with the Mille Lacs Ojibwe community. Since then, she has engaged in community work with Dakota organizations in St. Paul. As of 2020, her research has taken a new turn towards contemporary oppressive policies among nonprofit institutions.

Throughout her life, Maude Kegg worked to preserve Ojibwe traditional culture — and interpret it for others

By Carissa Thomas

June 8, 2020

Kegg’s life was life guided by cultural traditions, continuous adaptation to a fast-changing world, and an inherent skill for interpreting her people’s culture and history.

Mille Lacs Indian Trading Post became a lot more than just a trading post

By Carissa Thomas

Dec. 17, 2018

Mille Lacs Indian Trading Post opened in 1918 when new businessman Harry D. Ayer acquired a trader’s license from the White Earth Indian Agency allowing him to trade with the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe.