With a few minutes to kill Saturday evening, I strolled the streets of old downtown Bemidji, where I discovered War Ready Fight Shop.
Shirts featuring the fashion of the warrior culture hung on its walls. An MMA fight played on the TV. Owner Jesse Milhem greeted me from behind the counter, and we chatted about his business and the fight scene in the area.
Then the guy flexed his giving spirit and gifted me with this kick-ass shirt.
Stop in when you're in the area, look for them at fighting events, and check them out on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/104623954817843/
As an outsider, I've recognized the importance the warrior element is to Native culture and identity. Whether speaking to veterans about their service or to Todd in my film about his dream to start a boxing gym called "Thunder of the Red Nations", this element offers healing, confidence, and purpose to many lives.
Keep fighting the good fight, Jesse.