(St. Paul, MN) — Minnesota has named a Native American as its next poet laureate — the first time the state has honored a Native American with the title. An English professor at Minnesota State University at Mankato, Gwen Nell Westerman is a citizen of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate tribe in South Dakota. Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan — herself a citizen of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe — joined Governor Tim Walz yesterday in making the announcement. Westerman is the third-ever poet laureate for Minnesota.
About the Author: Ashley Hanley
Ashley (Goettl) Hanley is a North Mankato native and Mankato West graduate who made the switch from TV journalism to radio.
After five years at KEYC News 12, Ashley is thrilled to be working for KTOE News. Ashley and her husband John, and son John, enjoy spending time in the community. You can also find Ashley coaching and playing softball and supporting her brother on the MSU football team and her sister with Scarlet athletics.
Even though she went to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, Ashley kept her Minnesota roots and is a big Twins and Vikings fan!
