L’Anse woman is a finalist in national song contest

A woman from L’Anse has been named a finalist in a song contest organized by multi-platinum singer Jewel.

“Reserved on the reservation, always a hesitation, looking for our destination, found hope in the greatest Nation, tiny mouths gave motivation, fulfilled our preservation, thank you to the Ojibwa Nation,” Katie Waara said.

That was Waara’s submission to the contest that asked Americans to share stories about why public housing matters to them. She says it’s a topic she knows all too well. Waara spent two years in an Ojibwa housing program that allowed her to save up for a down payment on her current home, which she purchased in 2010.

“Public housing really needs to be looked at as an opportunity to better our community, our families and our nation,” Waara said.

Waara added that she entered mostly because she is a big fan of Jewel. She says just being a finalist is an honor.

“I’m hoping that I have a really good chance but if not, it was just a really great experience and an opportunity to bring this to light,” said Waara.

If you would like to vote for Katie’s entry, head to rethinkhousing.org. Voting ends this Friday.