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About 40 percent of the bodies of water Minnesota are impaired — considered unfit for activities like fishing or swimming. The St. Louis River, which feeds into Lake Superior, is one river that's come a long way 

But there are still big issues with high levels of mercury pollution in fish from the St. Louis, such that folks are advised to limit how much fish they consume from it. 

Lyz Jaakola, a musician and member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, feels a special connection to the river. A few years ago, she walked the length of it from dusk to dawn — for five days straight. She and fellow "Water Walkers" were praying for the river and trying to raise awareness about its state.

Hear her talk about the river using the audio player above.

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Lyz Jaakola, a musician and member of the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, shares her special connection to the St. Louis River, which has been deemed impaired.

One woman's connection to the St. Louis River

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