Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

From Lattes to Legacy: The Grand Opening of MiigWitches Brew Oct 31, 2024

In this episode, we sit down with Jackson Ripley, a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, enrolled at the Fort Berthold Reservation. Jackson shares the inspiring story behind MiigWitches Brew, a cozy gourmet coffee kiosk he recently opened with his wife. Operating from an 8x10 ft. building, MiigWitches Brew is more than just a coffee spot—it’s a community hub.

Jackson talks with us about the surprising story behind how they purchased the coffee kiosk, to the grand opening celebration where a gesture from the Chairman set off a beautiful chain of community support. Join us as Jackson spills the coffee beans on their vision, menu, and the powerful way MiigWitches Brew is bringing people together while serving one cup of coffee at a time.

Creating Representation: Nicholas DeShaw’s Path in Fiction and Storytelling Oct 17, 2024

In this episode, we sit down with Nicholas Bimibatoo Mishtadim DeShaw, an Ojibwe author, father, and educator. Nicholas masterfully blends his Indigenous heritage with imaginative fiction across a wide range of genres, from sci-fi and horror to children’s picture books. He shares his journey as a writer, discussing his latest projects, including a new graphic novel and his first children’s book, Loaf the Cat Goes to the Powwow.

We explore Nicholas’s creative process, how he balances writing and reading, and the cultural layers that inspire his storytelling. From the early stages of his journey as a writer to getting his work published, he reflects on the peaks and valleys along the way. Nicholas also offers invaluable advice for aspiring writers and creatives looking to pursue their own dreams.

Tune in for engaging conversation with one of today’s most vibrant, Indigenous voices in literature!

Stitch by Stitch: Janice LaFloe’s Journey of Indigenizing Montessori Education Oct 03, 2024

In this episode, we speak with Janice LaFloe, a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and Executive Director of the Montessori American Indian Childcare Center (MAICC) in St. Paul. Janice shares her remarkable journey from being a Montessori parent to establishing one of the largest Montessori centers dedicated to American Indian children. Her passion was sparked by witnessing her son’s education rooted in love, respect, and child-centered learning.

We explore what makes the Montessori approach at MAICC so unique, and how the center has evolved to Indigenize its practices to better serve Native communities. Janice also discusses the center’s exciting expansion plans and its ongoing success. We wrap up by learning more about Janice’s personal interests, including spending time walking in nature, engaging with her community, and sewing.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation on education, culture, and community with an inspiring leader.

Gatherings Café: Vernon DeFoe on Indigenous Dishes and Food Sovereignty Sep 19, 2024

In this episode of Native Lights, we sit down with Vernon DeFoe, the Executive Chef at the Gatherings Café located inside the Minneapolis American Indian Center. Vernon, a proud Red Cliff Anishinaabe, has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry and is a passionate advocate for Indigenous food sovereignty. For the past decade, he's been deeply involved in the movement to reclaim traditional foodways.

Join us as Vernon shares the journey that led him to his current role, his favorite dishes to cook, and the importance of partnering with Indigenous food distributors to sustain authentic culinary practices.

We’ll also explore the unique kitchen setup at Gatherings Café, which enables them to prepare and serve delicious Native foods with a deep cultural connection. And for a twist, we dive into Vernon’s other passion—music—and talk about his band and how he finds harmony between his love for cooking and creating music.

Gold, Linoleum, and Fire: Inside the Mind of Gordon Coons Sep 12, 2024

In this episode of Native Lights, we sit down with Gordon Coons, a talented painter, print maker and fumage artist who is an enrolled member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe in northern Wisconsin. Gordon, who now resides in Minnesota, shares his inspiring journey of becoming an artist, detailing the pivotal moments throughout the eras that shaped his path and strengthened his creative body of work.

We explore his fascinating exhibitions across the country, discussing how he overcame self-doubt and learned to validate his work. Gordon also dives deep into the processes behind his art, explaining the unique use of materials, like linoleum block prints, gold leaf, and sometimes even fire to create stunning smoke effects.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that blends culture, resilience, and the art of storytelling through visual expression.

https://www.gordoncoons.com/

Art, Identity, and Alternate Worlds: A Conversation with Pono Asuncion Sep 05, 2024

In today’s episode, we speak with Pono Asuncion, an interdisciplinary artist, storyteller, illustrator, and culture bearer. Drawing inspiration from childhood memories and ancestral roots, Pono’s art explores themes of alternate worlds, the extension of family lineage beyond this sphere, and the significance of recovering and honoring one’s history and identity.

Pulling on inspiration from systemic barriers around us and how the disruption of colonialism affects the passage of knowledge, Pono takes us on a journey through their creative process. We learn how they build rich, layered visual experiments using an eclectic mix of materials from watercolors, acrylic, ink, markers, highlighters, to tape, cardboard, and even black and white pieces.

Through their unique approach to color and texture, Pono invites us to imagine what other realms and narratives might emerge if we reconnect with our past. Join us in this powerful conversation about the intersections of art, identity, and alternate worlds.

Empowering Educators: The Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network Aug 29, 2024

In this episode, we welcome Gimiwan Dustin Burnette, the Executive Director of the Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network, a dynamic nonprofit organization, dedicated to enhancing collaboration and curriculum development among Ojibwe educators. Gimiwan discusses the critical work of the network, which enables Ojibwe language instructors and administrators to informally share resources, fostering a stronger and more connected educational community.

Gimiwan shares insights into the top needs identified by the network’s teachers such as: more books, the development of literature tailored to their students, and greater access to first language speakers. He also explores their efforts to advance professional development, focusing on Indigenous immersion pedagogy.

Throughout the conversation, Gimiwan reflects on the path that led him to this vital work, revealing the inspirations that shaped his journey and the passion that continues to drive his mission. He highlights his vision to cultivate a robust community of adult learners, who can help revitalize the Ojibwe language, creating a future where entire communities speak and expand upon the language together.

Join us as Gimiwan Dustin Burnette shares his profound vision for language revitalization and his ongoing efforts to build thriving communities united by language and culture.

Beyond the Headlines: David Cournoyer on Authentic Storytelling Jun 20, 2024

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with David Cournoyer, a seasoned journalist and communications expert with over three decades of experience. We delve into David’s remarkable career, starting from his early days as a local and TV journalist to his impactful work and nonprofit communications. David shares his inspiring journey from journalism to philanthropy, highlighting key moments that led him to his current home in Minnesota.

Listeners will gain insight into David’s upbringing and how it shaped his authentic storytelling approach. The conversation touches on the importance of truth in media and how David’s background influences his narrative style. Wrapping up the episode, David offers valuable advice for anyone with the story to tell, emphasizing the power of genuine and heartfelt communications. Don’t miss this compelling discussion that celebrates the art of storytelling, and the profound impact it can have on community.

Reflection and Roots: Leah & Cole’s Journey with Native Lights Jun 06, 2024

In this special episode, siblings and co-hosts Leah and Cole take a moment to turn the mic on themselves. Join us as they share an intimate conversation about their personal journeys and the inception of the show. Discover how Native Lights was born out of a shared passion for uplifting Indigenous voices and stories. They recount the challenges and triumphs of creating a platform dedicated to celebrating Native culture and perspectives.

Listen as they express heartfelt gratitude to the incredible guests who have grace the show, each contributing to a reach tapestry of experiences and wisdom. Through candid storytelling, the host reflect on how their own paths have intertwined with the mission of Native Lights, highlighting their ongoing commitment to champing Indigenous voices in every aspect of their lives.

This episode is a celebration of community, resilience, and the power of storytelling whether you’re a long time, listener or new to the series, tune in to get to know the voices behind native lights and be inspired by their dedication to making a difference.

Karen Diver: Championing Indigenous Excellence May 16, 2024

In this compelling episode, we welcome Karen Diver. Karen speaks on her rich background in leadership and advocacy work. We discuss some of her goals and the work she’s already done at the University of Minnesota, such as implementing tuition and fee waivers, housing scholarships, and enhancing a nation-wide online library resource for students that highlights the work of Indigenous scholars. She shares her insight on leveraging the unique strengths of tribal nations within higher education.

The conversation dives into Karen's transition into her groundbreaking role at the UofM, the challenges and triumphs of being the first person to hold this position, and the best practices she's developed. Karen also reflects on her tenure in the Obama administration, what ignited her passion for her work, and what continues to drive her dedication to American Indian affairs and education. Tune in to hear Karen’s inspiring story and her vision for the future.

Brandon Baity: Executive Director of the Indigenous Association Apr 18, 2024

Brandon Baity is Anishinaabe and a descendant of the White Earth Nation. He grew up in Brooklyn Park, MN and currently lives in Moorhead, MN with his 3 children, partner, and mother-in-law. He graduated with a degree in social work from the College of Saint Scholastica in 2013. After graduation he worked as a youth mental health practitioner, school social worker, program coordinator for youth suspended from school, and a program manager for youth experiencing homelessness. He was a founding board member and is the current Executive Director of the Indigenous Association in Fargo, ND.

In today’s episode, Brandon shares the inspiring story behind the foundation of the Indigenous Association, delving into the deep-seated motivation driving its mission. We explore the pivotal moments of his journey from his involvement on a plethora of boards and planning committees, to his profound realization of the importance of cultural connection in leadership work. Discover what fuels Brandon’s dedication to empowering community and learn how the Indigenous Association provides a platform for healing, art, community connection, and cultural revitalization.

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community. Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund.

https://minnesotanativenews.org/
https://www.indgns.org/

Bryce Premo: Exploring Social Work Frontiers Apr 04, 2024

Bryce Premo is a Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe citizen and brother of Native Lights hosts Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Bryce on the cusp of an exciting transition in his career. With a bachelor’s degree in social work almost under his belt and poised to pursue a master’s degree in the same field, Bryce shares his journey with us. He is member of the Social Work Honors Society, and a board member as a student representative with the National Association of Social Workers. In March 2024 Bryce was awarded student of the year from the NASW-MN (National Association of Social Workers).

In today’s episode, Bryce delves into his current focus on decolonizing Euro-centric approaches within the social work industry. He discusses his research and studies aimed at reshaping tools and methodologies to better serve not only American Indian communities but other marginalized groups worldwide. His insights shed light on the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in social service practices, paving the way for a more equitable and effective approach to community care.

Stepping away from his role as a youth worker, Bryce has gained invaluable experience in various social service positions. With a vision for positive change and a commitment to serving diverse communities, Bryce’s journey exemplifies the protentional impacts of dedicated individuals in shaping the future of the social work industry.

Ruth Buffalo: Empowering Indigenous Communities as the new CEO of MIWRC Mar 28, 2024

Ruth Buffalo is a citizen of the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation and a descendant of the Chiricahua Apache. She has served on advisory councils focused on women's health, women's leadership development and local food systems. She is board President for the National Native Boarding School Healing Coalition. She is also the former board president of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition.

In 2019, Ruth was named North Dakota Woman of the Year by North Dakota Women’s Network. As a former member of the North Dakota House of Representatives, she is the original bill author of a new law that requires Native American history to be taught in all schools, grades K-12. Ruth was appointed to the Not Invisible Act Commission. She founded the local grassroots MMIP taskforce in the Fargo Moorhead area that is still operating to this day.

In this week’s episode, we delve into the life and work of Ruth Buffalo, a dynamic leader who has dedicated herself to public service and community advocacy. Ruth shares with us her organizing experience from early childhood through college that laid the deep foundation for her future endeavors. Ruth provides valuable insights into her current role as the CEO of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center. She emphasizes her commitment to serving the community and empowering Native women and families with resources such as advocacy, support groups, healing spaces, family services, housing and more.

Minneapolis Indian Women’s Resource Center- https://www.miwrc.org/client-advocacy

Minneapolis Indian Women’s Resource Center’s GoFundMe- https://www.gofundme.com/f/Miwrc

Leah’s TEDx talk- https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=e3qqseyPhg3tu6BP&v=Yk10HvE6zQY&feature=youtu.be

MNN- https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Willard Malebear Jr.: Forging Positive Impacts for Community Through Tattoos, Non-profits, and Resilience Mar 07, 2024

Willard Malebear Jr. is a Lakota artist who is the CEO and owner of Unified Theory Collective, he is also the Executive Chairman of Art Shelf. Both organizations are heavily geared toward infusing creativity and getting art supplies out to the community. Willard is an experienced painter and tattoo artist who found a way to combine all his passions, embracing arts and culture for wellness.

In this week’s episode, we learn about Willards introduction into the tattoo world, his life during and after incarceration, and how he turned his trauma into triumph. He shares information about the free services UTC offers such as assorted canvases, brushes, easels, acrylic paints and more. Pulling motivation from his biggest hero’s, his children and mentors, Willard expresses his excitement for the next chapter in his life continuing to “spread the gospel of creativity” to his community and beyond.

https://artshelf.org/

https://willardcustomart.com/

Mary LaGarde: The Grand Re-Opening of the Minneapolis American Indian Center Feb 29, 2024

Mary LaGarde is the Executive Director of the Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC) and a member of the White Earth Nation. She was selected to lead the organization in June 2013 and has over 30 years of nonprofit experience in program services, including management and development.

In 2008, LaGarde received the DreamMaker Award from the Ann Bancroft Foundation. In 2014, she was honored at the University of Minnesota’s American Indian Student Cultural Center’s Honoring of American Indian Women, and LaGarde was named a 2016 Local Public Health Hero by the City of Minneapolis Health Department. She received her B.A. in Sociology/American Racial and Multicultural Studies from St. Olaf College (Northfield, MN).

In this week’s episode, we learn about the importance of community, family, and youth services as the center of many development goals at MAIC through the eyes of LaGarde. The renovated center will introduce the Boys and Girls Club, a new resource that will serve as an umbrella for some of the youth programming. Visitors can look forward to new volunteer opportunities and renovations of the fitness center, Two Rivers Gallery, and the Gatherings Café. A large celebration will kick off the grand re-opening of the Minneapolis American Indian Center in May of 2024.

Staci Drouillard: Preserving History Through Storytelling Feb 15, 2024

Staci Lola Drouillard is a Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe direct descendant. She lives and works in her hometown of Kitchibitobig—Grand Marais, on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior. Staci works as a radio producer for WTIP North Shore Community Radio and authors the monthly column Nibi Chronicles for Great Lakes Now, a branch of Detroit Public Media.

Her first book Walking the Old Road: A People’s History of Chippewa City and the Grand Marais Anishinaabe (UMP, 2019) won the Hamlin Garland Prize in Popular History, the Northeastern Minnesota Book Award for nonfiction and was a finalist for a Minnesota Book Award. Her second book Seven Aunts (UMP, 2022) won the 2023 Minnesota Book Award for Memoir and Creative nonfiction, the Northeastern Minnesota Book Award and was a “Minnesota Reads” selection at the Library of Congress National Book Festival. The children’s book A Family Tree, will be released in May of 2024 (Harper Collins).

In today’s episode, Staci describes memories that inspired her artistic journey that paved the way for her many accolades. Staci expresses how she manages taking care of her mental health as a writer while unearthing truths that fold into her creative processes overtime.

Dr. Michael Migizi Sullivan: Teaching Language Learners in the Modern-Day Classroom Feb 08, 2024

Michael Migizi Sullivan Sr. is a lifelong student of the Ojibwe language, father, husband, ceremonial drum keeper of the Ojibwe, powwow emcee, up-and-coming storyteller, and teacher of the Ojibwe language. Dr. Sullivan earned his doctorate in linguistics at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, working under the tutelage of Larry Amik Smallwood as his main language consultant and Dr. John D. Nichols. Dr. Sullivan is the Faculty Director of Native American Studies at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College on his home reservation of Lac Courte Oreilles, where he teaches the intricacies of the Ojibwe language that he learned from Amik.

In today’s episode, we hear about Dr. Sullivan’s editing role in his new book release Plums or Nuts, a collection of Ojibwe stories of Anishinaabe Humor told by his friend and mentor the late Larry Amik Smallwood. We hear why Michael’s drive to work closely with the elders in his community became a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of his career. Dr. Sullivan shares stories of how he continues to uplift his students inspiring them to set goals while navigating them through the immense pressures of learning the Ojibwe language.

Fern Renville: Re-connecting to the Dakota Homeland Through Weaving, History, Art and Joy Feb 01, 2024

Fern Renville is a storyteller, artist, playwright, and enrolled citizen of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. Fern lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she is currently investigating the role of nettle fiber in Dakota material culture as a Native Artist in Residence at the Minnesota Historical Society.

In this episode, Fern talks about weaving a stronger connection to this homeland not only through nettle fiber but through stories, knowledge, and the sharing of history. Fern expresses her passion for tapping into the deep layers of joy and love experienced by her ancestors on this land for centuries that were only recently covered by a layer of trauma. Fern believes this deeper exploration of her ancestral truth beyond colonization is not only powerful for her own journey but will help to intentionally bring restoration.

Steven StandingCloud: Transforming Art in the Digital Future Jan 25, 2024

Steven StandingCloud is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians located in northcentral Minnesota. Steven has been an artist most of his life and works under StandingCloud Graphics. He says the art forms that he creates are inherent to the Ojibwe and Lakota people.

Steven spoke with us about how he got his start in graphic design in the 1980s, what he wants his work to accomplish and how he is carrying Native American art into the future. For more on his art, visit standingcloudgraphics.com.

Gabby Menomin: Dedication to Ecological Restoration, Honoring Plant Relatives Jan 11, 2024

Gabby Menomin is a citizen of the Forest County Potawtomi Community in northern Wisconsin. She’s currently the restoration manager for Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi. She oversees the ongoing ecological restoration of Wakan Tipi, which is a cave sacred to Dakota people, located in St. Paul along the Mississippi River. She graduated with a master’s degree in Tribal Natural Resource Management.

Gabby is focused on plant relatives and how climate change is impacting them. She is passionate about the environment and looking at how to center Indigenous voices, values, and knowledge in the stewardship of the land.

Dr. Melissa Blind: Working to Improve Indigenous Health and Dementia Research Dec 21, 2023

Melissa Blind is Cree from George Gordon's First Nation in Saskatchewan. She earned her PhD in American Indian Studies from the University of Arizona. Melissa has over a decade of experience working with Indigenous communities in Indigenous health and dementia research.

As the current Senior Research Associate on the Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team at the University of Minnesota, Duluth campus, Melissa is focused on collaborative research to improve dementia outcomes in Indigenous and rural communities.

Eileen Bass: Preserving Indigenous narratives and working to revitalize language Dec 07, 2023

On today’s episode, Leah and Cole speak with Eileen Bass. Eileen is Hunkpapa Lakota, Mvskoke Creek, and a citizen of the Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma. She’s currently an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities.
In the summer of 2023, she was accepted into the Minnesota Historical Society’s Native American Undergraduate Museum Fellowship program. She is also part of the Dakota Language Nest at the university’s Child Development Laboratory School.
Eileen speaks about her passions at the intersection of Indigenous narratives, language revitalization, tribal histories, supporting Native youth and more.

Thomas Draskovic’s Gift of Artistry, Educating Native Youth and Activism Nov 09, 2023

Today, Leah and Cole speak with Thomas Draskovic, a citizen of the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota who is an educator, actor, musician, artist and activist.

Thomas has worked in the Twin Cities Native community in both schools and nonprofits for over 20 years, and for the past 16 years he’s been at the American Indian Magnet School in East St. Paul as the Lakota Language and Cultural Specialist.

He shares with us how storytelling and authenticity are crucial in his approach to teaching. He also explains why his mother, a master linguist, inspires his passion for educating youth and his strength to “do something” out in the world.

In addition to his work teaching, Thomas also plays guitar and sings in the band Pretendians, featured as part of a previous Native Lights episode. He talks with us more about the meaning behind the name and how it brings about discussion.

Mathew Holding Eagle III: Finding a Voice for Radio & Covering Native Communities Nov 02, 2023

On today’s episode, Leah and Cole speak with Mathew Holding Eagle III, a citizen of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation – federally recognized as the Three Affiliated Tribes – in western North Dakota.

Mathew started his career in construction before pivoting to journalism! He now works at MPR News as a reporter. He’s covered Native communities in Minnesota for quite a bit and recently received a National Native Award from the Indigenous Journalist Association for his reporting.

He speaks with us about how he found his way to doing what he does, the philosophy behind his journalistic endeavors, and much more.

Mathew received his bachelor’s in mass communication from Minnesota State University Moorhead and he worked as a producer on the 2015 PBS documentary “Black Gold Boom,” about the oil boom in western North Dakota.

Travis Zimmerman: Sharing and Celebrating Ojibwe History Oct 26, 2023

On today's episode, Leah and Cole speak with Travis Zimmerman, whose family is from the Crane Clan of Grand Portage. He is the site manager for the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post. Travis also hosted "DeCoded: Native Veterans In Minnesota Who Helped Win World War II," — produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers.
Travis talks about his love for Native American history, specifically Ojibwe history and culture, and his path to the museum and trading post. You can find out about the Mille Lacs Museum and Trading Post events here.

Ernest Briggs: A Journey in Acting and Empowering Indigenous Artists Oct 12, 2023

On today’s episode, Leah and Cole speak with Ernest Briggs (White Earth Nation), who is a director, writer, producer, teacher, and actor from the Twin Cities where he's worked in the theater community for 15+ years. He’s the artistic director of Turtle Theater Collective, a collective of Indigenous theater artists focused on telling Native stories.
Ernest recently made his Guthrie Theater debut in “For The People,” a Native comedy that’s based on the Minneapolis Native community. He speaks with us about the significance of play and how it wouldn’t have been possible without important collaboration with the community.
From recreating movie scenes with his brother to studying acting in Los Angeles, Ernest shares his journey as an actor and storyteller.
Ernest is also a member of the Guthrie Theater’s Native Advisory Council, which works to help decolonize spaces and open doors for Indigenous performers and creators
“For the People” runs from Oct. 7 through Nov. 12. You can find ticket information here.

Ernest Briggs: A Journey in Acting and Empowering Indigenous artists Oct 12, 2023

On today’s episode, Leah and Cole speak with Ernest Briggs (White Earth Nation), who is a director, writer, producer, teacher, and actor from the Twin Cities where he's worked in the theater community for 15+ years. He’s the artistic director of Turtle Theater Collective, a collective of Indigenous theater artists focused on telling Native stories.
Ernest recently made his Guthrie Theater debut in “For The People,” a Native comedy that’s based on the Minneapolis Native community. He speaks with us about the significance of play and how it wouldn’t have been possible without important collaboration with the community.
From recreating movie scenes with his brother to studying acting in Los Angeles, Ernest shares his journey as an actor and storyteller.
Ernest is also a member of the Guthrie Theater’s Native Advisory Council, which works to help decolonize spaces and open doors for Indigenous performers and creators
“For the People” runs from Oct. 7 through Nov. 12. You can find ticket information here.

Adrienne Zimiga-January: Bringing more Native Voices to Theaters Oct 05, 2023

Today, Leah and Cole chat with Adrienne Zimiga-January, a citizen of the Oglala Lakota Nation who has been creating and performing in the Twin Cities theater community for over a decade.
This fall, she’s making her Guthrie debut on stage in “For The People.” It’s billed as a “world premiere comedy by Native voices” with a story set in the Minneapolis Native community.
In addition to her insights on the play, Adrienne talks about her passion for theater, bringing more Native stories to the stage, and making theater a place that’s welcoming for all.
Adrienne is also a member of the Guthrie Theater’s Native Advisory Council, which works to help decolonize spaces and open doors for Indigenous performers and creators. Plus, she’s the designer of “You Are On Native Land” artwork, available in the Guthrie’s Store.
“For the People” runs from Oct. 7 through Nov. 12.

Tony Drews: Capturing Excitement for Native Culture and Language Through Games Sep 15, 2023

Today, Leah and Cole chat with Tony Drews (first-generation direct descendent of Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe), a lifelong student of Ojibwe culture and language.
As president and founder of Nashke Native Games, Drews talks about his background in education and how he has found ways to better engage native students in their culture. He describes how excited the students are with these games that not only teach language, but the meaning and history behind the words.
Drews is also the program coordinator for the American Indian Family Empowerment Fund at the Tiwahe Foundation.
Miigwech, Tony, for sharing your story!

Shaun Chosa: Reimagining Indigenous Presence in Pop Culture Sep 09, 2023

Today, Leah and Cole chat with artist Shaun Chosa. Shaun's art boldly blends Indigenous heritage, counterculture, and pop culture influences, echoing his self-described nomadic upbringing.

Currently, his pieces are on display at the Friedli Gallery through October 2023, where he weaves Indigenous traditions into the fabric of popular culture. Shaun shares captivating stories from his travels across Indian country, offers unique insights into Indigenous representation in pop culture, and his journey as an artist.

Miigwech, Shaun, for sharing your journey!

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Tashia Hart: Art, Nature and The Path to Growing Joy Aug 18, 2023

This week, Leah and Cole chat with Tashia Hart (Red Lake Nation), a culinary ethnobotanist, artist, photographer, award-winning author, and cook. As a multifaceted artist, Tashia’s art reflects the stages of her life, connections to nature and food. She shares about the making of her most recent work, Native Love Jams, a “sweet” romance that explores the relationships of love and food. Tashia also shares how adversity from publishers led to the creation of her publishing company (Not) Too Far Removed Press and how connecting to plants and nature has helped her along her path. Miigwech to Tashia for chatting!

Tashia has a collection of food and love-themed illustrations on display at the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) titled “Indigenous Expressions Love Culture and Reinvention” – a co-presentation with artist Sam Zimmerman and bead artist Chenoa Williams.

In addition to Native Love Jams, Tashia has authored Girl Unreserved, Gidjie and the Wolves, and The Good Berry Cookbook.

Sam Zimmerman’s Journey Back to Painting and the Homelands Aug 11, 2023

Leah and Cole chat with artist Sam Zimmerman (Grand Portage). After two decades on the east coast in public education, Sam moved back to Minnesota to rededicate himself to his passion for painting and to be closer to his family and community. His artwork explores his Ojibwe heritage, as well as his learnings and experiences in nature after returning to his ancestral homelands. Sam shares about learning language and culture through community collaborations, illustrating books for Native authors, and collaborating with family. He tells Leah and Cole about his path, which began with a college-age passion for painting, and then a love for teaching, and has now come full circle as he returns home.

Sam discusses his experience venturing into watercolor painting for the first time, which is showcased in his latest gallery exhibition titled "Indigenous Expressions Love Culture and Reinvention" at the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO). This exhibition is a collaborative effort with author and illustrator Tashia Hart, as well as bead artist Chenoa Williams.

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Rhiana Yazzie: Empowering Indigenous Creativity Aug 04, 2023

Leah and Cole are joined by the multi-talented Rhiana Yazzie (Diné Nation), a remarkable theatre artist, filmmaker, playwright, and the visionary force behind New Native Theatre. Rhiana shares the latest developments at New Native Theatre, delves into her award-winning feature film ""A Winter Love," and shares about her lifelong passion for storytelling that has shaped her journey from childhood to becoming a leading voice in Indigenous creativity.

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

John Villebrun: Cultivating the Next Generation Through Basketball Jul 21, 2023

Cole and Leah meet and chat with high school basketball coach John Villebrun (Bois Forte Band). John coaches girls’ basketball at Mountain Iron-Buhl High School on the Iron Range. The team was recently crowned the Minnesota Class A State Girls’ Basketball Champions, and John received the honor of Assistant Coach of the Year! Now as a decorated coach, John remains modest and continues to lead with perseverance and determination, setting an example for the next generation. Miigwech to John for chatting with us!

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Native Lights At The Four Sisters Farmers Market Pt. 2 Jun 23, 2023

Leah and Cole take a trip to Four Sisters Farmers Market in Minneapolis! It’s the first market day of the year, and our hosts chat with poet, playwright, and author Marcie Rendon; Janet Court from the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (EPNI); and The Pretendians who played music at the Farmers Market! We also hear Pretendians songs “For the Sun” and “The 38” from their upcoming album Stories From the Fire

Four Sisters Farmers Marketis every Thursday 11am to 3pm during the summer and fall at The Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI) in Minneapolis.

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Native Lights At The Four Sisters Farmers Market Pt. 1 Jun 16, 2023

Leah and Cole take a trip to Four Sisters Farmers Market in Minneapolis! It’s the first market day of the year, and our hosts chat with nature-inspired jewelry designer Lali Aguilar from Corn Silk Daughter; food and plant loving Rivianna Zeller, a Farmer & Distribution Coordinator with Dream of Wild Health; Native book publisher Tom Peacock from Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing; and Destiny Jones, Food Sovereignty Coordinator and Farmers Market Manager at Four Sisters Farmers Market at NACDI.
Stay tuned for part two of our trip to the market!

The Four Sisters Market is every Thursday 11am to 3pm during the summer and fall at The Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI) in Minneapolis.

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

An Garagiola’s Gift For Bringing Indigenous Values to Academia May 05, 2023

Today Leah and Cole chat with An Garagiola, a descendent of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, and the University Coordinator and a Lead Researcher on the TRUTH Project. An shares about researching archives from the University of MN and the MN Historical Society, findings from the TRUTH Project, and how she’s bringing Indigenous values to Academia and research.

The Towards Recognition and University-Tribal Healing (TRUTH) project has released a report detailing the “persistent, systemic mistreatment” of Indigenous people by the University of Minnesota. As a land grab/grant university, the U of MN received stolen land as investment capitol from the US Government through the Morrill Act in 1862. The TRUTH project looks at different points of history within the U of MN and how it affected Native people, with input and research from the 11 Tribal nations in Minnesota.

This is the third episode of a series with some of the leaders of the TRUTH research project: Listen to our interview with Misty Blue, and Audrianna Goodwin as well.
Find out more about the TRUTH project: https://mn.gov/indian-affairs/truth-project/

In a statement to MN Native News, the University of Minnesota said “In recent years the University has committed to acknowledging the past and doing the necessary work to begin rebuilding and strengthening relationships with Tribal Nations and Native people. Openly receiving this report is another step toward honoring that commitment. While documenting the past, the TRUTH Report also provides guidance as to how the University can solidify lasting relationships with Tribes and Indigenous peoples built on respect, open communication and action. As we engage in the important discussions that will now follow, that guidance will be invaluable.”

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Audrianna Goodwin’s Gift of Being a Dreamer Apr 28, 2023

Today Leah and Cole chat with Audrianna Goodwin, a Red Lake Nation citizen and part of the core research team for the TRUTH Project where she has been appointed tribal research fellow for Red Lake Nation. Audrianna shares her outlook as a ‘dreamer’ and how family and community helped her along her path. She explains her TRUTH Project research that examines medical research done to Red Lake children by the University of Minnesota and how Indigenous-led research is vital to healing and recognition
The Towards Recognition and University-Tribal Healing (TRUTH) project has released a report detailing the “persistent, systemic mistreatment” of Indigenous people by the University of Minnesota. As a land grab/grant university, the U of MN received stolen land as investment capitol from the US Government through the Morrill Act in 1862. The TRUTH project looks at different points of history within the U of MN and how it affected Native people, with input and research from the 11 Tribal nations in Minnesota

This is the second episode of a series with some of the leaders of the TRUTH research project: Listen to our interview with Misty Blue.
Find out more about the TRUTH project: https://mn.gov/indian-affairs/truth-project/

In a statement to MN Native News, the University of Minnesota said “In recent years the University has committed to acknowledging the past and doing the necessary work to begin rebuilding and strengthening relationships with Tribal Nations and Native people. Openly receiving this report is another step toward honoring that commitment. While documenting the past, the TRUTH Report also provides guidance as to how the University can solidify lasting relationships with Tribes and Indigenous peoples built on respect, open communication and action. As we engage in the important discussions that will now follow, that guidance will be invaluable.”

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Misty Blue & Indigenous-led Research Toward Healing and Recognition Apr 21, 2023

Today Misty Blue, White Earth Nation citizen and Tribal coordinator of the TRUTH Project, chats with Leah and Cole about some of the TRUTH report’s findings, the importance of Indigenous-led research, and what the TRUTH project recommends the UMN do to take steps toward healing.
The Towards Recognition and University-Tribal Healing (TRUTH) project has released a report detailing the “persistent, systemic mistreatment” of Indigenous people by the University of Minnesota. As a land grab/grant university, the U of MN received stolen land as investment capitol from the US Government through the Morrill Act in 1862.

This is the first episode of a series with some of the leaders of the TRUTH research project.
Find out more about the TRUTH project: https://mn.gov/indian-affairs/truth-project/

Gerilyn Lopez: Supporting Access to Energy Efficient Practices and Renewable Energy Apr 14, 2023

Today Leah and Cole chat with Gerilyn Lopez, a member of the White Earth Nation. Gerilyn works as a weatherization auditor and inspector at MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership. She connects low incomes families to energy-efficient practices and materials in Northern Minnesota. In addition, she is an advocate for women and diverse communities getting into the clean energy and home improvement industries. Her work led her to speak at the Aspen Ideas: Climate conference in March. She shares her experiences at the conference, what she does as a weatherization auditor and how her interest in solar energy has lead her down this path.

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Alicia Smith’s Gift for Caring Mar 31, 2023

Today we’re chatting with Alicia Smith, Alicia is Yupik from Pitkas Point Village in Alaska, and is the Deputy Director of the Economic Assistance and Employment Support Division at the MN Dept of Human Services. After working as an American Indian advisor for the state, she now oversees the state’s anti-poverty support programs that include food stamps, food banks, shelters, and community action programs. She shares how family, community, and Yupik values have guided her along her path.

Miigwech to Alicia for taking some time to chat!
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Wayne Somes: Growing Family and Cultural Bonds Through Ojibwemowin Mar 24, 2023

Today Leah and Cole speak with Wayne Somes, a citizen of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Wayne shares how his passions for family, early childhood development, and Ojibwemowin have led him along a path to Northern Minnesota.

Wayne is also the Tribal Liaison for MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership, a community support non-profit serving Mahnomen, Hubbard, Becker, Otter Tail and Wadena counties. In his role, he works on outreach, tribal collaboration efforts, Ojibwe education, and increasing cultural practices. Wayne shares how his passions for family, early childhood development, and Ojibwemowin have led him his path to Northern Minnesota.

More about MAHUBE-OTWA at : https://mahube.org/
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Thomasina TopBear: Empowering Community Through Art Mar 17, 2023

Today we’re speaking with artist Thomasina “Tomie” TopBear. She is a self-taught artist, muralist, published illustrator and organizer from the Oglala Lakota & Santee Dakota Nations. She specializes in large-scale murals; her work can be seen on the sides of buildings throughout the Twin Cities and the country. Cole talks with her about City Mischief Murals, which she co-founded. It’s an all Indigenous, Black & Pacific Islander artist collective centered on healing through art. She had some great things to say about how murals can build a stronger community, the process of painting a mural, and much more. You can get a taste of her art at: https://www.instagram.com/tomierae
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Tabitha Chilton’s Gift for Building Access & Trust in Healthcare Systems Mar 10, 2023

Leah and Cole chat with Tabitha Chilton, a White Earth Nation member who serves as Sanford Health’s Native American patient advocate in Bemidji, Minnesota. Tabitha’s focus on outpatient care at the Joe Lueken Cancer Center helps Native communities access healthcare throughout Northern Minnesota. She works with Tribal communities to help build trust and understanding in the healthcare system and emphasizes the need for preventative care and primary care. Tabitha chats with us about her current position at Sanford Health, helping youth through trauma-informed care and her path to serving communities.

Miigwech to Tabitha for sharing about what has led her along the path of advocating for Native Americans in Healthcare systems!

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Jewell Arcoren: Healing With Language and The Next Generation Mar 03, 2023

Today Leah and Cole chat with Jewell Arcoren (Sisseton Wahpeton Nation). Jewell is a community activist and the Executive Director for Wicoie Nandagikendan, an Ojibwe and Dakota language immersion preschool in Minneapolis. There, she pursues her commitments to early childhood education, language revitalization and addressing intergenerational historical trauma. Jewell talks about how cultural integration is a key to healing and moving forward, including language revitalization and traditional foods. She shares about her journey with Wicoie Nandagikendan, the school's hope to expand and how culture can put people onto a path of healing.
Wicoie Nandagikendan is language immersion pre-school that teaches through Ojibwe and Dakota languages. They are located along Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis within the American Indian corridor. Since 2006, they’ve been a national leader in language immersion. https://www.facebook.com/WicoieNandagikendan/
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Sasheen Goslin & Deanna Reder Bring Their Distinct Abilities to the Team at AICHO Feb 24, 2023

Today is a special episode of Native Lights. We have two guests! Sasheen Goslin and Deanna Reder from the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) in Duluth. They are two members of the small team at AICHO that is dedicated to all aspects of wellness for the Indigenous communities in Duluth.

Sasheen (Prairie Band Potawatomi, Red Cliff Ojibwe and Kickapoo) is the Indigenous Health Coordinator at AICHO and Deanna serves as the Legal Advocate for Dabinoo’Igan Domestic Violence Shelter ran by AICHO. Sasheen and Deanna share their a little about their journey to AICHO, what makes AICHO special, and the upcoming benefit for Dabinoo’Igan.

AICHO is in the process of fundraising for an expansion of Dabinoo’Igan, including a benefit concert at the NorShor Theatre featuring performances by Annie Humphrey and Keith Secola. Find out more about the Dabinoo’Igan Domestic Violence Shelter expansion benefit show happening April 6th in Duluth: https://www.aicho.org/funddvshelter.html#/

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Annie Humphrey’s Gift for Living With Care and Empathy Feb 17, 2023

Today we chat with Annie Humphrey (Leech Lake Ojibwe). She’s an Anishinaabekwe mother, grandmother, and an award-winning musician who’s been a presence on the music scene for decades. We have a wide-ranging conversation with Annie that highlights her wisdom, her path to music, her care for her family and empathy for community. Annie talks about her latest album Eat What You Kill, building a hemp house, and the upcoming benefit show for the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO)’s Dabinoo’Igan Domestic Violence Shelter expansion.

Find out more about the Dabinoo’Igan Domestic Violence Shelter expansion benefit show happening April 6th in Duluth: https://www.aicho.org/funddvshelter.html#/

Annie Humphrey’s website: https://www.anniehumphreymusic.com/

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

LeAnn Littlewolf: Creating Vibrant Community Through Informed Leadership Feb 10, 2023

Today we chat with LeAnn Littlewolf, a Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe citizen and co-Executive Director for the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) in Duluth. AICHO’s community informed programs aim to create a stronger, healthier, more stable Native community in Duluth.

As co-Executive Director, LeAnn brings three decades of experience in community leadership and advocacy, culturally informed strategies for community and economic development. She shares about her path to leading at AICHO, how her work and AICHO’s service are built around community needs and engagement and what is next for AICHO.

AICHO’s programs include emergency and transitional housing; health equity and food sovereignty initiatives; and community arts and cultural programming. Learn more about AICHO at: https://www.aicho.org/

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Rebekah Fineday’s Gift for Building Trust in Healthcare Systems & Native Communities Feb 03, 2023

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Rebekah Fineday’s Gift for Building Trust in Healthcare Systems & Native Communities
Today, we’re speaking with Rebekah Fineday, a Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe citizen and Air Force veteran who serves as Sanford Health’s Native American community advocate in Bemidji, Minnesota. She is also a Registered Nurse and has worked at Indian Health Service (IHS) in Cass Lake and Red Lake for more than a decade. Through her work, she’s been advocating to improve health care in Native American communities which include community-minded patient relations, building relationships with other tribal health groups, and in-person patient advocacy.
She shares a little about her time in the Air Force, working in Indian Health Services, and the importance of community and culture in the health care system. Miigwech to Rebekah for sharing about what has led her along the path of advocating for Native Americans in Healthcare systems!
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Levi Brown’s Gift for Building Relationships Across the Table Jan 27, 2023

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Levi Brown’s Gift for Building Relationships Across the Table
Today we’re speaking with Levi Brown, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe citizen and Director of Tribal Affairs at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDot). Levi talks with Leah and Cole about acknowledgement on a person-to-person level and on an institutional level. In his current position at MnDot, Levi helped facilitate the highway signs marking the 1854 Treaty boundaries in Northern MN, a step toward acknowledgment and a point of education. Levi is also a part of the Tribal State Relationship Training Program that helps develop collaboration and understanding between tribes and Minnesota state departments.
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Elaine Fleming: Celebrating and Sharing the Culture of Leech Lake Jan 20, 2023

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Elaine Fleming: Celebrating and Sharing the Culture of Leech Lake

Today Leah and Cole chat with Elaine Fleming. She teaches and preserves Leech Lake Ojibwe culture, history, and language. Elaine proudly lives in Cass Lake, where she has been an instructor at Leech Lake Tribal College for 29 years. Elaine has immense gratitude and care for Leech Lake’s natural gifts. At the tribal college, she has taught through hands-on experiences rooted in Leech Lake history and tradition, including manoomin harvesting, historical theatre, and knowledge bowl. She teaches several subjects including Leech Lake history, Anishinaabe studies and Indigenous American Women. Elaine shares her journey to working at the tribal college, her experiences teaching the next generation, and how through teaching she is still learning.

Elaine is also an Army veteran; was the mayor of Cass Lake from 2003 to 2006; and is the host of the History of Leech Lake Show on KOJB Radio. Chi miigwech to Elaine for sharing with us!

Find the Leech Lake Tribal College online at: https://www.lltc.edu/

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine. Native Lights is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at MinnesotaNativeNews.org/NativeLights

Amber Annis: Nurturing & Protecting Authentic Narratives Jan 13, 2023

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Amber Annis: Nurturing & Protecting Authentic Narratives
Today Leah and Cole chat with Amber Annis, a Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe citizen who is currently the director of Native American Initiative at the Minnesota Historical Society. Amber has a long history not only as a public historian, but as an educator, tribal nation liaison, community engagement specialist and collaborator.
She also talks about her experience teaching “Topics in Contemporary Native North America” at Metro State University; the process behind reframing historical archives of Indigenous people; and how her and the Minnesota Historical Society are helping reframing how K-12 teach the history of Minnesota.
Pidamayaye and Miigwech to Amber for sharing with us today!

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine. Native Lights is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at MinnesotaNativeNews.org/NativeLights

Jada Brown: Expression and Affirmation Through Singing Dec 23, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Jada Brown: Expression and Affirmation Through Singing
Today Leah and Cole have a conversation with Jada Brown. Jada is a Minneapolis-based singer, songwriter and spoken word poet who is affiliated with the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe. She just released her debut solo album Admiration this month. Jada is also in the band Willows who are releasing an EP at Icehouse in January. Jada has been singing since her teen years and moved to Minneapolis from St. Michael.

Jada is also studying Global Studies, American Indian Studies and Gender studies at the University of Minnesota. Chi Miigwech to Jada for talking with us today.
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Karen Jones and Stephanie Longfield: Taking Initiative for Future Generations Dec 16, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Karen Jones and Stephanie Longfield: Taking Initiative for Future Generations

Today Leah shares her conversations with Karen Jones and Stephanie Longfield from White Earth Nation’s cohort of Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative (IPLI). As graduates of the initiative, they’ve begun projects to deepen connections between their communities and culture. Karen’s project, “Traditional Healing Home for Young Adults” plan to create two traditional healing home for young adults that have aged out of foster care or have nowhere else to go. Stephanie’s project “Preparing Our Youth” focuses teaching “life” skills to young adults in the White Earth community, from opening a bank account, to building credit and even maintaining vehicles.

Chi-Miigwech to Karen and Stephanie for sharing with us today!

The Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative is a 21-week course for parents that integrates Ojibwe culture, child development and leadership. To find out more about the next cohort at IPLI, visit https://www.indigenousvisioning.com/ or on their Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/Indigenous-Parent-Leadership-Initiative-104913428664845

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Jessica Glidden: Fostering Native Leadership Dec 09, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Jessica Glidden: Fostering Native Leadership
Today Leah and Cole chat with Jessica Glidden (Bois Forte). Jessica is the Program Manager at the Native Governance Center (NGC). She shares her thoughts about Native identity, moving away from colonized ways and the Native Rebuilders cohort. Native Rebuilders is a leadership development program for Indigenous changemakers. The program aims to strengthen Native leaders and changemakers and gives them the tools to better their communities.
The Native Governance Center is a native-led nonprofit that aids Native nations in the region, strengthening their own governance systems and capacity to exercise sovereignty. Find NGC online at: https://nativegov.org/

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Derek Nicholas: Indigenous Fare for Future Generations Dec 02, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Derek Nicholas: Indigenous Fare for Future Generations

Leah and Cole have a conversation with Derek Nicholas (Red Cliff Band of Ojibwe) about food sovereignty and Indigenous cooking. Derek shares his experiences as the Nutrition Program Coordinator at the Division of Indian Work in Minneapolis; his views on culturally, seasonally appropriate foods; and about the growing, multi-faceted Indigenous food community.

Derek authored the book Eating with the Seasons, Anishinaabeg, Great Lakes Region and is planning to start a non-profit cultural camp to gather, grow and cook Indigenous foods and connect future generations to cultural traditions of all types. He’s also the founder of Wiisinig LLC, a platform to showcase his food sovereignty work.
Chi-Miigwech to Derek for sharing with us today!
Find Wiisinig online: https://www.wiisinigllc.com/
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Heather Friedli: Revealing Nature’s Allure Nov 28, 2022

Today Leah and Cole chat with Heather Friedli, a contemporary impressionist oil painter. Heather creates vivid landscapes inspired by her family’s Native American and Mexican heritages and her time exploring the natural world. In addition to painting, Heather is also a professional snow sculptor and recently appeared in Disney’s Best In Snow sculpting competition. She shares about her family, painting styles, and her inspiring hike along the whole Appalachian Trail.

Heather lives and works in St. Paul and operates the Friedli Gallery and Studio. Chi Miigwech to Heather for sharing with us today!

Find Heather online at: http://friedliarts.com/

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund.

Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Rita Walaszek Arndt: Representation in History Nov 17, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Today Leah and Cole chat with Rita Walaszek Arndt (White Earth Nation). Rita is the program and outreach manager of the Native American Initiatives department at the Minnesota Historical Society. She’s also the curator of the Our Home: Native Minnesota exhibit at the historical society.

Through her work, Rita is focused on Indigenous representation in the historical society and encourages people to think differently about the land now known as Minnesota. She tells Leah and Cole about the challenges of cataloging MHS’s Indigenous object archive, examining the history of this land beyond statehood, and how Indigenous art is inseparable from culture and Indigenous ways of living.

Chi Miigwech to Rita for sharing her story and work with us today!

Susie Ballot and Lera Hephner’s Work to Preserve Culture Across Generations Nov 11, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show
Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Susie Ballot and Lera Hephner’s Work to Preserve Culture Across Generations

Today Leah shares her conversations with Susie Ballot and Lera Hephner from White Earth Nation’s cohort of Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative (IPLI). As graduates of the initiative, they’ve begun projects to deepen connections between their communities and culture. Susie’s project, “Connecting with Your Spirit” works specifically to connect culture bearers and pipe carriers together with young community members with the goal of receiving their Ojibwe name. Lera’s project “Healthy Language, Health Community” focuses on data collection and creating successful Ojibwemowin programs in the White Earth community.

Chi-Miigwech to Susie and Lera for sharing with us today!

The Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative is a 21-week course for parents that integrates Ojibwe culture, child development and leadership. To find out more about the next cohort at IPLI, visit https://www.indigenousvisioning.com/ or on their Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/Indigenous-Parent-Leadership-Initiative-104913428664845

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Duane Goodwin: Expressing Culture Through Sculpture Nov 04, 2022

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Duane Goodwin: Expressing Culture Through Sculpture

Today Leah shares her conversation with artist Duane “Dewey” Goodwin (White Earth Nation). Duane is known for his sculptures, including large-scale rock sculptures that stand beside rivers and in parks across Minnesota. Duane’s latest sculpture was Oganawedan Nibi, “She is Blessing Spirits in the Water,” was unveiled on Indigenous People’s Day in Grand Rapids. Duane has been creating for more than five decades. He shares parts of his journey with Leah, including his early years, his first large scale creations, finding other mediums, and the toll of working with stone.
You can visit his sculptures along the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids, at Indian Mounds State Park, and at the University of Minnesota Morris campus. Chi Miigwech to Duane for inviting Leah to his home for the conversation!
https://www.deweygoodwin.com/

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

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Elizabeth Day’s Gift for Nurturing Community and Storytelling Oct 29, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Elizabeth Day’s Gift for Nurturing Community and Storytelling

Today we hear from Elizabeth Day (Leech Lake Ojibwe) with the Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI). She’s the Community Engagement Programs Manager at NACDI focusing on healthy access that includes the Four Sisters Farmers Market and Make Voting a Tradition, a year-round voter mobilization program. Elizabeth views herself as a public servant, supporting the community through her work at NACDI as well as creating short films with traditional Ojibwe storytelling using contemporary filmmaking techniques. Currently, she lives in Twin Cities.

Elizabeth talks with Leah and Cole about the importance of voting in Native communities, the upcoming Supreme Court case challenging The Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA), navigating grant-writing, her work as a filmmaker, and how her love for family and community helps her in her journey. Chi-Miigwech to Elizabeth for sharing with us today!
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Tamee Livermont Brings Indigenous Values to Health Care Education and Policy Oct 21, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.
Tamee Livermont Brings Indigenous Values to Health Care Education and Policy
Today Leah and Cole chat with Tamee Livermont MPH (Oglala Lakota Nation). Tamee is on her way to becoming an MD at the University of Minnesota Medical School in Duluth and is one of three recipients of the 2022 Morris K. Udall and John S. McCain III Native American Graduate Fellowship in Tribal Policy. Before going to medical school, Tamee served as the Tribal Liaison at the Great Plains Tribal Leaders Health Board. Tamee brings her knowledge of Indigenous values and tribal policy to her work and studies. She wants to Indigenize the medical education system and defend treaty obligations while creating better healthcare systems that are centered around Indigenous values.

Chi-Miigwech to Tamee for sharing with us today!
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Maggie Lorenz’s Leadership in Reclamation and Gift for Resiliency Oct 07, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Today Leah and Cole chat with Maggie Lorenz, an enrolled member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe and descendant of the Spirit Lake Dakota Nation. She is the Director of the Wakan Tipi Center & Executive Director of the Lower Phalen Creek project, which is a Native-led environmental conservation nonprofit on the East Side of St. Paul.

Maggie tells us about the reclamation of a Dakota sacred area, Wakan Tipi, and the plans for a community gathering and ceremony space nearby. The Wakan Tipi cave is within the Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, just east of downtown St. Paul. The project seeks to preserve the space and restore and honor the purpose of the sacred site for the future. Maggie has worked in education, environmental justice, cultural healing, and resiliency which lead her to become the Executive Director of the Lower Phalen Creek project.

Chi-Miigwech to Maggie for sharing her path to this important work!

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Dani Pieratos’ Journey to Reclaiming Food Sovereignty. Sep 23, 2022

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Today Leah and Cole chat with Dani Pieratos of Harvest Nation, an indoor CSA aeroponic farm concept in northern Minnesota. She hails from Lake Vermillion on the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa reservation. Dani is also the co-founder of Bois Forte Sovereignty & Sustainable Agriculture Community Group.

Dani, and a community of people interested in food sovereignty, are planning to bring fresh food to the Bois Forte community year around using aeroponic indoor growing systems. Her passion for reclaiming Native food sovereignty leads her work and is driven by a care for community health and undoing the effects of historical trauma and colonization. Chi-Miigwech to Dani for being on the show!

More information about Harvest Nation can be found here: https://www.harvestnationinc.com/

Corey Medina: Connecting With Community Through Music Sep 16, 2022

Today we chat with Corey Medina, a blues-rock artist from Shiprock, NM, and member of the Áshįįhí clan of the Diné Nation. His band, Corey Medina & Brothers, has a reputation as an on-stage powerhouse, bringing its blues-tinged rock and roll to stages across Minnesota.

Corey shares his experience moving to northern Minnesota a decade ago and talks about decolonizing his writing process during the recording of the new album Soak. He also talks us through Soak’s album art, which features an animal skull submerged in a colorful body of water.

Corey Medina & Brothers’ latest album Soak is available on Spotify and other streaming services. Find out where the band is playing at https://www.facebook.com/coreybluesfolks - Their record release show is in Bemidji at the Rail River Folk School on September 23, 2022.

Chi Miigwech to Corey for sharing his gift with us today!

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Native Representation at the Great Minnesota Get-Together Sep 09, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Native Representation at the Great Minnesota Get-Together

In this week’s show Leah and Cole are live from the Minnesota State Fair with two great guests. We discuss Native representation at the fair and beyond.

Our first guest today is Andy Vig! Andy is an enrolled member of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, who is the director of SMSC’s community center, called Hoċokata Ti, which opened in 2019. We talked with him about Hoċokata Ti and SMSC’s exhibit at the Minnesota State Fair. SMSC is in its second year of being involved at the state fair. Their exhibit included information about the tribe, including their initiatives; Understand Native MN and Native Green. In addition, fairgoers were able to take home a beautiful calendar featuring Dakota seasons and language.

We also catch up with Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Band of Ojibwe), who appeared on our first State Fair show back in 2019. We talk with her about Native representation at the fair, and the growing representation in film and TVs, including Lt. Gov’s personal favorite Rutherford Falls.
Chi-Miigwech to Andy Vig and Lt. Gov Peggy Flanagan for stopping out for our live show. We chatted with them live at the Minnesota State Fair on Sunday September 4th 2022.
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Jamie Becker-Finn’s Path to Bringing Community Together Sep 02, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Jamie Becker-Finn’s Path to Bringing Community Together

Today we’ll chat with State Representative and Entrepreneur Jamie Becker-Finn (Leech Lake). Recently she celebrated the opening of her coffee shop – Makwa Coffee. We talk with Jamie about the first few weeks of Makwa Coffee, how she got the idea amidst the pandemic and how the community has supported Makwa so far. In addition to Makwa Coffee and her work in the legislature, Jamie is also a teacher and supports initiatives encouraging kids to get outside and into nature.
You can find out more about Makwa Coffee online at https://www.makwacoffee.com/ and Jamie Becker-Finn in the House of Representatives at https://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/members/profile/15457
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Marisa Miakonda Cummings’ Gift for Leadership and Empowering Native Women Aug 26, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Marisa Miakonda Cummings’ Gift for Leadership and Empowering Native Women

On today’s show, Leah and Cole chat with Marisa Miakonda Cummings (Umonhon). She’s the President/CEO of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center. The MIWRC empowers Native women and families to exercise their cultural values and integrity, and to achieve sustainable lifeways, while advocating for justice and equity.

Marisa shares about her journey to becoming the CEO/President of MIWRC, she tells how her family empowered her from a young age, and how she leads with traditional knowledge in her work.

The MIWRC will soon hold its inaugural Red Dress Gala, the Gala is September 9, 2022. More information about the Gala and the MIWRC at https://www.miwrc.org/

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Megan Lhotka’s Gift For Teaching and Family Empowerment Aug 11, 2022

On today’s show, we talk with Megan Lhotka, a descendant of the White Earth Nation. Megan is a Facilitator for the White Earth Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative (IPLI), a training program that guides parents to become leading advocates for children using a cultural lens.

Megan is also teaching dual language classes for the first time this fall and works as a Anishinaabemowin translator and teacher. We hear how Megan found the path to her current work and how learning the language has been a gift in her life. This summer, Megan is training for her first triathlon as a way to highlight IPLI and she shares with us how training is going. Miigwech Megan for your chatting with us today!

The Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative is a 21-week course for parents that integrates Ojibwe culture, child development and leadership.

Megan’s triathlon is in support of IPLI, you can find more information at: https://www.gofundme.com/f/raise-awareness-for-native-american-parenting

To find out more about the next cohort at IPLI, visit https://www.indigenousvisioning.com/ or on their Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/Indigenous-Parent-Leadership-Initiative-104913428664845

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Tadd Johnson’s Gift For Teaching and Advocating Aug 05, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Tadd Johnson’s Gift For Teaching and Advocating

Today we talk with retired professor, former tribal attorney and lecturer Tadd Johnson (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa). Tadd was recently appointed to the University of Minnesota’s Board of Regents, where he is serving the 8th Congressional District and as the first Native person to be a part of the school’s governing body. Tadd talked about how he got to be appointed to the board; what the board does and why it’s important for the school to finally have Native representation and dialogue with tribal nations.

We appreciate all the work Tadd has done for decades and we’re excited to see where his leadership will take the University in the future! Chi-Miigwech Tadd!

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Juliet Rudie Leads Minnesota’s new Office of Missing And Murdered Indigenous Relatives Jul 29, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Juliet Rudie Leads Minnesota’s new Office of Missing And Murdered Indigenous Relatives

On today’s show, Cole shares his conversation with Juliet Rudie (Lower Sioux Indian Community). Juliet is the Director of Minnesota’s new Office of Missing And Murdered Indigenous Relatives (MMIR). She talks with us about how she is leading the new office, the report that guides the work she does, and how she became interested in public safety as a child. Juliet has been in public service for nearly 30 years, beginning as a patrol officer with St. Paul police in 1990.

The MMIR office is the first of its kind in the nation and was created in February 2022. The office was created based on the findings of the Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives report to the legislature by the Missing And Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives Task Force.

Find more information on the MMIR Office at: https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/ojp/Pages/missing-murdered-indigenous-relatives-office.aspx
And read the report that guides the office’s work at: https://www.lrl.mn.gov/docs/2020/mandated/201198.pdf

Miigwech to Juliet Rudie for taking time to share with us today!

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Barb Fabre’s Gift for Empowering Native Families and Children Jul 21, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Barb Fabre’s Gift for Empowering Native Families and Children

On today’s show, we talk with Barbara Fabre (White Earth Ojibwe). For decades, Barb has been an advocate for Native families and children. She’s the President of All Nations Rise and the CEO of Indigenous Visioning.

She talks about how culture leads the work she does and how Native teachings help empower, educate, and mentor Native families, children, and childcare providers. Barb has led numerous projects that aim to improve childcare systems throughout Indian country.

You can find more about her work at https://www.indigenousvisioning.com/

Miigwech to Barb Fabre for the informative conversation!

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Emma Needham’s Gift For Uplifting Indigenous Perspectives Jul 07, 2022

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Emma Needham’s Gift For Uplifting Indigenous Perspectives

On today’s show, we talk with Emma Needham (Red Lake Nation). She is a mother, water protector, and reporter. We talk with Emma about the impacts of environmental issues locally and nationally, and how caring about those issues led her on her journey of storytelling. Emma co-hosts and reports on Indigenous issues as a part of Native Roots Radio’s daily radio show “I’m Awake” and for us at Minnesota Native News.
We loved hearing Emma’s thoughts about independent journalism and the importance of Indigenous perspectives in media. Miigwech Emma Needham for the great conversation!

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Darek DeLille’s Gift for Building Up Community & Audio Arts Jun 30, 2022

On today’s show, we talk with Darek DeLille (Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa/Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa), Artistic Producer at New Native Theatre, community organizer, musician and audio artist. Darek now lives in Southeast Minneapolis after living on Fond du Lac for many years.

Darek considers himself the “Anishinaabe army knife” who is always ready to learn and expand his knowledge while uplifting the people around him. Recently, Darek has started producing audio plays with New Native Theatre, managing the Four Sisters Farmers Market in Minneapolis and helping to organize the inaugural Two Spirit Pow Wow in Minneapolis.

We loved hearing about Darek's love for community and his wisdom about life. Miigwech Darek DeLille!

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Filmmaker Khayman Goodsky’s Gift for Visual Storytelling and Collaboration Jun 23, 2022

Today, a lively conversation with Khayman Goodsky (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa) a Duluth filmmaker who creates films exploring Ojibwe teachings side by side with punk music. Khayman tells about how she first found her path, her love of comic books and cosplay, and how she enjoys the whole collaboration process. Khayman also shares her plans for an upcoming sequel to her short film Dream Wanderer. We spoke with her in Spring of 2021.

We learn how the Duluth Superior Film Festival is partnering with The American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) for a virtual Indigenous film series, kicking off in April and running through July. Each month, Khayman will host online discussions with Indigenous filmmakers, following the screenings of their films.

Khayman Goodsky offers great advice to up-and-coming artists and visual storytellers, urging them to just take those first vulnerable steps, then to keep learning as they go. Miigwech Khayman for sharing your gifts and encouragement!

Khayman Goodsky’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCf2dwu6dEwssDXZy0ltaxkw

Learn more about the Virtual Indigenous Film Series in partnership with the Duluth Superior Film Festival: https://www.ds-ff.com/aicho

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Great-Grandmother Mary Lyons’ Gift for Sharing Indigenous Traditions & Spiritual Guidance Jun 16, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Great-Grandmother Mary Lyons’ Gift for Sharing Indigenous Traditions & Spiritual Guidance

On today’s show, we talk with Great-Grandmother Mary Lyons (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) a spiritual advisor, storyteller, activist, wisdom keeper, and revered elder. Mary Lyons is the founder of the Minnesota Coalition on Fetal Alcohol Syndrome and serves as a counselor for the women’s sobriety group, which she also co-founded, called Women of Wellbriety International.

Mary’s inspiring book, “Wisdom Lessons: Spirited Guidance from an Ojibwe Great-Grandmother,” was published in 2018, and delivers love and advice through stories and perspectives grounded in traditional Indigenous values.

Chi Miigwech to Mary Lyons for generously sharing traditional teachings, your wise approach to healing, and life-changing spiritual guidance.

Find Mary Lyons’ book here: https://birchbarkbooks.com/products/wisdom-lessons

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Joe Rainey’s Gift for Pow Wow Singing and Collaborative Music Making Jun 09, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Joe Rainey’s Gift for Pow Wow Singing and Collaborative Music Making

On today’s show, we talk with Joe Rainey (Red Lake Nation), an Ojibwe Pow Wow singer, music archivist, and collaborative music maker. Joe grew up in south Minneapolis and now lives in Wisconsin with his wife and five children.

In this conversation, Joe Rainey shares his love of music, pow wow singing, and appreciation for the many people who have influenced and encouraged his unique journey and career path as a professional music maker. We loved hearing about Joe’s creative process and how his experimental debut LP called “Niineta”, came into being during the pandemic.

The release of “Niineta” will be celebrated at a performance party at First Avenue’s 7th Street Entry, on June 27th, 2022. Learn more here: https://first-avenue.com/event/2022-06-joe-rainey/

Check out more of Joe Rainey’s music here: https://joe-rainey.bandcamp.com/ and here: https://soundcloud.com/rainmanmnx

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Sequoia Hauck’s Gift for Decolonizing the Process of Art-Making Jun 02, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights –Sequoia Hauck’s Gift for Decolonizing the Process of Art-Making

On today’s show, we talk with Sequoia Hauck (they/them), a Native (Anishinaabe/Hupa) queer multidisciplinary artist based in the Twin Cities. Sequoia’s art-making includes theater, filmmaking, poetry, and performance art, with all of it centered on a decolonized creative process.

Sequoia shares details of their upcoming art installation, which is happening as the closing event of Northern Spark. Their project is a large-scale installation of two cloth rivers that span what is now Raspberry Island in Imnížaska Othúŋwe/Ashkibagi-ziibiing (St. Paul). The cloth rivers are replicas of Ȟaȟáwakpa/Gichi-ziibi (Mississippi River) and Mnísota Wakpá/Ashkibagi-ziibi (Minnesota River).

Miigwech, Sequoia! We loved hearing about your passion for connecting to ancestors, building community through performance art, and finding healing and resiliency through our relationship to water and its movement and stillness.

Northern Spark is happening on Saturday, June 11th from 9p through 5:30a.

http://northern.lights.mn/platform/northern-spark-2022/

https://2022.northernspark.org/art-and-events/

Sequoia Hauck’s website is here: https://www.sequoiahauck.com/

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Joseph Nayquonabe Jr.’s Gift for Strengthening Tribal Economies May 26, 2022

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Joseph Nayquonabe Jr.’s Gift for Strengthening Tribal Economies

On today’s show, we talk with Joseph Nayquonabe Jr. (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) who isthe CEO of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, a role where he uncovers new business opportunities as well as overseeing the band’s existing businesses. He is also an avid runner, basketball player, and Ojibwe language learner.

Joseph Nayquonabe Jr. shares how his career path went from lobbying to marketing at Grand Casino to his current role in leading economic development for his and other tribal nations. Joe explains how it’s a “cool time” to be in business in Indian Country right now.

We loved hearing about Joe’s passion for this new era of business in Indian county. He explains how Tribes are tackling problems with new perspectives, leveraging wealth attained through gaming, and bringing forward new and innovative economic opportunities. Miigwech Joe, for your commitment to sustainable and value-centered businesses that will make a positive impact in our community, long into the future.

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Historian Brenda J. Child Responds to the Federal Indian Boarding School System Report May 20, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Historian Brenda J. Child Responds to the Federal Indian Boarding School System Report

On today’s show, we talk with Brenda J. Child Ph.D. (Red Lake Nation) about the U.S. Department of Interior’s recently released investigative report on the Federal Indian boarding school system.

Brenda J. Child Ph.D. is the Northrop Professor of American Studies and American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota and was recently awarded a 2022 Guggenheim Fellowship by the John Simon Guggenheim Memorial Foundation.

The Department of Interior’s 100+ page report is a first step in the U.S. government accounting for and acknowledging the harm done to Indigenous people over many decades. From 1819 to 1969, the United States funded 408 boarding schools for American Indian, Native Hawaiian, and Alaskan Native students. These schools were a means to culturally assimilate Indigenous people and to dispossess them of lands across what are now 37 states.

Brenda J. Child is the author of many award-winning books including Boarding School Seasons: American Indian Families, 1900-1940; Holding Our World Together: Ojibwe Women and the Survival of Community; and My Grandfather's Knocking Sticks: Ojibwe Family Life and Labor on the Reservation, which won the American Indian Book Award and Best Book in Midwestern History. Her bestselling book for children is Bowwow Powwow.

Find the report here: https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/department-interior-releases-investigative-report-outlines-next-steps-federal-indian

Additional resources suggested by Brenda J. Child:

Museum Exhibit: Away from Home - American Indian Boarding School Stories exhibit at the Heard Museum in Phoenix Arizonahttps://heard.org/boardingschool/

Journal article: The Boarding School as Metaphor, written by Brenda J. Child https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5749/jamerindieduc.57.1.0037

Dr. Charles F. Eastman (Santee Dakota) autobiographies include Indian Boyhood, Soul of an Indian, and From the Deep Woods to Civilization. Eastman was born near Redwood Falls, Minnesota in 1858.

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Binesikwe Means’s Gift for Nurturing the Next Generation of Storytellers May 13, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Binesikwe Means’s Gift for Nurturing the Next Generation of Storytellers

On today’s show, we talk with Binesikwe Means who is an enrolled citizen of the Oglala Lakota Tribe in Pine Ridge South Dakota, and a descendant of the White Earth Nation. Binesikwe is the lead instructor for Migizi’s First Person Productions, a youth-led social enterprise that produces videos, design work, and social media campaigns for businesses and non-profits.

We loved hearing about Binesikwe’s passion for storytelling and helping Native youth develop their talents through her work at Migizi. We were moved by hearing how the organization survived the devasting loss of its building, which caught fire and was destroyed during the uprising in the wake of George Floyd’s murder in 2020.

We were inspired by Binesikwe, as she shared how the community continues to support Migizi, so it can help Native youth find their voices, develop skills, share stories, and become experienced media makers.

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Madonna Peltier Yawakie’s Gift for Connecting Tribal Communities through Technology May 05, 2022

Today we are revisiting our conversation with Madonna Yawakie (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians) who is the President of Turtle Island Communications, Inc. (TICOM). We spoke with her in June of 2021.

Together with her husband, Madonna founded this company which provides broadband engineering and consulting services to Tribal Nations. Madonna Peltier Yawakie holds a B.S. in Business Administration, and a Masters in Community & Regional Planning from NDSU.

TICOM has provided engineering and consulting services to the first 100% tribally owned Commercial Wireless System in the Nation, and the first 100% tribally owned Fiber to the Home Network which provides 1-gigabit capacity to all residents and businesses within its tribal lands. Madonna Peltier Yawakie has contributed to the FCC’s Telecom/Broadband Policies for Tribal Nations.

It is fantastic to hear how Madonna and her company are helping to close the digital divide in Indian Country, by increasing broadband access in education, public safety, and healthcare opportunities for those living and working on tribal lands. Turtle Island Communications, Inc. is online at: www.turtleislandcom.com

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund.

Documentary Filmmaker Leya Hale’s Gift for Powerful Storytelling Apr 28, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Documentary Filmmaker Leya Hale’s Gift for Powerful Storytelling

On today’s show, we talk with Leya Hale (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota and Diné Nations), a producer for Twin Cities PBS, who is known for her feature documentary, The People’s Protectors, a Vision Maker Media grant production, and winner of the 2019 Upper Midwest Emmy Award for Outstanding Cultural Documentary.

In 2020, Leya was awarded the Sundance Institute Merata Mita Fellowship for Indigenous Artists and attended the 2020 Berlinale European Film Market as a NATIVe Fellow.

Most recently, Leya Hale completed her second feature, Bring Her Home, a powerful and hopeful documentary that highlights the stories of three women fighting to vindicate and honor their missing and murdered relatives, while shining a light on this growing epidemic across Indian country.

We loved hearing how Leya carved her path to becoming a Director/Producer, how she uncovered her unique voice and vision, and how she shares her gifts by encouraging and mentoring other young Indigenous filmmakers.

Bring Her Home premiered at the 2022 Big Sky Documentary Film Festival and is now being distributed nationally by PBS. Find out how you can watch the film here: https://www.tpt.org/bring-her-home/video/bring-her-home-hf8spa/

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Honoring the Life and Legacy AIM Co-Founder Clyde Bellecourt (1938-2022) – Part 1 Apr 21, 2022

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Honoring the Life and Legacy AIM Co-Founder Clyde Bellecourt (1938-2022) – Part 1

Today, the first of two special editions of our show, honoring the life and legacy of NeeGawNwayWeeDun, The Thunder Before the Storm, who was known by his colonial name Clyde Bellecourt. Bellecourt passed away in his Minneapolis home on January 11th, 2022. He was 85.

Clyde Bellecourt was a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and was a long-time civil rights advocate and co-founded the American Indian Movement in 1968.

Throughout his many decades of activism, Bellecourt and AIM leaders sought solutions to police brutality, treaty rights, housing discrimination, and the loss of Indian children. He fought to create culturally specific education, innovative job programs, against sports mascots, and for human rights for Indigenous people here and around the world.

His work was revolutionary and sometimes controversial. Today we honor NeeGawNwayWeeDun, by hearing from community members who knew him well, and who share stories and shed light on the impact and legacy of Clyde Bellecourt.

** We also want to acknowledge the passing of Peggy Bellcourt on March 16, 2022 – Peggy co-founded the American Indian Movement alongside her husband Clyde. They were married for 56 years. Clyde said in his 2016 autobiography that his life with Peggy was inseparable from the Movement… and it was her strength and support that made his work in the Movement possible.

Miigwech to the folks who have shared their stories in these shows: Dr. Kate Beane (Flandreau Santee Dakota and Muskogee Creek), Dr. Brenda J. Child Ph.D. (Red Lake Nation), Dr. Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe and Oneida), Robert Pilot (Ho-Chunk Nation), Bob Rice (White Earth Nation), Steve Premo (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), and Bob Blake (Red Lake Nation).

Originally published as Episode S3 E50

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Honoring the Life and Legacy AIM Co-Founder Clyde Bellecourt (1938-2022) – Part 2 Apr 21, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Honoring the Life and Legacy AIM Co-Founder Clyde Bellecourt (1938-2022) – Part 2

This is the second part of our special edition show, honoring the life and legacy of NeeGawNwayWeeDun, The Thunder Before the Storm, who was known by his colonial name Clyde Bellecourt.

Clyde Bellecourt was a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe and was a long-time civil rights advocate and co-founded the American Indian Movement in 1968. Bellecourt passed away in Minneapolis on January 11th, 2022. He was 85.

On today’s show, we learn more about Clyde’s time in prison as a young man, and how it strongly impacted him uncovered his purpose. During that time of incarceration, Clyde Bellecourt met key people who helped him connect to Native traditions and spirituality, and together with whom he would co-found AIM. This time of growth and healing informed every aspect of NeeGawNwayWeeDun’s advocacy work, which he carried throughout his life.

Chi miigwech to the folks who have shared their stories in these shows: Dr. Kate Beane Ph.D. (Flandreau Santee Dakota and Muskogee Creek), Dr. Brenda J. Child Ph.D. (Red Lake Nation), Dr. Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe and Oneida), Robert Pilot (Ho-Chunk Nation), Bob Rice (White Earth Nation), Steve Premo (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), and Bob Blake (Red Lake Nation).

** We also want to acknowledge the passing of Peggy Bellcourt on March 16, 2022 – Peggy co-founded the American Indian Movement alongside her husband Clyde. They were married for 56 years. Clyde said in his 2016 autobiography that his life with Peggy was inseparable from the Movement… and it was her strength and support that made his work in the Movement possible.

Originally published as Episode S3 E51

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

(Extended) Wayne Ducheneaux’s Gift for Leadership and Native Nation Rebuilding (Extended) Apr 14, 2022

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio Show

Native Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce -- a.k.a. Minnesota -- to tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community.

Native Lights – Wayne Ducheneaux’s Gift for Leadership and Native Nation Rebuilding

On today’s show, we talk with Wayne L. Ducheneaux, II (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe) who is the Executive Director of the Native Governance Center, an organization dedicated to strengthening Tribal sovereignty and Indigenous leadership, through its Native Nation Rebuilders program.

Wayne shares his path of leadership and commitment to serving the needs of Native nations by helping leaders acquire the skills, training, and resources to support their citizens. Wayne is also dedicated to his family, is an enthusiastic video gamer, and an avid supporter of self-care and work-life balance, even though he hasn’t always practiced it himself.

Many thanks to Wayne Ducheneaux for his dedicated leadership in guiding the Native Governance Center’s work supporting and training leaders, and for being a great example of how we thrive by being a good relative and building relationships. We appreciate your inspiring vision for the transformed future for Native nations.

Learn more about how the Native Governance Center supports Indigenous Leadership here: https://nativegov.org/

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Wayne Ducheneaux’s Gift for Leadership and Native Nation Rebuilding Apr 14, 2022