Shows / Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
In Native Lights, people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce - a.k.a. Minnesota - tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community. These are stories of joy, strength, history, and change from Native people who are shaping the future and honoring those who came before them. Native Lights is also 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…
Episodes
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineMary LaGarde: The Grand Re-Opening of the Minneapolis American Indian Center
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…
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineStaci Drouillard: Preserving History Through Storytelling
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…
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineDr. Michael Migizi Sullivan: Teaching Language Learners in the Modern-Day Classroom
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…
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineFern Renville: Re-connecting to the Dakota Homeland Through Weaving, History, Art and Joy
Fern Renville is a storyteller, artist, playwright, and enrolled citizen of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. Fern lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she is…
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineSteven StandingCloud: Transforming Art in the Digital Future
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…
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineGabby Menomin: Dedication to Ecological Restoration, Honoring Plant Relatives
Gabby Menomin is a citizen of the Forest County Potawtomi Community in northern Wisconsin. She’s currently the restoration manager for Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi…
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineDr. Melissa Blind: Working to Improve Indigenous Health and Dementia Research
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…
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineEileen Bass: Preserving Indigenous narratives and working to revitalize language
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…
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineThomas Draskovic’s Gift of Artistry, Educating Native Youth and Activism
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…
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineMathew Holding Eagle III: Finding a Voice for Radio & Covering Native Communities
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…
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineTravis Zimmerman: Sharing and Celebrating Ojibwe History
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…
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineErnest Briggs: A Journey in Acting and Empowering Indigenous Artists
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…
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineErnest Briggs: A Journey in Acting and Empowering Indigenous artists
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…
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineAdrienne Zimiga-January: Bringing more Native Voices to Theaters
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Tony Drews: Capturing Excitement for Native Culture and Language Through Games
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Shaun Chosa: Reimagining Indigenous Presence in Pop Culture
Today, Leah and Cole chat with artist Shaun Chosa. Shaun's art boldly blends Indigenous heritage, counterculture, and pop culture influences, echoing his…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Tashia Hart: Art, Nature and The Path to Growing Joy
This week, Leah and Cole chat with Tashia Hart (Red Lake Nation), a culinary ethnobotanist, artist, photographer, award-winning author, and cook. As a…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Sam Zimmerman’s Journey Back to Painting and the Homelands
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Rhiana Yazzie: Empowering Indigenous Creativity
Leah and Cole are joined by the multi-talented Rhiana Yazzie (Diné Nation), a remarkable theatre artist, filmmaker, playwright, and the visionary force behind…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
John Villebrun: Cultivating the Next Generation Through Basketball
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Native Lights At The Four Sisters Farmers Market Pt. 2
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Native Lights At The Four Sisters Farmers Market Pt. 1
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
An Garagiola’s Gift For Bringing Indigenous Values to Academia
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Audrianna Goodwin’s Gift of Being a Dreamer
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Misty Blue & Indigenous-led Research Toward Healing and Recognition
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Gerilyn Lopez: Supporting Access to Energy Efficient Practices and Renewable Energy
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Alicia Smith’s Gift for Caring
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Wayne Somes: Growing Family and Cultural Bonds Through Ojibwemowin
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Thomasina TopBear: Empowering Community Through Art
Today we’re speaking with artist Thomasina “Tomie” TopBear. She is a self-taught artist, muralist, published illustrator and organizer from the Oglala Lakota &…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Tabitha Chilton’s Gift for Building Access & Trust in Healthcare Systems
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Jewell Arcoren: Healing With Language and The Next Generation
Today Leah and Cole chat with Jewell Arcoren (Sisseton Wahpeton Nation). Jewell is a community activist and the Executive Director for Wicoie Nandagikendan, an…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Sasheen Goslin & Deanna Reder Bring Their Distinct Abilities to the Team at AICHO
Today is a special episode of Native Lights. We have two guests! Sasheen Goslin and Deanna Reder from the American Indian Community Housing Organization…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Annie Humphrey’s Gift for Living With Care and Empathy
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
LeAnn Littlewolf: Creating Vibrant Community Through Informed Leadership
Today we chat with LeAnn Littlewolf, a Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe citizen and co-Executive Director for the American Indian Community Housing Organization…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Rebekah Fineday’s Gift for Building Trust in Healthcare Systems & Native Communities
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Levi Brown’s Gift for Building Relationships Across the Table
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Elaine Fleming: Celebrating and Sharing the Culture of Leech Lake
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Amber Annis: Nurturing & Protecting Authentic Narratives
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Jada Brown: Expression and Affirmation Through Singing
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Karen Jones and Stephanie Longfield: Taking Initiative for Future Generations
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Jessica Glidden: Fostering Native Leadership
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Derek Nicholas: Indigenous Fare for Future Generations
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Heather Friedli: Revealing Nature’s Allure
Today Leah and Cole chat with Heather Friedli, a contemporary impressionist oil painter. Heather creates vivid landscapes inspired by her family’s Native…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Rita Walaszek Arndt: Representation in History
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Susie Ballot and Lera Hephner’s Work to Preserve Culture Across Generations
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Duane Goodwin: Expressing Culture Through Sculpture
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Elizabeth Day’s Gift for Nurturing Community and Storytelling
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Tamee Livermont Brings Indigenous Values to Health Care Education and Policy
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Maggie Lorenz’s Leadership in Reclamation and Gift for Resiliency
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Dani Pieratos’ Journey to Reclaiming Food Sovereignty.
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Corey Medina: Connecting With Community Through Music
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Native Representation at the Great Minnesota Get-Together
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Jamie Becker-Finn’s Path to Bringing Community Together
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Marisa Miakonda Cummings’ Gift for Leadership and Empowering Native Women
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Megan Lhotka’s Gift For Teaching and Family Empowerment
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Tadd Johnson’s Gift For Teaching and Advocating
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Juliet Rudie Leads Minnesota’s new Office of Missing And Murdered Indigenous Relatives
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Barb Fabre’s Gift for Empowering Native Families and Children
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Emma Needham’s Gift For Uplifting Indigenous Perspectives
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…
- Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Darek DeLille’s Gift for Building Up Community & Audio Arts
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…