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PODCAST

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

Minnesota Native News

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 Native

society & culture documentary

All Episodes

28:31

From Children’s Books to Murals: Moira Villiard on...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2025/01/02

In this episode, we talk with artist, public speaker, and community organizer Moira Villiard. Moira, a Twin Cities-based visual artist and Fond Du Lac direct descendent, is a 2023 McKnight Foundation Community-Engaged Practice fellow and a 2024-2026 Bush Fellow. We chat with her about her current projects, Waiting for Beds, a traveling exhibition that explores the experience of waiting while in crisis, and a soon-to-be-released children’s book about the Ojibwe practice of prescribed fires

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33:34

The Gift of Listening: Colleen Baldrica on writing,...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/12/19

In this episode, we chat with author and retired school counselor Colleen Baldrica. Colleen, a White Earth Nation citizen, authored the book Tree Spirited Woman in 2006. During the pandemic, she recorded the audio version, so that her grandchildren could have an archive of her voice when they’re older.Colleen shares the experience - central to her story - of being directed towards a life of writing as a young single mother. She describes how this spiritual experience shaped her personal

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28:31

Indigenous lifeways as solutions: Wakinyan LaPointe...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/12/12

In this episode, we chat with human rights advocate, singer, storyteller, and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities American Studies doctoral student Wakinyan LaPointe. Wakinyan, a Sicangu (Burnt Thigh) Lakota citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, focuses his studies on Indigenous rights, human rights, and youth organizing. He describes how his work with Indigenous young people, Indigenous people across the globe, and water scholars has informed his understanding of how to generate a

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28:31

Building bridges through story: Ajuawak Kapashesit on...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/12/05

In this episode, we sit down with Minneapolis-based actor, writer, and director Ajuawak Kapashesit. Ajuawak, who is Ojibwe, Cree, and Jewish, grew up in Ontario and on the White Earth Reservation. His acting credits include Indian Horse (2017), Once Upon a River (2019), Indian Road Trip (2020), Bad Blood (CityTV/Netflix), and Outlander (Starz/Sony). Ajuawak’s short story, “A Fresh Start,” was published in the anthology Before the Usual Time by Latitude 46. He was a story editor and

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28:31

Making Books Accessible: Talia Miracle and Little...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/11/21

In this episode, we’re joined by Talia Miracle, an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Tribe of Winnebago and Program Manager at the Little Free Library. Talia opens up about her impactful work leading the Indigenous Library Program, which increases access to Indigenous literature and fosters stronger, more inspired communities across the U.S. and Canada. She shares how her own experiences with limited representation in literature helped shape her passion for addressing literacy disparities in

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28:31

From Lattes to Legacy: The Grand Opening of...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/10/31

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

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28:31

Creating Representation: Nicholas DeShaw’s Path in...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/10/17

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

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28:31

Stitch by Stitch: Janice LaFloe’s Journey of...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/10/03

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

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28:31

Gatherings Café: Vernon DeFoe on Indigenous Dishes...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/09/19

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

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28:31

Gold, Linoleum, and Fire: Inside the Mind of Gordon...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/09/12

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

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28:31

Art, Identity, and Alternate Worlds: A Conversation...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/09/05

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,

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28:31

Empowering Educators: The Midwest Indigenous...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/08/29

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

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28:31

Beyond the Headlines: David Cournoyer on Authentic...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/06/20

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

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28:30

Reflection and Roots: Leah & Cole’s Journey with...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/06/06

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

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28:31

Karen Diver: Championing Indigenous Excellence

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/05/16

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

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28:31

Brandon Baity: Executive Director of the Indigenous...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/04/18

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

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28:31

Bryce Premo: Exploring Social Work Frontiers

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/04/04

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

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28:31

Ruth Buffalo: Empowering Indigenous Communities as...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/03/28

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. She is the

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28:31

Willard Malebear Jr.: Forging Positive Impacts for...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/03/07

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

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28:31

Mary LaGarde: The Grand Re-Opening of the Minneapolis...

Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine ·

2024/02/29

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

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253 results

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