Shows
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineHonoring the Life and Legacy AIM Co-Founder Clyde Bellecourt (1938-2022) – Part 1Native 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 1Today, the first of two special editions of our show, honoring the life and legacy of NeeGawNwayWeeDun, The Thunder Before the Storm, who was...
2022-04-2128 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineHonoring the Life and Legacy AIM Co-Founder Clyde Bellecourt (1938-2022) – Part 2Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 2This is the second part of our special edition show, honoring the life an...
2022-04-2128 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine(Extended) Wayne Ducheneaux’s Gift for Leadership and Native Nation Rebuilding (Extended)Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 RebuildingOn today’s show, we talk with Wayne L. Ducheneaux, II (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe) who is t...
2022-04-1457 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineWayne Ducheneaux’s Gift for Leadership and Native Nation RebuildingNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 RebuildingOn today’s show, we talk with Wayne L. Ducheneaux, II (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe) who is t...
2022-04-1428 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineLinsey McMurrin’s Gift for Healing in Community and Remembering ResilienceNative 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 – Linsey McMurrin’s Gift for Healing in Community and Remembering ResilienceOn today’s show, we talk with Linsey McMurrin (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) who is the Director of Prevention Initiatives and Tribal Projec...
2022-03-3128 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineBrook LaFloe’s Gift for Creating Equity in Early Childhood ProgramsNative 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 – Brook LaFloe’s Gift for Creating Equity in Early Childhood ProgramsOn today’s show, we’re speaking with Brook LaFloe (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) who is an educator and entrepreneur. Brook is the f...
2022-03-2528 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineBaabiitaw Boyd’s Gift for Sharing the Beautiful and Complex Ojibwe LanguageNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Baabiitaw Boyd’s Gift for Sharing the Beautiful and Complex Ojibwe LanguageOn today’s show, we talk with Baabiitaw Boyd (Mille Lacs Band of...
2022-03-1728 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineLeslie Harper’s Gift for Preserving Ojibwemowin by Inspiring Students and Empowering TeachersNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Leslie Harper’s Gift for Preserving Ojibwemowin by Inspiring Students and Empowering TeachersOn today’s show, we talk with Leslie Harper, who is a member o...
2022-03-0436 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineLance Haavisto’s Gift for Sharing Native Stories on TelevisionNative Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. It's 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.On today’s show, we talk with Lance Haavisto, a direct decedent of M'Chigeeng First Nation, and the Lead Videographer/Editor for Native Report at WDSE-TV. Lance earned a bachelor’s degree in Media Production from Northern Michigan University and has started work...
2022-02-2528 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineAllison Waukau’s Gift for Raising Native Representation in LibrariesNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Allison Waukau’s Gift for Raising Native Representation in Libraries On today’s show, we talk with Allison Waukau (Menominee/Navajo) a community builder who works in...
2022-02-1728 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineBradley Harrington’s Gift for Transforming through Cultural ConnectionNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Bradley Harrington’s Gift for Transforming through Cultural Connection On today’s show, we talk with Bradley Harrington (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) who is an entrep...
2022-02-1028 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineBeth Ann Dodds’ Passion for Helping Parents to Powerfully Claim their VoicesNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Beth Ann Dodds’ Passion for Helping Parents to Powerfully Claim their VoicesOn today’s show, we talk with musician Beth Ann Dodd...
2022-01-2728 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineHonoring the Life and Legacy AIM Co-Founder Clyde Bellecourt (1938-2022) – Part 2Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 2This is the second part of our special edition show, honoring the life an...
2022-01-2028 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineHonoring the Life and Legacy AIM Co-Founder Clyde Bellecourt (1938-2022) – Part 1Native 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 1Today, the first of two special editions of our show, honoring the life and legacy of NeeGawNwayWeeDun, The Thunder Before the Storm, who was...
2022-01-1428 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineDominique White’s Gift for Healthy Skin & Healthy Attitudes About AppearanceNative 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 – Dominique White’s Gift for Healthy Skin & Healthy Attitudes About AppearanceOn today’s show, we enjoy a wide-ranging conversation with Dominique White (Prairie Island), who is an esthetician, laser technician, and owns a spa called Waśted...
2021-12-2328 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineGraci Horne’s Many Gifts as a Multi-Disciplinary Artist, Curator, and StorytellerNative Lights is a weekly, half-hour 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 – Graci Horne’s Many Gifts as a Multi-Disciplinary Artist, Curator, and StorytellerOn today’s show, we talk with Graci Horne (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota and Hunkpapa Lakota/Dakota) who is a multi-disciplinary artist specializing in painting, printmaking, puppet...
2021-12-1628 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineSage Yeager’s Gift for Creating Beautiful Wedding VideosNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Sage Yeager’s Gift for Creating Beautiful Wedding VideosOn today’s show, we talk with Sage Yeager (Prairie Island Indian Community) who is a videogra...
2021-12-0928 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineMaster Jingle Dress Maker Adrienne Benjamin’s Gift for Guiding ReconciliationNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Master Jingle Dress Maker Adrienne Benjamin’s Gift for Guiding ReconciliationOn today’s show, we talk with Adrienne Benjamin (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) who is a...
2021-11-1854 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShinePediatric COVID Vaccines Now Available for Kids 5+ and Coming Soon: Boosters for AllMN Native News Special Edition: COVID-19 Community ConversationsPediatric COVID Vaccines Now Available for Kids 5+ and Coming Soon: Boosters for AllCo-Hosts Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Antony Stately Ph.D. (Ojibwe/Oneida) explore how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On today’s show, Leah and Antony discuss pediatric COVID vaccines and how parents can go about getting their young ones vaccinated, as children who are ages 5 and up are now eligible. We also discuss the recent sur...
2021-11-1728 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineReuben Kitto Stately’s Gift for Reclaiming Dakota Roots through Language and MusicNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Reuben Kitto Stately’s Gift for Reclaiming Dakota Roots through Language and MusicOn today’s show, we talk with Reuben Kitto Stately (Red Lake...
2021-11-1128 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineJaida Grey Eagle Gifts for Photojournalism, Filmmaking, and BeadworkNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Jaida Grey Eagle Gifts for Photojournalism, Filmmaking, and BeadworkOn today’s show, we talk with Jaida Grey Eagle (Oglala Lakota) a photojournalist, film pr...
2021-11-0528 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineToya Stewart Downey’s Gift for Journalism, Inclusive Leadership, and EducationNative 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 – Toya Stewart Downey’s Gift for Journalism, Inclusive Leadership, and EducationOn today’s show, we talk with Toya Stewart Downey (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) who is the Executive Director of Strategic Communication, Equity...
2021-10-2828 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineRobert Rice’s Gift for Gathering Community Around Coffee, Frybread, and Wild RicingNative 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 – Robert Rice’s Gift for Gathering Community around Coffee, Frybread, and Wild Ricing On today’s show, we talk with Robert Rice (White Earth Nation) the owner and operator of the Pow Wow Grounds coffee...
2021-10-2128 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineCelebrating Indigenous People’s Day!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 – Celebrating Indigenous People’s Day!Today we talk about different ways Indigenous People’s Day is being recognized and celebrated throughout Mni Sota Mkoce. Leah catches up with the festivities in Grand Ra...
2021-10-1428 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineBrian Joyce’s Gift for Acting and Directing in the Twin Cities Theater SceneNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Brian Joyce’s Gift for Acting and Directing in the Twin Cities Theater SceneToday we’re talking with Brian Joyce (White Ea...
2021-10-0728 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineRob Pero’s Gift for Entrepreneurship, Media, and MarketingNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Rob Pero’s Gift for Entrepreneurship, Media, and MarketingOn today’s show, we’re speaking with entrepreneur Rob Pero (Bad River Tribe), CEO and cr...
2021-09-3028 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineLeah and Cole: Sharing Our Gifts and PurposeNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Leah and Cole: Sharing Our Gifts and PurposeOn today’s show, we turn the microphone on each other! No guest today… instead, we ask ea...
2021-09-1628 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineChristina Wood’s Gift for Busting Bias Through ArtNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Christina Wood’s Gift for Busting Bias Through ArtOn today’s show, we talk with Christina Woods (Bois Forte Tribal Nation) who is the first An...
2021-09-0228 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineCece Benimon’s Gift for Connecting Kids with Culture & ConservationNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Cece Benimon’s Gift for Connecting Kids with Culture & Conservation On today’s show, we talk with Cece Benimon (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) who is th...
2021-08-2628 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineAmber Buckanaga’s Gift for Art and Fashion DesignNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Amber Buckanaga’s Gift for Art and Fashion DesignOn today’s show, we have a fun conversation with Amber Buckanaga (Leech Lake Band) who is an ar...
2021-08-1228 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineDonald Eubanks’ Gift for Speaking Out for Racial and Social JusticeNative 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 – Donald Eubanks’ Gift for Speaking Out for Racial and Social JusticeOn today’s show, we speak with fellow podcaster and Mille Lacs band member Donald Eubanks who recently retired from teaching social work at Met...
2021-07-2928 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineVern Northrup Honors the Spirit of Fire and Shares His Gift for Visual StorytellingNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Vern Northrup Honors the Spirit of Fire and Shares His Gift for Visual Storytelling On Native Lights, we speak to Vern Northr...
2021-07-2228 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineA Gift for Numbers with Daniel LemmToday’s conversation features Daniel Lemm (Lower Sioux Indian Community) who is the Chief Financial Officer at the Charles K. Blandin Foundation, in addition to being Leah’s spouse. Daniel Lemm shares how his love of numbers led to his career in philanthropy, helping get resources out into communities and in a good way. Daniel also speaks about working through loss, learning to proudly embrace his heritage, and the importance of support from others along his journey.Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with s...
2021-07-1528 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineA Gift for Revitalization with Language Warrior Anton TreuerToday’s conversation is with Dr. Anton Treuer (White Earth/Leech Lake Ojibwe), a prolific author, international speaker, historian, and professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University. As a spiritual guide and father of nine, Anton Treuer embodies and defines what it means to be a Language Warrior, which he writes about in his latest book. What does it take to keep the Ojibwe language thriving even as fewer first speakers are available to teach? Anton Treuer embraces this challenge with both timeless wisdom and the latest technology. We loved learning more about how Anton uncovered his gift for la...
2021-07-0128 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineBriand Morrison’s Gift for Combining Jazz Guitar and Anishinaabe HeritageNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Briand Morrison’s Gift for Combining Jazz Guitar and Anishinaabe HeritageOn today’s show, we revisit our conversation with Briand Morrison (Grand Portage Band of Lake...
2021-06-2428 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineMadonna Peltier Yawakie’s Gift for Connecting Tribal Communities through TechnologyNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Madonna Peltier Yawakie’s Gift for Connecting Tribal Communities through TechnologyOn today’s show, we talk with Madonna Yawakie (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians...
2021-06-1728 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineMichael Lyons’ Gift for teaching Ojibwe Language with Puppets, Cartoons, and SongNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Michael Lyons’ Gift for teaching Ojibwe Language with Puppets, Cartoons, and SongOn today’s show, we talk with Anishinaabe author and artist, Michael Lyons, who is t...
2021-06-1038 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineSyngen Kanassatega’s Gifts for Law, Humor, and StorytellingToday, we’re talking with Syngen Kanassatega (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) who is a lawyer – his job is the Legal and Policy Counsel for the Mille Lacs Band's Office of the Chief Executive, a drum keeper, and he’s also well-known on Tik Tok, the video-sharing social media site, with thousands of followers. Syngen Kanassatega shares why he decided to go to law school, what he loves about practicing law, and how culture and tradition are woven into policymaking and government for the tribe. Syngen shares insights from a few of his favorite mentors, and remin...
2021-05-2728 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineThat’s a Wrap! Reflections on Pandemic Conversations, Guests, and Shared WisdomHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) is back exploring how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On this show, Leah is joined by her spouse, Daniel Lemm (Lower Sioux Indian Community), to remember and reflect on some of the wisdom and insights shared by the many guests to this program over the last 14 months. We recall our early conversation with James Vukelich (Turtle Mountain Band), a linguist and educator, who reminded us to keep in mind the joy of small moments, even as we all f...
2021-05-2628 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineTribal Communities Moving Forward and Learning from PandemicHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) is back exploring how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. On today’s show, Leah catches up with Daniel Frye (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians), who is the Director of Indian Health Services in the Bemidji Area, which includes Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and the urban center of Chicago. Daniel speaks about the many ways that Indian Health Services has risen to meet the challenges of the pandemic, including the complex process of vaccine distribution, ongoing COVID testing, and how...
2021-05-2128 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineHow Tribes Provide Leadership and Learning for Public Health Approaches During PandemicHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) is back exploring how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On today’s show, Leah talks with Mariah Norwood (Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma) who is the Infectious Disease American Indian Liaison at the Minnesota Department of Health. Mariah Norwood is also a J.D. Candidate at the Mitchell Hamline School of Law, and she has her Master’s in Health Administration from the University of Oklahoma. Mariah explains how her passion for decolonizing public health, advancing health equity...
2021-05-1428 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineRobert Lilligren’s Gift for Indigenizing Leadership, Politics, and Policy MakingNative Lights is a weekly, half-hour 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.On today’s show, part one of Leah and Cole’s rich conversation with the visionary leader Robert Lilligren (White Earth Ojibwe Nation) who is the President and CEO of the Native American Community Development Institute, and who serv...
2021-05-1328 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineBob Blake’s Gift for Advocating for Renewable Energy in Indian CountryNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Bob Blakes’s Gift for Advocating for Renewable Energy in Indian CountryOn today’s show, Leah and Cole talk with Bob Blake (Red Lake Nation...
2021-05-0628 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineServing Others and Helping People Thrive During the PandemicHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) is back exploring how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On today’s show, Leah revisits several conversations with people rising to meet the challenges of the pandemic. We hear from Jenn Hall (Leech Lake), a Minneapolis Firefighter who is on the front lines responding to medical emergencies, in addition to fighting fires. Jenn shares how she wrestled with the decision to get vaccinated, and why she chose to do so. We also hear how Jenn and her colleagues reacted to the...
2021-04-3029 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineArtist Steve Premo’s Gifts for Painting, Drawing, and Graphic DesignNative 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.On today’s show, Leah and Cole talk with well-known Anishinaabe artist and graphic designer, Steve Premo (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), who is also their uncle! Steve Premo is married to Ojibwe historian and author Brenda Child (Red...
2021-04-2928 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineFilmmaker Khayman Goodsky’s Gift for Visual Storytelling and CollaborationNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Filmmaker Khayman Goodsky’s Gift for Visual Storytelling and CollaborationToday, a lively conversation with Khayman Goodsky (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa) a Duluth filmmaker who cr...
2021-04-2228 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineMaking Choices to Protect One Another During the PandemicHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) is back exploring how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On today’s show, Leah reflects on the many choices people are making to help keep each other safe. Leah enjoys a lively and fun conversation with college student Skylar Kuczaboski (Leech Lake) who is a senior at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, although she is completing her spring semester virtually from Minnesota. Skylar reflects on her experience as a first-generation college student at an Ivy League school amid all the dis...
2021-04-0929 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineDaniel Jourdain’s Gift for Supporting Diverse Community through Politics and Policy MakingNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Daniel Jourdain’s Gift for Supporting Diverse Community through Politics and Policy Making Today on the show, we talk with Daniel Jourdain (Red Lake Nation), Bemidji...
2021-04-0828 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineCultural Medicines and Viewing the Pandemic through a Traditional LensHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) is back exploring how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On today’s show, Leah reflects on conversations about cultural medicines and viewing the pandemic and vaccinations through a lens of history and experience.We hear from Megan Schnitker (Lakota) who works with plant medicines. Megan learned about plant medicines from her grandmother. She shares perspectives about the year-long harvest cycle, the rise in interest in first medicines, and traditional reliance on plant medicines to get through hard times, in...
2021-04-0229 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineRhiana Yazzie and Marisa Cummings Envision Post-Pandemic Life in Their Respective FieldsHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) is back exploring how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. On today’s show, we hear how two visionaries are looking forward to life after the pandemic, in their respective fields. Rhiana Yazzie (Navajo) is a theatre artist, filmmaker, playwright, and she founded New Native Theatre twelve years ago. Marisa Cummings (Omaha) is the President and CEO of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC), a non-profit organization committed to traditional ways of being and suppor...
2021-03-2629 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineJonathan Thunder’s Gift for Honest Expression Through Art and AnimationNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Jonathan Thunder’s Gift for Honest Expression Through Art and AnimationToday we have the pleasure of talking with Jonathan Thunder (Red Lake Nation) a mult...
2021-03-2528 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineLanguage Education Thrives During the Pandemic and White Earth’s Powwow ReturnsHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) is back exploring how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. On today’s show, we hear how language education is thriving through the pandemic, as students, teachers, and schools all rise to meet many challenges over the past year. We talk with Barry Hand (Lakota) a Dakotiyapi Culture and History teacher at the Bdote Learning Center. Bdote is a dual-language immersion school (Ojibwemowin and Dakotiyapi) and provides students with an academically rigorous education that is place-based and...
2021-03-1729 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineHow Indian Education Rises and Serves Minnesota Students Throughout Pandemic ChallengesOn today’s show, we hear from two Indian Education staff who are passionate about serving students in the ISD318 school district located in Itasca County, in the heart of Ojibwe country. Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) is exploring how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.We hear from Jessica Bobrowski (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) is the program coordinator for ISD 318 Indian Education and Ella Cummings is a Student Advocate at the Grand Rapids High School. Jessica and Ella share different ways th...
2021-03-1229 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineFawn Sampson’s Gift for Connection Through CreativityToday we’re talking with Fawn Sampson (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) who is a mom and partner, and an artist. Fawn shares her love of art: everything from charcoal drawings, beading, singing, and dancing, to screen printing, painting, stop animation, and theatre!Fawn shares a sweet story of how she met her husband Samsoche Sampson (well-known Hoop Dancer and featured guest on another episode of Native Lights) one night at a karaoke bar, and the two have been creating art together ever since. Fawn graduated from Bemidji State University double majoring in American Indian Studies and Vi...
2021-03-0528 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineSuccessful Vaccine Rollouts for Tribes and Community Clinics Serving Native PeopleHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) is back exploring how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On today’s show, we celebrate successful vaccine rollouts in Indian Country! And we hear from two dedicated health care professionals about their experiences providing good medicine to community members throughout the pandemic. Dr. Angela Erdrich (Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe) is a Pediatrician and Laz Carreon, RN, heads the COVID team at the Indian Health Board (IHB) of Minneapolis. Dr. Erdrich and Laz speak...
2021-03-0329 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineTribal Communities Share Knowledge About Keeping Communities Safe and HealthyHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) is back exploring how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.Today we talk with Melissa Walls, Ph.D. (Bois Forte and Couchiching First Nation Anishinaabe) a social scientist and the Director of the Great Lakes Hub for the Center for American Indian Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.Melissa Walls discusses how tribal communities provide much knowledge and perspectives, aimed at keeping our communities healthy and safe, even during the most difficult times. She talks...
2021-02-2429 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineA Gift for Storytelling with Hope Flanagan (Extended version)Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – A Gift for Storytelling with Hope Flanagan Today we speak with Hope Flanagan (Seneca) a Native elder, a storyteller, teacher of plants...
2021-02-1854 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineA Gift for Storytelling with Hope FlanaganNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – A Gift for Storytelling with Hope Flanagan Today we speak with Hope Flanagan (Seneca) a Native elder, a storyteller, teacher of plants...
2021-02-1728 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineThe Gift for Building Supportive Environments with Kwe PackNative Lights – The Gift for Building Supportive Environments with Kwe Pack This week we revisit an earlier Native Lights episode which highlights Kwe Pack, a spectacular group of Native women supporting each other to run long-distance trail races. Kwe Pack has been featured on Good Morning America, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and Oprah Winfrey’s World Vision Tour. This group encourages each other to draw on their inner strength; to heal and flourish in all areas of their lives. You can check out this episode, which is part of Native Lights Season Two, to hear more about...
2021-01-1328 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineSpecial Edition: Visiting Vaccines with Antony Stately (Podcast version)Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Special Edition: Visiting Vaccines with Antony Stately This week we kick off a special series of vaccine conversations, starting with Antony Stately...
2021-01-0635 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineDr. Arne Vainio Cultivates a Gift for HealingNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine – Weekly Radio ShowNative 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 – Dr. Arne Vainio Cultivates a Gift for Healing It’s the “Best of Native Lights” as we revisit a wonderful conversation with Respect...
2020-12-2330 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineThe Gift of Amplifying Many Voices with Radio Host Robert PilotToday, a fun conversation with Robert Pilot (Ho-Chunk Nation), who is a teacher, water protector, and Host of Native Roots Radio, which amplifies many Native voices across the airways and on social media. Robert speaks about the importance of building relationships, whether he’s working as an educator (teaching film and video production at Harding High in St. Paul) or producing and hosting radio shows (shows he’s created include Native Roots Radio “I’m Awake”, Rock the Treaties Native Style, Pilot’s Progressive Party, and The Sunday Night Native Symposium “We’re Still Here”). We appreciated getting to meet Robert, and he...
2020-12-0928 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine(Extended version) A Gift for Revitalization with Language Warrior Anton TreuerThis is the extended version of our conversation with Anton Treuer.
Today’s conversation is with Dr. Anton Treuer (White Earth/Leech Lake Ojibwe), a prolific author, international speaker, historian, and professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University. As a spiritual guide and father of nine, Anton Treuer embodies and defines what it means to be a Language Warrior, which he writes about in his latest book. What does it take to keep the Ojibwe language thriving even as fewer first speakers are available to teach? Anton Treuer embraces this challenge with both timeless wisdom and the latest technology. We lo...
2020-12-0253 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineA Gift for Revitalization with Language Warrior Anton TreuerToday’s conversation is with Dr. Anton Treuer (White Earth/Leech Lake Ojibwe), a prolific author, international speaker, historian, and professor of Ojibwe at Bemidji State University. As a spiritual guide and father of nine, Anton Treuer embodies and defines what it means to be a Language Warrior, which he writes about in his latest book. What does it take to keep the Ojibwe language thriving even as fewer first speakers are available to teach? Anton Treuer embraces this challenge with both timeless wisdom and the latest technology. We loved learning more about how Anton uncovered his gift for language re...
2020-12-0228 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineDalton Walker’s Gift for Sharing StoriesNative Lights is a weekly, half-hour radio program and podcast 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 – Dalton Walker’s Gift for Sharing StoriesToday’s conversation features Dalton Walker (Red Lake Anishinaabe) who is a National Correspondent, for Indian Country Today. Dalton Walker shares how he foll...
2020-11-1128 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineNative Lights – A Gift for Numbers with Daniel LemmNative Lights – A Gift for Numbers with Daniel LemmToday’s conversation features Daniel Lemm (Lower Sioux Indian Community) who is the Chief Financial Officer at the Charles K. Blandin Foundation, in addition to being Leah’s spouse. Daniel Lemm shares how his love of numbers led to his career in philanthropy, helping get resources out into communities and in a good way. Daniel also speaks about working through loss, learning to proudly embrace his heritage, and the importance of support from others along his journey.Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnes...
2020-11-0428 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineAppreciating What We’ve Learned in the Pandemic and Embracing New OpportunitiesHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.In today’s conversation, Host Leah Lemm and Reporter Melissa Townsend reflect on how we’re helping one another get through the pandemic. Throughout the 22 weeks of this program, we have been moved and inspired by so many sharing their stories; people have risen above the challenges they've faced to care for themselves and their families, to keep our communities safe.Throughout the pandemic, life still goes on. People celebrate holidays, birt...
2020-10-2828 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineStaying Active and Keeping Our Spirits High as Winter Arrives During the PandemicHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.Winter is coming! So, on today’s show Host Leah Lemm looks at how to stay physically and mentally active while continuing to keep our communities safe. Leah shares a fun conversation with Bill Premo (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) a retired elder who is also her dad. Bill Premo shares wisdom with a side of humor and offers his take on how to stay sharp and keep mov...
2020-10-2128 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineHow Leech Lake Schools Support Students Through Pandemic’s Constant ChangeHow Leech Lake Schools Support Students Through Pandemic’s Constant Change Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.Today on the show, Host Leah Lemm looks at how schools are supporting their students under seemingly constantly changing conditions, especially given how internet access has been crucial for distance education for learners and educators of all ages.Leah checks in Kim Dickson (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) the Learning Center Director at...
2020-10-1428 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineYouth Share Their Experiences During the PandemicHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.Today on the show, Host Leah Lemm hears what’s on the minds of Native youth in Minnesota.Leah chats with Caley Coyne (Athabaskan and Yup’ik) a 10th grader from Saint Paul. Caley shares her reflections on distance learning, missing powwows, racial justice, and new hobbies.Reporter Melissa Townsend talks with 13-year-old Rizal Agaton Howes (Anishinaabe), who lives on the Fond du Lac reservation with his f...
2020-10-0728 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineLt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan & Patina Park: Two MN Leaders Speak About Leading During the PandemicHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.Today on the show, Host Leah Lemm explores the question: what have we learned? As we cross the six-month milestone of this pandemic. We hear from two Minnesota Leaders about some of the topics the pandemic has brought to the surface, including health inequities, injustice, and the resiliency of our communities.Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Nation) speaks with Leah about her time in office, what it...
2020-10-0228 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineHarvest Time: Connecting to Health Through What the Earth ProvidesHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On this show, Host Leah Lemm celebrates what the earth provides in the way of food and medicines grown and harvested throughout the year, and how this connects to our health and well-being.Leah’s guests work closely with the land to help provide for our communities’ food and health needs. Megan Schnitker (Lakota) speaks about the year-long harvest cycle, the rise in interest in first medicines, and the...
2020-09-2328 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineLooking to Silver Linings During Times of Struggle Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On this show, Host Leah Lemm reflects on the moments of beauty during challenging times. Leah is joined by reporter Melissa Townsend and together they review and reflect on some of their inspiring conversations with community members. Minnesota Native News launched several programs in response to the pandemic in addition to this one, including Native Lights: Biidaapi, a podcast hosted by Leah Lemm and her brother Cole Premo. And in...
2020-09-1627 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineBringing the Medicine of Music During the Pandemic with Annie Humphrey & Hip-Hop Artist TufawonHost Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On today’s show, how two different musicians find creative ways to make and share their music, even as the pandemic continues.Leah visits with Annie Humphrey, an Anishinaabekwe mother, grandmother, and an award-winning musician who’s been a presence on the music scene for decades. Annie tells Leah how she is enjoying her time outdoors, playing board games with family, and what inspires her songwriting. And she shares some unreleased lyri...
2020-09-0928 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineParents Share Back-to-School Plans for their Families as Pandemic ContinuesHost Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On today’s show, Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) looks at how parents and families are grappling with the challenge of heading back-to-school as the pandemic continues.Reporter Melissa Townsend spoke with three different parents about how they are gearing up for the school year and making decisions that best meet the needs of their school-age children.We hear from Ryan Dixon (Oglala Sioux Tribe) who lives in Lower Sioux Indian Co...
2020-09-0328 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineRising to the Challenge of Keeping Tribal Communities Safe and Informed Host Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On today’s show, Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) looks at how tribal leaders and health care providers are ensuring tribal community members are getting the care and information they need.Joining Leah is Community Health Nurse Teri Morrison, who has lived and worked on the Bois Forte Reservation for 18 years. Teri shares how the tribe’s emergency response team has been preparing for crises, inclu...
2020-08-1928 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineSupporting New Moms Through Pregnancy and Breastfeeding During the PandemicHost Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On this show, Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) continues her look at how parents of very young children and specifically how new moms are facing the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemicLeah’s guest today is Shashana Craft (White Earth Nation) who works for Headway Emotional Health as a Family Spirit Infant Parent Support Specialist and is also the founder of the Minneapolis Indigenous Breastfeeding Support Circle. Leah and Shashana talk abo...
2020-08-1229 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineDoing Our Best for Our Children’s Education During the PandemicHost Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. On this show, Host Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) looks at how parents and teachers are facing the challenges and opportunities of getting back to school, even as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. The state is providing data-driven guidance, which allows local school districts to determine what’s best for their students when it comes to returning to classrooms, distance learning, or a combination method. Leah talks with Andrea Fairbanks (Leech Lake...
2020-08-0529 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineReflections on Rising to the Challenge of the Pandemic and Respecting the VirusHost Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.On this show, Host Leah Lemm reflects on the themes of rising to the challenge of the pandemic, respecting the virus, and coping with many unknowns. Leah is joined by reporter Melissa Townsend and together they review and reflect on some of their wonderful conversations with community members. Minnesota Native News launched several programs in response to the pandemic in addition to this one, including Biidaapi Podcast hosted by Leah Lemm and her b...
2020-07-2929 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineKeeping Track of COVID Testing and Treatment in Indian CountryHost Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis. On this show, we hear some nuts and bolts about COVID testing in Indian Country and current challenges our relatives face in getting treatment. And Leah looks at ways we embrace a healthy lifestyle while keeping an eye on our communities. Leah catches up with Dani Pieratos (Bois Forte Band of Chippewa) who is a mother, an entrepreneur, and a passionate supporter of food sovereignty and access. Pieratos is President/Sales & Marketing Director of Harvest Nation Inc., and s...
2020-07-2329 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineTribal Sovereignty and the Health of Native CommunitiesHost Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.In this show, Leah welcomes Lyz Jaakola, an Anishinaabe mother, teacher, and musician living on her home Rez, Fond du Lac in Cloquet, MN. They reflect on the relationship between the federal government and tribes –and how it affects the health and economic well-being of tribal communities during the pandemic.Reporter Melissa Townsend talks with U.S. Senator Tina Smith about her recent speech on the floor of the Senate, where she urged Congress and the Pre...
2020-07-1529 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineHow Art Helps Us Rise and Heal in a CrisisHost Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.In this show Host Leah Lemm continues her conversation about art and health, with artist Isabella Star Leblanc (Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota). Leblanc grew up in the Twin Cities and is a writer and acclaimed actress, starring in theater productions around the country and on the big screen.Leah and Isabella have a lively discussion about how we use art to adapt to crisis, what it takes to be inspired, and to rise to the o...
2020-07-0829 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineHow Artistic Gifts Help Inspire and Motivate Good HealthHost Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.Today on the show, Leah looks at how our artistic gifts can be motivation to prioritize health, to get healthy, to stay healthy. Last week we discussed how a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be complicated during the pandemic.Today on the show, Leah looks at how our artistic gifts can be motivation to prioritize health, to get healthy, to stay healthy. Last week we discussed how a cancer diagnosis and treatment can be complicated during...
2020-07-0628 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineConfronting Added Risk and Uncertainty During the PandemicHost Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.June is National Cancer Survivor Awareness Month, and in this show Host Leah Lemm explores how it's important to stay focused on health, even as the pandemic adds more risk and uncertainty.Leah is joined by MN Native News reporter Melissa Townsend, who is a cancer survivor herself and discusses staying vigilant around taking care of your health, even as the pandemic complicates the whole process of seeking screenings, treatments, and follow-up care.We...
2020-06-2429 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineTribal Leaders are Deciding When and How to Re-openHost Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the COVID-19 health crisis. Today’s in-depth conversation looks at how Tribal leaders are deciding when and how to re-open businesses and assessing how to keep employees, patrons, and community members safe. Leah talks with Casino employee RJ Dahl. And MN Native News reporter Melissa Townsend talks with Joe Nayquonabe, CEO of Mille Lacs Band Corporate Ventures. MN Native News Special Edition: COVID-19 Community Conversations is supported by a grant from the Minnesota Department of Health.
2020-06-2229 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineHow Tribal Communities Help Reduce the Risks of Commercial Tobacco Use and COVID-19Host Leah Lemm explores how Indian Country in MN is responding and adapting to the current pandemic health crisis.Lung disease, cancer, and now complications due to COVID19 are a few of the many dangers that smoking cigarettes or using commercial tobacco causes. Today’s show looks at how Indian Country is helping our communities reduce commercial tobacco use.Leah talks with Mille Lacs Band member Bobby Eagle, who is a cultural advisor for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Health and Human Services Department at Four Winds treatment center. And she talks with Madge Du...
2020-06-1729 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineS2 EP6 – Celebrating Accomplished Artists
We round out Season 2 of our Native Lights podcast by exploring the cultural influences that have shaped the work of two celebrated and accomplished Native artists.
Chaz Wagner (Bois Forte Ojibwe) is a musician, singer, traditional drummer, and co-leader of the Native American rock band, War Bonnet, which was nominated for two 2019 Native Grammy Awards.
Dyani White Hawk Polk (Sičangu Lakota), is a mixed media visual artist. Dyani has earned many grants, fellowships, and awards, including “Artists of the Year” from the Minneapolis Star Tribune newspaper. The honor was shared with f...
2020-04-2940 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineS2 EP5 – Building Supportive Environments
In this episode, two stories highlight significant work to build supportive environments for Native people to heal and thrive.
Kwe Pack is a spectacular group of Native women supporting each other to run long-distance trail races. Kwe Pack has been featured on Good Morning America, ESPN, Sports Illustrated, and Oprah Winfrey’s World Vision Tour. This group encourages each other to draw on their inner strength; to heal and flourish in all areas of their lives.
We also talk with hosts Leah and Cole’s brother Bryce Premo (Mille Lacs Band of Oj...
2020-04-2959 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineS2 EP4 – Two Visionaries, One Project
The program explores the unstoppable power when two visionaries come together to bring a special project to life.
We meet Deb Foster (Ojibwe), the Executive Director of Ain Dah Yung and Mike Laverdure (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians in North Dakota), a partner with DSGW Architects. Deb Foster and Mike Laverdure both played leading roles in the creation of Mino Oski Ain Dah Yung, a beautiful new apartment building in St. Paul, where formerly homeless Native young adults can live, reconnect to culture, and get job skills.
Hosts: Leah Lemm (M...
2020-04-2836 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineS2 EP3 – Honest Portrayals of Native People
This episode explores work being done towards authentically and accurately representing Native people, communities, and our stories.
Rebecca Crooks-Stratton (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community) is the Secretary/Treasurer of her tribe, and now she leads "Understand Native Minnesota," an ambitious campaign to support Native American narrative change in Minnesota’s K-12 education system, as a way to raise awareness and constructively overcome misunderstandings and misperceptions.
Chad Germann (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) is the Founder and CEO of Red Circle, one of the nation’s top Native-owned advertising agencies. Chad Germann is a risi...
2020-04-2857 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineS2 EP2 – Cultivating a Gift for Healing
Respected Anishinaabe elder and well-known physician, Dr. Arne Vainio (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) tells the story of how he became one of only 3,400 Native physicians in the United States. He is currently a family physician at the Fond du Lac tribal clinic. His story is about class divisions, lateral violence, and the unwavering generosity of people in his Native community.
Hosts: Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Cole Premo (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), siblings, musicians, and contributors to Minnesota Native News.
In-studio Guest: Melissa Townsend, producer & reporter
2020-04-2832 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineS2 EP1 – Bringing in New Life
We kick off our new season with a story from Mnicoujou [mini-co-jew] Lakota doula, Takayla Lightfield. She stands side-by-side with Native women supporting the birth of the next generation.
Takayla Lightfield (Mnicoujou Lakota, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of South Dakota), is a self-employed doula who also works at the Division of Indian Work and is a breastfeeding consultant in the Twin Cities, Minnesota.
Hosts: Leah Lemm (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) and Cole Premo (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), siblings, musicians, and contributors to Minnesota Native News.
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2020-04-2828 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineNL: Biidaapi – Rob Fairbanks
Hello! Today we're catching up with our favorite Rez Reporter, Rob Fairbanks (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe), to find out how the comedian and YouTube star is coping with the pandemic, and whether his homeschooling skills are a pass or a fail. Join us, your hosts Leah Lemm and Cole Premo, for a few minutes of conversation and laughs.
Biidaapi: s/he comes laughing. (Ojibwemowin)
2020-04-1013 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineNL: Biidaapi – Tall PaulHosts Leah Lemm and Cole Premo check-in with Tall Paul (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) an Anishinaabe and Oneida Hip-Hop artist.
Tall Paul calls in to talk about family life, staying safe and smart, and how to continue with a workout routine while in the comfort of his own home.
And, of course, we talk about creating music in times of uncertainty.
2020-04-0111 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineS1 BONUS – Celebrating Our First Season! LIVE from the MN State FairBoozhoo everybody!
It’s a BONUS episode of Native Lights - We’re celebrating our first season with a LIVE show from the Minnesota State Fair!
The theme of Native Lights is to let people’s voices and stories shine, people who have found their purpose and a way to share their gifts with the community.
Hosts Leah Lemm and Cole Premo speak with more fabulous guests who are shining bright:
1. Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan - Peggy Flanagan is a citizen of the White Earth Nation and only the se...
2019-08-251h 52Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineS1 EP5 – Media MakersMany Native people are dissatisfied with the media portrayal of Indigenous communities across Turtle Island. In this episode, we hear from a Native reporter who is changing the very framework for how stories are told. A Native spokesperson talks about how she found her voice and her ability to speak for her community. And a group of Native women talk about the barriers to reaching out to reporters and being heard.
Simone Senogles: Development Coordinator for The Indigenous Environmental Network, the Red Lake Nation.
Dr. Kate Beane, Scholar, historian, teacher and documentary filmmaker, Flandreau Santee Da...
2019-07-1653 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineS1 EP4 – Making Safe SpacesIn the era of #metoo and #timesup many Native women are making culturally specific, safe spaces for each other to heal from sexual violence. In this episode, Native women share their perspectives on healing and building resistance to a mainstream culture that seems to idle in the face of sexual violence against Native women.
Ikidowin Peer Education Program and Youth Theater Acting Ensemble presents a play called “Everything is a Circle,” written by Illusion Theater and directed by Curtis Kirby III. Ojibwe Elder Sharon Day is the Executive Director of Ikidowin, a program of the Indigneous People's Task...
2019-07-1644 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineS1 EP3 – Finding FamilyThis show is about family — in all its different forms. A lot of Native families have been disrupted one way or another by government sponsored genocide. But there have always been Native women and men working to repair that disruption. This episode features five amazing women doing this incredible work.
Heidi Grika: Mother, White Earth Band of Ojibwe
Jasmine Grika: Nokomis Circle liaison at Ain Dah Yung Center in St Paul, Cheyenne River Sioux and the Red Lake Nation
Lucy Favorite: Executive Director, American Indian Family and Children's Services
Shana King: Par...
2019-07-1642 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineS1 EP2 – Artistry and IdentityIn this episode the conversation turns toward themes of identity and how Indigenous artists find themselves communicating their identity in their art.
Briand Morrison: Guitarist, Musician, Composer, son of the late George Morrison, the well-known visual artist, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa
Kayla Aubid: Writer, Lakota, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
Waase Aubid: Painter, artist, Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe
Hosted by Leah Lemm and Cole Premo
Theme Music: Cole Premo
Special Music: “Spark in an Endless Black” by Cole Premo
Links: Briand Morrison’s musi...
2019-07-1654 minNative Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineS1 EP1 – Finding Your Purpose & Sharing Your GiftsAll the stories in this first episode are about purpose: the idea that we’re all created to do something special. When you do it, you feel fulfilled, because you’re contributing your gifts to your community. We hear from people who are living their purpose and inspiring others to do the same.
Rob Fairbanks: Comedian, Social Media Entertainer, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe
Renee Gurneau: Teacher, Elder, the Red Lake Nation
Jody Beaulieu: Activist, Elder, the Red Lake Nation
Hosts Leah Lemm and Cole Premo also speak with MN Native News...
2019-07-1644 min