Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

We are happy to say Boozhoo! to our friend James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw today. James is the creator of “Ojibwe Word of the Day,” which he shares on Facebook and YouTube, and he is a leading voice in Native Language revitalization efforts and spiritual teachings.  James shares some Ojibwemowin that offers perspective and help for staying in balance during challenging times like this pandemic.

  Boozhoo! Today we talk with RJ Dahl of Deer River (Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe) to find out how he is coping and thriving during the pandemic, with humor and connection. RJ works at the White Oak Casino, which has been temporarily shut down, so now he’s focused on homeschooling his four kids. RJ stays connected to his buddies through video games, which has been a great way to joke and lift each ot...

  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)  

Greetings! Today we’re honored to talk with Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Nation). Peggy Flanagan speaks about her daily duties as a state leader, the challenge of helping her first-grader with distance learning, as well as the deep loss felt by many families, including her own, during these times. We laugh over fashion choices during the pandemic. And Peggy shares how the onl...

Greetings! Today we talk with Patina Park (Mnicoujou Lakota) the Director of Tribal State Relations for Governor Walz and Lt. Governor Flanagan.  As the top liaison between the state and Minnesota’s 11 Tribal Nations, Patina Park plays a key role in helping communities face the pandemic. She tells us what her days are like, and we hear how she and her family are coping during these difficult times...

Hosts 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.  

  Greetings from Native Lights! Today we’re talking with Brenda Child who also happens to be - Auntie Brenda. She's married to our uncle - Steve Premo. We talk with Brenda Child (Red Lake Nation) about the origin story of the Jingle Dress and how it relates to the 1918 Flu epidemic, and what the past can teach us about our current pandemic. Dr. Brenda J. Child Ph. D. is the Northrop Professor of A...

Biidaapi: s/he comes laughing. (Ojibwemowin) Greetings from Native Lights! Sometimes we just want to talk to a parent or elder during uncertain times, and today we chat with our dad, Bill (“Papi”) Premo (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe). Bill Premo lives at Owl Hoot Station –what he calls home --just Northeast of Hinckley with his dog Kek Kek, and is always full of advice and perspective. He’s an associ...

Biidaapi: s/he comes laughing. (Ojibwemowin) Greetings from Native Lights! Thanks for listening in. During this COVID-19 pandemic, when we’re encouraged to keep a greater distance from our community members, friends, and loved ones, it’s so important to keep our relationships strong. And that’s what we’re doing here on Native Lights: Biidaapi. To us, “biidaapi” (s/he comes or arrives laughing) rem...

Boozhoo 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...

Many 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 reporte...

In 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 present...

This 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...

In 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 Hosted by Leah Lemm and Cole Premo The...

All 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, Elde...

Native Lights amplifies stories of people within Minnesota’s Native communities. We explore the history, work, strength, and resiliency of Native people who are shaping the future, while appreciating those who came before.