Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

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…

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. Hi…

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 t…

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…

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 wi…

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 s…

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…

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. Go…

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…

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 cur…

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, startin…

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 inceptio…

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…

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 gradua…

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 …

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…

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 cr…

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 …

Staci Lola Drouillard is a Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe direct descendant. She lives and works in her hometown of Kitchibitobig—Grand Marais, on Minnesota’s North Shore of Lake Superior. Staci works …

Michael Migizi Sullivan Sr. is a lifelong student of the Ojibwe language, father, husband, ceremonial drum keeper of the Ojibwe, powwow emcee, up-and-coming storyteller, and teacher of the Ojibwe lan…