Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

In Native Lights, people in Native communities around Mni Sota Mkoce - a.k.a. Minnesota - tell their stories about finding their gifts and sharing them with the community. These are stories of joy, strength, history, and change from Native people who are shaping the future and honoring those who came before them. Native Lights is also a weekly, half-hour radio program hosted by Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Native Lights is a space for people in Native communities. Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

  1. Aleyna Morales: Baking and Believing in Herself

    Jun 4

    Aleyna Morales: Baking and Believing in Herself

    Today, we're speaking with Aleyna Morales. Aleyna grew up in the Twin Cities and Somerset, Wisconsin. Aleyna's heritage includes Ojibwe from the Fond du Lac Band community and Mexican. She is the creator and baker behind Baked to Bliss by Laney. You can catch her selling baked goods at the Carlton County Farmers Market.   Aleyna shares how a need to pull herself out of the lowest point in her life led to taking classes and an interest in sourdough bread. She posted videos on TikTok, never expecting people to reach out and to buy her bread. A decision to attend a local entrepreneur meet-up led to an encounter with a neighbor who was starting a coffee business and, coincidentally, needed scones and muffins to sell to his customers. Together, these surprising turns of events, her gifts and the support of her community have allowed her to create a thriving baking business she calls Baked to Bliss by Laney.   She also talks about what helps her to cope when times get hard and why believing in yourself is key to building a better life.     Aleyna is the mom of five children and lives with her partner in the Fond du Lac community. ----- Hosts / Producers: Leah Lemm, Cole Premo  Editor: Britt Aamodt  Editorial support: Emily Krumberger  Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood  ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampersradio instagram.com/mnnativenews facebook.com/MNNativeNews Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned/  This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love: ampers.org/fund

    29 min
  2. Adam Savariego: The Power of Asking Questions

    May 14

    Adam Savariego: The Power of Asking Questions

    We're excited today to speak with Adam Savariego. He's a citizen of the Upper Sioux Community and is the Native American Affairs Advisor with the Minnesota Governor's Office. Prior to his current work, Adam served on the Upper Sioux Board of Trustees and as the community cultural liaison at Yellow Medicine East High School in Granite Falls Minnesota. He's also a traveler, a foodie and a cat lover.   When he was 20, Adam began asking questions. What did it mean to be Dakota? What did it mean to be part of community and a tribe? He wanted to understand who he was. That journey led him to learn everything he could about the Dakota and the Upper Sioux Community.   In our conversation, he reflects on the importance of being a good relative to that history and about passing on that knowledge to the next generation through his work as an educator.    Adam served on the tribal council for four years as secretary. When he left, he didn't have a plan for what came next. He shares how leaving that important decision in the hands of fate and belief led to a career change.   Along with a glimpse into his work as the Native American Affairs Advisor with the Minnesota Governor's Office, he talks about his love of traveling, a memorable trip to Croatia and his favorite Mexican street food.----- Hosts / Producers: Leah Lemm, Cole Premo  Editor: Britt Aamodt  Editorial support: Emily Krumberger  Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood  ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampersradio instagram.com/mnnativenews facebook.com/MNNativeNews Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned/  This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love: ampers.org/fund

    29 min
  3. Dr. Antony Stately: Building Health Equity in Indigenous Communities

    Mar 26

    Dr. Antony Stately: Building Health Equity in Indigenous Communities

    Today, we're excited to welcome Dr. Antony Stately to Native Lights. Antony Stately is a transformative leader dedicated to health equity in Indigenous communities. He's enrolled with the Oneida Nation, and he's a descendant of both the Red Lake and White Earth nations here in Minnesota, and he has two sons. He's currently the Executive Officer and President for the Native American Community Clinic in South Minneapolis, providing primary care, dental care and behavioral health services to the Native American community in the Twin Cities.    Antony gives updates on the long-awaited new Native American Community Clinic building and shares his hope that it can be a space where Indigenous people recognize, from the moment they enter, that it's a place for them and where they belong.    He also reflects on his youth and the early addictions that eventually led to a hospital room and a transformative moment that changed the trajectory of his life. ----- Hosts / Producers: Leah Lemm, Cole Premo  Editor: Britt Aamodt  Editorial support: Emily Krumberger  Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood  ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampersradio instagram.com/mnnativenews facebook.com/MNNativeNews Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned/  This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love: ampers.org/fund

    29 min
  4. Gary Farmer: Living Life on Screen for 50 Years

    Mar 12

    Gary Farmer: Living Life on Screen for 50 Years

    Today, we're excited to be joined by one of the most recognizable faces in Indigenous film. Gary Farmer is from the Cayuga Nation and has a long career in movies and TV, and he's a musician, performing with his group Gary Farmer & The Troublemakers. Among his screen credits are Smoke Signals, Dead Man, Powwow Highway and, of course, more recently, he played Uncle Brownie in Reservation Dogs. He's also a storyteller and a force for pushing for authentic Indigenous representation. So he joined us to talk about what's going on in his life, his music, his acting career and how they connect with his gifts and purpose in life.    Gary grew up in theater and has made a 50-year career on the big and small screen, most notabaly in Reservation Dogs. He's still working and taking on roles. He talks about what keeps him motivated and how his work as a gigging musician with Gary Farmer & the Troublemakers keeps him in shape for his acting day job.   He currently lives in Santa Fe. ----- Hosts / Producers: Leah Lemm, Cole Premo  Editor: Britt Aamodt  Editorial support: Emily Krumberger  Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood Photo credit: Cara Romero Photography ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampersradio instagram.com/mnnativenews facebook.com/MNNativeNews Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned/  This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love: ampers.org/fund

    29 min
  5. David Amitrano: Witnessing

    Feb 26

    David Amitrano: Witnessing

    Today, Leah speaks with David Amitrano, the owner of Midwest All-Star Wrestling, a Minnesota-based, Native-owned independent wrestling organization in Woodbury.   He is originally from Ely, Minnesota and is a citizen of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. He and wife Brittney have four kids at home.   He got into wrestling as the CFO of Women of Nations, a women and children's domestic violence and sexual assault shelter. He's been there for over a decade. It's a 44-bed shelter for Native women and children but also women and children of all nations. It was founded in 1982. Located in St. Paul, it is one of the largest shelters of its kind not on reservation land.    In 2017, David was at work when he got a call from Jesse Ventura. He had seen a video about Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women. The shelter had been mentioned in the program. Jesse suggested doing a fundraiser and put him in contact with an owner of Midwest All Star Wrestling. David didn't know much about wrestling at the time, but they held their first wrestling fundraiser at the American Indian Center in 2017. It was a success and ever since they've done it every year.   After the fundraiser, he became an owner of Midwest All-Star Wrestling, which distinguishes itself as one of the organizations to highlight women's wrestling. His daughter is a huge wrestling fan. And one day she said, "How come there are no girl wrestlers?" So, he did something about it. ----- Hosts / Producers: Leah Lemm, Cole Premo  Editor: Britt Aamodt  Editorial support: Emily Krumberger  Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood  ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampersradio instagram.com/mnnativenews facebook.com/MNNativeNews Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned/  This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love: ampers.org/fund

    29 min
  6. Nikki Love (Pieratos): Keeping Relatives and Neighbors Safe in Uncertain Times

    Jan 22

    Nikki Love (Pieratos): Keeping Relatives and Neighbors Safe in Uncertain Times

    Today, we welcome Nikki Love Pieratos to Native Lights. An enrolled citizen of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Nikki is the Executive Director of the Tiwahe Foundation, a community organization serving Native people around Minnesota. She’s also a part of the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors group.  Leah speaks with her about the impact of Operation Metro Surge on Twin Cities Indigenous residents and their neighbors. One impact has been an increase of Native individuals being stopped by federal agents. But, says Nikki, this has also been a time of the wider community coming together and putting themselves on the line to look after and protect their neighbors.  Nikki shares how she stays grounded with a prayerful attitude and a focus on the present.  ----- Hosts / Producers: Leah Lemm, Cole Premo  Editor: Britt Aamodt  Editorial support: Emily Krumberger  Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood  ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampersradio instagram.com/mnnativenews facebook.com/MNNativeNews Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned/  This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love: ampers.org/fund

    28 min
  7. Robert Lilligren: The Native Community Responds to Minneapolis ICE Operations

    Jan 15

    Robert Lilligren: The Native Community Responds to Minneapolis ICE Operations

    Today, we have a special edition of Native Lights to share with you. We’re talking with Robert Lilligren, CEO of the Native American Community Development Institute, which is based in Minneapolis. He is also a White Earth citizen. Robert discusses the unprecedented deployment of some 2,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents to Minneapolis and how that has impacted the Native community, especially in the wake of the Renee Good shooting by an ICE agent. He shares what it’s like to be on the ground in Minneapolis right now, why whistles are important, and what Nativeleaders and organizations are doing to educate and protect the community. He also talks about the power of coming together, traditional pract ices and laughter during these uncertain times. If you want to know what your rights are if stopped by ICE or Border Patrol, you can find that and other information on the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors website at MUIDmn.org.-----Hosts / Producers: Leah Lemm Editor: Britt Aamodt Editorial support: Emily Krumberger  Mixing & mastering: Chris HarwoodPhoto courtesy of Robert Lilligren----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampersradio/ instagram.com/mnnativenews/  Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned/  This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love: ampers.org/fund

    29 min
  8. Victoria Marie: Learning to Surrender

    Jan 8

    Victoria Marie: Learning to Surrender

    Today, we’re excited to present Victoria Marie, an enrolled tribal member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate. She's the founder and owner of Indigenous Lotus, a wellness program that combines yoga classes, tribal dance, exercise and meditation with an emphasis on helping people cope with stress and trauma. Those stressors can include PTSD, homelessness, sexual exploitation and poverty. In addition to classes and workshops, Indigenous Lotus has a line of streetwear.   Victoria shares the story of how, at age seventeen, she dropped out of high school, became a new mom and found herself struggling with depression. Her quest for guidance led her to the local library. There she found a book on meditation. That formed the foundation of her healing journey. When her son got older, meditation also became a shared bedtime practice for mom and son.   Later, yoga came into her life. After getting certified, she taught yoga and movement to the youth at Little Earth of United Tribes. That became the origins of Indigenous Lotus, her yoga studio. Her business has evolved to include public speaking, workshops, art and apparel.   Victoria talks about how a recent health diagnosis gave her permission to slow down, step back and surrender.   Victoria lives in Shakopee with her partner, their children, two dogs, three cats, and a rabbit who loves to shred cardboard. ----- Hosts / Producers: Leah Lemm, Cole Premo  Editor: Britt Aamodt  Editorial support: Emily Krumberger  Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood  Photo credit: Victoria Marie ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media.  instagram.com/ampersradio instagram.com/mnnativenews facebook.com/MNNativeNews Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned/ This show is made possible by community support. Due to cuts in federal funding, the community radio you love is at risk. Your support is needed now more than ever. Donate now to power the community programs you love: ampers.org/fund

    28 min

Ratings & Reviews

4.9
out of 5
49 Ratings

About

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 communities. Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers, Diverse Radio for Minnesota’s Communities with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

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