Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

Brandon Baity is Anishinaabe and a descendant of the White Earth Nation. He grew up in Brooklyn Park, MN and currently lives in Moorhead, MN with his 3 children, partner, and mother-in-law. He graduated with a degree in social work from the College of Saint Scholastica in 2013. After graduation he worked as a youth mental health practitioner, school social worker, program coordinator for youth suspended from school, and a program manager for youth experiencing homelessness. He was a founding board member and is the current Executive Director of the Indigenous Association in Fargo, ND.  In today’s episode, Brandon shares the inspiring story behind the foundation of the Indigenous Association, delving into the deep-seated motivation driving its mission. We explore the pivotal moments of his journey from his involvement on a plethora of boards and planning committees, to his profound realization of the importance of cultural connection in leadership work. Discover what fuels Brandon’s dedication to empowering community and learn how the Indigenous Association provides a platform for healing, art, community connection, and cultural revitalization. Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine 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: 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.https://minnesotanativenews.org/ https://www.indgns.org/ 

Bryce Premo is a Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe citizen and brother of Native Lights hosts Leah Lemm and Cole Premo. Bryce on the cusp of an exciting transition in his career. With a bachelor’s degree in social work almost under his belt and poised to pursue a master’s degree in the same field, Bryce shares his journey with us. He is member of the Social Work Honors Society, and a board member as a student representative with the National Association of Social Workers. In March 2024 Bryce was awarded student of the year from the NASW-MN (National Association of Social Workers).  In today’s episode, Bryce delves into his current focus on decolonizing Euro-centric approaches within the social work industry. He discusses his research and studies aimed at reshaping tools and methodologies to better serve not only American Indian communities but other marginalized groups worldwide. His insights shed light on the importance of cultural sensitivity and inclusivity in social service practices, paving the way for a more equitable and effective approach to community care. Stepping away from his role as a youth worker, Bryce has gained invaluable experience in various social service positions. With a vision for positive change and a commitment to serving diverse communities, Bryce’s journey exemplifies the protentional impacts of dedicated individuals in shaping the future of the social work industry. 

Ruth Buffalo is a citizen of the Mandan Hidatsa Arikara Nation and a descendant of the Chiricahua Apache. She has served on advisory councils focused on women's health, women's leadership development and local food systems. She is board President for the National Native Boarding School Healing Coalition. She is also the former board president of the North Dakota Human Rights Coalition.  In 2019, Ruth was named North Dakota Woman of the Year by North Dakota Women’s Network. As a former member of the North Dakota House of Representatives, she is the original bill author of a new law that requires Native American history to be taught in all schools, grades K-12. Ruth was appointed to the Not Invisible Act Commission. She founded the local grassroots MMIP taskforce in the Fargo Moorhead area that is still operating to this day. In this week’s episode, we delve into the life and work of Ruth Buffalo, a dynamic leader who has dedicated herself to public service and community advocacy. Ruth shares with us her organizing experience from early childhood through college that laid the deep foundation for her future endeavors. Ruth provides valuable insights into her current role as the CEO of the Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center. She emphasizes her commitment to serving the community and empowering Native women and families with resources such as advocacy, support groups, healing spaces, family services, housing and more.  Minneapolis Indian Women’s Resource Center- https://www.miwrc.org/client-advocacyMinneapolis Indian Women’s Resource Center’s GoFundMe- https://www.gofundme.com/f/MiwrcLeah’s TEDx talk- https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=e3qqseyPhg3tu6BP&v=Yk10HvE6zQY&feature=youtu.beMNN- https://minnesotanativenews.org/ 

Willard Malebear Jr. is a Lakota artist who is the CEO and owner of Unified Theory Collective, he is also the Executive Chairman of Art Shelf. Both organizations are heavily geared toward infusing creativity and getting art supplies out to the community. Willard is an experienced painter and tattoo artist who found a way to combine all his passions, embracing arts and culture for wellness. In this week’s episode, we learn about Willards introduction into the tattoo world, his life during and after incarceration, and how he turned his trauma into triumph. He shares information about the free services UTC offers such as assorted canvases, brushes, easels, acrylic paints and more. Pulling motivation from his biggest hero’s, his children and mentors, Willard expresses his excitement for the next chapter in his life continuing to “spread the gospel of creativity” to his community and beyond. https://artshelf.org/https://willardcustomart.com/

Mary LaGarde is the Executive Director of the Minneapolis American Indian Center (MAIC) and a member of the White Earth Nation. She was selected to lead the organization in June 2013 and has over 30 years of nonprofit experience in program services, including management and development. In 2008, LaGarde received the DreamMaker Award from the Ann Bancroft Foundation. In 2014, she was honored at the University of Minnesota’s American Indian Student Cultural Center’s Honoring of American Indian Women, and LaGarde was named a 2016 Local Public Health Hero by the City of Minneapolis Health Department. She received her B.A. in Sociology/American Racial and Multicultural Studies from St. Olaf College (Northfield, MN).  In this week’s episode, we learn about the importance of community, family, and youth services as the center of many development goals at MAIC through the eyes of LaGarde. The renovated center will introduce the Boys and Girls Club, a new resource that will serve as an umbrella for some of the youth programming. Visitors can look forward to new volunteer opportunities and renovations of the fitness center, Two Rivers Gallery, and the Gatherings Café. A large celebration will kick off the grand re-opening of the Minneapolis American Indian Center in May of 2024.

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 as a radio producer for WTIP North Shore Community Radio and authors the monthly column Nibi Chronicles for Great Lakes Now, a branch of Detroit Public Media. Her first book Walking the Old Road: A People’s History of Chippewa City and the Grand Marais Anishinaabe (UMP, 2019) won the Hamlin Garland Prize in Popular History, the Northeastern Minnesota Book Award for nonfiction and was a finalist for a Minnesota Book Award. Her second book Seven Aunts (UMP, 2022) won the 2023 Minnesota Book Award for Memoir and Creative nonfiction, the Northeastern Minnesota Book Award and was a “Minnesota Reads” selection at the Library of Congress National Book Festival. The children’s book A Family Tree, will be released in May of 2024 (Harper Collins). In today’s episode, Staci describes memories that inspired her artistic journey that paved the way for her many accolades. Staci expresses how she manages taking care of her mental health as a writer while unearthing truths that fold into her creative processes overtime. 

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 language. Dr. Sullivan earned his doctorate in linguistics at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, working under the tutelage of Larry Amik Smallwood as his main language consultant and Dr. John D. Nichols. Dr. Sullivan is the Faculty Director of Native American Studies at the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe College on his home reservation of Lac Courte Oreilles, where he teaches the intricacies of the Ojibwe language that he learned from Amik. In today’s episode, we hear about Dr. Sullivan’s editing role in his new book release Plums or Nuts, a collection of Ojibwe stories of Anishinaabe Humor told by his friend and mentor the late Larry Amik Smallwood. We hear why Michael’s drive to work closely with the elders in his community became a pivotal moment that changed the trajectory of his career. Dr. Sullivan shares stories of how he continues to uplift his students inspiring them to set goals while navigating them through the immense pressures of learning the Ojibwe language. 

Fern Renville is a storyteller, artist, playwright, and enrolled citizen of the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate. Fern lives in St. Paul, Minnesota, where she is currently investigating the role of nettle fiber in Dakota material culture as a Native Artist in Residence at the Minnesota Historical Society. In this episode, Fern talks about weaving a stronger connection to this homeland not only through nettle fiber but through stories, knowledge, and the sharing of history. Fern expresses her passion for tapping into the deep layers of joy and love experienced by her ancestors on this land for centuries that were only recently covered by a layer of trauma. Fern believes this deeper exploration of her ancestral truth beyond colonization is not only powerful for her own journey but will help to intentionally bring restoration. 

Steven StandingCloud is an enrolled member of the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians located in northcentral Minnesota. Steven has been an artist most of his life and works under StandingCloud Graphics. He says the art forms that he creates are inherent to the Ojibwe and Lakota people. Steven spoke with us about how he got his start in graphic design in the 1980s, what he wants his work to accomplish and how he is carrying Native American art into the future. For more on his art, visit standingcloudgraphics.com. 

Gabby Menomin is a citizen of the Forest County Potawtomi Community in northern Wisconsin. She’s currently the restoration manager for Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi. She oversees the ongoing ecological restoration of Wakan Tipi, which is a cave sacred to Dakota people, located in St. Paul along the Mississippi River. She graduated with a master’s degree in Tribal Natural Resource Management. Gabby is focused on plant relatives and how climate change is impacting them. She is passionate about the environment and looking at how to center Indigenous voices, values, and knowledge in the stewardship of the land.

Melissa Blind is Cree from George Gordon's First Nation in Saskatchewan. She earned her PhD in American Indian Studies from the University of Arizona.  Melissa has over a decade of experience working with Indigenous communities in Indigenous health and dementia research.  As the current Senior Research Associate on the Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team at the University of Minnesota, Duluth campus, Melissa is focused on collaborative research to improve dementia outcomes in Indigenous and rural communities. 

On today’s episode, Leah and Cole speak with Eileen Bass. Eileen is Hunkpapa Lakota, Mvskoke Creek, and a citizen of the Sac & Fox Nation of Oklahoma. She’s currently an undergraduate student at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. In the summer of 2023, she was accepted into the Minnesota Historical Society’s Native American Undergraduate Museum Fellowship program. She is also part of the Dakota Language Nest at the university’s Child Development Laboratory School. Eileen speaks about her passions at the intersection of Indigenous narratives, language revitalization, tribal histories, supporting Native youth and more.

Today, Leah and Cole speak with Thomas Draskovic, a citizen of the Standing Rock Reservation in South Dakota who is an educator, actor, musician, artist and activist.  Thomas has worked in the Twin Cities Native community in both schools and nonprofits for over 20 years, and for the past 16 years he’s been at the American Indian Magnet School in East St. Paul as the Lakota Language and Cultural Specialist. He shares with us how storytelling and authenticity are crucial in his approach to teaching. He also explains why his mother, a master linguist, inspires his passion for educating youth and his strength to “do something” out in the world.  In addition to his work teaching, Thomas also plays guitar and sings in the band Pretendians, featured as part of a previous Native Lights episode. He talks with us more about the meaning behind the name and how it brings about discussion.

On today’s episode, Leah and Cole speak with Mathew Holding Eagle III, a citizen of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation – federally recognized as the Three Affiliated Tribes – in western North Dakota. Mathew started his career in construction before pivoting to journalism! He now works at MPR News as a reporter. He’s covered Native communities in Minnesota for quite a bit and recently received a National Native Award from the Indigenous Journalist Association for his reporting. He speaks with us about how he found his way to doing what he does, the philosophy behind his journalistic endeavors, and much more.  Mathew received his bachelor’s in mass communication from Minnesota State University Moorhead and he worked as a producer on the 2015 PBS documentary “Black Gold Boom,” about the oil boom in western North Dakota.

On today's episode, Leah and Cole speak with Travis Zimmerman, whose family is from the Crane Clan of Grand Portage. He is the site manager for the Mille Lacs Indian Museum and Trading Post.  Travis also hosted "DeCoded: Native Veterans In Minnesota Who Helped Win World War II," — produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers.  Travis talks about his love for Native American history, specifically Ojibwe history and culture, and his path to the museum and trading post.  You can find out about the Mille Lacs Museum and Trading Post events here.

On today’s episode, Leah and Cole speak with Ernest Briggs (White Earth Nation), who is a director, writer, producer, teacher, and actor from the Twin Cities where he's worked in the theater community for 15+ years. He’s the artistic director of Turtle Theater Collective, a collective of Indigenous theater artists focused on telling Native stories.  Ernest recently made his Guthrie Theater debut in “For The People,” a Native comedy that’s based on the Minneapolis Native community. He speaks with us about the significance of play and how it wouldn’t have been possible without important collaboration with the community.  From recreating movie scenes with his brother to studying acting in Los Angeles, Ernest shares his journey as an actor and storyteller.  Ernest is also a member of the Guthrie Theater’s Native Advisory Council, which works to help decolonize spaces and open doors for Indigenous performers and creators  “For the People” runs from Oct. 7 through Nov. 12. You can find ticket information here.

On today’s episode, Leah and Cole speak with Ernest Briggs (White Earth Nation), who is a director, writer, producer, teacher, and actor from the Twin Cities where he's worked in the theater community for 15+ years. He’s the artistic director of Turtle Theater Collective, a collective of Indigenous theater artists focused on telling Native stories.  Ernest recently made his Guthrie Theater debut in “For The People,” a Native comedy that’s based on the Minneapolis Native community. He speaks with us about the significance of play and how it wouldn’t have been possible without important collaboration with the community.  From recreating movie scenes with his brother to studying acting in Los Angeles, Ernest shares his journey as an actor and storyteller.  Ernest is also a member of the Guthrie Theater’s Native Advisory Council, which works to help decolonize spaces and open doors for Indigenous performers and creators  “For the People” runs from Oct. 7 through Nov. 12. You can find ticket information here.

Today, Leah and Cole chat with Adrienne Zimiga-January, a citizen of the Oglala Lakota Nation who has been creating and performing in the Twin Cities theater community for over a decade.   This fall, she’s making her Guthrie debut on stage in “For The People.” It’s billed as a “world premiere comedy by Native voices” with a story set in the Minneapolis Native community.  In addition to her insights on the play, Adrienne talks about her passion for theater, bringing more Native stories to the stage, and making theater a place that’s welcoming for all.  Adrienne is also a member of the Guthrie Theater’s Native Advisory Council, which works to help decolonize spaces and open doors for Indigenous performers and creators. Plus, she’s the designer of “You Are On Native Land” artwork, available in the Guthrie’s Store.   “For the People” runs from Oct. 7 through Nov. 12. 

Today, Leah and Cole chat with Tony Drews (first-generation direct descendent of Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe), a lifelong student of Ojibwe culture and language.  As president and founder of Nashke Native Games, Drews talks about his background in education and how he has found ways to better engage native students in their culture. He describes how excited the students are with these games that not only teach language, but the meaning and history behind the words.  Drews is also the program coordinator for the American Indian Family Empowerment Fund at the Tiwahe Foundation.   Miigwech, Tony, for sharing your story! 

Today, Leah and Cole chat with artist Shaun Chosa. Shaun's art boldly blends Indigenous heritage, counterculture, and pop culture influences, echoing his self-described nomadic upbringing.  Currently, his pieces are on display at the Friedli Gallery through October 2023, where he weaves Indigenous traditions into the fabric of popular culture. Shaun shares captivating stories from his travels across Indian country, offers unique insights into Indigenous representation in pop culture, and his journey as an artist.  Miigwech, Shaun, for sharing your journey! Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices ShineNative 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: 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/