Podcast appearances and mentions of leah lemm

Leah Lemm, MPR Senior Editor and leader of the Native News initiative joins Robert and Haley to discuss her recent work “Finding Manoomin: A Search for the Spirit of Wild Rice.” Then, MN Representative Jessica Hanson returns for an update!

Ojibwe citizen Leah Lemm brings us along on her journey to connect with the sacred nature of wild rice in In Finding Manoomin.

In Navajo origin stories, the turkey is a hero. He gathers up all the seeds from the third world and brings them to the fourth world we live in today. Many other tribes revere turkeys and make use of their feathers. Anishinaabe journalist Leah Lemm documents her own cultural reconnection by gathering wild rice, or manoomin, in her home reservation in Minnesota for the first time. Salmon are coming back to the tributaries of the Klamath River in California for the first time in a century after tribes helped bring about the largest dam removal project in history. And a Diné entrepreneur creates an unlikely fusion of traditional flavors and the increasingly popular boba drink craze. Those are the topics all on The Menu, our regular feature on Indigenous food stories and news. GUESTS Kenneth Brink (Karuk), vice chairman of the Karuk Tribe Sheldon Blackhorse (Diné), cultural advisor, actor, and math tutor Kevin Wilson (Diné), owner of Native Boba Tea Co. Leah Lemm (citizen of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe)

In Navajo origin stories, the turkey is a hero. He gathers up all the seeds from the third world and brings them to the fourth world we live in today. Many other tribes revere turkeys and make use of their feathers. Anishinaabe journalist Leah Lemm documents her own cultural reconnection by gathering wild rice, or manoomin, in her home reservation in Minnesota for the first time. Salmon are coming back to the tributaries of the Klamath River in California for the first time in a century after tribes helped bring about the largest dam removal project in history. And a Diné entrepreneur creates an unlikely fusion of traditional flavors and the increasingly popular boba drink craze. Those are the topics all on The Menu, our regular feature on Indigenous food stories and news. GUESTS Kenneth Brink (Karuk), vice chairman of the Karuk Tribe Sheldon Blackhorse (Diné), cultural advisor, actor, and math tutor Kevin Wilson (Diné), owner of Native Boba Tea Co. Leah Lemm (citizen of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe)

Leah Lemm, a citizen of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, explores the history and significance of manoomin, or wild rice, a food sacred to her people.Leah has spent her career making radio, making music and helping tell stories. She's a mom and spouse who lives in the north woods of Minnesota.Leah practices her culture in many ways. She's been slowly learning Ojibwemowin, the Ojibwe language. She helps share Native stories in her work as an MPR News editor who leads our Native News team. She stays active and attends community events. And every couple of years she harvests maple sap for syrup.But aside from cooking her famous Ojibwe fried rice, Leah didn't feel connected to the significance of manoomin — a sacred plant revered for its sustenance and deep connection to Indigenous identity and heritage. So, she set out with a film crew to connect with her cultural roots through the tradition of wild rice harvesting.Join her on her journey as she shares moments from the film, “Finding Manoomin: A Search for the Spirit of Wild Rice.” Finding Manoomin

Republican Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance landed at the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, just as his Democratic counterpart Tim Walz was taking off for Wisconsin.Our politics team is following them both and we get an update on this late stage of their presidential campaigns. In the Twin Cities you can find restaurants with cuisines from all over the world. And you can find the ingredients for making them at a number of international grocery stores. We dive in.Minnesota and New York are tied in the WNBA finals series, with one win each. We talk about Sunday's loss and the team's chances going forward.Plus, it's Indigenous People's Day and we have a special song of the day to celebrate.Our Minnesota Music Minute was “Burning Bridges” by Kokou Kah.Our Song of the Day was “Wild Rice Moon” by MPR News' Leah Lemm. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

Ȟaȟá Wakpádaŋ or Bassett Creek travels from the Medicine Lake in the western suburbs of the Twin Cities to the Mississippi River. And now, you can hear Indigenous voices from the Bassett Creek watershed area through an oral history project. It's the first gathering of suburban Indigenous oral histories in the United States or Canada.MPR News Native News senior editor Leah Lemm joined MPR News host Cathy Wurzer to talk more about the stories and the people telling them.

Thanks for listening to The Watershed, a podcast of We Are Water MN. In this episode, we dive into the world of storm drains. What do storm drains do, and why do they matter? How can we protect them? In this episode, we will deepen our understanding of stormwater and storm drains. We will learn about one organization (Adopt-a-drain) leading storm drain protection efforts in an awesome way in Minnesota and beyond. We'll hear from three storytellers—Shafay Williams, Demar Ballard, and Sarah Drake—who are mobilizing to protect storm drains through their artwork and community outreach. Tune in for a blend of background information, inspiration, and practical tips you can use to protect storm drains. The video “Clean Water Begins at Your Curb” was shared in this episode. Thank you to Adopt-a-drain.org, Hamline University's Center for Global Environmental Education, and Twin Cities Public Television for permission to share this audio. You can view the video at https://cgee.hamline.edu/current-initiatives/adopt-a-drain We Are Water MN will be hosted by Mississippi River – Sartell Watershed partners including Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District in spring of 2024. You can visit the exhibit at Art in Motion on the Lake Wobegon Trail, in Holdingford, from April 25 through June 17. Learn more at https://www.stearnscountyswcd.net/wawmn. Resources mentioned in this episode: · In 2024, Adopt-a-drain will celebrate ten years! You can learn more about their organization and adopt a drain near you at https://adopt-a-drain.org/. Social media: @adoptadrainmn · You can learn more about Sarah Drake, as well as her nonprofit, HerARTS in Action, at https://www.herartsinaction.org/. Social media: @herartsinaction · If you'd like to dive deeper into the world of stormwater, you can consult the Minnesota Stormwater Manual: https://stormwater.pca.state.mn.us/index.php?title=About_the_Minnesota_Stormwater_Manual This episode of the Watershed was produced by Angela Hugunin, and by We Are Water MN, which is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension. We are Water MN is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 and by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special thanks to Emma Needham, who conducted our interviews in Holdingford. Thank you to Leah Lemm, who interviewed Sarah Drake. Thank you to Shafay Williams, Demar Ballard, and Sarah Drake, our interviewees for this episode. You can find We Are Water MN on Facebook (⁠https://www.facebook.com/wearewatermn/⁠), Instagram (⁠https://www.instagram.com/wearewatermn/⁠), and Twitter (⁠https://twitter.com/wearewatermn⁠). Follow along for the latest updates! Music credits: These Times, Beignet, and Glass Beads by Blue Dot Sessions (⁠www.sessions.blue⁠).  You can learn more about We Are Water MN and upcoming host sites at ⁠mnhum.org/water⁠.

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. 

Thanks for listening to The Watershed, a podcast of We Are Water MN. In this episode, we hear from Dr. Mark Edlund, Senior Scientist at the St. Croix Watershed Research Station, part of the Science Museum of Minnesota. Learn about microscopic algae and the ways they can inform us about our waterbodies. How can diatoms help us protect our waters? The We Are Water MN exhibit recently wrapped up its 2023 tour. In 2024, it will visit five communities throughout the state of Minnesota: Duluth (Hartley Nature Center), Holdingford (Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District in partnership with Art in Motion on the Lake Wobegon Trail), Chisago County, Cass Lake (Leech Lake Tribal College), and Shakopee (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community). Learn more about We Are Water MN at www.mnhum.org/water. We Are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension. We are Water MN is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 and by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special thanks to Leah Lemm, who conducted our interviews in Stillwater. Thank you to Dr. Mark Edlund, our interviewee for this episode. Learn more about Mark and his research at https://new.smm.org/scwrs/people/edlund.  You can find We Are Water MN on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wearewatermn/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wearewatermn/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/wearewatermn). Follow along for the latest updates! Music credits: These Times, Borough, The Gran Dias, Pull Beyond Pull, and On Top of It by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue). 

Thanks for listening to The Watershed, a podcast of We Are Water MN. In this episode, we hear from St. Croix 360 editor and founder, Greg Seitz. The We Are Water MN exhibit recently wrapped up its 2023 tour. In 2024, it will visit five communities throughout the state of Minnesota: Duluth (Hartley Nature Center), Holdingford (Stearns County Soil and Water Conservation District in partnership with Art in Motion on the Lake Wobegon Trail), Chisago County, Cass Lake (Leech Lake Tribal College), and Shakopee (Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community). Learn more about We Are Water MN at www.mnhum.org/water. We Are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Board of Water and Soil Resources; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; and University of Minnesota Extension. We are Water MN is funded in part with money from the Clean Water, Land, & Legacy Fund that was created with the vote of the people of Minnesota on November 4, 2008 and by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special thanks to Leah Lemm, who conducted our interviews in Stillwater. Thank you to Greg Seitz, editor and founder of St. Croix 360 and our interviewee for this episode. Learn more about St. Croix 360 at https://www.stcroix360.com/. You can find We Are Water MN on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/wearewatermn/), Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/wearewatermn/), and Twitter (https://twitter.com/wearewatermn). Follow along for the latest updates! Music credits: These Times, Waterbourne, Lamb Drop, Pull Beyond Pull, and On Top of It by Blue Dot Sessions (www.sessions.blue).

Do you ever wonder who creates the stories and interviews you hear, see and read here at MPR News? The voices of the hosts and newscasters are a familiar daily presence, but the newsroom team also includes reporters in communities across the state, editors who shape the coverage and producers who work behind the scenes.MPR News host Angela Davis talks with five new staff members about what inspired them to become journalists and what they do at MPR News.  We'll learn about two new reporting priorities here at MPR News: the Native News initiative tells stories about and with Minnesota's Indigenous communities, and a new early childhood education beat focuses on the health and education of young children. We'll also hear from the producers who help bring you the news every weekday on Morning Edition.  Guests:  Gracie Stockton is the lead producer for Morning Edition on MPR News.  Lukas Levin is an associate producer for Morning Edition on MPR News.  Kyra Miles is the early childhood education reporter for MPR News.  Leah Lemm is a senior editor with MPR News' Native News Journalism Initiative.  Melissa Olson is a reporter with MPR News' Native News Journalism Initiative. Subscribe to the MPR News with Angela Davis podcast on: Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.  Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.    

Annie Humphrey is an award-winning musician who comes from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Humphrey has just released her seventh album, The Light in My Bones. She worked with producer Jeremy Ylvisaker on the project, and she says it's like nothing she's ever released before. Humphrey talked with MPR News' senior editor of Native News, Leah Lemm.

Israel and Gaza plunged into war over the weekend — hundreds of people have died and many more have been injured or displaced. We talk with members of the Israeli and Palestinian communities in Minnesota about how the violence is impacting their loved ones. Today is Indigenous Peoples Day. We find out how people are celebrating across Minnesota. And we'll talk with the two journalists behind MPR's new Native News unit about their goals for coverage of Indigenous communities in the state. Then, Native News senior editor Leah Lemm takes us to the home of Annie Humphrey on the Leech Lake reservation. The artist and songwriter is out with a new album, called "The Light in My Bones."

It is Indigenous People's Day in the state of Minnesota. For the first time, it's being marked as a state holiday. It's a celebration of the vibrant and diverse cultures of the people native to the United States. Minnesota is on Anishinaabe and Dakota land. Today there are 11 tribal nations in Minnesota. MPR News' new Native News team talked with host Cathy Wurzer about celebrations across the state today. Leah Lemm is our Native News Senior editor and Melissa Olson is our Native News reporter.

This week, we get COVID-19 updates with a clip from the latest Community Health Conversation with Leah Lemm and Dr. Antony Stately, which also features a conversation with artist Reuben Kitto Stately. These Community Health Conversations can be found on our website at www.minnesotanativenews.org.  MDH is offering free at-home rapid COVID tests. The program - Say Yes! To Covid Test is online at sayyeshometest.org. Every household can place a new order every month until the program ends.  Your health insurance needs to be renewed periodically.  Avoid losing your Medical Assistance or MinnesotaCare by being prepared for your renewal.  1 in 4 Minnesotans will need to renew their healthcare coverage soon.  Learn what it means for you or someone you know. To learn more, go to the Minnesota Department of Human Services website.  The CDC is recommending adults with underlying conditions, those over 60 and toddlers to receive the recently approved RSV vaccine. RSV is a respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but it can be serious, especially for infants and older adults.  An updated COVID vaccine has become available as of a couple of weeks ago. The vaccine is recommended for individuals 5-years and older. There are also options for children between 6-months to 5-years old.  Minnesota residents who have symptoms of COVID-19 and have tested positive or have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 are eligible to receive treatment at no-cost. The Minnesota Department of Health in partnership with Cue Health run the Test to Treat program, which provides access to care and COVID19 medication. Health insurance is not required to receive treatment. To receive your treatment call 1-844-609-2415 to speak with a healthcare provider.

This week on Minnesota Native News, we revisit a trip Native Lights hosts and MN Native News reporters Cole Premo and Leah Lemm took to the Four Sisters Farmers Market in Minneapolis. Each Thursday until the end of October, the Four Sisters Farmers Market showcases local Indigenous foods, arts, and literature. 

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/

Leah and Cole chat with artist Sam Zimmerman (Grand Portage). After two decades on the east coast in public education, Sam moved back to Minnesota to rededicate himself to his passion for painting and to be closer to his family and community. His artwork explores his Ojibwe heritage, as well as his learnings and experiences in nature after returning to his ancestral homelands. Sam shares about learning language and culture through community collaborations, illustrating books for Native authors, and collaborating with family. He tells Leah and Cole about his path, which began with a college-age passion for painting, and then a love for teaching, and has now come full circle as he returns home. Sam discusses his experience venturing into watercolor painting for the first time, which is showcased in his latest gallery exhibition titled "Indigenous Expressions Love Culture and Reinvention" at the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO). This exhibition is a collaborative effort with author and illustrator Tashia Hart, as well as bead artist Chenoa Williams. 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/

Leah and Cole are joined by the multi-talented Rhiana Yazzie (Diné Nation), a remarkable theatre artist, filmmaker, playwright, and the visionary force behind New Native Theatre. Rhiana shares the latest developments at New Native Theatre, delves into her award-winning feature film ""A Winter Love," and shares about her lifelong passion for storytelling that has shaped her journey from childhood to becoming a leading voice in Indigenous creativity.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. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

Every word has a history, but some of those histories are more troubled than others. An installment of the series It Happens Here: The Roots of Racial Inequity on the North Shore untangles the meaning of one word in particular. Staci Drouillard and Leah Lemm co-host the series, which is also written and produced by Drouillard for WTIP North Shore Community Radio in Grand Marais.Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.   We attempt to make transcripts for Minnesota Now available the next business day after a broadcast. When ready they will appear here.

The We Are Water MN exhibit is on its 2023 tour and will be visiting five communities in the state of Minnesota: Becker (Mississippi River - St. Cloud Watershed), Pine River, Minneapolis (Somali Museum), Roseau and Stillwater. We Are Water MN is currently hosted by the Somali Museum of Minnesota. You can view the exhibit at Augsburg University's Oren Gateway Center in Minneapolis, MN from June 22nd through August 14th. Learn more at ⁠⁠Minneapolis - We Are Water MN - Minnesota Humanities Center (mnhum.org) We are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, and University of Minnesota Extension, with support from the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special thanks to our interviewer Leah Lemm, and our interviewees featured in this episode: Maryen Hersi, Maryan Yusuf and Hodan Hassan. Additional thanks to the Somali Museum and Khadijo Abdi, for their additional aid in interviewing, translating and narrating. To learn more about We Are Water MN, visit us at our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠.

Cole and Leah meet and chat with high school basketball coach John Villebrun (Bois Forte Band). John coaches girls' basketball at Mountain Iron-Buhl High School on the Iron Range. The team was recently crowned the Minnesota Class A State Girls' Basketball Champions, and John received the honor of Assistant Coach of the Year! Now as a decorated coach, John remains modest and continues to lead with perseverance and determination, setting an example for the next generation. Miigwech to John for chatting with us! 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. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

The We Are Water MN exhibit is on its 2023 tour and will be visiting five communities in the state of Minnesota: Becker (Mississippi River - St. Cloud Watershed), Pine River, Minneapolis (Somali Museum), Roseau and Stillwater. We Are Water MN is currently hosted by the Somali Museum of Minnesota. You can view the exhibit at Augsburg University's Oren Gateway Center in Minneapolis, MN from June 22nd through August 14th. Learn more at ⁠⁠Minneapolis - We Are Water MN - Minnesota Humanities Center (mnhum.org) We are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, and University of Minnesota Extension, with support from the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special thanks to our interviewer Leah Lemm, and our interviewees featured in this episode: Abdirahman Hassan and Sabrina Nur. Additional thanks to the Somali Museum and Khadijo Abdi, for their additional aid in interviewing, translating and narrating. To learn more about We Are Water MN, visit us at our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠.

School curriculum was a political flashpoint during the midterms around the country last year and there are signs it will loom large in the upcoming 2024 elections as well.WTIP North Shore Community Radio recently looked at the debate over how to teach kids about Minnesota's past, with a focus on new statewide standards that will require schools to include indigenous history in their curriculum. Staci Droillard and Leah Lemm co-host the award-winning podcast, It Happens Here: The Roots of Racial Inequity on the North Shore, written and produced by Drouillard. Use the audio player above to listen to the full conversation.Subscribe to the Minnesota Now podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.   We attempt to make transcripts for Minnesota Now available the next business day after a broadcast. When ready they will appear here.

The We Are Water MN exhibit is on its 2023 tour and will be visiting five communities in the state of Minnesota: Becker (Mississippi River - St. Cloud Watershed), Pine River, Minneapolis (Somali Museum), Roseau and Stillwater. We Are Water MN is currently hosted by the Somali Museum of Minnesota. You can view the exhibit at Augsburg University's Oren Gateway Center in Minneapolis, MN from June 22nd through August 14th. Learn more at ⁠⁠Minneapolis - We Are Water MN - Minnesota Humanities Center (mnhum.org) We are Water MN is led by the Minnesota Humanities Center in partnership with the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency; the Minnesota Historical Society; the Minnesota Departments of Agriculture, Health, and Natural Resources; the Minnesota Board of Water and Soil Resources, and University of Minnesota Extension, with support from the Clean Water, Land & Legacy Amendment, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. Special thanks to our interviewer Leah Lemm, and our interviewees featured in this episode: Kayd Aare and Ardo Ismail Abdirahman. Additional thanks to the Somali Museum and Khadijo Abdi, for their additional aid in interviewing, translating and narrating. To learn more about We Are Water MN, visit us at our ⁠⁠⁠website⁠⁠⁠ or follow us on ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠.

Leah and Cole take a trip to Four Sisters Farmers Market in Minneapolis! It's the first market day of the year, and our hosts chat with poet, playwright, and author Marcie Rendon; Janet Court from the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute (EPNI); and The Pretendians who played music at the Farmers Market! We also hear Pretendians songs “For the Sun” and “The 38” from their upcoming album Stories From the Fire Four Sisters Farmers Marketis every Thursday 11am to 3pm during the summer and fall at The Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI) in Minneapolis. 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/

Leah and Cole take a trip to Four Sisters Farmers Market in Minneapolis! It's the first market day of the year, and our hosts chat with nature-inspired jewelry designer Lali Aguilar from Corn Silk Daughter; food and plant loving Rivianna Zeller, a Farmer & Distribution Coordinator with Dream of Wild Health; Native book publisher Tom Peacock from Black Bears and Blueberries Publishing; and Destiny Jones, Food Sovereignty Coordinator and Farmers Market Manager at Four Sisters Farmers Market at NACDI.  Stay tuned for part two of our trip to the market! The Four Sisters Market is every Thursday 11am to 3pm during the summer and fall at The Native American Community Development Institute (NACDI) in Minneapolis. 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/

MPR News Host Cathy Wurzer turned to WTIP producer Staci Drouillard and Native Lights Podcast host Leah Lemm for a story about the creation of the U.S.-Canada border. Drouillard and Lemm co-host the podcast "It Happens Here: The Roots of Racial Inequity on the North Shore,” which is produced by Drouillard. In a recent episode, they discuss how the border upended spatial relationships in Ojibwe communities.

Today Leah and Cole chat with An Garagiola, a descendent of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, and the University Coordinator and a Lead Researcher on the TRUTH Project. An shares about researching archives from the University of MN and the MN Historical Society, findings from the TRUTH Project, and how she's bringing Indigenous values to Academia and research.The Towards Recognition and University-Tribal Healing (TRUTH) project has released a report detailing the “persistent, systemic mistreatment” of Indigenous people by the University of Minnesota. As a land grab/grant university, the U of MN received stolen land as investment capitol from the US Government through the Morrill Act in 1862. The TRUTH project looks at different points of history within the U of MN and how it affected Native people, with input and research from the 11 Tribal nations in Minnesota.This is the third episode of a series with some of the leaders of the TRUTH research project: Listen to our interview with Misty Blue, and Audrianna Goodwin as well. Find out more about the TRUTH project: https://mn.gov/indian-affairs/truth-project/ In a statement to MN Native News, the University of Minnesota said “In recent years the University has committed to acknowledging the past and doing the necessary work to begin rebuilding and strengthening relationships with Tribal Nations and Native people. Openly receiving this report is another step toward honoring that commitment. While documenting the past, the TRUTH Report also provides guidance as to how the University can solidify lasting relationships with Tribes and Indigenous peoples built on respect, open communication and action. As we engage in the important discussions that will now follow, that guidance will be invaluable.”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. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

If you visited Isle Royale National Park in Lake Superior 50 years ago, the story you heard about what makes this place special would have left out quite a bit — specifically, the sites' connections to Ojibwe people, past and present. We heard about that history in a past episode of the award-winning podcast, “It Happens Here,” by WTIP North Shore Community Radio. In this next episode, producers Staci Drouillard and Leah Lemm explain how the Grand Portage Band of Superior Chippewa and allies in the National Park Service worked to rectify the erasure of Ojibwe people from the National Park.

Today Leah and Cole chat with Audrianna Goodwin, a Red Lake Nation citizen and part of the core research team for the TRUTH Project where she has been appointed tribal research fellow for Red Lake Nation. Audrianna shares her outlook as a ‘dreamer' and how family and community helped her along her path. She explains her TRUTH Project research that examines medical research done to Red Lake children by the University of Minnesota and how Indigenous-led research is vital to healing and recognition The Towards Recognition and University-Tribal Healing (TRUTH) project has released a report detailing the “persistent, systemic mistreatment” of Indigenous people by the University of Minnesota. As a land grab/grant university, the U of MN received stolen land as investment capitol from the US Government through the Morrill Act in 1862. The TRUTH project looks at different points of history within the U of MN and how it affected Native people, with input and research from the 11 Tribal nations in MinnesotaThis is the second episode of a series with some of the leaders of the TRUTH research project: Listen to our interview with Misty Blue. Find out more about the TRUTH project: https://mn.gov/indian-affairs/truth-project/ In a statement to MN Native News, the University of Minnesota said “In recent years the University has committed to acknowledging the past and doing the necessary work to begin rebuilding and strengthening relationships with Tribal Nations and Native people. Openly receiving this report is another step toward honoring that commitment. While documenting the past, the TRUTH Report also provides guidance as to how the University can solidify lasting relationships with Tribes and Indigenous peoples built on respect, open communication and action. As we engage in the important discussions that will now follow, that guidance will be invaluable.”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. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

We continue to air the podcast by our friends at WTIP North Shore Community Radio called "It Happens Here: The Roots of Racial Inequity on the North Shore." It recently won first place for best radio series from the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association. In the second episode, producers Staci Drouillard and Leah Lemm take us to Isle Royal on Lake Superior.

Today Leah and Cole chat with Gerilyn Lopez, a member of the White Earth Nation. Gerilyn works as a weatherization auditor and inspector at MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership. She connects low incomes families to energy-efficient practices and materials in Northern Minnesota. In addition, she is an advocate for women and diverse communities getting into the clean energy and home improvement industries. Her work led her to speak at the Aspen Ideas: Climate conference in March. She shares her experiences at the conference, what she does as a weatherization auditor and how her interest in solar energy has lead her down this path. 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. Online at https://minnesotanativenews.org/

In the early days of Minnesota Now, MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talked with Leah Lemm and Staci Drouillard about a project they had embarked on. It was a series examining the history and present of racism on the north shore for WTIP North Shore Community Radio in Grand Marais. The series, It Happens Here: The Roots of Racial Inequity on the North Shore, now has 12 episodes. It recently won the Midwest Broadcast Journalists Association award for best radio series.

Today we're chatting with Alicia Smith, Alicia is Yupik from Pitkas Point Village in Alaska, and is the Deputy Director of the Economic Assistance and Employment Support Division at the MN Dept of Human Services. After working as an American Indian advisor for the state, she now oversees the state's anti-poverty support programs that include food stamps, food banks, shelters, and community action programs. She shares how family, community, and Yupik values have guided her along her path. Miigwech to Alicia for taking some time to chat!  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/

Today Leah and Cole speak with Wayne Somes, a citizen of the Sault Ste Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. Wayne shares how his passions for family, early childhood development, and Ojibwemowin have led him along a path to Northern Minnesota.  Wayne is also the Tribal Liaison for MAHUBE-OTWA Community Action Partnership, a community support non-profit serving Mahnomen, Hubbard, Becker, Otter Tail and Wadena counties. In his role, he works on outreach, tribal collaboration efforts, Ojibwe education, and increasing cultural practices. Wayne shares how his passions for family, early childhood development, and Ojibwemowin have led him his path to Northern Minnesota. More about MAHUBE-OTWA at : https://mahube.org/ 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/

Today we're speaking with artist Thomasina “Tomie” TopBear. She is a self-taught artist, muralist, published illustrator and organizer from the Oglala Lakota & Santee Dakota Nations. She specializes in large-scale murals; her work can be seen on the sides of buildings throughout the Twin Cities and the country. Cole talks with her about City Mischief Murals, which she co-founded. It's an all Indigenous, Black & Pacific Islander artist collective centered on healing through art. She had some great things to say about how murals can build a stronger community, the process of painting a mural, and much more. You can get a taste of her art at: https://www.instagram.com/tomierae  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/

Leah and Cole chat with Tabitha Chilton, a White Earth Nation member who serves as Sanford Health's Native American patient advocate in Bemidji, Minnesota. Tabitha's focus on outpatient care at the Joe Lueken Cancer Center helps Native communities access healthcare throughout Northern Minnesota. She works with Tribal communities to help build trust and understanding in the healthcare system and emphasizes the need for preventative care and primary care. Tabitha chats with us about her current position at Sanford Health, helping youth through trauma-informed care and her path to serving communities.Miigwech to Tabitha for sharing about what has led her along the path of advocating for Native Americans in Healthcare systems!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/

Today Leah and Cole chat with Jewell Arcoren (Sisseton Wahpeton Nation). Jewell is a community activist and the Executive Director for Wicoie Nandagikendan, an Ojibwe and Dakota language immersion preschool in Minneapolis. There, she pursues her commitments to early childhood education, language revitalization and addressing intergenerational historical trauma. Jewell talks about how cultural integration is a key to healing and moving forward, including language revitalization and traditional foods. She shares about her journey with Wicoie Nandagikendan, the school's hope to expand and how culture can put people onto a path of healing. Wicoie Nandagikendan is language immersion pre-school that teaches through Ojibwe and Dakota languages. They are located along Franklin Avenue in Minneapolis within the American Indian corridor. Since 2006, they've been a national leader in language immersion. https://www.facebook.com/WicoieNandagikendan/  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/Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine 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.

Today is a special episode of Native Lights. We have two guests! Sasheen Goslin and Deanna Reder from the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) in Duluth. They are two members of the small team at AICHO that is dedicated to all aspects of wellness for the Indigenous communities in Duluth. Sasheen (Prairie Band Potawatomi, Red Cliff Ojibwe and Kickapoo) is the Indigenous Health Coordinator at AICHO and Deanna serves as the Legal Advocate for Dabinoo'Igan Domestic Violence Shelter ran by AICHO. Sasheen and Deanna share their a little about their journey to AICHO, what makes AICHO special, and the upcoming benefit for Dabinoo'Igan.AICHO is in the process of fundraising for an expansion of Dabinoo'Igan, including a benefit concert at the NorShor Theatre featuring performances by Annie Humphrey and Keith Secola. Find out more about the Dabinoo'Igan Domestic Violence Shelter expansion benefit show happening April 6th in Duluth: https://www.aicho.org/funddvshelter.html#/ 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/Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine 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.

Today we chat with Annie Humphrey (Leech Lake Ojibwe). She's an Anishinaabekwe mother, grandmother, and an award-winning musician who's been a presence on the music scene for decades. We have a wide-ranging conversation with Annie that highlights her wisdom, her path to music, her care for her family and empathy for community. Annie talks about her latest album Eat What You Kill, building a hemp house, and the upcoming benefit show for the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO)'s Dabinoo'Igan Domestic Violence Shelter expansion. Find out more about the Dabinoo'Igan Domestic Violence Shelter expansion benefit show happening April 6th in Duluth: https://www.aicho.org/funddvshelter.html#/Annie Humphrey's website: https://www.anniehumphreymusic.com/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/ 

Today we chat with LeAnn Littlewolf, a Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe citizen and co-Executive Director for the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) in Duluth. AICHO's community informed programs aim to create a stronger, healthier, more stable Native community in Duluth. As co-Executive Director, LeAnn brings three decades of experience in community leadership and advocacy, culturally informed strategies for community and economic development. She shares about her path to leading at AICHO, how her work and AICHO's service are built around community needs and engagement and what is next for AICHO.AICHO's programs include emergency and transitional housing; health equity and food sovereignty initiatives; and community arts and cultural programming. Learn more about AICHO at: https://www.aicho.org/ 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/ 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 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. Rebekah Fineday's Gift for Building Trust in Healthcare Systems & Native Communities Today, we're speaking with Rebekah Fineday, a Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe citizen and Air Force veteran who serves as Sanford Health's Native American community advocate in Bemidji, Minnesota. She is also a Registered Nurse and has worked at Indian Health Service (IHS) in Cass Lake and Red Lake for more than a decade. Through her work, she's been advocating to improve health care in Native American communities which include community-minded patient relations, building relationships with other tribal health groups, and in-person patient advocacy. She shares a little about her time in the Air Force, working in Indian Health Services, and the importance of community and culture in the health care system. Miigwech to Rebekah for sharing about what has led her along the path of advocating for Native Americans in Healthcare systems! 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/

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.  Levi Brown's Gift for Building Relationships Across the Table Today we're speaking with Levi Brown, Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe citizen and Director of Tribal Affairs at the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDot). Levi talks with Leah and Cole about acknowledgement on a person-to-person level and on an institutional level. In his current position at MnDot, Levi helped facilitate the highway signs marking the 1854 Treaty boundaries in Northern MN, a step toward acknowledgment and a point of education. Levi is also a part of the Tribal State Relationship Training Program that helps develop collaboration and understanding between tribes and Minnesota state departments.   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/

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.Elaine Fleming: Celebrating and Sharing the Culture of Leech LakeToday Leah and Cole chat with Elaine Fleming. She teaches and preserves Leech Lake Ojibwe culture, history, and language. Elaine proudly lives in Cass Lake, where she has been an instructor at Leech Lake Tribal College for 29 years. Elaine has immense gratitude and care for Leech Lake's natural gifts. At the tribal college, she has taught through hands-on experiences rooted in Leech Lake history and tradition, including manoomin harvesting, historical theatre, and knowledge bowl. She teaches several subjects including Leech Lake history, Anishinaabe studies and Indigenous American Women. Elaine shares her journey to working at the tribal college, her experiences teaching the next generation, and how through teaching she is still learning.Elaine is also an Army veteran; was the mayor of Cass Lake from 2003 to 2006; and is the host of the History of Leech Lake Show on KOJB Radio. Chi miigwech to Elaine for sharing with us!Find the Leech Lake Tribal College online at: https://www.lltc.edu/Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine. Native Lights is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at MinnesotaNativeNews.org/NativeLights

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. Amber Annis: Nurturing & Protecting Authentic Narratives Today Leah and Cole chat with Amber Annis, a Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe citizen who is currently the director of Native American Initiative at the Minnesota Historical Society. Amber has a long history not only as a public historian, but as an educator, tribal nation liaison, community engagement specialist and collaborator.  She also talks about her experience teaching “Topics in Contemporary Native North America” at Metro State University; the process behind reframing historical archives of Indigenous people; and how her and the Minnesota Historical Society are helping reframing how K-12 teach the history of Minnesota.  Pidamayaye and Miigwech to Amber for sharing with us today!  Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine. Native Lights is produced by Minnesota Native News and Ampers with support from the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage fund. Online at MinnesotaNativeNews.org/NativeLights

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. Jada Brown: Expression and Affirmation Through Singing Today Leah and Cole have a conversation with Jada Brown. Jada is a Minneapolis-based singer, songwriter and spoken word poet who is affiliated with the Turtle Mountain Band of Ojibwe. She just released her debut solo album Admiration this month. Jada is also in the band Willows who are releasing an EP at Icehouse in January. Jada has been singing since her teen years and moved to Minneapolis from St. Michael. Jada is also studying Global Studies, American Indian Studies and Gender studies at the University of Minnesota. Chi Miigwech to Jada for talking with us today.  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/

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.  Karen Jones and Stephanie Longfield: Taking Initiative for Future Generations Today Leah shares her conversations with Karen Jones and Stephanie Longfield from White Earth Nation's cohort of Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative (IPLI). As graduates of the initiative, they've begun projects to deepen connections between their communities and culture. Karen's project, “Traditional Healing Home for Young Adults” plan to create two traditional healing home for young adults that have aged out of foster care or have nowhere else to go. Stephanie's project “Preparing Our Youth” focuses teaching “life” skills to young adults in the White Earth community, from opening a bank account, to building credit and even maintaining vehicles.  Chi-Miigwech to Karen and Stephanie for sharing with us today! The Indigenous Parent Leadership Initiative is a 21-week course for parents that integrates Ojibwe culture, child development and leadership. To find out more about the next cohort at IPLI, visit https://www.indigenousvisioning.com/ or on their Facebook page: https://m.facebook.com/Indigenous-Parent-Leadership-Initiative-104913428664845 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/