Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

In this episode, we chat with human rights advocate, singer, storyteller, and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities American Studies doctoral student Wakinyan LaPointe.

Wakinyan, a Sicangu (Burnt Thigh) Lakota citizen of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe, focuses his studies on Indigenous rights, human rights, and youth organizing. He describes how his work with Indigenous young people, Indigenous people across the globe, and water scholars has informed his understanding of how to generate a sustainable future. One strategy he shares is the deepening of Indigenous youth’s relationship with their ancestral waterways, which has shown to improve water and land health.

For Wakinyan, having his parents share stories and cultural traditions with him during his childhood – spent in Washington, California, and the Rosebud reservation before landing in Minneapolis – was foundational to his understanding of self and the world. Today, Wakinyan uses these teachings and those embedded within the songs he sings to reclaim his time from the “weeds of academia” and establish a healthy grounding to his days. 

Tune in for an engaging conversation with one of today’s most vibrant, Indigenous artist scholars! 

In this episode, we sit down with Minneapolis-based actor, writer, and director Ajuawak Kapashesit. Ajuawak, who is Ojibwe, Cree, and Jewish, grew up in Ontario and on the White Earth Reservation. His acting credits include Indian Horse (2017), Once Upon a River (2019), Indian Road Trip (2020), Bad Blood (CityTV/Netflix), and Outlander (Starz/Sony). Ajuawak’s short story, “A Fresh Start,” was published in the anthology Before the Usual Time by Latitude 46. He was a story editor and contributing writer for the second and third seasons of the sketch comedy show, Tallboyz (CBC).

He delves into his writing process, how he plays with different genres and eras, getting into character, and his rugby career. Ajuawak talks about the differences between writing a short story, feature film, and television pilot, and how collaboration with other actors on set can bring out a particular creativity. 

Ajuawak, who was first inspired by his grandmother’s artistic process as a child, shares how expanding what narratives are presented to audiences can be a radical form of inclusion for Indigenous viewers. For Ajuawak, connecting through story can build bridges and usher in necessary change.

Tune in for an engaging conversation with one of today’s most vibrant, Indigenous artists! 

In this episode, we’re joined by Talia Miracle, an enrolled member of the Ho-Chunk Tribe of Winnebago and Program Manager at the Little Free Library. Talia opens up about her impactful work leading the Indigenous Library Program, which increases access to Indigenous literature and fosters stronger, more inspired communities across the U.S. and Canada.

She shares how her own experiences with limited representation in literature helped shape her passion for addressing literacy disparities in Indigenous communities. Talia also lets us in on some personal updates, including the newest addition to her expanding family—a playful kitten—and a memorable meeting with the author of one of her new favorite books.

Tune in for a meaningful discussion on cultural empowerment through books, the joy of storytelling, and the critical role representation in plays in shaping futures.

In this episode, we sit down with Jackson Ripley, a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, enrolled at the Fort Berthold Reservation. Jackson shares the inspiring story behind MiigWitches Brew, a cozy gourmet coffee kiosk he recently opened with his wife. Operating from an 8x10 ft. building, MiigWitches Brew is more than just a coffee spot—it’s a community hub. 

Jackson talks with us about the surprising story behind how they purchased the coffee kiosk, to the grand opening celebration where a gesture from the Chairman set off a beautiful chain of community support. Join us as Jackson spills the coffee beans on their vision, menu, and the powerful way MiigWitches Brew is bringing people together while serving one cup of coffee at a time. 

In this episode, we sit down with Nicholas Bimibatoo Mishtadim DeShaw, an Ojibwe author, father, and educator. Nicholas masterfully blends his Indigenous heritage with imaginative fiction across a wide range of genres, from sci-fi and horror to children’s picture books. He shares his journey as a writer, discussing his latest projects, including a new graphic novel and his first children’s book, Loaf the Cat Goes to the Powwow. 

We explore Nicholas’s creative process, how he balances writing and reading, and the cultural layers that inspire his storytelling. From the early stages of his journey as a writer to getting his work published, he reflects on the peaks and valleys along the way. Nicholas also offers invaluable advice for aspiring writers and creatives looking to pursue their own dreams. 

Tune in for engaging conversation with one of today’s most vibrant, Indigenous voices in literature! 

In this episode, we speak with Janice LaFloe, a citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa and Executive Director of the Montessori American Indian Childcare Center (MAICC) in St. Paul. Janice shares her remarkable journey from being a Montessori parent to establishing one of the largest Montessori centers dedicated to American Indian children. Her passion was sparked by witnessing her son’s education rooted in love, respect, and child-centered learning.

We explore what makes the Montessori approach at MAICC so unique, and how the center has evolved to Indigenize its practices to better serve Native communities. Janice also discusses the center’s exciting expansion plans and its ongoing success. We wrap up by learning more about Janice’s personal interests, including spending time walking in nature, engaging with her community, and sewing.

Join us for a thoughtful conversation on education, culture, and community with an inspiring leader. 

In this episode of Native Lights, we sit down with Vernon DeFoe, the Executive Chef at the Gatherings Café located inside the Minneapolis American Indian Center. Vernon, a proud Red Cliff Anishinaabe, has over 20 years of experience in the restaurant industry and is a passionate advocate for Indigenous food sovereignty. For the past decade, he's been deeply involved in the movement to reclaim traditional foodways. 

Join us as Vernon shares the journey that led him to his current role, his favorite dishes to cook, and the importance of partnering with Indigenous food distributors to sustain authentic culinary practices. 

We’ll also explore the unique kitchen setup at Gatherings Café, which enables them to prepare and serve delicious Native foods with a deep cultural connection. And for a twist, we dive into Vernon’s other passion—music—and talk about his band and how he finds harmony between his love for cooking and creating music. 

In this episode of Native Lights, we sit down with Gordon Coons, a talented painter, print maker and fumage artist who is an enrolled member of the Lac Courte Oreilles Tribe in northern Wisconsin. Gordon, who now resides in Minnesota, shares his inspiring journey of becoming an artist, detailing the pivotal moments throughout the eras that shaped his path and strengthened his creative body of work.

We explore his fascinating exhibitions across the country, discussing how he overcame self-doubt and learned to validate his work. Gordon also dives deep into the processes behind his art, explaining the unique use of materials, like linoleum block prints, gold leaf, and sometimes even fire to create stunning smoke effects.

Join us for an inspiring conversation that blends culture, resilience, and the art of storytelling through visual expression.

https://www.gordoncoons.com/ 

In today’s episode, we speak with Pono Asuncion, an interdisciplinary artist, storyteller, illustrator, and culture bearer. Drawing inspiration from childhood memories and ancestral roots, Pono’s art explores themes of alternate worlds, the extension of family lineage beyond this sphere, and the significance of recovering and honoring one’s history and identity. 

Pulling on inspiration from systemic barriers around us and how the disruption of colonialism affects the passage of knowledge, Pono takes us on a journey through their creative process. We learn how they build rich, layered visual experiments using an eclectic mix of materials from watercolors, acrylic, ink, markers, highlighters, to tape, cardboard, and even black and white pieces. 

Through their unique approach to color and texture, Pono invites us to imagine what other realms and narratives might emerge if we reconnect with our past. Join us in this powerful conversation about the intersections of art, identity, and alternate worlds.

In this episode, we welcome Gimiwan Dustin Burnette, the Executive Director of the Midwest Indigenous Immersion Network, a dynamic nonprofit organization, dedicated to enhancing collaboration and curriculum development among Ojibwe educators. Gimiwan discusses the critical work of the network, which enables Ojibwe language instructors and administrators to informally share resources, fostering a stronger and more connected educational community. 

Gimiwan shares insights into the top needs identified by the network’s teachers such as: more books, the development of literature tailored to their students, and greater access to first language speakers. He also explores their efforts to advance professional development, focusing on Indigenous immersion pedagogy.

Throughout the conversation, Gimiwan reflects on the path that led him to this vital work, revealing the inspirations that shaped his journey and the passion that continues to drive his mission. He highlights his vision to cultivate a robust community of adult learners, who can help revitalize the Ojibwe language, creating a future where entire communities speak and expand upon the language together. 

Join us as Gimiwan Dustin Burnette shares his profound vision for language revitalization and his ongoing efforts to build thriving communities united by language and culture.