
This episode is a celebration of community, resilience, and the power of storytelling whether you’re a long time, listener or new to the series, tune in to get to know the voices behind native lights and be inspired by their dedication to making a difference.
In this special episode, siblings and co-hosts Leah and Cole take a moment to turn the mic on themselves. Join us as they share an intimate conversation about their personal journeys and the inception of the show. Discover how Native Lights was born out of a shared passion for uplifting Indigenous voices and stories. They recount the challenges and triumphs of creating a platform dedicated to celebrating Native culture and perspectives.
Listen as they express heartfelt gratitude to the incredible guests who have grace the show, each contributing to a reach tapestry of experiences and wisdom. Through candid storytelling, the host reflect on how their own paths have intertwined with the mission of Native Lights, highlighting their ongoing commitment to champing Indigenous voices in every aspect of their lives.
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More from Native Lights
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We speak with Bobbi Jo Potter, a citizen of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. She’s deputy director of Children and Family Services in Ramsey County and is a 2026 Bush Fellow working to keep Native families connected and make child welfare more about relationships and healing. - Budd Parker & Tim “Pete” Fairbanks: Restoring the Legacy of White Earth’s Forgotten Veterans
Today we’re joined by Budd Parker and Tim “Pete” Fairbanks. Budd is a Navy veteran and descendant of the White Earth Nation. He lives in Osage and was raised by grandparents who knew Civil War soldiers. He and his crew, including cousin Pete Fairbanks, dig through records. They clear forgotten cemeteries and set corrected headstones so families can hear their ancestors’ names again. Pete, an Army veteran, is also from the White Earth Nation, and he works with Budd to restore headstones and graveyards. - Alex Kmett: Culture as Curriculum, Language as Medium
Today, we’re speaking with language revitalization leader and cultural educator Alex Kmett. Alex is a citizen of the Red Lake Nation and a descendant of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. He’s a 2026 Bush Fellow and a co-founder of a charter school in Red Lake Nation.

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