David Amitrano: Witnessing
Today, Leah speaks with David Amitrano, the owner of Midwest All-Star Wrestling, a Minnesota-based, Native-owned independent wrestling organization in Woodbury. [Read Transcript...]
Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine
Nikki Love (Pieratos): Keeping Relatives and Neighbors Safe in Uncertain Times
Today, we are honored to welcome Nikki Love (PIeratos) to the Native Lights podcast. An enrolled citizen of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Nikki is the executive director of the Tiwahe Foundation, which is a community organization serving Native people around Minnesota. She’s also a part of the Metro Urban Indian Directors.
We’re talking with her about what’s happening with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol surge in the Twin Cities and across Minnesota. The urban Native community lives in close proximity with the Somali and Latine communities that are the stated target immigrant raids. This has led to Native individuals being stopped by federal agents. But, says Nikki, this has also been a time of the wider community coming together and putting themselves on the line to look after and protect their neighbors.
Nikki shares her insight on what keeps her grounded and how keeping a prayerful attitude and a focus on the present helps keeps her from dwelling in fear and negativity
. [Read Transcript...]
Robert Lilligren: The Native Community Responds to Minneapolis ICE Operations
Today, we bring you a special edition of Native Lights. We’re talking with Robert Lilligren, CEO of the Native American Community Development Institute, which is based in Minneapolis. He is also a White Earth citizen.
Robert discusses the unprecedented deployment of some 2,000 ICE and Border Patrol agents to Minneapolis, how that has impacted the Native community, and what Indigenous leaders and organizations are doing to educate and protect the community. [Read Transcript...]
Victoria Marie: Learning to Surrender
Today, we’re excited to present Victoria Marie, an enrolled tribal member of the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate. She's the founder and owner of Indigenous Lotus, a wellness program that combines yoga classes, tribal dance, exercise and meditation with an emphasis on helping people cope with stress and trauma. Those stressors can include PTSD, homelessness, sexual exploitation and poverty. [Read Transcript...]
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