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.

On today’s show, we talk with Joseph Nayquonabe Jr. (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) who is the CEO of Mille Lacs Corporate Ventures, a role where he uncovers new business opportunities as well as overseeing the band’s existing businesses.  He is also an avid runner, basketball player, and Ojibwe language learner. 

Joseph Nayquonabe Jr. shares how his career path went from lobbying to marketing at Grand Casino to his current role in leading economic development for his and other tribal nations.  Joe explains how it’s a “cool time” to be in business in Indian Country right now.

We loved hearing about Joe’s passion for this new era of business in Indian county.  He explains how Tribes are tackling problems with new perspectives, leveraging wealth attained through gaming, and bringing forward new and innovative economic opportunities.  Miigwech Joe, for your commitment to sustainable and value-centered businesses that will make a positive impact in our community, long into the future.   

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/