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 Toya Stewart Downey (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) who is the Executive Director of Strategic Communication, Equity and Inclusion for Robbinsdale Area Schools. 

Toya earned her master’s degree in Health Journalism from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and worked as a journalist for leading newspapers around the country, and for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe’s Inaajimowin news, closer to home. Toya also worked in crisis communications for St. Paul Schools, and in public relations, for the Ordway.

In addition to her work leading diversity, equity, and inclusion programs in the Robbinsdale schools, Toya Stewart Downey serves on the board of several organizations, bringing her perspective and insights to both MinnPost, the online news service, and Theater Latte Da. 

We loved hearing how Toya’s path began with her love of news and writing, and her willingness to try new things. Toya’s enthusiasm for encouraging and mentoring students is admirable and inspiring.  Miigwech Toya!

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/