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, Leah and Cole talk with Bob Blake (Red Lake Nation) who is the founder and owner of Solar Bear, a solar installation company, and the Executive Director of the non-project organization Native Sun Community Power Development. Both organizations are located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Bob Blake makes the case for how Tribal Nations are key to solving climate change and environmental problems, by embracing energy sovereignty. And we hear how Bob has made it his mission to inspire and empower people in Indian Country to not only pursue careers in renewable energy but also to become the leaders capable of solving energy issues, which are not being properly addressed by corporate power companies or the US government.

Bob Blake’s enthusiasm is infectious, and we appreciate his vision and encouragement to everyone at any age,  to take on these challenges and make the world a better place.  Chi Miigwech, Bob!

Bob Blake’s company is Solar Bear, Gizis-o-makwa in Ojibwemowin: https://solarbear.earth/

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/