A Better Way Forward

Honoring a Continuum of Brilliance

Wisdom Continuum is a podcast that celebrates Native knowledge for a thoughtful, healthier, more just future.

From Indigenous food systems to first energies, academics to law, and philanthropy to theater, Native people are on the front lines working to change processes that many take for granted — systems that aren’t working for everyone as they are.

Boozhoo. I’m Leah Lemm, citizen of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe. During the 20-minute podcast, my co-host and I (with the guidance of an Indigenous advisory group) will be sharing the words of fellow Indigenous people exploring innovative ways that embrace knowledge from across generations, and recognizing practices and technologies that can lead to a better future for all.

My radio work started airing in 2017. I’ve had hundreds of conversations with Native folks from around Minnesota and beyond — within my own community and from others. There’s been so much variety and excitement, plus tragedy and challenges. I began to notice a thread: Looking to cultural knowledge was and continues to be a source of strength and brilliance. Applying our values to re-imagine current systems and build forward can change the world for the better.

In creating this new podcast I, first and foremost, look to the sacredness of sharing stories and community for guidance. I also look forward to building this project even more now, with the many powerful tools from CUNY’s Entrepreneurial Journalism Creators Program.

I’ve learned to:

• Withstand more ups and downs inherent to creative work
• Recognize where to increase or decrease efforts
• Understand what’s right for both listeners AND those of us providing the service
• And much more…

All these lessons help my mission to Amplify Native Voices. Follow Wisdom Continuum progress here. Release date: November 2021.

I live and breathe Amplifying Native Voices. I’ve been a radio/podcast reporter, host, producer, and engineer… working in teams or all alone to bring ideas to the air. More about me and my other work here.

Chi-miigwech for reading. 📖