Native Lights

Must Listen: Reuben Kitto Stately’s Gift for Reclaiming Dakota Roots through Language and Music by Stories I Didn't Know

Reuben Kitto Stately, who features in our documentary, is a Dakota musician and recording artist. He recently sat down with Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe members and siblings, Leah Lemm and Cole Premo for Native Lights, a weekly, half-hour radio program.

In the interview, Rueben shares “ how he discovered his passion for learning Dakhóta language, how he has dedicated himself to being a life-long learner, as his gift to share. He believes language is the key to reclaiming Indigenous culture, art, and identity. Reuben also traces his love of music back to falling asleep to drums on the Pow Wow trail as a baby. And he explains how Indigenous musicians inspired him to pursue music, tell his own authentic stories, find his own creative voice.” - Minnesota Native News