Nikki Love (Pieratos): Keeping Relatives and Neighbors Safe in Uncertain Times

About this episode

Nikki Love Pieratos discusses community safety and support among Indigenous residents in Minnesota during uncertain times.

Today, we welcome Nikki Love Pieratos to Native Lights. An enrolled citizen of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Nikki is the Executive Director of the Tiwahe Foundation, a community organization serving Native people around Minnesota. She’s also a part of the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors group. Leah speaks with her about the impact of Operation Metro Surge on Twin Cities Indigenous residents and their neighbors. One impact has been an increase of Native individuals being stopped by federal agents. But, says Nikki, this has also been a time of the wider community coming together and putting themselves on the line to look after and protect their neighbors. Nikki shares how she stays grounded with a prayerful attitude and a focus on the present. ----- Hosts / Producers: Leah Lemm, Cole Premo Editor: Britt Aamodt Editorial support: Emily Krumberger Mixing & mastering: Chris Harwood ----- For the latest episode drops and updates, follow us on social media. instagram.com/ampersradio instagram.com/mnnativenews facebook.com/MNNativeNews Never miss a beat. Sign up for our email list to receive news, updates and content releases from AMPERS. ampers.org/about-ampers/staytuned/…

People in this episode

Hosts: Leah Lemm, Cole Premo

Guest: Nikki Love Pieratos

Topics covered

• Indigenous community
• safety
• community support
• federal agents
• prayerful attitude

Keywords

• Nikki Love Pieratos
• Tiwahe Foundation
• Indigenous safety
• Operation Metro Surge
• community support

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Tiwahe Foundation, Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors

Places: Bois Forte Band of Chippewa, Twin Cities

More episodes of Native Lights: Where Indigenous Voices Shine

• Aleyna Morales: Baking and Believing in Herself · June 4, 2026 · 29 min
• Adam Savariego: The Power of Asking Questions · May 14, 2026 · 29 min
• Dr. Antony Stately: Building Health Equity in Indigenous Communities · March 26, 2026 · 29 min
• Gary Farmer: Living Life on Screen for 50 Years · March 12, 2026 · 29 min
• David Amitrano: Witnessing · February 26, 2026 · 29 min
• Robert Lilligren: The Native Community Responds to Minneapolis ICE Operations · January 15, 2026 · 29 min