Today we’d like to introduce you to Tony Drews.
Hi Tony, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I am a first-generation direct descendant of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, meaning I do not carry the blood quantum required for enrollment, and I am the first generation in my family to hold this distinction.
I was part of Indian Education throughout grade school, went on to study Native American Studies at the university level, and have dedicated my entire professional career to my Twin Cities Native American Community .
My past roles include:
• Residential Director at Ain Dah Yung
• Vice President of Operations at Circle of Life Anishinaabe Home Care
• Indian Education Advisor for the Anoka-Hennepin Indian Education Program
Currently, I serve as the Grants Manager for the American Indian Family Empowerment Program at the Tiwahe Foundation and the CEO and Founder of Nashke Game.
It was during my time as the Indian Education Advisor for the Anoka-Hennepin Indian Education Program that I was responsible for supporting approximately 150 Native American youth—providing academic, attendance, and behavioral support, as well as enriching their experience with Native cultural education.
As I eagerly began sharing language and cultural teachings with my students, I was surprised by how little they knew about their own heritage—and even more so by how difficult it was to spark their interest through traditional methods like chalkboard instruction. Our current education system simply wasn’t set up to make this content engaging or meaningful for them.
Then, by chance one day, I brought in a Moccasin game that had been gifted to me by David Samiban (the suffix -ibanin Ojibwe denotes that he has passed on). That day, I witnessed something shift in the classroom—interest, engagement, and a genuine connection to the content. It was a powerful moment.
I went home that night inspired and began to reimagine how I could share language and culture with my students—through games. Using my home computer, I began creating simple games and brought them into the classroom. Over time, my colleagues began to notice the increased engagement and asked what I was doing. Soon, Indian Education Advisors from other districts became curious—and some even wanted to purchase the games, though at that point, I wasn’t officially selling them.
I was fortunate to receive an early investment of $2,500 from the Tiwahe Foundation (before I worked there), which allowed me to create professional prototypes of my games. That investment only deepened the interest and demand within the community.
Shortly after, I was selected as a Finnovation Fellow—a prestigious program that supports early-stage social impact entrepreneurs by providing education, resources, and mentorship over a nine-month period. It was during that time that Nashke Games came to life.
What started as a classroom solution to meet the needs of Native youth has now grown into a broader mission: to assist in the Indigenous language and culture revitalize movement through the power of play.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Like any small business, the journey has had its share of challenges, but I’ve been fortunate to experience even more successes. Overall, it’s been a positive experience—but definitely a learning process.
The Finnovation Fellowship helped me build a strong foundation in the philosophy and mindset of entrepreneurship. That said, I still faced a steep learning curve early on—particularly when it came to understanding the systems and logistics unique to my industry.
One of the biggest ongoing hurdles has been manufacturing. Finding dependable partners who can deliver high-quality products at a sustainable price point has been a constant dance. It’s taken time, trial, and error, but we’re finally starting to find our rhythm and identify reliable partners.
Another early challenge was the growing demand for our in-person support services—whether through school visits, workshops, or community events. At first, meeting that demand felt overwhelming. Thankfully, through my network and relationships, I’ve been able to bring on amazing people who share the same passion and vision for this work. That support has made a huge difference and helped us scale responsibly while staying true to our mission.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Nashke Games is a Native-owned business with a powerful mission: to increase awareness and empower the learning of Indigenous language and culture through gameplay, while giving back to the Native community through scholarships and Community investments.
What sets us apart is our deeply rooted approach—our games aren’t just tools for learning, they’re immersive experiences that share Ojibwe traditions, language, and values in a way that’s engaging for both Native and non-Native players. We believe that learning should be joyful and culturally grounded, and we’ve built an organization that reflects that vision.
Our team is made up of passionate educators, including past and present American Indian Education coordinators, advisors, and students. We also work closely with elders, artists, community leaders, and cultural bearers to ensure everything we create is authentic, respectful, and grounded in community knowledge.
We’re proud of the impact we’ve made so far. In addition to designing and producing culturally enriching games, we’ve launched professional development sessions, school visits, and family engagement events across the region—bringing language and culture directly into classrooms and communities. Our games are now in over 50 schools, and many of those schools have invited us back multiple times, with some hosting us five or more times.
We’ve also been honored to partner with major organizations, including the Minnesota Department of Education, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, and the Minnesota Children’s Museum, where one of our games will be featured in their national traveling exhibit beginning Memorial Day 2025—an exhibit expected to tour the country for the next 10 to 20 years.
Beyond our programming and products, giving back is at the heart of everything we do. In the past year alone, we’ve invested over $20,000 into community events and student scholarships, staying true to the value of miigiwewin—the Ojibwe tradition of giving.
We were humbled to be recognized as Community Game Changers by the Minnesota Twins in 2024, and proud to be the Social Impact Division Winner of the 2024 MN Cup, the state’s largest entrepreneurial competition.
At Nashke Games, we’re not just creating games—we’re creating connections, building cultural pride, and empowering the next generation to carry language and tradition forward.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I was your typical suburban kid—full of energy, always on the go, and growing up alongside my brother in a family deeply rooted in the outdoors. We loved hunting and fishing, which eventually turned into a shared passion for trapping. My family always stayed connected to our culture, and that was something I carried with me from a young age.
I was enrolled in the Indian Education Program throughout elementary and high school, which helped strengthen that connection. I received my Indian name from my grandma’s cousin, and we often traveled to our reservation to spend time with my grandparents, extended family, and friends. Those trips meant a lot to me.
In school, I definitely loved to goof around—but I also loved sports. I played hockey and football and enjoyed just being a kid, doing the things most adolescents do. Looking back, I was curious, playful, and always happiest when I was surrounded by family or out in nature.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nashke.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nashkenativegames/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nashke/posts/?feedView=all
