Monday, September 30, 2019 – Celebrating Indigenous podcasts
Native media producers are making their mark in the growing podcast movement, taking Native perspectives directly to the public. Whether they’re polished and professional or decidedly DIY, dozens of Indigenous podcasts focus on issues ranging from food to comic books to true crime. With more than 700,000 active podcasts, on this International Podcast Day we’ll take time out to highlight some notable Native people using their podcasts to educate, inform and entertain.
Tuesday, October 1, 2019 – Natives in the Spotlight: Anthony Johnson and James Makokis
Anthony Johnson (Diné) and James Makokis (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) won the reality show competition, Amazing Race Canada. They beat out the other teams racing across the country while completing challenges like swimming under lake ice or building an irrigation system for a cranberry bog. The pair make up the first Indigenous group to win. Along the way they also used the platform to bring awareness to Native issues like missing and murdered Indigenous women and environmental causes. They previously got attention for getting married during the Vancouver, B.C. marathon.
Wednesday, October 2, 2019 – When preserving culture turns to shaming
Is humiliation an effective way to preserve traditional culture? Language, ceremony, community service, and even dress are all factors in connecting with and carrying on tribal cultures. Elders pass on their knowledge. Young people pick up the torch. Or not. There’s an age-old tug-of-war over how to set the boundaries of what’s acceptable. Some tradition keepers turn to private—and sometimes public—shaming.
Thursday, October 3, 2019 – Stepping up to help others: Careers in behavioral health
The commitment to help others as a psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor takes more than just a diploma. Dr. Shilo R. Tippett (Wasco/Tlingit) says it takes natural empathy and an ability to set boundaries. Shilo says helping people in her community as a clinical psychologist is her dream job. But there’s a national shortage of others willing to take on the challenge, according to the National Council for Behavioral Health. We touch in with Tippett and other Native mental health professionals about the rewards and constraints of working in the behavioral health field.
Friday, October 4, 2019 – Listener appreciation
Native America Calling is approaching a quarter century on the air. Over the years we’ve gotten to know thousands of people who have contributed as guests or called in to offer perspectives on issues important to Native people. There are many thousands more listening in. We’re taking time out to appreciate the people who make the show possible. We’ll hear from some of our dedicated listeners and get ideas for the future.
