Monday, August 31, 2020 – Hope for closing cold cases?
The U.S. Department of Justice opened six offices around the country dedicated to solving Native missing and murdered cold cases. There are technological advances that help solve older cases, but it remains a difficult task. Over time, witness memories may fade, evidence may get lost or degrade. The FBI counts about 250,000 unsolved homicides in the United States, and less than two-thirds of new cases are successfully closed each year. We’ll hear from cold case experts about what goes into securing justice for Native victims and their families.
Tuesday, September 1, 2020 – Native volunteers keeping watch
Groups of Native civilians are helping watch over reservation communities and urban Native neighborhoods. In Minneapolis, the American Indian Movement was instrumental in protecting properties during the unrest following the death of George Floyd. Now, volunteers are patrolling that city’s Little Earth community. In Regina, Canada volunteers with the non-profit White Pony Lodge walk the streets of the predominantly Native North Central neighborhood that experiences high rates of gun violence and Native gang activity. They pick up trash and used needles. They are ready to administer aid to drug overdose victims. They’re known for giving out fresh-baked bread to people they meet up with. We’ll talk with organizers about their efforts to help make their communities safer.
Wednesday, September 2, 2020 – Finding money for college
Many Native college students are starting classes thanks to scholarships that pay for tuition, books or other expenses during the school year. The fall semester may be under way, but there are a number of scholarships that are still available, including COVID-19 recovery funds. We’ll hear about money that’s still on the table for Native college students and what some of the key deadlines are coming up. We’ll also learn what effect COVD-19 has on scholarship availability and Native student enrollment.
Thursday, September 3, 2020 – Ceremony during COVID-19 pandemic
Traditional Native ceremonies present a mixed blessing right now for those who participate. They are a critical part of traditional life, but pose a serious risk for spreading the coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention acknowledges the role ceremonies and other cultural gatherings serve, but recommends tribal leaders consider cancelling or postponing them until the deadly virus is contained. Some organizers are continuing ceremonies, but with changes to improve safety. We’ll hear about the range of options available for practicing ceremony during a pandemic.
Friday, September 4, 2020 – Animation: bringing art to life
Creating animated films takes months of artistic and technical work; from character design and storyboards to voiceover recording and digitizing. Native artists are among those bringing unique and compelling stories to life with hand-drawn, digital, stop-motion and clay animation. We’ll talk with Indigenous animators about their passion and get a look behind the scenes.
