Monday, November 23, 2020 – COVID-19 rates on the rise
North Dakota reached the highest COVID-19 fatality rate per capita in the world, according to the Federation of American Scientists. South Dakota, Wisconsin and Montana are all in the top 20 highest COVID-19 death rates. Infection rates all over the country are spiking and tribes are reissuing strict shutdown orders aiming to slow down the spread. We’ll get insights from tribal leaders and health officials about their hopes for fighting the new deadly wave of the pandemic.
Tuesday, November 24, 2020 – Native words to live by
In Native languages, some of our favorite words and phrases pack much more meaning than any English translation can encompass. The Navajo word, “hózhó” refers to a way of life; balance, harmony and order. As the country marks Native American Heritage Month and 30 years of the Native American Languages Act, ensuring tribes’ use of their languages without any government interference, we’ll honor the importance of language and celebrate with some of the most notable words and phrases.
Wednesday, November 25, 2020 – Perspectives on the Mayflower 400 years later
It’s been four centuries since the Pilgrims stepped off the Mayflower onto the shores of present day Massachusetts. The white, Christian Europeans established a colony at Plymouth and the rest is history. But it’s a one-sided history that too often omits the Indigenous experience outside of a revisionist Thanksgiving story. This year, the Plymouth, Massachusetts 400th Anniversary Commission is commemorating the shared history among the Wampanoag tribes and settlers. It’s an inclusive celebration with Wampanoag perspectives. We’ll look at how representation of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower has changed over the years and what perspectives still need to be voiced.
Thursday, November 26, 2020 – A Conversation with Keith Secola
(Encore show; we aren’t taking live calls) Over the years Keith Secola, creator of the song “NDN Kars,” has brought a lot to our Native communities with his creativity and voice. We take time to check in with this Anishinabe artist and learn about his latest creations including the podcast project, Native Americana Audio Café, where he visits with musicians, artists and others. We’ll find out how music is taking him through these times, and get to the roots of where his love of music began.
Friday, November 27, 2020 – November in the news
Congresswoman Deb Haalan (D-NM, Laguna Pueblo) is among the names floated for a spot in President-elect Biden’s cabinet, specifically as the head of the Department of Interior. We’ll take a look at the Native people who could potentially be part of the Biden Administration. Also President Trump still hasn’t conceded the race, and is falsely claiming election fraud. We’ll ask Native political watchers whether Trump’s antics pose any threats to Native confidence in the election process. We’re shopping around for the best Native news stories on this day-after-Thanksgiving episode of the news roundup.
