Monday, August 23, 2021 – Minnesota protectors lay it on the Line 3
Opponents of the Line 3 oil pipeline across Minnesota continue to work to halt construction. Tribes, environmental groups and celebrities continue to devote considerable energy against the project that Enbridge Energy, the company backing the pipeline, says is more than 80 percent complete. Potential environmental disasters, inadequate tribal consultation, and further reliance on a climate changing energy source are all issues in the mix. The company says the project offers thousands of local jobs and a safer alternative to the aging existing pipeline.
Tuesday, August 24, 2021 – What‘s behind the record jump in Native populations?
The release of 2020 data from the U.S. Census Bureau shows significant increases in the country’s Native populations. All multiracial groups gained percentages compared to the overall population. In the ten years since 2010, the number of people the Census categorizes as American Indian and Alaska Natives increased from 5.2 million to 9.7 million. The population jump has implications for things like congressional and legislative districts. It also affects representation in civic engagement and resource distribution. We’ll find out the possible causes for the increase and what it means for the future.
Wednesday, August 25, 2021– Music Maker: Qacung
Qacung aka Stephen Blanchet is out with his first solo album, “Miu.” In it, we hear about his love for First Alaskans. It’s celebration of jazz, R&B and the traditional sounds and Indigenous language fill each track with soulful fun, something that stems from Qacung’s many years with his group Pamyua. Now, he is telling his own story of love, loss and place. It’s also dedicated to the ancestors and, as he says, the future of Alaska Natives to come.
Thursday, August 26, 2021 – The helping hand that gets us through hard times
Native Nations have been hit hard by COVID-19. There is the toll of lost loved ones and the economic devastation that is still far from recovered. Out of hardship, however, comes hope. Many individuals, organizations and grassroots groups continue to step up. Giving and helping those in need are key values among many tribes. During the pandemic, giving or getting a helping hand is more important than ever. We’ll talk with representatives of Native organizations and grassroots groups who’ve been instrumental in giving during the pandemic.
Friday, August 27, 2021 – Legal and cultural barriers derail efforts to protect sacred places
Certain hills, mountains, valleys, forests and rivers are among some of the most sacred spaces for Indigenous culture and spirituality. They are included in creation stories. They include places like Oak Flat, San Francisco Peak, the Grand Canyon, South Mountain and the Blythe Intaglios. But many of those places are not controlled by tribes. They fight to protect sacred places from local and federal governments, private landowners and resource development companies. A series of articles by the Arizona Republic finds Western laws about land ownership and what is considered sacred stacks the deck against tribal interests. We’ll hear about the series and from some of the people who continue to work toward protecting sacred land.
