Monday, May 22, 2017 — When tobacco smoke threatens non-smokers
Tobacco smoke contributes to 41,000 non-smoker deaths every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A handful of studies, including one by the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, suggest even thirdhand smoke—chemicals and residue from tobacco smoke that settle on walls, clothes and furniture—might also cause harm, mostly for people in smokers’ homes. Some tribes ban commercial tobacco smoking in certain areas. But is that enough to protect children and other nonsmokers?
Tuesday, May 23, 2017 — There’s no prize for appropriation
The editor of “Write” magazine came under fire for an editorial he wrote called “Winning the appropriation prize.” In it, he encouraged authors to appropriate more; to write more about cultures and people they don’t identify with. That sparked a debate on appropriation as other editors and authors from Canadian media weighed in. Are people missing something about appropriation? We’ll talk with Indigenous writers from Canada about what appropriation is and how it affects Native people.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 – Suicide prevention for young people
The new Netflix series 13 Reasons Why has suicide experts debating the appropriate ways to address suicide in the media. Some are praising the show’s candid look at bullying, sexual assault and suicide, while others say it glorifies troubling issues for a vulnerable population. A show centered around suburban, white teenagers may not resonate with some Native youth. But the series does present an opportunity to revisit the many ways to reach out to Native youth that experience dramatically higher rates of suicide than any other group. We’ll talk with experts and youth about what it takes to save young lives.
Thursday, May 25, 2017 – May Music Maker: Jonah Littlesunday
This month we go to the Navajo Nation to sample the debut album “Gratitiude” by Dinè flute player Jonah Littlesunday. Over the years he’s used his Native American flute to help bring a bit of joy to the lives of the audiences including elders and children. He’s noted for his ability to translate emotions and stories thorough his flute playing. Songs like “Echoes” and “Navajo Waltz” swirl listeners into the landscapes he grew up with. Other tracks on the album are reflections of love, peace and unity. We invite you to discover more on this album along with us as we visit with our June Music Maker Jonah Littlesunday.
Friday, May 26, 2017 – May in the News
The Eastern Band of Cherokee leadership remains in turmoil as the principal chief and tribal council are at odds. The tribe’s Supreme Court allowed the impeachment process against the chief to continue. Meanwhile Principal Chief Patrick Lambert released financial audits he says shed light on financial misconduct by council members. We’ll talk with a reporter covering this complicated issue. Also two Native Americans are running for Congress. One of them hopes to be the first female Native in the US House of Representatives. Join us for our round up of the news.
