Monday, September 10, 2018 – The power of solar
The Navajo Nation flipped the switch on a 27.3-megawatt solar power facility last year. It’s now keeping the lights on in 18,000 homes inside the rural reservation. It’s the largest tribally owned and operated solar power project in the country. Tribes like the Navajo and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska hope to lower member utility bills, encourage sustainable energy and provide economic opportunity.
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 – Return to Attu Island
More than 75 years after the Native people of Attu Island were taken captive, their descendants are working on a way to return home. Attu is the westernmost island in the Alaskan Aleutian chain. It was the also the site of the only World War II battle on U.S. soil in 1942. Japanese soldiers took the 44 residents as prisoners. Half of them died. After the ordeal the U.S. Government prevented the remainder from returning home. Now descendants from the island residents are working on ways to regularly return to their homeland.
Wednesday, September 12, 2018 – Native coloring books
Coloring books have long since graduated from the realm of children’s activity. Some talented Native artists are adding to the increasingly popular genre. They help to promote Native pride with detailed, imaginative graphics of prominent Native people and images. It’s a way to educate and spread understanding while also appealing to the popular, relaxing pastime accessible to almost everyone.
Thursday, September 13, 2018 – Book of the Month: “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga”
by Traci Sorell
As Native people we are taught to be grateful for the gifts that come with the seasons. This month we get to jump into a story that not only teaches the importance of the seasons but gives the Cherokee syllabary a spotlight. “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga,” written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Frané Lessac, uses colorful imagery to show the world how this nation celebrates life and the value of expressing gratitude— Otsaliheliga in their language. Join us for this Native lesson as we visit with the children’s book author Traci Sorell as our Book of the Month feature.
Friday, September 14, 2018 – Cooking up economic opportunity
Some tribal nations are among the poorest places in the country where it’s challenging to build business. For some entrepreneurs, cooking from home or out of a food truck makes up for lack of job opportunities and lack of infrastructure in Native communities. At the same time these determined entrepreneurs provide traditional and contemporary Native foods for everyday dinners, celebrations and special events. And for some, it’s a gateway to a lucrative career.
