Monday, October 8, 2018 – Indigenous Peoples Day momentum
It’s that time of the year when Christopher Columbus is celebrated with a mandated federal holiday. But the number of cities, counties and even states commemorating Indigenous Peoples Day instead is a testament to the work toward exposing Columbus’ full historical context. Los Angeles, Tacoma, Washington, and Oklahoma City are among the more recent additions to the Indigenous Peoples Day momentum. We’ll open up our own celebration of Indigenous people and hear from folks across the nation about their plans for the day. Email us at comments@nativeamericacalling.com.
Tuesday, October 9, 2018 – A kernel of culture
Corn plays a variety of major roles in Native culture and is a key ingredient in many Native foods. It originated in Mexico and quickly became a staple across the Americas as Indigenous farmers and seed keepers conditioned the plant to live in deserts, grasslands and high mountains. Today, Indigenous strains of corn have a smaller presence, but there are efforts to revitalize traditional corn for the benefit of Native culture, economics and health.
Wednesday, October 10, 2018 – Disclosing sexual assault (or not)
The world watched Christine Blasey Ford publicly detail her allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. While she earned widespread support, she continues to endure backlash from the president on down, all questioning her motives and character. Native women are among those joining the discussion, pointing out how harmful the dispute is on a population that suffers high rates of sexual violence. We’ll consult with Native women’s advocates about the potential dangers of the current public debate and where we should go from here.
Thursday, October 11, 2018 – PBS explores “Native America”
Even before its official debut on PBS, the four-part documentary “Native America” is earning praise for its sophisticated portrayal of historical events and current issues. The creators of the show tout their collaboration with Native people in forming the final product. The series looks at traditional art, spiritual practices, political realities and the ongoing legacy of European contact. We’ll hear from those involved in the film who say the project should be viewed differently than previous attempts at explaining Native America to a mainstream audience.
Friday, October 12, 2018 – Understanding dialysis
Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for those who are in the last stages of kidney failure. At the same time, the process requires a serious commitment of time and expense. It’s like “having a part-time job that makes no money,” said Dr. Mark Unruh, chair of medicine at the University of New Mexico. Many Native Americans who rely on dialysis face the additional burden and expense of living a long distance from any treatment centers. We’ll explore the current state of dialysis treatment and get first-hand accounts of how people work around the hardships.
