Monday, November 19, 2018 – The Mashpee Wampanoag’s land battle
As Thanksgiving approaches there is some irony in the tribe that met the Pilgrims when they landed are in a fight over whether they meet the legal definition of the word ‘Indian’. Mashpee Wampanoag leaders are pushing for congressional intervention to keep the more than 300 acres of land originally put into trust in 2015. The tribe lost a court ruling and the Trump Administration is siding with the court. The stakes are high. Among other things, it puts plans for a $1 billion dollar resort and casino into jeopardy.
Tuesday, November 20, 2018 – “The Thanksgiving Play” by Larissa FastHorse
The current Off-Broadway play by Larissa FastHorse (Sičháŋǧu Lakota) is a timely satire aimed at the pitfalls of well-meaning Native allies. “The Thanksgiving Play” humorously exposes the accepted mythology celebrated every fourth Thursday in November. It also puts on notice all those who feel compelled to “honor” Native Americans through artistic expression. We’ll hear more about the play and what drives Larissa FastHorse.
Wednesday, November 21, 2018 – Music Maker: Kinnie Starr
First Nations recording artist Kinnie Starr (Mohawk) is back on the scene with her new album “Feed The Fire.” Drawing from her journey as a brain injury survivor, she challenges the world and the way it revolves around immediacy. Her songs blend many different styles from hip-hop and EDM to folk to give voice to the issues that come with intense digital chatter and communication including the loss of a connection with nature and what she calls ‘our truest selves’.
Thursday, November 22, 2018 – Indigenous strength with NRG Rising
What better way to spend your day off than listening to Maori reggae? The group NRG Rising’s latest album, “Say Yes to Life” is an energetic tribute to their Indigenous strength. We’ll sit down with the band’s matriarch, Benita Tahuri, to discuss the album, music and Indigenous issues.
Friday, November 23, 2018 – Cracking the Native art ceiling
Native art is often pegged as creations that depict pre-1900s Native symbols and imagery. But modern Native artists are also drawing from their traditions in ways that invite audiences to see Native people in a new way, whether it’s a neon-lighted buffalo skull or an exploration of creation stories through classical music. We’ll talk with artists working to update what it means to be Indigenous in a contemporary context.
