Monday, December 3, 2018 – Tribal press freedom
The Muscogee (Creek) Nation tribal council continues to face criticism from free press advocates. The council revoked a 2015 law protecting the tribally-owned Mvskoke Media from editorial control by tribal leaders. Mvskoke Media includes a newspaper and radio and TV broadcasts. The Native American Journalists Association condemns the action calling it “government censorship.” In a video of the council meeting, Council Member James Jennings said he thought “the newspaper itself could have more positive issues on the Nation and not so much negative issues.” We’ll look at what the Muscogee action means and discuss the press freedoms at other tribally-owned media outlets.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018 – More than a headache
Throbbing pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound. Those are some of the symptoms of migraines listed by the Mayo Clinic. Those who suffer migraines know they can be debilitating and last for several hours. The National Center for Health Statistics says one out of every seven people in the United States experience migraines at least once a year. Native Americans have the highest prevalence of migraines of any other ethnic group according to the American Headache Society. We’ll talk with experts about what’s known about migraines and the best ways to manage them.
Wednesday, December 5, 2018 – Managing grey wolves
The Manage Our Wolves Act took a step forward in November when it passed the U.S. House of Representatives. If it becomes law, it would lift federal protections for gray wolves in the lower 48 states. That would enable states to make their own regulations concerning wolf hunting. The issue pits farmers and ranchers against wolf conservation groups and some tribes like the Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians, which has established a wolf sanctuary within their reservation boundaries.
Thursday, December 6, 2018 – The influence of modern missionaries
When an Indigenous tribe on an island off the coast of India killed a missionary, it reignited a conversation about the appropriate practice of Christians working to expand their faith. Columbus’ arrival opened the door to European Christian missionaries in North America. Now many Native tribes and individuals adhere to a variety of Christian denominations. We’ll learn about the history of missionaries, and talk with Native people of faith about their own journeys to spread their message.
Friday, December 7, 2018 – Residential schools through the lens of “Indian Horse”
“Indian Horse” tells the story of an Ojibway boy forced into a Canadian residential school in the late 1950s. Saul Indian Horse has talent for hockey, which becomes his escape in the face of strict oppression and alienation from his culture. The film is difficult to watch because it depicts abuses residential school survivors suffered. But it’s earning praise for its unflinching portrayal of one of Canada’s most shameful policies. We’ll hear from those involved in the film about researching and conveying an ultimately hopeful story about a distressing time in history.
