Monday, March 11, 2019 – The human faces of the Indian Child Welfare Act
Autumn Adams spent a good portion of her life in foster care. She says the Indian Child Welfare Act saved her life because she was able to stay in her tribal community. ICWA is called the ‘gold standard’ of child welfare policy. The 40-year-old law is under fire through a number of court cases, including a recent federal court ruling out of Texas that deemed the law unconstitutional. We’ll hear from individuals who have been affected by ICWA.
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 – Understanding headdresses
The headdress is one of the most iconic items associated with Native Americans. They are prominent in countless photos and illustrations of Native people. But not all tribes have headdresses, and these cultural items can vary from tribes to tribe. For many nations, headdresses are earned and they often come with protocols and prayers that need to be followed to show respect. Recently a powwow organizer in Canada bestowed a headdress and a Blackfoot name to a non-Native female politician. The event stirred discussion about who has the right to wear or own a headdress. We’ll hear from different tribal members about what the headdress represents.
Wednesday, March 13, 2019 – Zia symbol: from sacred emblem to commercial exploitation
Ever since a non-Native anthropologist lifted the sacred Zia symbol for the New Mexico state flag contest in the 1920s, it’s appeared on everything from beer labels to album covers to t-shirts. Rarely does anyone using it think to ask Zia Pueblo first. The tribe unsuccessfully tried to copyright the symbol. In recent years, the state of New Mexico has taken steps to formally recognize the symbol’s origin. We’ll explore its history, meaning and subsequent popularity.
Thursday, March 14, 2019 – What’s in the Green New Deal for Native nations?
The ambitious plan put forward by congressional Democrats to address climate change, create jobs and mitigate economic inequality has a reference to “indigenous communities.” But the 14-page proposed resolution does not specifically mention tribes. That and the lack of acknowledgement for government-to-government relations concerns the Indigenous Environmental Network, which otherwise applauds the goals of the Green New Deal. Other critics call the plan unrealistic. We take a look at the Green New Deal from a Native perspective.
Friday, March 15, 2019 – Sugar bush season
The Ojibwe lunar calendar puts the sugar bush moon, or “Iskigamizige-giizas,” in April, but maple sap can start to run as early as February depending on the location. This time of year, Native families and communities in the northern United States and southern Canada are tapping trees or are getting ready to. It takes about 50 gallons of sap to make one gallon of maple syrup. We explore the maple syrup-making process and the cultural importance behind it.
