Monday, September 30, 2019 – Celebrating Indigenous podcasts
Native media producers are making their mark in the growing podcast movement, taking Native perspectives directly to the public. Whether they’re polished and professional or decidedly DIY, dozens of Indigenous podcasts focus on issues ranging from food to comic books to true crime. With more than 700,000 active podcasts, on this International Podcast Day we’ll take time out to highlight some notable Native people using their podcasts to educate, inform and entertain.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019 – Natives in the Spotlight: Anthony Johnson and James Makokis
Anthony Johnson (Diné) and James Makokis (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) won the reality show competition, Amazing Race Canada. They beat out the other teams racing across the country while completing challenges like swimming under lake ice or building an irrigation system for a cranberry bog. The pair make up the first Indigenous group to win. Along the way they also used the platform to bring awareness to Native issues like missing and murdered Indigenous women and environmental causes. They previously got attention for getting married during the Vancouver, B.C. marathon.

Wednesday, October 2, 2019 – When preserving culture turns to shaming
Is humiliation an effective way to preserve traditional culture? Language, ceremony, community service, and even dress are all factors in connecting with and carrying on tribal cultures. Elders pass on their knowledge. Young people pick up the torch. Or not. There’s an age-old tug-of-war over how to set the boundaries of what’s acceptable. Some tradition keepers turn to private—and sometimes public—shaming.

Thursday, October 3, 2019 – Stepping up to help others: Careers in behavioral health
The commitment to help others as a psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor takes more than just a diploma. Dr. Shilo R. Tippett (Wasco/Tlingit) says it takes natural empathy and an ability to set boundaries. Shilo says helping people in her community as a clinical psychologist is her dream job. But there’s a national shortage of others willing to take on the challenge, according to the National Council for Behavioral Health. We touch in with Tippett and other Native mental health professionals about the rewards and constraints of working in the behavioral health field.

Friday, October 4, 2019 – Listener appreciation
Native America Calling is approaching a quarter century on the air. Over the years we’ve gotten to know thousands of people who have contributed as guests or called in to offer perspectives on issues important to Native people. There are many thousands more listening in. We’re taking time out to appreciate the people who make the show possible. We’ll hear from some of our dedicated listeners and get ideas for the future.

Monday, September 23, 2019 – Preventing falls
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists falls as the leading cause of death for Native American adults over 65. The first day of fall is also National Falls Prevention Day. Falls can end up taking away an elder’s independence and force them into a nursing home. But there are some simple things that can greatly reduce the possibility of a devastating fall. Putting non-skid mats on the floor and installing handrails are two suggestions for preventing falls. Also doing daily balance exercises and getting your eyes checked are other ways elders can prevent a fall. The first day of fall is also National Falls Prevention Day. We’ll talk with experts about the latest ideas for avoiding unnecessary injuries.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 – Native in the spotlight: Cheyenne Kippenberger
All those chosen as Miss Indian World are ambassadors presenting a positive public face to the public. Reigning Miss Indian World, Cheyenne Kippenberger (Seminole) is also traveling the country, working to destigmatize mental health issues. She fought her own insecurities and self-doubt to compete out of her ‘comfort zone’, going on to first win Miss Florida Seminole, then to be the first Seminole woman to win the Miss Indian World title. We’ll talk with Kippenberger about what she’s learned since winning the crown and what her plans are for the remaining months as Miss Indian World.

Wednesday, September 25 – Babies’ first foods
Native mothers are looking for ways to start their babies off right when it comes to solid food after breast milk and formula. The World Health Organization recommends babies start getting complimentary foods around 6 months. That could be anything from cereal, mashed vegetables and fruit, and some traditional Indigenous foods. It’s never too early to think about starting good eating habits to fight the statistics showing a high percentage of Native American infants grow up to be overweight or obese. We’ll go over what is a nutritious diet for babies and ways to introduce health foods for the first time.

Thursday, September 26, 2019 –Book of the Month: “The Forever Sky” by Thomas Peacock and Annette S. Lee
Teaching younger generations about their Native heritage is one way to keep the stories going. The children’s book “The Forever Sky” by author Thomas Peacock (Fond du Lac Anishinaabe) and illustrator Annettee S. Lee (Ojibwe/Lakota) follows two young brothers as they learn how the stars can bring them closer to their ancestors including their late grandmother. Through artistic interpretations of the dancing northern lights the siblings pay tribute to star knowledge and a story that was passed on to them by their uncle. We’ll learn the inspirations and creative drive behind our September Book of the Month creators.

Friday, September 27, 2019 – September in the news
They Boy Scouts of America continue to resist the protests of numerous tribes, using Native terminology, ceremonies, regalia and sacred dances. Indian Country Today examines the Boy Scouts of America’s ongoing use of Native imagery in a five-part series. We’ll hear from associate editor Vincent Schilling about what inspired the series. We’ll also check in on recent news highlights affecting Native Americans.

 

Monday, September 16, 2019 – Should Trudeau get another chance?
The Canadian federal election has officially begun. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has until October 21st to convince Canadian citizens that he and his Liberal Party are the best for the job. Pipelines, climate change, immigration and an ethics scandal are all front and center issues during this election. Last time around, in 2015, voting on reservations jumped 14 points to 61 percent, partly on Trudeau’s promises for Indigenous-friendly reforms. We’ll discuss the political parties vying for a spot in the election, and how First Nations, Inuit and Métis fit into the picture.

Tuesday, September 17, 2019 – Helping a loved one through addiction
When an addict’s behavior has ravaged through a family, there comes a time when family members might choose to demand treatment. Personal interventions can include friends, family members, and mental health professionals working to convince the addict to enter treatment. But is intervention right for everyone? In Native America treatment may not be readily available. We’ll talk with recovering addicts and experts about how friends and family can use interventions to get help for the ones they love.

Wednesday, September 18, 2019 – Managing sea lion populations
Sea lions continue to feast on spawning salmon lined up at dams in the Pacific Northwest. Tribes of the lower Columbia River and elsewhere say sea lions, a protected species, are putting a strain on already vulnerable salmon populations. Scaring the animals and relocating them has not worked. NOAA is currently seeking public comment on a plan to remove and kill California and Steller sea lions at two dams along the Columbia River.

Thursday, September 19, 2019 – The National Museum of the American Indian at 15
The Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian in Washington DC is marking its 15th year. The landmark museum was initiated 30 years ago by an act of Congress, which also included the creation of the National Museum of the American Indian in New York. We’ll talk with the director of NMAI in DC, Kevin Gover (Pawnee) about the museum’s 15 years of cultural celebrations, education and exhibits. We’ll also visit with Suzan Harjo (Cheyenne and Hodulgee Muscogee), Presidential Medal of Freedom awardee and a founding trustee of the museum.

Friday, September 20, 2019 – Indigenous cosmetics: highlighting Native beauty
The cosmetics and beauty industry is a $532 billion global business. Over the years it’s changed to include smaller, boutique makeup companies that sell directly to customers. We’ll take a look at gearing products to Native consumers how some Native cosmetic entrepreneurs and makeup artists carve out a space for themselves.

Monday, September 9, 2019 – Indigenous fashion: Using the runway to create dialogue
It’s a given that the fashion runway is about making statements with fabric and design. The catwalk is also being used to tell Indigenous stories and bring awareness to issues that test the strength of our Native nations. We’ll hear from Native designers about the role fashion can play in conveying emotions that come with issues ranging from stolen relatives to colonization to a resurgence of culture.

Tuesday, September 10, 2019 – Star People and stories in the stars
At least 2 million people are signed onto Facebook event page for storming the top secret Nevada military site, Area 51, on Sept. 20. It started as a joke by organizers saying they wanted to find evidence for alien conspiracy theories. We’re taking the opportunity to learn more about the roles Star People and Star Beings play in Native culture and origin stories.

Wednesday, September 11, 2019 – The decision to change genders
A Shoshone-Bannock citizen could be the first prison inmate to have gender confirmation surgery through a court order. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals agreed with a lower court judge, ruling that by denying Adree Edmo the surgery while in custody, the Idaho Department of Corrections is violating her constitutional rights. Edmo argues having the surgery is life-saving. She had previously attempted suicide. One 2015 study from the National Center for Transgender Equality found more than half of the Native transgender people included in a larger, national survey said they attempted suicide. We’ll explore the legal implications for the federal court decision and expand the discussion to the factors that go into a person’s decision to have sex reassignment surgery.

Thursday, September 12, 2019 – Brazil’s far-right president fans the flames
Information from Brazil’s National Space Research Institute shows the number of fires in the Amazon tropical rainforest are nearly double what they were last year. There’s no consensus on the cause of the increase, but Indigenous tribes and environmental groups say it’s because the policies under President Jair Bolsonaro encourage land grabs and deforestation by farmers, ranchers and mining companies. Tribal leaders say it’s another example of Bolsonaro’s well-documented hostility toward Indigenous people that poses their most serious existential threat in at least a half century.

Friday, September 13, 2019 – Keep going: motivation to learn your language
Some people have a knack for learning language. Others struggle to keep track of nouns, verbs and syntax. Either way, adult tribal language learners have a big task. Just getting started might seem daunting. And following through and frequent practice are key. We’ll get tips for getting started, keeping going, and passing along your Native language.

Monday, September 2, 2019 — The long path of international repatriation (encore)
Pleas from tribes, elected leaders and the Association on American Indian Affairs were not enough to stop an auction house in France from going ahead with a sale of cultural items earlier this summer. It’s one in a string of auctions by the Paris auction house that chooses to ignore admonitions against the harm they’re causing. The Yaqui Nation has been working for almost two decades to repatriate a sacred Maaso Kova that the tribe says was never meant to be out of the tribe’s possession or on public display. We’ll get an update on some repatriation efforts and what’s being done to influence international traders in cultural items.

Tuesday, September 3, 2019 – Indigenous influence on architecture
Native architects draw from their tribal traditions and collective knowledge for the modern discipline of creating permanent structures. Among the influences for Native architects is using natural building materials and designs that emphasize interaction with the land and each other. From the multi-level pueblo dwellings in the Southwest to the log frame longhouses in the Northwest, tribes have a long history of architecturally significant contributions. And more Native architects are entering the field, adding an important voice that extends Native design, communication and functionality along with individual creativity.

Wednesday, September 4, 2019 – The importance of sleep
There’s a reasonable chance you’re not getting enough sleep. A number of surveys find anywhere from a third to 45% of Americans don’t get the amount of sleep recommended by experts. And the lack of sleep is linked to serious health problems like diabetes, heart disease, depression and obesity according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One 2017 study of sleep health among Native Americans found a link between poor sleep and anxiety, mood disorders and alcohol dependence. Sleep experts will share their knowledge about the importance of sleep health and ways to get a more substantial night’s sleep.

Thursday, September 5, 2019 – Legislating tribal health
Many tribes organize wellness events and develop programs to educate people about healthy choices and food options. For the most part, involvement is voluntary. Some tribes go a step further to try and improve the health of their citizens. The Navajo Nation president banned throwing candy at the popular Navajo Nation Fair parade. It sparked a public discussion about the best ways to create healthful changes. The Navajo Nation is also known for adding a tax on soda and junk food. What do you think is the best way to go about improving health and wellness in an entire tribal community?

Friday, September 6, 2019 – Music Maker: Spirit Line CD
A chorus of resilient voices have united through song and spoken word to push back against the pervasive issue of gender and sexual violence that challenges our communities. The compilation CD “Spirit Line: Woven Together for Our Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives,” features artistic compositions from different Indigenous nations. We’ll visit with those behind the project to find out how they hope their artistic expressions will create more awareness on the issue of our stolen relatives.