Monday, May 29, 2017 – A Tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow
On this Memorial Day we take the hour to learn more about the life and legacy of the late Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow of the Crow Nation. His role in the U.S. Army and efforts towards Native American history earned him a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Born in 1913, the esteemed veteran, educator and cultural advocate witnessed many things in his life including the birth of his Native nation’s tribal college. His view on education and culture has inspired many to keep close to their traditions and community.

Tuesday, May 30, 2017 – Chasing the win
Slot machines seem to explode with music, bells and flashy graphics whenever you win something. That’s among the sensory overload gambling establishments offer to boost the entertainment value of gambling. But the consequences of compulsive gambling are far from entertaining. Gambling addicts often lie to friends and family as they experience financial problems. We’ll talk with experts about the signs and treatment options for those addicted to gambling.

Wednesday, May 31, 2017 – Book of the Month: “Rock Piles Along the Eddy” by Ishmael Hope
Inupiaq and Tlingit poet Ishmael Hope understands the importance of culture and its tie to place. In his new collection of poetry titled “Rock Piles Along the Eddy,” he illuminates just how the two are woven together. Poems like “Indigenous Thought” and “Caribou Hunters Out At Camp” are two out of dozens of thought-provoking works. His word play gets readers close to his sense of life as a descendant of rich culture and heritage.

Thursday, June 1, 2017 — Autism in Native America
About 1.5 percent of 8-year-olds are living with autism spectrum disorder, according to the 2016 Community Report on Autism by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Native families are among those who are caring for a young loved one with autism. Health experts say when children with autism are not properly diagnosed early, they are at risk for developing life-long behavior problems. In this program, we turn to health specialists to find out exactly what autism is and why early intervention could change young lives.

Friday, June 2, 2017 — Plant medicine
Before Tylenol or Tums, Native people had a vast knowledge of plant medicine to help heal the body and spirit. Although fewer Native people have this knowledge today, it’s still an important part of Native culture, health and ceremony. In this program, we’ll talk about the importance of plant medicine in Native America. We’ll also explore how land and environmental issues are impacting the growth and harvest of medicinal and sacred plants.

Monday, May 22, 2017 — When tobacco smoke threatens non-smokers
Tobacco smoke contributes to 41,000 non-smoker deaths every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A handful of studies, including one by the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, suggest even thirdhand smoke—chemicals and residue from tobacco smoke that settle on walls, clothes and furniture—might also cause harm, mostly for people in smokers’ homes. Some tribes ban commercial tobacco smoking in certain areas. But is that enough to protect children and other nonsmokers?

Tuesday, May 23, 2017 — There’s no prize for appropriation
The editor of “Write” magazine came under fire for an editorial he wrote called “Winning the appropriation prize.” In it, he encouraged authors to appropriate more; to write more about cultures and people they don’t identify with. That sparked a debate on appropriation as other editors and authors from Canadian media weighed in. Are people missing something about appropriation? We’ll talk with Indigenous writers from Canada about what appropriation is and how it affects Native people.

Wednesday, May 24, 2017 – Suicide prevention for young people
The new Netflix series 13 Reasons Why has suicide experts debating the appropriate ways to address suicide in the media. Some are praising the show’s candid look at bullying, sexual assault and suicide, while others say it glorifies troubling issues for a vulnerable population. A show centered around suburban, white teenagers may not resonate with some Native youth. But the series does present an opportunity to revisit the many ways to reach out to Native youth that experience dramatically higher rates of suicide than any other group. We’ll talk with experts and youth about what it takes to save young lives.

Thursday, May 25, 2017 – May Music Maker: Jonah Littlesunday
This month we go to the Navajo Nation to sample the debut album “Gratitiude” by Dinè flute player Jonah Littlesunday. Over the years he’s used his Native American flute to help bring a bit of joy to the lives of the audiences including elders and children. He’s noted for his ability to translate emotions and stories thorough his flute playing. Songs like “Echoes” and “Navajo Waltz” swirl listeners into the landscapes he grew up with. Other tracks on the album are reflections of love, peace and unity. We invite you to discover more on this album along with us as we visit with our June Music Maker Jonah Littlesunday.

Friday, May 26, 2017 – May in the News
The Eastern Band of Cherokee leadership remains in turmoil as the principal chief and tribal council are at odds. The tribe’s Supreme Court allowed the impeachment process against the chief to continue. Meanwhile Principal Chief Patrick Lambert released financial audits he says shed light on financial misconduct by council members. We’ll talk with a reporter covering this complicated issue. Also two Native Americans are running for Congress. One of them hopes to be the first female Native in the US House of Representatives. Join us for our round up of the news.

Monday, May 15, 2017 — A conversation with Larissa FastHorse
Self-taught playwright, Larissa FastHorse (Sičháŋǧu Lakota), tells an interesting story in her newest play, “What Would Crazy Horse Do?” The satirical play explores issues of racial preservation and cultural pride. We’ll talk to FastHorse about her new play and why it’s important to have a Native presence on the stage.

Tuesday, May 16, 2017 — Climate change and traditional food
Louisiana is losing coastal land to encroaching water from the Gulf of Mexico, driving away plants and animals tribes traditionally rely on. In Alaska, thinning ice prevents subsistence hunters from reaching game that provide food for their communities. Those are just two examples of how climate change is affecting traditional Native food practices. We’ll discuss how tribes are taking preventative measures to keep their traditional foods alive as their environments change.

Wednesday, May 17, 2017 – The fate of Bears Ears
Before he left office, President Barack Obama designated Bears Ears in Utah a National Monument to protect 1.3 million acres that contain many sites significant to several tribes. Now, President Trump is calling for a review of that decision and dozens of other monument designations since 1996. That could open the door for more oil drilling, mining and other development in those places. Interior Department Sec. Ryan Zinke made his first visit to Bears Ears as a decision on the monument status looms.

Thursday, May 18, 2017 – Removing racist relics of the past
Did you know there is a law still on the books that allows children to be placed in boarding school without parental consent? There is also still a provision for denying federal money to ‘hostile Indians’. U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., wants to remove some antiquated laws about Native Americans. He proposes the Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes (RESPECT) Act to do that. We explore that effort and a few of the other racist images, names and laws of the past that don’t stand the test of time.

Friday, May 19, 2017 – Life skills for Native youth
Knowing how to apply for a job or resolving conflicts with friends are among the wide range of basic life skills that aren’t directly taught in school. Young people might pick up such skills from family or community members if there are good role models. We’ll talk with folks from NativeVision, a sports and life skills camp that has spent more than 20 years making life skills a priority.

Monday, May 8, 2017 – Language immersion for student success
A school in Kotzebue has immersed elementary students in the Inupiaq language for more than 25 years. Before then, their exposure to the language in public school was limited to 20 minutes a day. We’ll talk to educators with Nikaitchuat Ilisagviat Immersion School and an Ojibwe language program about how emphasis on language helps students succeed.

Tuesday, May 9, 2017 – Development at the Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is considered a national treasure. It’s also sacred to many tribes. There are projects proposed to increase tourism dollars and create economic development for areas surrounding the canyon. The Grand Canyon Escalade would bring a river walk and gondola ride to the northeast corner of the canyon, located on the Navajo Nation. Supporters say the project will bring much-needed economic development. The opposition says the project will encroach on sacred areas and damage the environment. Would you take a tram ride into the Grand Canyon?

Wednesday, May 10, 2017 – Opioid addiction epidemic: who is at fault?
The Cherokee Nation faults several major drug companies and distributors for opioid addiction and overdose deaths among their members. Theirs is the first tribal lawsuit to combat the growing problems associated with prescription pain relievers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are among the organizations that say opiate addiction is an epidemic.

Thursday, May 11, 2017 — Native Youth Olympics: NYO Games Alaska
About 500 young Native athletes from across Alaska gather every year to test strength, balance, agility and teamwork. The annual NYO (Native Youth Olympics) Games just wrapped up in Anchorage. In addition to acknowledging physical feats, the games also emphasize traditional subsistence activities and encourage academics.

Friday, May 12, 2017 — Why breast-feed?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends all mothers breast-feed exclusively for a baby’s first six months. That’s because breast milk has long-lasting health benefits for both babies and mothers. Numbers are scarce, but one 2012 study reveals less than six out of ten Native American and Alaska Native mothers start breast-feeding. Most of those stop before the six month mark.

Monday, May 1, 2017 — Native pride on graduation day
As Native students across the country get ready for graduation day, some will have to double-check school policy before adding traditional regalia when they accept their diplomas. Last month, Montana enacted a new law that ensures traditional tribal regalia at graduation ceremonies. It’s one of the bright spots in the yearly conflicts between Native students showing their Native pride and strict school administrators.

Tuesday May 2, 2017 – Native In The Spotlight: James Pepper Henry
James Pepper Henry (Kaw) has an exciting and momentous task to accomplish in the next three years. As the newly appointed director of the American Indian Cultural Center and Museum in Oklahoma City, he is responsible for making sure the stalled and controversial project opens. Museum experience is his expertise, with a long list of past experience including the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, the Heard Museum, Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center, and the Gilcrease Museum. We’ll spend the hour chatting with him about his experience, Native art, and the future of the Native museum industry.

Wednesday, May 3, 2017 — Lawyers in Indian Country
Native American lawyers represent 0.4 percent of the total list of active lawyers in the U.S., according to the American Bar Association. That’s the smallest number and it hasn’t changed since 2007. A recent survey by the National Native American Bar Association reports a lack of support and full inclusion in the law profession for Native lawyers. What can be done to attract more Natives to the law profession?

Thursday, May 4, 2017 — Remembering those who’ve gone missing
There are not a lot statistics about missing Native Americans. When a loved one, a friend or a neighbor disappears, it throws communities into a world of anxiety and grief. To acknowledge the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls on May 5, we explore what happens in the family, in the tribal community and in the police station when someone goes missing.

Friday, May 5, 2017 – What we’ve learned since the fishing wars
The U.S. was in the grip of civil rights struggles in the 1960s. Among the sit-ins and protests that led to legislation such as the Voting Rights Act, another civil rights struggle over fishing rights was gaining national attention. It was a period of time commonly known as the “fishing wars.” Activists like Billy Frank Jr. (Nisqually) risked arrest to exercise their right to fish in what at least one treaty called ‘usual and accustomed places.’ We’ll speak with individuals closest to the fishing wars about what we can learn from this past experience.