NAC: February 6 – 10
Monday, February 6, 2017 — Fighting depression
Nearly 9 percent of Native Americans experienced a major depressive episode according to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental Health Findings. That means they experienced severe problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, and self-worth—enough to interfere with their daily lives. The survey lists Native Americans as the group with the highest rate of depression. We talk to experts about the signs and treatments for depression and some of the suspected causes for the illness in Native populations.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017 – An update on disputed mine proposals
Since taking office, President Trump, has taken action on promises to cut environmental regulations and advance energy industry projects from coal to oil pipelines. With that in mind, we’ll take a look at two proposed mines that could also get caught up in the pro-industry momentum. The Back Forty Project in Michigan and the Resolution Copper mine in Arizona. We’ll get updates on these and what hopes tribal leaders and others have for fighting them.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017 — NoDAPL update
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is moving forward with the remaining easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline project. Thousands of people have set up at one of several other camps along the Cannonball and Missouri Rivers in North Dakota. We hear from Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault II and others about what this new development means for the tribe and the many people calling themselves water protectors.
Thursday, February 9, 2017 — Breaking up is hard to do
The decision to end a relationship is almost never easy. Whether it’s a marriage or a long term relationship, breaking up can be painful for everyone. Experts have advice on how to know it’s time to break it off and some ways to do it. They also have insights on what to expect afterwards and some things to think about ahead of time.
Friday, February 10, 2017 – Border town struggles
The mayor of Rapid City, South Dakota found himself in the hot seat for ineloquent comments about Native Americans and panhandling. The comments came as the city near the Pine Ridge Reservation is trying to improve relations after several ugly interactions between Native American and non-Native residents. Towns near reservations often struggle with the outward expressions of entrenched prejudice. We’ll talk with community members about the long, slow process of reconciliation in border towns.
NAC January 30 – February 3
Monday, January 30, 2017 – Can a student love math?
It can be daunting to stand in front of a classroom trying to solve a complicated math problem. For many of us, just balancing our checkbooks is scary enough. For American Indian and Alaska Native students math scores are generally lower than the national average. We continue our look at STEM subjects by exploring some innovative ways math is taught to Native students.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017 –Music Maker: Radmilla Cody
Grammy Nominee Radmilla Cody from the Navajo Nation is exploring her Diné foundation in her latest album “K’é Hasin.” The title translates to kinship and hope and sets the pace for the 13-track album that features both the Navajo and English language. With titles like “A Woman’s Journey” and “Walking Through Life,” listeners are invited to learn more about the importance of community and culture in sustaining a strong native life.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017 — What’s next for the Dakota Access Pipeline fight?
With a stroke of the pen, President Donald Trump revived the Dakota Access Pipeline construction. The action has sparked calls by pipeline opponents for renewed and escalated resistance. The chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe says the tribe will continue to fight the project in the courts. Where is the movement to halt the pipeline headed from here?
Thursday, February 2, 2017 — The Ancient One coming home
We’re within weeks of the Ancient One, also known as Kennewick Man, of returning to tribes in Washington state. It’s been a 20-year battle to get to this point. The argument between archeologists and tribes was finally settled by a DNA test and several court rulings. We get an update on the status of the 9,000-year-old remains and find out how tribal leaders in Washington state are preparing for their return.
Friday, February 3, 2017 – What’s in store for the new Dept. of Interior?
There are few U.S. cabinet positions that have more interaction with Native Nations than the head of the Interior Department. The job entails overseeing the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education as well as protecting and managing federal natural resources. Congressman Ryan Zinke is President Trump’s Interior secretary choice. We’ll discuss Rep. Zinke’s track record with tribes and what his role means for critical issues in our Native Nations.
Can a student love math?
Who can call their art ‘Native’?
NAC: January 23 – 27
Monday January 23, 2017 – Native in the Spotlight: Congressman Tom Cole
U-S Representative Tom Cole is entering his 15th year in Congress. The Oklahoma Republican is a citizen of the Chickasaw Nation, representing his state’s 4th District. We’ll talk to him about where he thinks Native Americans can benefit during the new Donald Trump administration, and what critical Native issues he is working on. We’ll talk with him about health care, economic development, the environment and more.
Tuesday, January 24, 2017 – Kidney health
Over the past two decades, the rate of kidney failures among Native Americans quietly dropped a total 54 percent . That’s the word this month from the Centers for Disease Control. The milestone is remarkable considering Native Americans are more likely to have diabetes than any other group, and diabetes is the major cause of kidney failure. Health officials credit a sustained, concerted effort. The low-key success story is saving lives and millions of dollars.
Wednesday, January 25, 2017 — Who can call their art “Native”?
A new law in Oklahoma says only enrolled members of federally recognized tribes can label and sell their art as “Native made.” That means artists from tribes recognized only by states are out of luck. Those in support of the law—including several tribes—say it protects the integrity of Native art. But others—like Peggy Fontenot, an artist from a state recognized tribe—say the law tramples on her rights.
Thursday, January 26, 2017 — Gardening: A growing trend
Native American chefs put a great emphasis on using quality, fresh ingredients. They encourage others to grow and use their own vegetables in their home cooking. We’ll talk to some notable chefs and expert Indigenous gardeners about the importance of incorporating home gardens in our daily diet. It’s the time of year to start thinking about what seeds to get started.
Friday, January 27, 2017 – January in the News
A repeal of the Affordable Care Act is underway. But what does this mean for the Indian Health Care Improvement Act which is bundled with the ACA? Also the Department of the Army announced they will pursue another Environmental Impact Statement in the area near Lake Oahe, for the path of the Dakota Access Pipeline. What does this mean for the future of DAPL? And the father of a murdered 11 year old Navajo girl is suing the Navajo Nation for failing to have an emergency notification system. Those topics and your comments are up for discussion in our news round up.
NAC January 16 – 20
Monday, January 16, 2017 – Who speaks for Indigenous people?
Joseph Boyden says he needs to ‘step back a bit’ from offering his perspective on Indigenous issues. The popular Canadian author of such books as Three Day Road, Through Black Spruce and The Orenda is under fire after an investigation called his heritage into question. The controversy raises a frequent issue of whether there’s room for people like Boyden in an authentic discussion of Indigenous topics.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017 – Preparing for the Trump presidency
Donald J. Trump takes his seat as the 45th president of the United States this Friday. During his campaign and throughout the transition he’s said next-to-nothing about Native Americans and Alaska Natives. What does a Trump administration mean for Native America?
Wednesday, January 18, 2017 – Avoiding frauds and scams
Cherolynda Bennett (Navajo) turned to a popular for-profit preparation service when her taxes were due. But she noticed some shady behavior after receiving a small loan to get her by until her refund check came. Her close attention to detail ultimately turned into a class action lawsuit that brought a nearly $700,000 settlement. We’ll hear about her story and some other common scams to look out for.
Thursday, January 19, 2017 – The best interests of foster children
New guidelines for implementing the Indian Child Welfare Act aim to clarify regulations and provide examples of best practices. Bureau of Indian Affairs officials say the guidelines will help families, tribes and courts navigate the sometimes inconsistent interpretations of ICWA by different state courts and agencies over the law’s 38 years in existence. It’s a landmark of Indian law, but remains controversial among some adoption advocates.
Friday, January 20, 2017 — Responding to hate
Offensive words and actions can incite strong reactions. We’ve seen unfortunate incidents hit the headlines, like when a group of Lakota children are harassed at a hockey game in Rapid City. There are other times that are less noticeable but just as damaging. What’s the best way to address hate and offensive behavior? What do you do when you or a fellow person of color is bullied or harassed?
Who speaks for Indigenous people?
The Obama legacy
NAC: January 9 – 13
Monday, January 09, 2017 –Book of the Month: “Mission to Space” by John B. Herrington
Have you ever wanted to blast off into space? It’s a dream for many young children. That dream became real for one man from the Chickasaw Nation. John B. Herrington is the first Native American to travel to space. He flew on the space shuttle Endeavour in 2002. We get to relive this journey in his new children’s book, “Mission to Space.” He traces the dedication, training and skill it takes to turn a dream into a high-flying reality.
Tuesday, January 10, 2017 – The Obama legacy
President Obama was one of the few sitting presidents to visit a reservation. His administration also restored more than half a million acres to tribal nations. Tribes and environmental groups applauded his moves to protect Bears Ears, Badger Two-Medicine and block the Keystone XL Pipeline. But others criticize his administration for failing to take decisive action to shut down the Dakota Access Pipeline. How does President Obama’s legacy stack up? Will he go down in the history books as one of the best presidents for Native Americans and Alaska Natives?
Wednesday, January 11, 2017 — In the grip of cold and flu season
Adults usually have two or three colds a year, according to the CDC. Children have even more. It’s the season for cold and flu. You start seeing coworkers and friends disappear as they wrestle with coughs, plugged sinuses, and fevers. We’re going to take the hour to talk about prevention, treatment, and flu shots, as well as traditional remedies to soothe the symptoms we suffer through.
Thursday, January 12, 2017 – Indigenous issues in Latin America
From fights over oil extraction in Ecuador and Peru, to a water fight in Columbia, Indigenous people of Latin America are struggling to maintain traditional lands and culture against outside encroachment. The International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs estimates there are 40 million Indigenous people in Latin America. We’ll look at some of the key issues they’re facing.
Friday, January 13, 2017 — Stories in the loom: Weaving traditions
Not all tribes have a weaving tradition. Navajo and Chilkat weavings are among those that come to mind first when we think of Native American textiles. They are iconic pieces of art that exemplify their cultures. We’ll explore stories behind these and other weaving styles and find out how the practice became a high-end art form.