Monday, September 12, 2022 – Inspiring space exploration

Nicole Aunapu Mann is scheduled to become the first Indigenous woman in space later this month with the launch of NASA’s SpaceX Crew Dragon. The Wailacki Nation astronaut is headed to the International Space Station as the mission commander. The space flight also comes as NASA’s new James Webb Space Telescope is providing awe-inspiring images and scientific revelations that promise new insights into the origins of the universe. Monday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce hears from Dr. Aaron Yazzie (Diné), mechanical engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory; George Gorospe (Laguna Pueblo), senior research engineer at NASA Ames Research Center; and Edward Gonzales (Apache and Mexican), Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Lead for NASA about how Native people are playing bigger roles in major space exploration advances.

Tuesday, September 13, 2022 – Alternatives to conventional loans

Native borrowers have a number of choices beyond the bank loan to finance big items like homes and starting a business. Tuesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce looks at who’s eligible for various alternative financing options and whether they’re appropriate for your next major endeavor.

Wednesday, September 14, 2022 – The lingering rental housing crisis

A new survey finds Native American renters faced evictions at a far higher rate than other ethnic groups over the past year. The report comes as the U.S. Census Bureau estimates there could be as many as 3.8 million evictions by October. At the same time, there is some glimmer of hope for renters. Realtor.com shows average rent prices were mostly flat compared to a year ago and employment data shows the labor market is rebounding following the pandemic. Wednesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce talks about the status of the rental market and evictions.

Thursday, September 15, 2022 – Queen Elizabeth’s legacy: Indigenous people and the Royal Family

Indigenous leaders are among those reflecting on the legacy of Queen Elizabeth II. Her supporters mourn her recent death. Many others take the opportunity to question her role in important issues such as reconciliation for Indigenous peoples in Canada. The Queen and the rest of the Royal Family are largely figureheads for the United Kingdom, but have a significant platform for advancing important causes. Thursday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce examines the late Queen’s 70-year reign and the prospect of a new British monarch from an Indigenous perspective.

Friday, September 16, 2022 – The intersection of Japanese anime and Native art

Anime, a style of Japanese animation, is wildly popular. There’s something about the large eyes, flawless features, and the exaggerated cuteness of the characters that draws in legions of fans around the globe. There are super powers, supernatural villains, epic battles, impossible comedic situations, and love stories. It’s no wonder some contemporary Native artists draw from anime styles and vibes for their own works. Friday on Native America Calling, Andi Murphy speaks with artists and designers bridging the Pacific.

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Monday September 5, 2022 — Native creation and use of color

From the rich colors used in Navajo weaving to all the colors of the rainbow beaded into medallions and regalia, Indigenous hues carry meaning, stories, and emotion. Some colors specific to tribes represent the available animals, plants, and minerals used to make them. This Labor Day on Native America Calling in a special encore presentation, Shawn Spruce talks with Native artists about traditional and contemporary meanings, sources, and uses of color: Anong Beam (M’Chigeeng), founder of Beam Paints; Michael Sheyahshe (Caddo), founder and technologist at alterNative Media; Zefren Anderson (Diné), experimental archaeological weaver and silversmith.

Tuesday, September 6, 2022 – Addressing the nation’s mental health crisis

As the nation’s mental health crisis worsens, Native American youth are those at highest risk. Native Americans and Alaska Natives have the highest suicide rate of any other group. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention list suicide as the second leading cause of death for Native people between the ages of 10 and 34. National experts warn mental health has reached emergency crisis levels. The good news is there are increasing numbers of tools and methods to fight the problem. Tuesday on Native America Calling, as part of National Suicide Prevention Week, Shawn Spruce looks at the factors contributing to the problem and what is available to turn it around with Cheyenne Kippenberger (Seminole), communications coordinator for the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute; Dr. Mark Standing Eagle Baez (Mohawk, Pawnee, Coahuiltecan and Mexican descent), assistant professor of Counseling and Clinical Psychology at Bemidji State University; and behavioral health consultant Ray Daw (Diné).

Wednesday, September 7, 2022 – America’s clean water divide

The failed water treatment system in Jackson, Miss. disproportionately affects that state’s Black residents. The crisis there is a reminder of the dozens of failed drinking water systems for tribes across the country. Wednesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce examines the lingering problem of failing to provide the most basic utility for all of America’s residents with State Rep. Ronnie Crudup Jr. (D-MS), executive director for New Horizon Ministries Incorporated; Dr. Carrie Nuva Joseph (Hopi), director of the department of natural resources for the Hopi tribe; Clayton Dumont Jr. (Klamath), chairman of the Klamath Tribes; Iqaluit Mayor Kenny Bell; and Dr. Tommy Rock (Diné), environmental scientist and postdoctoral researcher fellow at Princeton University.

Thursday, September 8, 2022 – Sweat equity: building your own home

A number of Native DIY-ers are taking on what is traditionally the largest expense of their lives: their own home. By putting the work in, homeowners are reducing their mortgages – or eliminating it altogether. One initiative also has home owner/builders share their experience with others just getting started. Thursday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce speaks with those who are sweating it out like Carmirae Holguin (Diné), co-founder and executive director of the Nááts’íilid Initiative; Moises Gonzales (Genízero), associate dean at the University of New Mexico’s School of Architecture and Planning; and Bettina Sandoval (Pueblo), who is in the process of building her own home.

Friday, September 9, 2022 – This year’s top Native Hip Hop artists

TheRA11N, Pooky G, She Rōz, and Sten Joddi are some of the artists who won big this year at the annual International Indigenous Hip Hop Awards. Friday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce gets to know some of the artists – and hear their perspectives of the awards and the direction of Native Hip Hop

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Monday, August 29, 2022 – Native in the Spotlight: L.A. Williams

L.A. Williams has been the high school sports play-by-play voice for decades on the Navajo Nation. She has also brought pro rodeo, women’s professional basketball, and the NFL Super Bowl to listeners. Now she is also the Navajo language announcer for Phoenix Suns NBA games. Monday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce speaks with the trailblazing broadcaster.

Tuesday, August 30, 2022 – The cultural and environmental importance of volcanoes

The volcanic eruptions near Tonga, Japan, and Ecuador are all making headlines and remind us of the role they play in Indigenous culture. Native Hawaiians have a direct spiritual connection to the explosive giants while many tribes in the continental U.S. have their own stories and links. Tuesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce learns more about these mystical mountains.

Wednesday, August 31, 2022 – College student debt relief

Just in time for the mid-term elections, President Joe Biden announced his executive action to extend the current student loan payment pause until January and forgive up to $20,000 of debt. It’s a compromise between the full forgiveness pushed for years by progressive Democrats and the inflationary concerns of moderate Democrats and conservative Republicans. Wednesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce gets an assessment for what’s in the student loan forgiveness plan, who qualifies, and what it might do for current and future Native college students.

Thursday, September 1, 2022 – New challenges for Native voters

The Native American Rights Fund and other organizations filed a legal challenge against the state for discounting ballots in a way that disproportionately affects Alaska Native voters. The Mississippi Supreme Court upheld voter restrictions in the state constitution originally instituted by white supremacists specifically to limit participation by people of color. Thursday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce gets a rundown of the evolving landscape of voter restrictions that affect Native Americans.

Friday, September 2, 2022

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Monday, August 22, 2022 – Merging Native languages with braille

The resurgence of language revitalization helps keep cultural connections and exercise sovereignty. Those connections are diminished somewhat for those who are visually impaired and can’t read the written page. But there are those who are taking on the work of merging Native languages with braille, extending the full power of their culture to more of their citizens. Monday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce speaks with Carol Begay Green (Diné), teacher of students with visual impairments at Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind; students Heather Joe and Bryant Becenti (Diné); and Christine Muise, contract Braille transcriber and tactile illustrator.

Tuesday, August 23, 2022 – How the Inflation Reduction Act helps Earth

The new legislation just signed into law includes unprecedented investment into measures intended to reduce climate change. It sends millions of dollars to tribal projects, but also keeps in place reliance on polluters. Tuesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce finds how the Inflation Reduction Act is a boost for the planet.

Wednesday, August 24, 2022 – The latest in repatriation efforts

The Alabama Department of Archives and History is the latest institution going through a repatriation process starting this month. The museum, which has dozens of human remains and hundreds of Indigenous funerary objects in its collection, hasn’t been in compliance with the Native American Graves Protection & Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) of 1990. And in Montana, several items were repatriated from the University of Missoula and will now be in the care of the Fort Peck Interpretive Center. Several other institutions still have collections containing thousands of human remains and objects that fall under NAGPRA but it’s been slow work to get actual objects back into the care of tribes. Wednesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce talks with repatriation advocates about current efforts.

Thursday, August 25, 2022 – Native outlaws

Saddle up ’cause Thursday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce looks at the history of Native and Indigenous outlaws like the Apache Kid and Cherokee Bill.

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Friday, August 26, 2022 – The Menu: Farm Bill and Navajo Pizza

The Farm Bill is a huge piece of legislation dealing with every aspect of agriculture and nutrition and it’s set to be reauthorized in 2023. That’s a change for Native food advocates to insert critical policies, change old policies, and promote food sovereignty. Plus, an entrepreneur opens a pizza shop in a small town on the Navajo Nation. Friday on Native America Calling, Andi Murphy serves up a new helping of “The Menu,” our regular roundup of the Native food movement.

 

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Monday, August 15, 2022 – The new book-banning trend

With some success, Native Americans have fought hard to have their voices heard in the narratives about them by predominantly non-Native sources. Those gains are under assault by a new surge of efforts to ban books by Native authors and other works that challenge colonial conventional wisdom. Monday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce gets a sampling of books that well-meaning parents, administrators, and policy-makers want to keep off of school reading lists and public spaces with Dr. Debbie Reese (Nambe Pueblo), founder of American Indians in Children’s Literature blog; Kevin Maillard (Seminole), author and professor of Law at Syracuse University; Mandi Harris (Cherokee), a children’s librarian and PhD student in Information Science at the University of Washington; and Lynette Dial (Lumbee), a library supervisor for Hoke County Library.

Tuesday, August 16, 2022 – The legacy of Elvis for Native Americans

During his peak, Elvis Presley’s appeal crossed cultural boundaries. His profound popularity continues to resonate with many Native Americans, including a handful who are Elvis impersonators – and a hilarious reference on the hit series Dark Winds. On the anniversary of his death in 1977, Shawn Spruce checks in with Elvis fans about what the King of Rock and Roll means to them these many years later.

Wednesday, August 17, 2022 – Turning around threats to salmon

A federal court ruling has implications for Southeast Alaska commercial salmon fishing. The ruling says federal fisheries officials neglected to consider dwindling orca populations when approving Chinook salmon harvests. At the same time, tribes in the Pacific Northwest are putting additional pressure on federal officials to come up with a sustainable plan for endangered salmon in the Snake River system. Wednesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce gets updates on trouble spots for salmon.

Thursday, August 18, 2022 – Live at the 100th Santa Fe Indian Market

It survived the Termination Era, The Depression, a World War, and, most recently, a pandemic. The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts marks the 100^th Santa Fe Indian Market, a place to buy works directly from artists, to experience the creative vision of Native designers, and watch films by Indigenous filmmakers. Thursday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce is live from the Market and gets a rundown of this year’s schedule and reviews the evolution of this major achievement of Native creativity and commerce.

Friday, August 19, 2022 – Live at the 100th Santa Fe Indian Market 

Artists from hundreds of Native nations are tending to their booths in the streets of Santa Fe, selling works they’ve labored for months to prepare. SWAIA’s Santa Fe Indian Market has come a long way in 100 years. Friday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce is live from Indian Market for day two and will be joined by artists, designers, and organizers to get a feel for what’s in store for the next century.

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Monday, August 8, 2022 – Native tennis players hold court

A group of Native tennis enthusiasts formed their own organization 50 years ago and it’s grown into a collection of competitions, youth tennis camps and regular recreational meet-ups. The North American Indian Tennis Association holds an annual tournament Memorial Day weekend. It’s all aimed toward improving people’s skills and fostering interest among Native players. Monday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce talked with Lee Maytubby (Chickasaw), North American Indian Tennis Association Tournament director; Jessica Redcorn (Osage), United States Tennis Association Player and co-organizer for the North American Indian Tennis Association Tournament; and Tony Mulligan (Chickasaw), tennis player and co-organizer for the North American Indian Tennis Association Tournament.

Tuesday, August 6, 2022 – Facing growing addiction fatalities

The newest report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention paint a distressing increase in the number of overdose deaths among Native Americans. It shows Native fatalities rose 39% from 2019 to 2020. That far outpaces the increase for the population as a whole. Also, an investigative report looks into alcohol-related fatalities in the state of New Mexico and finds that, while disproportionately high, the number for Native populations is not the main driving force in the overall problem. Tuesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce talks with those on the frontlines of this pandemic epidemic.

Wednesday, August 10, 2022 – Housing security in the Arctic

A film crew follows an Inuit and Gwich’in hunter as he builds a traditional Inuvialuit log cabin off the grid in the new documentary “Okpik: Little Village in the Arctic”. Those behind the film wanted to highlight an example of creating housing security with traditional methods and values at the forefront. The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the severity of the housing crisis in Indigenous communities in the Arctic, including Canada and Alaska. Climate change, rural locations, and underfunding of housing programs only exacerbates the problem. Wednesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce talks with filmmaker and singer Tiffany Ayalik (Inuit) and Kylik Kisoun Taylor (Inuvialuit), who is featured in the documentary, about the challenges and solutions.

Thursday, August 11, 2022 – The Native perspective in ‘Grounded in Clay’

For the first time in a century, Native people have a voice in how a massive collection of pottery is treated. That voice is represented in the new exhibition, “Grounded in Clay: The Spirit of Pueblo Pottery” at the Museum of Indian Arts and Culture. The exhibition gets perspectives from Native artists, storytellers, political leaders and others on a representative sample from the collection. Thursday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce hears from the organizers of the exhibition and the guest curators as they express their personal and cultural connections to the pieces.

Friday, August 12, 2022 – Saving the migratory Monarch butterfly

The fragile-looking Monarch butterfly possesses a strength and resilience that allows it to survive a migration that covers thousands of miles through the heart of the country. That resilience is now put to the test, as habitat destruction and climate change have made it necessary to officially list the insect’s status as ‘endangered’. Tribes are among those helping to protect Monarchs, for both cultural and environmental reasons. Friday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce speaks with scientists and tribal members who are on the frontlines of saving the Monarch butterfly and, in turn, our ecosystem.

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Monday, August 1, 2022 – The history and protocols of headdresses

The pictures of Pope Francis wearing a headdress spurred controversy across the globe – and on our social media channels! A Cree elder and chief gifted the high honor to the leader of the Catholic Church during his visit to Canada last week during a visit specifically to apologize to Indigenous people for the church’s role in residential school abuses. Indigenous leaders throughout history have given headdresses to numerous non-Native people including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and many U.S. presidents. Some tribes have very specific traditions and ceremonies connected to making and receiving headdresses. Monday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce discusses headdress protocols and traditions and why the headdress on the pope sparked particular concern with Dana Wilson (Crow), former member of Crow Tribal executive and legislative government; Dr. Don Pepion (Pikunni), emeritus professor of Native American studies at New Mexico State University; and Niigaan Sinclair (Anishinaabe), Winnipeg Free Press columnist and Indigenous studies professor.

Tuesday, August 2, 2022 – Heat, Monkeypox, and COVID

Heat, COVID, and Monkeypox are all health threats that have loomed over many of us this summer. As record temperatures climb, so does the rate of heat illnesses for workers and vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, COVID persists and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a global health concern. Tuesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce speaks with health experts about latest information and how to keep safe.

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 – Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial Centennial

Before Native Americans gained the right to vote, the town of Gallup, NM was celebrating the region’s Indigenous culture with events like a parade and traditional song and dance. The event has grown to include a rodeo, an arts market and representatives from tribes across the globe. Wednesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce talks with organizers about celebrating the 100th annual Ceremonial August 4th through the 14th.

Thursday, August 4, 2022 — TBD

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Friday, August 5, 2022 – Comanche warriors battle Predator

Move over Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Glover, Amber Midthunder (Sioux) is the new hero of the Predator sci-fi franchise. “Prey” will be released on Hulu Friday, August 5. The story takes place 300 years ago as a female Comanche warrior battles a Predator, a species of alien with a knack for hunting other dangerous species, to protect her tribe. The film is in English and dubbed in the Comanche language, with the help of the Comanche Nation. Friday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce talks with Amber Midthunder, her breakout co-star Dakota Beavers (Pueblo descendant and Mexican), producer Jhane Myers (Comanche and Blackfeet), and director Dan Trachtenberg about the film and how awesome it is to see how our ancestors would’ve fought back against a highly evolved alien hunter.

Monday, July 25, 2022 — Fair play: Jim Thorpe’s legacy

The International Olympic Committee recently restored the gold medals Sac and Fox athlete Jim Thorpe won at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm. The decision comes after decades of work by advocates who considered stripping the medals an injustice. Thorpe was the first Native American to win gold medals for the United States. He was an athletic pioneer, playing professional baseball, football, and even basketball. Monday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce celebrates Thorpe’s legacy and discusses his influence in American sports with Nedra Darling (Cherokee and Potawatomi), co-founder of Bright Path Strong and producer for the film Bright Path; Teresa Thorpe, (Sac and Fox, Potawatomi, and Kickapoo), Jim Thorpe’s granddaughter; and Bob Wheeler, honorary board member of Bright Path Strong, Jim Thorpe biographer, and founder of the Jim Thorpe Foundation.

Tuesday, July 26, 2022 — Rethinking blood quantum

The Sealaska Corporation just dropped their blood quantum requirement for shareholder enrollment. Members of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe voted to end their requirements in an advisory referendum. Advocates for eliminating the blood quantum hurdle say it’s necessary to ensure future generations of thriving tribal culture. Tuesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce hears from Joe Nelson (Tlingit), board chair of Sealaska, and Dr. Jill Doerfler (Anishinaabe), professor and department head of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Plus, Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), publisher and editor of Native News Online and Tribal Business News, remembers the life and work of Tim Giago, who passed away Sunday at age 88.

Wednesday, July 27, 2022 — Through the Decades: the 1990s

The U.S. Congress passed both the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and the Indian Arts And Crafts Act in 1990—two pieces of legislation with significant power to protect culture. On the international front, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation in Mexico rose up in an effort to reclaim their land and resist globalization. Dances With Wolves captured audiences’ attention with a Native cast and a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for Graham Greene. Meanwhile a new generation of Native writers and directors made their voices heard. Wednesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce remembers the Native ’90s, as part of our series Through The Decades.

Thursday, July 28, 2022 — Honoring a forgotten civil rights pioneer: Miguel Trujillo

The son of a single mother on Isleta Pueblo, Miguel Trujillo became an important figure in civil rights history. After serving as a Marine in World War II, Trujillo came home to find he could not vote in his home state of New Mexico. The state constitution barred Native Americans under the pretense that they paid no property taxes. Trujillo filed suit after he was turned away at his polling place. He won his suit, opening the door for voting rights for all New Mexico tribal members. Thursday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce honors Trujillo’s legacy.

Friday, July 29, 2022 — The Menu with Andi Murphy

Andi Murphy, host of the award-winning podcast Toasted Sister, is cooking up another edition of our regular feature The Menu this Friday. Stay tuned to our social channels or sign-up to our daily newsletter for more details.

Tuesday, July 5, 2022 — #LandBack Canada

Land Back, as a hashtag and a movement, expands beyond our U.S. borders. For Indigenous people, it means taking back positions as stewards of the land and bringing balance to the community. First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Land Back movements and initiatives are very similar to those in the U.S., but with a different history of colonialism, an era of Truth and Reconciliation, and a growing number of land management programming.

Wednesday, July 6, 2022 — Through the Decades: The 1960s

The 1960s were the genesis of Native American activism. Urban Native communities, formed by the American Indian Urban Relocation program of the 1950s, were tough and deplorable places to live. The American Indian Movement formed as a result and by 1968, the Indian Civil Rights Act was passed. This decade is also marked by the arrival of the color TV, an explosion of (rock) music, and a new style of Native art. The first episode in our new series “Through the Decades” remembers the politics, significant events, and pop culture that helped shape Native America.

Thursday, July 7, 2022 — The Native co-op business model

For those who don’t have the desire to start their own business and prefer working together, co-ops have become a popular business model. Rez Chicks Fresh Eggs Cooperative and San Xavier Co-Op Farm are two Native-run cooperatives. This Thursday, in honor of the 100th anniversary of International Day of Cooperatives, we’ll look at the pros and cons of the co-op business model.

Friday, July 8, 2022 — Summer at the Native Museum

Summer is in full effect. People are feeling more comfortable traveling and Native museum doors are open. In New Mexico, the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture is reimagining their permanent exhibit, “Here Now and Always”, and the Albuquerque Museum opened their “Traitor, Survivor, Icon: The Legacy of La Malinche” exhibit, which examines the life and influence of an Indigenous woman caught in the conflict between Spanish and Indigenous people of Mexico. And the National Museum of the American Indian is featuring Black-Indigenous artists in the new exhibit “Ancestors Know Who We Are.” In this program, we’ll preview some brand-new Native museum exhibits you can visit this summer.