Monday, November 25, 2019 – A setback for Bolivia’s Indigenous population
The first Indigenous president of Bolivia, Evo Morales (Aymara), is in exile in Mexico. He resigned under pressure by the military shortly after he declared himself the victor in a contentious election to his fourth term in office. His supporters are calling it a coup but there are vastly divergent narratives about the situation and what led up to it. The self-appointed interim president is linked to anti-Indigenous comments and has already cracked down on protests calling for Morales’ return. We’ll talk with experts about the Morales’ legacy and the future of Bolivia.

Tuesday, November 26, 2019 – Music Maker: The Hu
The Mongolian metal group The Hu is currently making its way across the country, playing to a growing Native American fan base. Each time the group steps on stage they create a blend of riveting metal and throat singing. The band calls their unique and energetic sound Hunnu Rock, referencing the Hunnu Mongolian empire. Many of the lyrics on their album, “The Gereg,” are a call to warriors.

Wednesday, November 27, 2019 – A victory for repatriating cultural patrimony
After years of effort, the Pueblo of Acoma took possession of a sacred item from an overseas auction house. It’s one of very few successful repatriation attempts by tribes to get sacred items returned from foreign sellers intent on profiting from Native cultural patrimony. The Acoma shield was missing for decades before it showed up in 2015 at the EVE Auction House in Paris, an establishment notorious for selling off hundreds of Native items, some of which are sacred. Since then, the pueblo, along with the U.S. Department of Justice and political leaders worked to get it back. We’ll talk with Acoma leaders about what it took to see their sacred item returned and some ideas for other tribes fighting to return items.

Thursday, November 28, 2019 – Bringing bison back
Tribes, both in the U.S. and Canada, are on the forefront of restoring healthy, sustainable bison herds. In October, several tribes joined the growing number of those signing onto what’s known as the Buffalo Treaty. The agreement—first drafted in 2014—aims to ultimately restore the iconic animal’s range to more than 6 million acres and recognize its historical and cultural significance. Officials with the Badlands National Park in South Dakota just released four bison to a newly expanded bison range for the first time in more than 150 years.

Friday, November 29, 2019 – November in the news
The Native American Journalist Association is taking on the New York Times after the news organization’s problematic coverage in a story about Canadian Inuit people. We’ll talk with NAJA director Francine Compton (Sandy Bay Ojibwe First Nation) about the organization’s complaints. Also we’ll check in with New Republic reporter Nick Martin (Sappony) about his analysis of the South Dakota meth marketing campaign fail. Those issues and more on our regular news roundup.

Monday, November 18, 2019 – Native in the spotlight: Dr. LaNada War Jack
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the occupation of Alcatraz. It was a 19 month long protest on the island in the San Francisco Bay by Native activists claiming the land in the name of broken treaties. We’ll spend the hour with Dr. LaNada War Jack (Shoshone Bannock) was one of the founding protesters occupying the island. We’ll chat with her about her time on the island, and the years afterward fighting for tribal sovereignty and rights.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019 – Tribes and climate change
As the United States announces its official exit from the Paris Climate Agreement, we’ll take time to revisit some of the tribes fighting the effects of climate change. The Trump Administration officially notified the United Nations of the intention to pull the U.S. out of the accord next November. Meanwhile, scientists continue to sound the alarm over the current and looming problems associated with climate change, and project Native people all over the world will suffer the affects disproportionately. Tribes are among those already facing urgent crises linked to the warming planet. We’ll get updates from tribes and organizations about the work they are doing to handle the effects of climate change.

Wednesday, November 20, 2019 – The future of coal in tribal economic development
Navajo Nation president Jonathan Nez pulled backing for the Navajo Transitional Energy Company, after the company announced it’s purchase of coal mines in Wyoming and Montana. In a press release President Nez said he’s worried about “the viability of expanding our interests in a coal market that appears to be dwindling.” The Trump Administration vows to revive the coal industry. At the same time the U.S. Environmental Information Administration reports a steady decline in the number of coal companies. What’s next for tribes, like the Navajo Nation, that are transitioning away from coal?

Thursday, November 21, 2019 – Commercial tobacco: smoking your last cigarette
Native Americans have the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking in the country, according to reports by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. As a result, they also have a higher risk of developing tobacco-related illnesses, like heart disease and lung cancer. The CDC acknowledges the potential electronic cigarettes have as an alternative to smoking, but now recommends against them following a string of deaths and lung injuries from vaping. The Oglala Sioux Tribe banned the use of electronic cigarettes. For the Great American Smokeout day we’ll talk about the importance—and difficulty—of smoking cessation.

Friday, November 22, 2019 – Book of the Month: “Indigenous Food Sovereignty in the United States”
“Indigenous Food Sovereignty in the United States: Restoring Cultural Knowledge, Protecting Environments, and Regaining Health” is a collection of writings from different Indigenous cultural advocates. Some of those offering their perspectives on why it’s time to revitalize Indigenous food systems are those who prepare the food. There are also works from those who have a close eye on the land and social structures that affect the way the natural environment produces the foods Native nations need for sustainability. We hear from editors and contributors of this wealth of food sovereignty knowledge.

Monday, November 11, 2019 – Warrior tradition
Despite pervasive mistrust of the U.S. government, Native Americans are well represented in the military. A new documentary premiering on PBS, Warrior Tradition, examines the history of Native American military service and explores the reasons Native men and women enlist at higher rates than other populations. We’ll hear directly from veterans and also talk with those involved with the film.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019 – The wrong message for Native college students
The president of the University of Arizona got an education of his own after insisting he had Native ancestry because of his “high cheek bones.” Robert C. Robbins was speaking to a class of Native students when he mentioned his online DNA test must be wrong because it did not show any Native heritage. He prefaced the remark by saying he didn’t want to “pull an Elizabeth Warren.” He’s since apologized, but many on campus are left wondering how those in the highest ranks of academia can still be so tone deaf. Native students are using the opportunity to elevate the conversation about making college campuses more welcoming.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019 – Can prison reform benefit Native offenders?
Oklahoma released more than 400 non-violent inmates from prison earlier this month. Most of them had a little over a year left on their sentences. It’s the result of reform efforts to reduce overcrowding, cut costs and promote self-sufficiency for low-level prisoners. It calls attention to other reform ideas to try and end the cycle of incarceration for Native Americans and other populations that are over-represented in the prison system.

Thursday, November 14, 2019 – Maori connection with Native American knowledge
A cross-cultural program connects Maori master’s students with Native Americans to provide international context for leadership training. A delegation of two dozen students and faculty from New Zealand’s University of Canterbury’s School of Maori and Indigenous Studies explore the similarities and differences in Native governance, social structure, language, arts and economic opportunities. Members of the group will share what they’re learning and how they see the program benefits their work to connect with and improve their own cultures.

Friday, November 15, 2019 – Eight years of Rock Your Mocs
It started as a way to show Native pride. Now in its 8th year, the Rock Your Mocs celebration has grown well beyond its social media hashtag origins. Every year the Rock Your Mocs day adds events and inspiration around the country. We’ll hear from one of the original founders, Jessica “Jaylyn” Atsye (Laguna Pueblo), about what’s new and ways the message is resonating with Native nations.

Monday, November 4, 2019 – Bridging the broadband divide
Tribes have an upcoming opportunity to secure wireless channels to dramatically increase the speed and coverage of broadband access. The federal government is giving tribes priority to bid on access within what’s known as the 2.5 GHz band spectrum. But the time frame to submit applications is brief and some tribes are having trouble completing the complex process in time.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019 – Responsible rock climbing
Technical rock climbing is a sport for adrenaline junkies. It’s also a way to keep fit and enjoy the outdoors. But it also often comes up against concerns and sometimes outright prohibitions by tribes wanting to protect cultural resources. The Navajo Nation has a ban on rock climbing within its boundaries. We’ll hear from Native climbers about the benefits of climbing and the best practices for reaching new heights.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019 – Reviving voices from the past
Century-old recordings combined with state-of-the-art technology are giving some tribes new perspectives on their languages and songs. Wax cylinder recordings of songs and stories from the late 1800s took a roundabout journey and are now providing new insights for the Passamaquoddy tribe, which has few fluent speakers left. Many other tribes are also hearing the voices of their ancestors documented during the birth of analog recording but revived using technology perfected only recently.

Thursday, November 7, 2019 – Trapping for food and fur
The methods and equipment have changed over the years, but trapping remains a practice with a long history for Native Americans. Experienced trappers see it as a viable option for sustenance and animal population management. The sport is highly-regulated to protect endangered animals and to ensure humane standards. We’ll hear about modern trapping and its connection to longstanding cultural practices.

Friday, November 8, 2019 – The budding agritourism business
Picking your own apples, tracing your dinner from farm to table and even touring gardens and vineyards are all elements of agritourism that some Native business owners are cashing in on. Tribes and individual farmers , agritourism is a way to build interest in the culture surrounding food while also satisfying the hunger people have for learning about food and connecting to it.

Monday, October 28, 2019 – Mounting pressure to remove dams
Tribal leaders from the Yakama and Lummi nations called for the removal of several dams along the Columbia River in Washington State. The tribes are concerned about dwindling salmon populations and the concurrent decline of orcas. Other tribes, like the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla in Oregon and the Yurok and Pit River Tribe in California, have also fought to remove dams. We’ll check in on the efforts to get rid of dams and hear about how they affect tribes and tribal land.

Tuesday, October 29, 2019 – October in the news
Some members of tribes along the Mendocino County coastline of California are risking jail time and fines to gather abalone and other traditional food and materials for ceremony. Efforts to curb poaching are also preventing tribes in the area from traditional practices. We’ll talk with reporter Deb Utacia Krol about her piece in High Country News on the subject. Also, the National Congress of American Indians Convention is a wrap. We’ll check in with Indian Country Today’s Jourdan Bennett-Begaye to get the highlights for our regular news round up.

Wednesday, October 30, 2019 –Book of the Month: “Standing Up to Colonial Power” by Renya Ramirez
Winnebago author Renya Ramirez offers a non-fiction narrative of her grandparents with “Standing up to Colonial Power: The Lives of Henry Roe and Elizabeth Bender Cloud.” Both of her relatives pushed back against settler colonialism to open a door for Native rights to break down oppression. From federal policy to the courts, these two individuals drew from their Native cultures to improve the lives of future generations and establish rightful authority over the systems that work against progress for Native Nations.

Thursday, October 31, 2019 – Native and afraid
What scares you? Some Native artists tap into the darker sides of creativity, focusing on graphics, films and fantasy fiction that explores ghouls, monsters and the paranormal. This Halloween, we’re celebrating the frightening side of Native art and imagination and talking to some Native artists about bringing horror to light.

Friday, November 1, 2019 – imgaineNATIVE Festival wrap-up
What organizers call the world’s largest celebration of Indigenous film, media and arts is wrapping up its 20th year in Toronto. This year’s line-up included nearly 130 films and video works, dozens of workshops and panel discussions and a week of Indigenous creativity. We’ll get highlights from the 2019 Imaginative Festival and feature some of the up-and-coming artists.

Monday, October 21, 2019 – Live at NCAI: Juvenile justice
Native youth are over-represented in state and federal juvenile justice systems. In addition to the perpetuation of historical trauma, juvenile facilities have a long way to go to adequately meet the needs of Native young people. It’s the first day of the National Congress of American Indians annual conference in Albuquerque, New Mexico and we are broadcasting live with a focus on traditional healing, Juvenile Healing to Wellness Courts, research, and other ways that juvenile justice institutions can go beyond punishment to maximize the likelihood of success for young people.

Tuesday, October 22, 2019 – Live at NCAI: Sovereignty, social justice and political power
As the National Congress of American Indians annual conference is in full swing in Albuquerque with a busy slate of agenda items, from sovereignty to border security to upcoming elections. NCAI is taking this week to chart the priorities for the coming months and get input on what is important from members’ standpoints. We touch in on some key topics and get insights from those closest to the discussions.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019 – October Music Maker: Def-i
Navajo MC Def-i‘s album, “Dream Trails” opens with a cinematic sound that quickly accelerates with the rapid word weaving he’s known for. Listeners get a glimpse into the many trails the artist has traveled to share his message that resonates from New Mexico to Africa. Hip-hop greats like Kool Keith and JFK Ninjaface make an appearance on the album. So do Native women artists like E-Turn, Dawta Magma, Honey and Liv the Artist. Well get the distinct privilege to re-visit the inspirations and collaborations that went into making the album and what’s next for Def-i.

Thursday, October 24, 2019 – Dream of Wild Health
Dream of Wild Health wants to improve the health and well-being of Native people. The Minnesota non-profit operates a 10-acre farm where it teaches young people and others about traditional food, the economics of agriculture, leadership skills and healthy eating. Through educational programs and partnerships with a number of tribes and other like-minded groups, Dream of Wild Health promotes traditional food knowledge, sustainability and access to healthy foods. We’ll hear from the organization’s staff to get a deeper look into the group’s mission.

Friday, October 25, 2019 – A conversation with Dr. Ann Bullock
Dr. Ann Bullock (Minnesota Chippewa Tribe/Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) is one of the nation’s leading voices on diabetes research. While the statistics on diabetes and Native Americans is troubling, Bullock will be the first to highlight some of the positive developments in fighting the disease. Bullock is the director of the Division of Diabetes Treatment and Prevention at the Indian Health Service. She is passionate about improving the health of Native people. We’ll talk with her about her life and what drives her work at IHS.

Monday, October 14, 2019 – Indigenous Peoples Day
New Mexico is commemorating its inaugural Indigenous Peoples Day this year. So are Wisconsin, Washington, D.C. and Maine. The idea to set aside a day to recognize Native people rather than Christopher Columbus is growing. While celebrations are in order, the day doesn’t come without some backlash. In Flagstaff, a group of Native people are planning to boycott the city’s first Indigenous Peoples Day celebration, citing concerns over policies and data that indicate a lack of concern and collaboration with Native residents. We’ll get a status report on Indigenous Peoples Day from community leaders and others.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019 – Jurisdiction and justice for violence victims
The complicated legal agreements between federal, local and tribal agencies can hinder enforcement of sexual assault cases on reservations. A new documentary, “A Broken Trust” interviewed dozens of sources and accessed exclusive data about cases on two reservations. It paints a stark picture of failed communication, misguided policy and woeful underfunding that jeopardizes the safety of residents. We’ll explore the complexities of jurisdiction and the Trust Responsibility when it comes to protecting people and finding justice for victims of violence.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019 – Learning from museum collections
A unique partnership between the Poeh Cultural Center and the National Museum of the American Indian may serve as a model for other institutions with collections of Native items. The Poeh Center is the conduit for members of the seven Tewa pueblos to interact with and share knowledge about dozens of pueblo pots. NMAI is loaning the pots—some are more than 150 years old—to the Poeh Center so more pueblo members can view them and share additional knowledge. The pots are starting to make their journey ‘home’ this fall in what the Poeh Center and NMAI are calling a ‘co-stewardship.’ We’ll hear about how the relationship came about and what it offers for tribes and museum collections.

Thursday, October 17, 2019 – Take care of your teeth!
The American Dental Association finds Native Americans have significantly higher rates of oral disease. There is usually adequate access to dental care, but many Native people don’t know how or where to go. It’s Dental Hygiene Awareness Month—a good time to review the basics of oral health care. We’ll talk with dental experts about why oral dental health is important for your overall health.

Friday, October 18, 2019 – Celebrating Native achievement in Hollywood
Two notable Native actors are getting recognition for their work. Cherokee actor Wes Studi will receive an honorary Oscar at the 11th annual Governors Awards. He is the first Native American actor to receive the award. Studi’s Dances With Wolves co-star, Tantoo Cardinal (Cree/Métis), is receiving a lifetime achievement award at the Santa Fe Film Festival. She recently landed a key role in the ABC series, Stumptown. We’ll take time to honor their recognition and celebrate the achievements of Native professionals in Hollywood.

Monday, October 7, 2019 – George Morrison’s artistic legacy
George Morrison (Anishinaabe) traveled in the same artistic circles as Abstract Expressionists Franz Kline, Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. But he worked hard at avoiding labels and ended up being a significant influence on Native art and beyond. His son Briand Morrison says his father erased the boundaries of what is considered ‘Native art.’ His work included colorful landscape paintings, sketches of geometric patterns, and intricate wooden sculptures. In this hour we’ll hear about his life, work and legacy.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019 – Young activists speaking for the environment
Sixteen-year-old Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg’s notoriety recently scolded world leaders over inaction on climate change at the UN General Assembly. Autumn Peltier (Anishinaabe) is a young First Nations environmental activist who also recently used the UN platform to speak up about the lack of clean water for Indigenous people in Canada. Xiuhtezcatl Tonatiuh Martinez is part of a group of young people suing the U.S. Government over climate change. Young Indigenous people are finding their voice and risking backlash, speaking up over climate change. Is their message being heard?

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 – Avoiding mistakes in the classroom
This is the time of year when teachers dust off their Native American curriculum on history and culture. Classroom activities for younger students might include model tipis or wigwams. Older students might be required to argue the pros and cons of European colonization. Educational units on Native Americans continue to evolve, but there remain relics that resort to construction paper headdresses. We’ll talk with Native educators about how teachers can utilize more inclusive and accurate lessons.

Thursday, October 10, 2019 – Native romance novels
Romance novels are known for their simple plot lines and cheesy, overly dramatic cover illustrations and happy endings. But romance sales outperform all other fiction genres. The trouble is a noticeable lack of honest Native American portrayals. If Native people are ever featured in romance novels, they typically end up as some version of a 1950s Wild West movie stereotype. The Romance Writers of America acknowledged the genre’s decided lack of multicultural understanding in a statement last year, saying “members from the historically marginalized groups have felt unheard, unseen, and unrepresented.” But some Native authors are taking to the genre with complex, realistic Native characters, with details that Native readers might relate to. Native romance novelists will talk to us the business and process of writing Native love stories.

Friday, October 11, 2019 – Rivers are relatives
The Klamath River has the same rights as people according to a new law passed by the Yurok tribal council. In 2017, a New Zealand court decision granted person status to the the Whanganui River after the longest-running litigation in the country’s history. Maori tribal members consider the river their relative. Indigenous people all over the world praise efforts to grant legal person status to rivers. But it also sets the stage for environmental legal battles.

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.