Monday, October 1, 2018 – Book of the Month: “The Nightlife”
Dipping into dreams to explore deep emotions is something Osage poet Elise Paschen is very familiar with. She does it in her book of poetry, “The Nightlife.” Her style of storytelling with verse is our focus for our October Book of the Month spotlight. We visit with her about her third book which links real life and an imaged one.

Tuesday, October 2, 2018 – 40 Under 40 class of 2018
Every year for the last 10 years the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development recognizes 40 outstanding Native individuals making a difference in Native America. They are all successful business men and women, tribal leaders, lawyers, politicians and health professionals under 40 years of age. We check in with several of this year’s recipients for inspiration and insight.

Wednesday, October 3, 2018 – Disney’s Epcot presents Native artistic innovation
A new exhibit at Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion gives vacationers a taste of contemporary Native American art. “Creating Tradition: Innovation and Change in American Indian Art” includes 89 pieces of art from current and past Native artists. Pieces include Loren Aragon’s (Acoma Pueblo) “Ancient Resonance” dress, dolls by Glenda McKay (Ingalik-Athabascan) and an 1890’s Chilkat blanket. It’s a collaboration among Disney, the National Museum of the American Indian and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture. We’ll discuss how the entertainment giant approaches Native culture.

Thursday, October 4, 2018 – Questioning ICWA’s constitutionality
Three states are currently challenging the Indian Child Welfare Act. Among other things they say the law giving tribes a say in the adoption of Native children interferes with states’ authority to regulate adoption. It’s the latest trend in the efforts to dismantle the 40-year-old law. Previous challenges came from individuals—all hopeful adoptive parents claiming ICWA gives unconstitutional preference based on race. We’ll explore what these cases could mean for the future of ICWA.

Friday, October 5, 2018 – October Music Maker: Sihasin
Sihasin is back with their second album “Fight Like a Woman.” Calling on the punk rock style of expression they’re known for they jump into emotional and political issues that weigh heavy on the lives of Native people. They join us live in Studio 49 to share their hopes of empowering Native people and raising awareness through their music.

Monday, September 24, 2018 – Timber for profit in Native America
Several tribes look to trees as a means of economic development. The practice brings up environmental and even aesthetic concerns about the process of harvesting a natural resource. We’ll talk with officials from tribes that harvest trees for profit about how they balance the economic and environmental benefits that come from the forest.

Tuesday, September 25, 2018 – Music Maker: Blackhorse Blues Band
We know how much Native America takes pride in homegrown Native blues. We turn to the Blackhorse Blues Band out of California made up of Pomo and Wappo musicians who pride themselves in what they call an amped-up set of gruff and grime with some ferocious blues rock. Who knows what emotions they’ll invoke once you experience their blues? We invite you to tune in to our September Music Maker and find out.

Wednesday, September 26, 2018 – Big flavor in small game
Moose, bison and deer get a lot of attention in Native America—and rightfully so—because they are staples of Indigenous food and culture. But hanging out in the shadows of large game animals are the small ones; the little ground squirrels, rabbits, beavers and other snack-size animals that sustained Indigenous diets since time immemorial. They’re still making appearances on Native dinner tables, but not as often. In this program, we’re taking a look at small game hunting and eating.

Thursday, September 27, 2018 – Unrelenting anxiety
When anxiety goes beyond stress over an important test or speaking in public, it could be a sign of something more serious. Some people are in a constant state of worry even when there are no identifiable causes. There are several different kinds of anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and phobias. If left untreated they can affect a person’s social and work life. We’ll hear about ways to recognize clinical anxiety and explore some treatments.

Friday, September 28, 2018 – Lumbee history, identity and status
The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has been fighting for federal recognition for decades. That fight is not only waged against federal opposition, but also against other tribes, including the neighboring Eastern Band of Cherokee. The tribe has longstanding ties to their home, but their identity and the right to exercise sovereignty remain in the balance. We’ll look at Lumbee history, identity and what federal recognition would mean for 55,000 citizens.

Monday, September 17, 2018 – Combating elder isolation
Maintaining social contacts helps elders stay healthy. And it’s something elders have difficulty with. Researchers at Brigham Young University found links between social isolation and increased risks of heart disease, infections and cognitive decline. Few studies zero in on Native elders, but the problem is noticeable enough that organizations are offering ways to get elders out of the house and interacting with young people, each other and other members of the public.

Tuesday, September 18, 2018 – Coping with suicide
A suicide by a family member or friend leaves grief, depression, anger and a host of other crippling emotions in its wake. Because Native Americans have the highest rate of suicides compared to other groups, Native people are disproportionately left to cope with the loss. The gravity of the problem is spurring new and innovative ways to turn the numbers around. We’ll hear from those affected by suicide and get guidance on where to turn.

Wednesday, September 19, 2018 – The first year of high school: Myths and realities
The initial shock of the first few days as a high school freshman might be starting to wear off by now. But there are new challenges all through the school year. The transition from middle to high school is a rite of passage. Added homework, grade point averages and fitting in are all factors in the freshman experience. Some Native students have the extra hurdle of going from a tribal school to a large public school. We’ll learn some of the usual challenges to entering high school and how to work through them.

Thursday, September 20, 2018 – Native groups speak out against Kavanaugh
Brett Kavanaugh appears to be headed for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. At the same time, Native organizations and advocates are speaking out against President Trump’s nominee. The Alaska Federation of Natives issued a statement urging Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski to vote against his confirmation. The group says his confirmation would be troubling, especially for Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. New Mexico Democratic Senator Tom Udall says Kavanaugh poses a ‘real threat to bedrock federal Indian law and policy principles.’ We’ll get an update on what’s known about Kavanaugh’s record.

Friday, September 21, 2018 – September in the News
An encampment of mostly Native homeless people in Minneapolis faces a pending deadline to disperse. A young woman at the camp died from a poorly-treated health problem, raising already high concerns about safety. The top Navajo Nation presidential candidates run into some challenges. And a Navajo MMA champion is stripped of her title. Join our discussion about some of the leading Native news stories.

Monday, September 10, 2018 – The power of solar
The Navajo Nation flipped the switch on a 27.3-megawatt solar power facility last year. It’s now keeping the lights on in 18,000 homes inside the rural reservation. It’s the largest tribally owned and operated solar power project in the country. Tribes like the Navajo and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska hope to lower member utility bills, encourage sustainable energy and provide economic opportunity.

Tuesday, September 11, 2018 – Return to Attu Island
More than 75 years after the Native people of Attu Island were taken captive, their descendants are working on a way to return home. Attu is the westernmost island in the Alaskan Aleutian chain. It was the also the site of the only World War II battle on U.S. soil in 1942. Japanese soldiers took the 44 residents as prisoners. Half of them died. After the ordeal the U.S. Government prevented the remainder from returning home. Now descendants from the island residents are working on ways to regularly return to their homeland.

Wednesday, September 12, 2018 – Native coloring books
Coloring books have long since graduated from the realm of children’s activity. Some talented Native artists are adding to the increasingly popular genre. They help to promote Native pride with detailed, imaginative graphics of prominent Native people and images. It’s a way to educate and spread understanding while also appealing to the popular, relaxing pastime accessible to almost everyone.

Thursday, September 13, 2018 – Book of the Month: “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga”
by Traci Sorell
As Native people we are taught to be grateful for the gifts that come with the seasons. This month we get to jump into a story that not only teaches the importance of the seasons but gives the Cherokee syllabary a spotlight. “We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga,” written by Traci Sorell and illustrated by Frané Lessac, uses colorful imagery to show the world how this nation celebrates life and the value of expressing gratitude— Otsaliheliga in their language. Join us for this Native lesson as we visit with the children’s book author Traci Sorell as our Book of the Month feature.

Friday, September 14, 2018 – Cooking up economic opportunity
Some tribal nations are among the poorest places in the country where it’s challenging to build business. For some entrepreneurs, cooking from home or out of a food truck makes up for lack of job opportunities and lack of infrastructure in Native communities. At the same time these determined entrepreneurs provide traditional and contemporary Native foods for everyday dinners, celebrations and special events. And for some, it’s a gateway to a lucrative career.

Monday, September, 3, 2014 – Chicken scratch for the soul
Waila music, or chicken scratch, is a mix of norteño and polka dance music. It typically features a button accordion, electric guitar, and sometimes saxophones. It’s not entirely traditional but it has deep roots in the Tohono O’odham Nation. It also hearkens back to early European fiddle bands. It’s spread from there, and Tucson, Ariz. hosts a waila music festival every year. In this entertaining encore presentation, we learn about the history and characteristics of waila music and listen to some of the classics.

Tuesday, September 4, 2018 – Inviting in the world’s tourists
International visitors bring in almost $4,400 per trip to the United States on average according to the U.S. Travel Association. There are a number of tribes and organizations working for a share of those dollars. But attracting international visitors isn’t as easy as translating your website into another language. Tribes need to learn about the cultures they are trying to attract as well as offer a package of experiences instead of just one attraction. We’ll have a conversation with tribal tourism experts about what it takes to connect with international visitors.

Wednesday, September 5, 2018 – Big name adoptions
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe formally adopted Celtics point guard, Kyrie Irving and his sister. Their mother has ties to the tribe. The Crow Tribe adopted President Barack Obama. A member of the Assiniboine Sioux Tribe adopted U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and a Comanche Nation member adopted actor Johnny Depp. We’ll explore the process and legacy of some high profile adoptions.

Thursday, September 6, 2018 – The quest for wellness
Indigenous wellness might refer to something as simple as managing stress. But it might also be as encompassing as addressing intergenerational trauma. Lately ‘wellness’ is a buzzword incorporated by everyone from your company’s human resources department to the World Health Organization. It’s a concept embraced by employers and caregivers. Tribal traditions often encourage working toward physical, spiritual and emotional balance. It’s much more than just being healthy. It’s making healthy choices hour by hour, day by day. In this hour we’ll hear from health professionals about the latest methods to achieve wellness.

Friday, September 7, 2018 – Native Cinema Showcase review
Tribal justice, drag queens, sisters, Navajo politics, origin stories and grief are just a few of the themes highlighted in the films at this year’s Native Cinema Showcase put on by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Once again we’ll review some of the cinematic work by Native filmmakers and discuss the inspiration and toil that goes into each one.

Monday, August 27, 2018 – Sovereignty in action: tribal elections
The Navajo Nation primary is Tuesday. Voters will narrow down the 18 candidates for president to two. The Rosebud Sioux Tribal general election is underway and remains open through Friday. Those are two of the notable tribal elections taking place. In each case, tribal elections provide an opportunity to bring in new voices, or to stay with old favorites. They can also be contentious—even to the point of calling in outside observers to ensure a fair and credible.

Tuesday, August 28, 2018 – Taking control of health care
Three tribes are taking over the failing Sioux San hospital in Rapid City South Dakota from the Indian Health Service. The hospital had closed its emergency room and was placed on the “immediate jeopardy” list by CMS. After enduring years of substandard care, the tribes believe the best way forward is through a 638 contract under the Indian Self Determination Act. The Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Health Board will head up the move with support from the Cheyenne River, Oglala and Rosebud Sioux tribes. But the process of moving from an IHS facility to a Tribal Health Provider (638) is complex and sometimes costly.

Wednesday, August 29, 2018 – Music Maker: by Clark Tenakhongva
Hopi recording artist and tribal leader Clark Tenakhongva pays tribute to his cultural connections to the Grand Canyon in his new album, “Öngtupqa”. Many different elements—like the thunder and rain, ancestors and the animals—are the inspirations for the songs on this 10-track album. His vocals are hugged with the sound of the flute and gentle percussion and produce a soft melodic stage for story. We hear more about this special recording with our August Music Maker.

Thursday, August 30, 2018 – A new fund for Native farmers
Some $266 million from the historic Keepseagle settlement will now start making its way to Native farmers and ranchers. The Native American Agriculture Fund is up and running this month with the money left from the original $760 million settlement. The fund is made up of money that didn’t go to the hundreds of Native farmers and ranchers who complained of biased treatment by the USDA. The NAAF is already the largest charitable organization serving the Native community. Its purpose is to administer grants that support and promote Native agriculture.

Friday, August 31, 2018 – August in the news
“Here we go sister.” That’s the friendly challenge Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Nation) issued to her opponent Donna Bergstrom (Red Lake Nation) after the Minnesota primary this month. The women are facing off as running mates for opposing parties in the Minnesota governor’s race. Whichever ticket wins will make history as electing the first Native woman in the position. Theirs is just one story of many Native women running for office this year.

Monday, August 20, 2018 – TV for Native children: “Frybread Flats”
Raven’s friends include a bear cub, a beaver, a red fox, a turtle and a bald eagle. She’s the main character in the children’s TV series “Frybread Flats”. Her friends offer important life lessons like getting along with siblings. Along the way she teaches both the Cheyenne and Arapaho languages during the show. The production is the first of its kind for the Cheyenne and Arapaho Television channel. It’s one of a growing number of children’s shows for and about Natives.

Tuesday, August 21, 2018 – Increasing urgency over VAWA
If Congress doesn’t act on an extension offered by Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas), the Violence Against Women Act will expire September 30th. The extension bill would include some key updates that include expanding the Special Domestic Violence Criminal Jurisdiction. The previous reauthorizations passed with bi-partisan effort, but is there enough support on both sides this time around?

Wednesday, August 22, 2018 – Through the Generations: Asset-building and land
Tribes hold more than 56 million acres of land in trust. Much of it comes with a complex set of legal and tribal expectations making it tricky to leverage the land’s intrinsic value. Elders and other tribal leaders are working to create paths for current and future land stewards to tap into the value of land while also preserving traditional practices.

Thursday, August 23, 2018 – For the love of volunteering
For decades, various studies have confirmed that volunteering is good for you. It has measurable health benefits like lowering stress and increasing a sense of purpose. It’s also good for Native communities. Many tribal organizations call on volunteers to fulfill their missions and help people—from feeding elders to increasing literacy. The Cherokee Nation has a volunteer program to help elders around the house. Many reservations have volunteer programs to collect and distribute donated food.

Friday, August 24, 2018 – Definition of Resilience: Native hip-hop heals
Thomas X turned to composing hip-hop songs to cope with the aftermath of the Red Lake school shooting. Hip-hop helped Tall Paul connect to his language and restore his identity. Those are two of the stories of resilience through song portrayed in the Indigifi audio documentary “Definition of Resilience”. We’ll talk to the producers and hear from those who found healing through music.

Monday, August 13, 2018 – Help for grandparents raising grandchildren
Grandparents usually welcome the chance to dote on their grandchildren. But taking them in on a full time basis is another story. President Donald Trump signed the Supporting Grandparents Raising Grandchildren Act into law in July that could offer some relief. It creates a federal task force that focuses on supporting grandparents. It also creates a one-stop resource center that connects elders to social services. Native American grandparents are most likely to live with and take care of their grandchildren According to The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2014 American Community Survey. The agency also found from the 2000 Census that about a third of Native elders live in poverty and only a quarter of those utilize social services.

Tuesday, August 14, 2018 – Voting rights in San Juan County, Utah
San Juan County, Utah remains at the center of disputes over the collective voting power of Navajo residents. Just last week, a judge forced elections officials to return Navajo county commission candidate Willie Greyeyes to the November ballot. The judge admonished the county clerk for falsifying the official election form alleging Greyeyes lived outside the district. The county also faced contempt charges for not complying with a court order in December mandating officials redraw district boundaries. The judge said the existing boundaries were gerrymandered to contain Navajo voters. And, the Navajo Nation recently filed an election complaint with the state over what they see as voting irregularities during the June primary.

Wednesday, August 15, 2018 – What’s the word for….?
Dictionaries are a handy reference. Native language dictionaries are also a resource for those learning or re-learning their languages. The process of creating a Native language dictionary can be a difficult and time-consuming task. The Crow Language Consortium hoped to document 10,000 words at a recent 10-day session specifically for collecting words from fluent speakers. They ended up with 15,000. The words will go into an online and print dictionary. We’ll learn more about how various tribes are working to write down their languages.

Thursday, August 16, 2018 – Writing for young adults
Angst, drama, and identity issues are common themes in young adult fiction. It’s a genre rich with willing readers offers thousands of new titles every year. Native authors. We’ll talk with two Native writers—one seasoned and one newly published—about getting into the minds of young people and the process of writing for them.

Friday, August 17, 2018 – Live from the Santa Fe Indian Market
We’re packing up Studio 49 and heading to the largest gathering of Indigenous artists in the world. The Santa Fe Indian Market, put on by the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts, is in its 97th year. It brings in an estimated 100,000 visitors to the city. The event has grown over the years to include events like Native Art Week and the Haute Couture Fashion Show. We’ll talk with some of Native America’s notable artists about how this juried arts market elevates their work.

Monday, August 6, 2018 – Trademarking Native culture
A Chicago-based Hawaiian restaurant chain, Aloha Poke Co., wants an exclusive copyright on restaurants using the words “aloha” and “poke” in their names. They sent a cease and desist notice to several businesses including a small, Hawaiian-owned restaurant in Anchorage. The legal confrontation sparked complaints on social media and elsewhere about a corporation trademarking Native words and names. With so many Native words and images used for everything from state and city names to cars, are there any legal protections?

Tuesday, August 7, 2018 – Protecting Chaco
The Trump Administration abandoned plans for oil and gas leases near Chaco Canyon in New Mexico after objections from tribes and environmental groups. But the U.S. Dept. of Interior is moving ahead with leases of a 98,000 acre stretch of land just outside of the Chaco Culture National Historical Park despite similar opposition. Legislation in Congress to establish a moratorium on mineral extraction until further environmental and cultural review has failed to gain traction. So far, tribes are losing the decades-long fight to limit drilling in one of the area’s most important cultural landscapes.

Wednesday, August 8, 2018 – 150 years of the Fort Laramie Treaty
“The government of the United States desires peace, and its honor is hereby pledged to keep it.” The words hand-written into the Treaty of 1868 indicated the stated intention to bring about peace among the U.S. Government and northern Great Plains tribes. Instead, the document sowed discord that continues today. The treaty created what was then called the Great Sioux Reservation, a geographic boundary you won’t find on any modern map. We’ll talk with historians and experts about the original promise and the legacy of the historic treaty.

Thursday, August 9, 2018 – Crow Fair centennial
The Crow Fair in Montana is one of the largest and longest-running powwows in the country. It draws tens of thousands of dancers and spectators from across Turtle Island to the Apsáalooke Nation. This year marks its 100th anniversary. It all started when a U.S. Government Indian agent decided to bring the western idea of a county fair to the Crow Nation. Among other accomplishments, it features the largest gathering of teepees in the world.

Monday, July 30, 2018 – Book of the Month: “When A Ghost Talks, Listen” by Tim Tingle
Ghosts, the Choctaw Trail of Tears and time travel provide the setting for Tim Tingle’s (Choctaw) latest book, “When A Ghost Talks, Listen.” In the second installment of the “How I Became A Ghost” series, ten year old ghost, Isaac, learns he can time travel. He returns to important moments in history to witness the events that shape the future of the Choctaw nation. We’ll speak with Tingle about the series, and how blending history with story creates moving and entertaining young adult fiction.

Tuesday, July 31, 2018 – Research: by us, for us
Research can provide vital information about a community including the prevalence and causes of diseases. Data collection, tests, analysis and surveys help zero in on solutions as well as problems. Unless studies specifically focus on Native Americans, research sample sizes are often too small to provide useful conclusions. A growing number of Native researchers are working to fill that gap by studies in their own communities in culturally appropriate ways.

Wednesday, August 1, 2018 – When hate fuels crime
A survey released last year by the Bureau of Justice Statistics found an average of 250,000 people a year experienced hate crimes in the United States. But only a fraction of those are reported to police and even fewer ever result in a prosecution. Hate crimes are on the rise according to the latest numbers available from the FBI. But inconsistent enforcement and worries that divisive political rhetoric is fueling added violence against Native Americans and other protected classes of people have prompted journalist groups and others to try and document hate crime trends.

Thursday, August 2, 2018 – Living with your liver
The number of liver disease deaths among young people is climbing. That’s the troubling conclusion of a new study published in The BMJ that finds the increase is most noticeable for people aged 25 to 34. One of the main factors is alcohol-related (cirrhosis), but other diseases, like fatty liver disease are also culprits. We’ll find out how you can know whether your liver is healthy and some ways to improve the health of this very vital organ.

Friday, August 3, 2018 – The public education gap for Native students
A New Mexico District Court judge ruled the state is violating the rights of Native American students and other underrepresented children by not meeting their educational needs. In a number of districts around the country, Native students are near the bottom when it comes to performance. As we look ahead to the start of the new school year, we’ll talk about efforts to work with states to close the achievement gap for Native students.