Monday, December 25, 2017 — Music Maker in review
Tiger Lee, Raye Zaragoza, Tha Yoties, and Radmilla Cody. Those are just a few of the dozen Music Makers we’ve featured on Native America Calling over the past year. We’re picking out our favorite moments and some choice tunes to liven up your holiday. Sit back and turn up the volume as we hear some graceful melodies and driving beats from some notable Native musicians. This is a pre-recorded show so we won’t take live calls, but feel free to reach out to us on our web page NativeAmericaCalling.com, on Facebook or Twitter.

Tuesday, December 26, 2017 — Native in the Spotlight: Pomaika’i Lyman
Pomaika’i Lyman (Kanaka Maoli) draws her musical inspiration from her late grandmother, “Aunty” Genoa Keawe, an iconic Hawaiian musician who performed in Hawaii and across the world. Pomaika’i’s voice and traditional Hawaiian ha’i melodies have been compared to her grandmother’s. We’re shining the spotlight on Pomaika’i to find out what’s next for her singing career and why she feels it’s important to keep the family’s musical legacy going.

Wednesday, December 27, 2017 — Jewelry: a woman’s touch
Native jewelry makers create wearable art that connects to their culture. In many tribes, men are the ones who work the metal and set the stones for earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. But there are now many Native women jewelry craftspeople. Some perfect traditional designs and materials. Others introduce new, modern elements. We’ll talk with several female jewelry makers about what inspires their expression.

Thursday, December 28, 2017 – Beating the odds: a conversation with Nicco Montaño
Nicco Montaño (Navajo) is the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s first women’s flyweight champion. What’s even more impressive is she won the championship bout with a broken foot. Afterwards her hometown of Lukachukai, Ariz. welcomed her with a parade and a potluck lunch in her honor. The TV show, Ultimate Fighter: A New World Champion followed her journey to the championship title. We’ll talk with Montaño about her passion for mixed martial arts and what it takes to win in the sport.

Friday, December 29, 2017 – December News
As we get ready to ring in the New Year, we’ll also catch up on the news from Native America. From national policy to tribal politics, we take time to regularly speak with journalists, newsmakers and others about the important issues of the day. We’ll also share our top 10 Native news stories from 2017. Join us for our regular news round-up.

Monday, December 18, 2017 — The enduring apocalypse theme
The end of the world as we know it is a popular topic for filmmakers, writers and artists. Current real life events are also fueling apocalyptic discussions. In recent years the scientists and others who control the Doomsday Clock moved the perceived threat to its highest level since the mid-80s. Indigenous people have their own prophesies and signs of the end. They also have unique histories of resilience in the face of colonization, disease, war and foreign invasion. We’ll take on the End of Times from a Native perspective.

Tuesday, December 19, 2017 — Shifting gender discussions
“She,” “he,” “zhe” or “they”? Gender fluidity, transgender, cisgender, non-binary, genderqueer? Just keeping up with the preferred words to talk about someone’s gender is increasingly complicated. In Native America those descriptions are sometimes put into one term: “two-spirit.” We’ll talk about how awareness of gender fluidity is changing for Native Americans and everyone else. We are also asking how those with less-defined gender identity are finding ways to fit in.

Wednesday, December 20, 2017 – Pebble Mine: The Alaska Water Wars
Once nearly dead, the proposal to build a massive open-pit copper and gold mine on pristine wetlands in southwest Alaska is gaining new momentum. The Trump Administration is more favorable to the Pebble Mine project and the company pitching it is promising it will be smaller and more environmentally responsible. Some Alaska Natives representing villages closer to the proposed mine site say it offers much-needed jobs. But resistance against the mine remains strong, especially near the commercial fishing hub of Dillingham. Opponents say just building the mine would damage critical salmon spawning habitat and an accident could be disastrous to the billion dollar fishing industry. We’ll talk with representatives from both sides and hear from a reporter who just completed a five-part series weighing the threat to the environment and Indigenous cultures with the promise of economic benefit.

Thursday, December 21, 2017 – Radio’s next act: Native podcasts
Standing Rock, Native media, and even Indigenous food are some of the topics that a rising crop of Native podcasts tackle. The approaches range from serious and analytical to funny and personal. Media experts say audio podcasts can help bring marginalized issues to light by cutting out the gatekeepers between producers and the audience. At its most basic, all it takes to start is a microphone and something to record on. Edison Research finds about 40 percent of the population has listened to a podcast at least once. Are you one of them? What are your favorite podcasts?

Friday, December 22, 2017 — The new Native TV characters
The Netflix show, “Longmire,” has come to an end. The modern Western police drama broached several Native issues including the Violence Against Women Act, tribal jurisdiction and adoption of Native children by non-Native families. We’ll discuss the show’s triumphs and failures and also hear about some other promising projects that Native screenwriters and actors are bringing to the small screen.

Monday, December 11, 2017 – Monumental rollback: protecting Bears Ears
Both sides claim overreach by the federal government. Five tribes and a dozen environmental organizations filed legal challenges almost immediately after President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that dramatically cuts back the area under protection for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. President Obama created Bears Ears National Monument a year ago. A coalition of tribes pushed for the action because of threats to sacred and culturally significant areas by mineral extraction, vandalism and looting. Trump’s action is a setback for tribes, but is it a violation of the century-old Antiquities Act that was created to stop plundering land important to Native Americans?

Tuesday, December 12, 2017 — Native American puppets have a hand in teaching
On his video podcast show, Nana Boozhoo talks about rez life and he plays blues and rock music. He also teaches audiences about Ojibwe language and culture. Nana Boozhoo is not a person, but a puppet. “What makes it so fun is that I keep seeing myself in it,” said Michael Lyons, Nana Boozhoo’s creator. “Some of it is very true to life.”

Wednesday, December 13, 2017 – Remembering Dennis Banks
The American Indian Movement. The Alcatraz Island occupation. The Wounded Knee takeover. The Longest Walk. These are some of the notable events that propelled Native American issues onto the national stage during a critical time. Ojibwe activist Dennis Banks is closely associated with all of them. The towering and sometimes controversial figure walked on in October. He’s known for his early, in-your-face activism that exposed federal corruption and bias against Native Americans. He spent his last years quietly raising awareness against the scourge of addictive drugs, domestic violence and other destructive influences on reservations. We’ll talk with his friends and family members about his life and accomplishments.

Thursday, December 14, 2017 — The fight for Mauna Kea
The Office of Hawaiian Affairs is suing the state and the University of Hawaii. OHA wants to terminate a lease that would allow development of the Thirty Meter Telescope on Mauna Kea. The office says the university’s oversight of the land amounts to “longstanding and well-documented mismanagement.” It’s the latest action in the ongoing battle over the controversial proposed $1.4 billion project on the mountain many Native Hawaiians consider sacred. Hawaii state officials gave the green light to the telescope construction in September.

Friday, December 15, 2017 – Book of the Month: “Fall in Line, Holden” by Daniel W. Vandever
In this month’s book feature, “Fall in Line, Holden” by Daniel W. Vandever, a young Navajo boy uses his imagination to help him cope with the challenges of boarding school. The book’s author from the Navajo Nation says the story is meant to not only encourage young readers though discovery, but it’s also his take on facing a dark moment in Native history and the boarding school era.

Monday, December 4, 2017 – Stopping elder abuse
Elders may hold high status among Native Americans, but that isn’t always enough to protect them from abuse. They are the victims of financial theft and physical and emotional abuse, often at the hands of family members. There are few concrete statistics, but experts say elder abuse is a real and serious problem in our Native nations. Their best protection is from other family members, health care workers, law enforcement officials and even neighbors who know what to look for.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017 — Native skin care
The cold, dry air of winter takes a toll on a person’s skin. Harsh weather is one of the things that can exacerbate conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Millions of people also suffer from acne, fungal infections and sunburns. We’ll talk about skin care and hear from some Native entrepreneurs whose products focus on using traditional, Native ingredients.

Wednesday, December 6, 2017 — Clean drinking water
Access to safe drinking water is an issue for thousands of Native people in the Southwest. Mining for uranium and other minerals, toxins leeching into well water, and inadequate infrastructure all play into water availability. Federal agencies, universities and environmental groups like the Navajo Water Project are trying to address contaminated ground water by researching contamination sources, studying health effects and bringing in clean water from elsewhere. As part of a series on toxic exposure in the Southwest, we’ll get an update on the problems and how people are working to fix them.

Thursday, December 7, 2017 – Native contributions during World War II
Alaska Natives picked up arms, forming citizen militias to guard against a possible foreign invasion. That is among the many Native contributions to the war. As the nation takes time to remember the bombing of Pearl Harbor, we’ll honor some of the contributions by Native Americans and Alaska Natives to World War II. We’ll talk with a descendent of a Navajo Code Talker, a Cherokee Nation veteran, and learn more about the Alaska Territorial Guard.

Friday, December 8, 2017 – Music Maker: Randy Wood
Saddle Lake Cree First Nation singer Randy Wood is helping us wrap up another great year of Native music as our December Music Maker. In this hour we get to hear his style of round dance that not only keeps in line with the traditions and teachings of his tribal roots but also gives people something to smile and move to. Several of the songs are dedications to people who have influenced Randy’s life and music.

Monday, November 27, 2017 – Health and wellness the Indigenous way
A converted school bus that helps steer Navajo kids away from sugary drinks. A health advocate fights the food desert, one package of healthy food at a time. Native tradition helps an urban population switch to healthier eating habits. Those are some of the scenarios we learn about in the National Native News series, Health and Wellness: the Indigenous way. Producer Antonia Gonzales worked in conjunction with New Mexico In Focus for the series of reports about what is healthy and what are some of the obstacles for getting there.

Tuesday, November 28, 2017 – Your turn: enduring Standing Rock memories
“Standing Rock.” “Water Protectors.” “Water is Life.” They are among the words and phrases that are permanently linked to a moment in time. The memories of those who were there paint a picture of what remains an important series of events for Native people. Some prepared food for others at the camps. some found themselves injured from encounters with police. Still others have yet to learn the outcome of criminal charges against them. We’ll hear some of the firsthand accounts from Standing Rock.

Wednesday, November 29, 2017 — Coping with high school stress
Grades, personal relationships, finding a date for prom. Those are among the triggers for student stress. Some of the causes for stress may seem trivial to adults, but a 2014 study by the American Psychological Association finds stress can take a toll on teens’ healthy eating habits, sleep and school performance. We’ll explore the causes and potential solutions for stress in school. Coping with stress may be one way to improve Native students’ chances for reaching graduation.

Thursday, November 30, 2017 – Music Maker: The Snake Oil Salesmen
The Snake Oil Salesmen have blended rock and folk with a touch of twang since 2011. They like to call themselves musical healers and honest storytellers. Our musical spotlight for November comes after the release of their new album, “Dead and Breathing.” We’ll dive into the tunes the band says are meant to bridge the gap between fireside tales, kitchen parties and the world of rock and roll.

Friday, December 1, 2017 — Sound Off: Disrespect at the White House
Monday’s event honoring Native American Code Talkers should have been a solemn occasion to honor the heroic efforts of Native veterans. It was also a chance for President Trump to send a message of inclusiveness and respect to Native nations. Instead, with one word, the president managed to unite Native leaders, organizations and citizens against him. What can Trump do now to make amends to veterans and others he offended? Does anyone expect him to do it?

Monday, November 20, 2017 – Caring for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease
Caring for a family member with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, can be a difficult journey. Family members can undergo radical personality changes. They can become confused, depressed and even argumentative. It’s not always clear how to respond. In our Native Nations there is emphasis on the importance of elders, but is there enough information out there about how Natives can navigate this devastating disease? We’ll talk with experts about what caregivers and family members can do take care of family members with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Tuesday, November 21, 2017 – Education through music
The Mana Maoli nonprofit is giving youth in Hawaii a chance to experience the world of music through their project Mana Mele. It focuses on academics, business and culture and gives youth exposure to the music industry and all of its facets. We go to the heart of this music and multimedia academy to learn what happens when you put the power of music in the hands of the youth. What doors become unlocked when music becomes the center stage when we are young?

Wednesday, November 22, 2017 — No thanks for Thanksgiving
As millions of people get ready to feast on turkey, mashed potatoes, yams and stuffing, there are those in Native America who could care less. In fact, some Native people view the holiday as a reminder of the start of colonization. In this program, we’ll talk to Native people about why they say “no thanks” to Thanksgiving.

Thursday November 23, 2017 — Indigenous Comic Con re-broadcast
We’re going to revisit one of our favorite recent shows from the Indigenous Comic Con. The event at Isleta Resort and Casino was a successful gathering of Native comic book creators, filmmakers, authors, artists and enthusiasts. Our live broadcast from the con touched in with comic book creators about why telling Native stories through action-packed sagas is important.

Friday, November 24, 2017 – November in the News
What’s a better way to spend the day after a holiday than to catch up on the news from Native America. From national policy to tribal politics, we take time to regularly speak with journalists, newsmakers and others about the important issues of the day. Join us for our regular news round-up.

Monday, November 13, 2017 — The ANWR oil drilling debate resumes
Congress is taking steps to open up the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR) in Alaska to oil and gas drilling. Opponents have turned back similar efforts before, but Republicans in Congress and the Trump Administration are generating momentum for the idea. Alaska Native voices are on both sides of the issue. Some Alaska Native corporations stand to benefit from oil development. Others say it’s a fragile ecosystem and home to traditional food sources and sacred places.

Tuesday, November 14, 2017 – The last chance for Cobell settlement payments
The deadline is near for those eligible to receive cash payments from the U.S. government over the historic Cobell settlement. Many people who have money coming to them don’t know they’re on the list. November 27th is the last day to file a claim stemming from the case. After that the money goes into the Cobell Education Scholarship Fund. Those working to find recipients estimate some 35-thousand tribal members and their descendants remain eligible but have not applied. We’ll talk about the process to file a claim and cover some of the history of how we got here.

Wednesday, November 15, 2017 — Urban vs. rural
The number of Native Americans living in urban areas has grown substantially in recent decades. Urban and rural life each has its advantages and disadvantages. Access to health care, jobs, culture and family life all play into the decision on where to reside. The official definition of rural and urban can change depending on who you ask. A recent report that attempted to rewrite the definitions had to reexamine their work after people complained. We’ll look at the importance of urban and rural designations and why people choose one over the other.

Thursday, November 16, 2017 – NAGPRA: 27 Years of Repatriation
Before the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) federal museums had no mandate to return the remains of native ancestors or their cultural items. On the 27th anniversary of the law’s enactment, we take a moment to look how it has helped Native Nations. We’ll also consider where the act has come up short. Has NAGPRA helped your tribe bring home those that were kept in museum collections? What’s ahead for those who call on NAGPRA to protect Native culture?

Friday November 17, 2017 – Managing wild horses
Wild horse populations on tribal lands are flourishing. And that’s a problem. The horses compete with livestock and wildlife for food and other resources. Tribes also complain the horses consume plants that have spiritual and nutritional importance. The animals contribute to soil erosion that also harms rivers and other waterways. Wild horse adoptions are down and slaughtering the animals remains controversial. We’ll explore how tribes confront wild horse management with limited budgets and cultural constraints.

Monday, November 06, 2017 – November Book of the Month: “Hero Twins” by Dale Deforest
The action starts in 1860 when an order is given to the Calvary to retrieve something they feel is extraordinary. From there the narrative takes us into the story of Changing Woman and the beginning of the Hero Twins saga. Native Realities Press issue number one of the “Hero Twins” comic by Navajo illustrator Dale Deforest is out and we are bringing you closer to the adventure with our November book of the month.

Tuesday, November 7, 2017 — Women make less money
Native American women are some of the lowest paid employees in the country, according to a new study by the American Association of University Women. The gender pay gap happens for a variety of reasons including the types of jobs women and men gravitate towards, education, and child rearing. The authors of the study say the gender pay gap is closing but it’s going to take years, even decades for women to reach pay equity with men.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017 – Native in the Spotlight: Shayai Lucero
Shayai Lucero’s (Acoma/Laguna) paternal grandfather told her that whenever you act inappropriately you get a mark on your hands that only the Creator can see. The goal is to meet Creator with as few marks as possible. This is one of the cultural teachings that guides her actions. In a TED-X talk, Lucero recalled turning to those teachings to guide her response to angry, racist incidents. We’ll hear about her approach which involves culture, heart and humor.

Thursday, November 9, 2017 – Masculinity at ‘toxic’ levels
“Toxic masculinity’ is a concept being used by opinion columnists and academics to tag bad behavior by everyone from Harvey Weinstein to President Donald Trump. Discussions link toxic masculinity to issues as serious as gun violence, and as mundane as shaggy beards. We’ll talk with a group of Native men about what it means to be a man, what guidance Native traditions provide and what masculinity has to offer when it stays this side of poisonous.

Friday, November 10, 2017 — Live from Indigenous Comic Con
If Moonshot, Blanket of Butterflies, and the Baker twins sound familiar, you might be nerdy enough to fit in at the second annual Indigenous Comic Con. We’ll be broadcasting live from the event that features Native artists, filmmakers, writers, game developers, cosplayers and fans. This year the 3-day gathering is at the Isleta Resort & Casino outside of Albuquerque.

Monday, October 30, 2017 – Jill and N. Scott Momaday on Return to Rainy Mountain
Kiowa poet and author N. Scott Momaday and his daughter, Jill, retrace his life and the footsteps of their ancestors in the documentary film Return to Rainy Mountain. N. Scott Momaday is the the Pulitzer Prize winning author of such books as “House Made of Dawn,” “The Ancient Child,” and “The Way to Rainy Mountain.” Jill wrote, produced and directed the film, which is airing on PBS stations.

Tuesday, October 31, 2017 – The lessons of spiders
It’s a creepy, crawly time of year and there are few creatures that spark fearful reactions as much as spiders. But the arachnid is also a critical part of many traditional origin stories. Spiders also have lessons to teach in many cultures. Spider Woman is critical to the Navajo creation story. For Lakota, it is Iktomi, a trickster who takes many forms and often plays the role of a fool.

Wednesday, November 1, 2017 – The slow progress of boarding school reconciliation
In Canada, an apology, $2 billion, and a truth and reconciliation commission are all part of addressing the disastrous effects of residential schools. In the U.S., there are individuals and non-profit groups working towards boarding school reconciliation, but nothing from a government level. The legacy of boarding schools is still something that many Native Nations are struggling to address.

Thursday, November 2, 2017 — After the hurricane: Indigenous people in Puerto Rico
More than a month after Hurricane Maria tore through Puerto Rico, some people are still without electricity and clean water. More than 50 people died because of the storm. Indigenous people from Puerto Rico are among those who are struggling to return to normal. Puerto Rican and Indigenous Taino people on the mainland are working to muster financial support and direct aid.

Friday, November 3, 2017 – Looking ahead to retirement
Native Americans save the least amount of money for retirement compared to all other groups. That’s the sobering statistic from the Social Security Office of Retirement and Disability Policy. Researchers say it’s because Native people face “substantial economic challenges.” Fortunately, Native elders have a network of tribal-run programs they can utilize during retirement that include Meals on Wheels and help with winter heating.

Monday, October 23, 2017 – Hard to keep up on health care
Funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program expired in September. The $150-million Special Diabetes Program for Indians is getting by on a three-month extension. Now, President Donald Trump ended subsidies to health insurance companies provided under the Affordable Care Act. As the future of federal health care policy remains a question, we’re once again asking: where do Native Americans fit into this fight? We’ll talk with experts to try and sort through the status and future of health care.

Tuesday, October 24, 2017 — Sovereignty “sham”?
The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is embarking on a novel business partnership with a pharmaceutical company. The company pays the tribe to hold the patents for a profitable drug. In exchange, the tribe’s sovereign immunity prevents generic drug makers from getting at the drug’s formula. Some members of Congress are now drafting laws to prevent such agreements. The tribe is also suing business giants Microsoft and Amazon for patent infringement. It’s one of several instances in which tribes leverage sovereignty in business deals. Is this a new and innovative revenue-generating model? Or is the idea headed for a legal defeat? We’ll sort out the prospects.

Wednesday, October 25, 2017 — Subsistence hunting in Alaska
Hunting and fishing are a necessity for many Alaska Natives. It’s part of their culture and identity. For the federal and state entities that manage subsistence hunting, the topic is made complicated by unique land issues and rights. In this program, we’ll discuss the constant battle Alaska Natives face to preserve their right to hunt and fish to sustain themselves and their families.

Thursday, October 26, 2017 — Horror
Some people enjoy subjecting themselves to the gore and suspense of horror movies and books. It’s a genre where some Native American artists are also finding a niche. The monsters, blood and supernatural villains are creeping their way into Native film and literature. Some of the stories even reference Native traditions. As we head into Halloween, we hear from some Native horror creators and fans about what makes Native horror special.

Friday, October 27, 2017 – October in the news
From national policy to tribal politics, we take time to regularly speak with journalists, newsmakers and others about the important issues of the day. We’ll devote the hour to catching up on major news events throughout Native America. Join us for our regular news round-up.