Monday, October 24, 2016 – October Music Makers: The Osceola Brothers
Three siblings out of the Seminole and Kiowa Nations will rock out for our monthly spotlight. The Osceola Bothers talk about their debut release “Out of Nowhere.” Cameron, Tyson and Sheldon Osceola—all under the age of 20—play like they have several decades of experience. Their banging guitar riffs and ripping lyrics make the group’s mark on the Native music industry.

Tuesday, October 25, 2016 — The slow pace of breast cancer awareness
You may have noticed everything around you turning pink. That’s because it’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Has anything changed since a 2009 study showed no improvement in cancer death rates in 20 years?

Wednesday, October 26, 2016 – Thanksgiving in the classroom
It’s coming up on the time of year when teachers are looking for ways to bring Native American history into the classroom. November is Native American Heritage Month and there are usually discussions about the indigenous side of the Thanksgiving holiday. We’ll speak with one family with a particularly bad experience and discuss some good alternatives for teaching Native heritage.

Thursday, October 27, 2016 — What is sexy?
When you look at another person, what do you find attractive? This is something that is different for everyone and it changes from generation to generation. There are many aspects of attraction between the sexes that are traditional and sacred. How does that fare with a public that’s comfortable with Tinder and the HBO show “Girls”? What are some traditional views of attractiveness we could use right about now?

Friday, October 28, 2016 October in the News
The election is coming on fast and the political fault lines continue to shift. Despite all the money spent in one Montana congressional race, a Native American challenger is losing ground in a recent poll. Is it possible Native American woman might actually make the difference in some races? We also get an update on the fallout from a disturbing video that shows a vehicle plowing through a group of Columbus Day protesters in Nevada. Why wasn’t the driver arrested right away?

Monday, October 17, 2016 – The tipping point for political change
Activists in North Dakota are camping out and going to jail to resist the Dakota Access Pipeline plan. Meanwhile lawyers for tribes and environmental groups chip away at the legal boundaries of the project in the courts. Whether you want to stop a pipeline, restore traditional hunting and fishing rights, or strengthen domestic violence laws, what strategies actually produce results?

Tuesday, October 18, 2016 — Tackling HPV
We’ll talk about the connection between cervical cancer and the sexually-transmitted disease, human papillomavirus, or HPV. A vaccination recommended for girls when they’re 11 or 12 years old is producing results, but participation among Native Americans lags behind other groups.

Wednesday, October 19, 2016 – Treating pregnant addicts
Three states have laws against illegal drug use during pregnancy, so seeking treatment can land a woman in jail. But without treatment, women risk causing significant harm to the fetus. Access, motivation and stigma are also barriers for those considering treatment for addiction. We’ll look at programs aimed at helping pregnant addicts and some of the barriers to implementing them.

Thursday, October 20, 2016 – Making school science fun
We’re taking a look at the innovative and interesting ways teachers are getting Native American students excited about science. This is the first in a four part series focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) education. Native students’ math and science scores are well below those of white students. How can innovative science and math programs help students become future scientists?

Friday, October 21, 2016 – The ups and downs of frybread
Frybread is so ubiquitous it’s become a symbol of Native cuisine. But there’s another way of looking at it: frybread ingredients come not from tradition, but from the reservation rations and commodity goods provided by the federal government. And the high fat count and low nutrient content makes frybread a factor in obesity and high rates of diabetes in our Native communities. What do you think about frybread?

Monday, October 10, 2016 – A day for Indigenous people?
Phoenix, Yakima, Wash., and San Diego are among the latest U.S. cities to declare the second Monday in October Indigenous Peoples Day. Is there enough momentum to change the national holiday named for the man who Native Americans credit with ushering in occupation by Europeans?

Tuesday, October 11, 2016 — Free speech to keep an offensive team name
The Washington NFL team lost the latest round in their claim for federal trademark protection for their team name. The U.S. Supreme Court turned down the appeal challenging the law against copyrighting disparaging names. The team’s lawyers say the law violates their First Amendment rights. Is this the beginning of the end for the controversial mascot?

Wednesday, October 12, 2016 – Community Spirit Awards
This year’s Community Spirit honorees are recognized for their basket art, music, weaving, helping their community cope with loss and honoring those who died. We’ll hear from some of the award winners about why their Native culture is important to them. Are you inspired by someone in your Native community?

Thursday, October 13, 2016 – What’s your major?
From “bakery science” to “Egyptology,” colleges and universities offer an increasing variety of areas to focus study. But does your college major really matter? Some degrees certainly offer a leg up in the working world. What goes into picking a college major? Are you afraid of choosing the wrong one? We get guidance from the experts.

Friday, October 14, 2016 – October Book of the Month: “Wisdom Keeper” by Ilarion Merculieff
This month we feature Ilarion Merculieff’s new book “Wisdom Keeper: One Man’s Journey to Honor the Untold History of the Unangan People.” It’s part memoir and part history book. The author offers his insight to help tribal nations and readers face the changing world—including the transformation of the planet through climate change. The work is also a tribute to the many Native knowledge-holders that have shared their stories and culture with the author. We invite you to turn through the pages with us as we visit with Unangan author Ilarion Merculieff.

Monday, October 3, 2016 – Safety on the job
Americans spend more than 2,000 hours a year at work on average. With that much time on the job, accidents are bound to happen. In fact, nearly 3-million non-fatal injuries happen at work each year. The injury rate for Native Americans is higher than the general population, because they statistically take on more dangerous jobs.

Tuesday, October 4, 2016 — Scholarships
Now is the time for college students to start thinking about financial aid for college. The clock to fill out your federal financial aid form started this week. We explore the world of scholarships, deadlines, and financial aid. Is the possibility of a $2,000 scholarship worth the time it takes to write an essay?

Wednesday, October 5, 2016 — Tourism as an economic resource
Overseas tourists are a big source of revenue for some tribes. It’s such an economic boost that the International Trade Administration have the American Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association $200,000 to help boost European tourism in Native communities. What are the benefits and pitfalls of encouraging outside visitors?

Thursday, October 6, 2016 — Hunting for meat and culture
Autumn ushers in big game hunting season in many states. For us, hunting is a matter of sustenance, ceremony, sport and celebration. Hunting traditions come from a time before boundaries and wildlife management. How do we carry on hunting traditions? What are the new traditions in your community?

Friday, October 7, 2016 – Sovereignty in Paradise
The path to Native Hawaiian recognition remains murky. Department of the Interior just provided some clarity when it established new rules for a government-to-government relationship with Native Hawaiians. It offers recognition similar to that of Native Americans if Native Hawaiians form an autonomous government. We’ll hear different perspectives on the debate.

Monday, September 26, 2016 – Alaska’s sacred resources
The Gwich’in community are among the Alaska Natives that traditionally hunted and lived on what is now the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. It remains a significant area for them. Petroleum resources within ANWR, though, put pressure on how best to use the land. In our periodic exploration of sacred places, we’ll check in on the promises for and threats to ANWR and other culturally significant areas in Alaska.

Tuesday, September 27, 2016 – Voting in Native America
This presidential election promises to bring a lot of people to the polls; will you be one of them? Historically, Native Americans are less likely to be registered to vote, and even less likely to show up at the voting booth. The people behind Native Vote Action Week hope to improve those troubling statistics. Are you registered to vote?

Wednesday, September 28, 2016 – Music Maker: Shining Soul
Shining Soul, with Tohono O’odham, Diné and Chicano roots, has a new album, “Politics Aside.” Once deemed “Arizona’s Public Enemy” the Hip Hop trio takes their musical inspiration inward, but don’t hold back on substance. And you can still dance to it. The album contains over a dozen tracks that wrangle in urban styles with lyrics that resonate in their Indigenous communities.

Thursday, September 29, 2016 — The White House Tribal Nations Conference
It’s President Barack Obama’s 8th—and last—conference with tribal leaders. We will go over the important moments from the conference. We’ll also discuss the importance of the past White House gatherings and the future of tribal relations with the next president. What is Obama’s legacy with Native America?

Friday, September 30, 2016 — Harvest time: nuts and berries
Picking wild berries and harvesting nuts is an important part of Native food culture. There’s still value in using one’s hands to gather food even though it’s a lot easier to buy an overflowing plastic container full at a grocery store. Is it berry season in your Native community? Are you gathering acorns right now?

Monday, September 19, 2016 – The Magnificent Jonathan Joss
Native actor Jonathan Joss plays Denali in the upcoming remake of the Magnificent Seven. The high profile role comes after a steady series of appearances in TV shows like Parks and Rec and Ray Donavan and characters in movies like the Coen brothers’ True Grit. He’s probably best-known for his long-running role as Jon Redcorn in the animated series King of the Hill.

Tuesday, September 20, 2016 – Internships: the job before the job
It’s the age-old dilemma for young people starting out in the workforce: To get a job, you need work experience. But to get experience, you need to do the job. Internships offer the opportunity to get some experience, often along with college credit. We’ll speak with experts about internships available to Native students as well as the value they provide.

Wednesday, September 21, 2016 – Native in the Spotlight: Joseph FireCrow
It took losing, then re-finding his passion for Northern Cheyenne flute player Joseph FireCrow to be mature enough to live up to what he calls “the standards of what a Flute Man is.” To commemorate his performance at the Native American Music Awards, we’ll talk with him about his music, career and the instrument he loves.

Thursday, September 22 2016 – Longmire
“Longmire” is one of the very few TV shows that feature Native actors and storylines in nearly every episode. We celebrate the Native side of “Longmire” and get a behind-the-scenes look into the popular mystery series.

Friday, September 23 2016 – September in News
One journalism instructor took his students to the camps at the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation to observe first hand the news about the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. We’ll ask what they learned and what other people should know about it. Also, how closely does a Native American candidate have to adhere to Native issues in order to get elected? Those are some of the topics we take a look at as we consider what’s making news in Native America.

Monday, September 12, 2016 – Taking a stand at Standing Rock
A federal judge’s decision Friday dashed the hopes of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the many people assembled to fight the Dakota Access Pipeline project. Then the Obama Administration unexpectedly halted work in order to address “important issues raised by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other tribal nations.” Did the movement to stop the pipeline bring not just a victory for Standing Rock, but open to the door to long-awaited reforms for Indian Country policy?

Tuesday, September 13, 2016 — When people go hungry
The counties with high Native American populations are among the places with the highest rates of hunger in the U.S. according to the Map the Meal Gap project by the nonprofit Feeding America. We’re taking time during Hunger Action Month to talk about what’s being done to address food insecurity and hunger in our Native communities.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016 – September Book of the Month: “The Pueblo Food Experience Cookbook”
We welcome one of the editors of “The Pueblo Food Experience Cookbook: Whole Food of Our Ancestors,” Roxanne Swentzell from Santa Clara Pueblo. The book unlocks many of the savory tastes of the Southwest. The recipes and narratives promote healthy living with use of pre-contact ingredients that readers are encouraged to grow themselves.

Thursday, September 15, 2016 – Man-made earthquakes?
The largest earthquake in state history shook the ground just outside the Osage Nation in Oklahoma this month. The U.S. Geological Survey is looking into whether fracking wastewater injection wells are the cause. What role do Native Nations play in protecting people, property and the environment from the possibility of earthquakes caused by humans?

Friday, September 16, 2016 — Accepting our bodies
The body positive movement inspires people to love their bodies whether they’re 300 pounds or 90 pounds, short or tall. The concept is mostly geared toward plus-size women, but also encourages positive attitudes regardless of race, gender or disability. At a time when Native Americans are struggling with obesity and diabetes, is it healthier to feel good about ourselves or strive to slim down?

Monday, September 5, 2016 – Remembering Jim Northrup
Ojibwe writer, Vietnam veteran and Anishinaabe culture advocate Jim Northrup combined personal tragedy with a dry wit. He had a keen sense of observation that turned into poems, books, and his popular newspaper column, “Fond du Lac Follies.” Northrup walked on Aug. 1 after battling cancer. We honor his memory by talking with the people who knew him best.

Tuesday, September 6, 2016 —Confronting sexual harassment
From the head of Fox News to tribal council chambers to the everyday office environment, sexual harassment is a pervasive problem. Branches of the Navajo Nation are reviewing their policies and training after the only female delegate recently went public with harassment allegations. We’ll brush up on what sexual harassment is and how to prevent it.

Wednesday, September 7, 2016 – Standing up for patriotism?
Do you stand with Colin Kaepernick? The San Francisco 49ers quarterback decided to remain seated for the national anthem during football games. He says it’s in protest over the United States’ treatment of people of color. His actions are creating a national conversation about patriotism, free speech and racism. It’s customary to stand during veterans’ songs at Native gatherings. Are you ambivalent about honoring the Stars and Stripes?

Thursday, September 8, 2016 – Challenging the Bering Strait migration theory
A recent study finds the timeline for the Bering Strait ice bridge migration theory doesn’t hold water. On this show, we’ll discuss competing views about how the Americas were originally populated. Is the Native perspective included?

Friday, September 9, 2016 — Stressed out over stress
Many of us get stressed out about work deadlines that come and go. But when we’re stressed all the time, it can lead to some serious health problems like weight gain or even heart disease. We’ll learn some common causes and symptoms of stress. We’ll also ask the experts about the best ways to cope.

Monday, August 29, 2016 – Why support the arts?
Some of the major art markets are wrapping up for the year. But for the artists, the work continues all year long. Many artists are constantly hustling, taking part-time jobs and branching out with other talents, just to put food on the table. A lucky few can get some breathing room with grants or fellowships. What does it take to have a thriving artist community in Native America?

Tuesday, August 30, 2016 — The good and bad of youth sports
Young people who play sports get exercise, learn to work as a team and develop their coordination. But there is also a downside, such as injuries, overbearing parents, and the cost in time and money. Many parents are thinking about sports this time of year as schools and park programs start up fall soccer, football and basketball leagues. We’ll celebrate our young Native athletes and also discuss the rule book on safety and good behavior.

Wednesday, August 31, 2016 – August Book of the Month: “LaRose” by Louise Erdrich
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa author, Louise Erdrich has given audiences many pages throughout the years filled with extraordinary stories about life and the families and communities that they know best. We turn to her latest novel, “LaRose.” It starts off with tragedy and winds into a detailed story of people who reveal their raw self to face the world.

Thursday, September 1, 2016 — Elder care in Native America
It’s the Native way to take care of elders within the family. But these days many families turn to nursing homes or other elder care centers for help. We ask those whose job it is to care for elders what to look out for. We also get tips on ways all of us can prepare for late-life care.

Friday, September 2, 2016 – Worst. Job. Ever.
It’s your time to spill the beans about bad bosses, horrible working conditions and mean coworkers. Many of us have Monday off to celebrate Labor Day. We’ll take a moment to share stories of bad job experiences. We’ll also discuss how to call it quits at a bad job.

 

Monday August 22, 2016 – Can the Dakota Access Pipeline be stopped?
Protesters near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation hope to stop the momentum toward building the nearly 1,200-mile Dakota Access Pipeline carrying crude oil from the Bakken oil fields to Illinois. They set up at the Camp of the Sacred Stones and are raising awareness of the issue, filling social media with videos and pictures. Meanwhile, lawyers on both sides are battling in the courts.

Tuesday, August 23, 2016 – Starting college the right way
This is the time of year when young people are heading off to college for the first time. There are a lot of details and new experiences for incoming freshmen: financial aid, class schedules, dorm roommates, and missing home. Beyond the basics, what do Native students need to know to be prepared?

Wednesday, August 24, 2016 — At the Native Cinema Showcase 2016
We put the spotlight on some of the Native filmmakers whose films recently graced the big screen. The Native Cinema Showcase, during Santa Fe Indian Market, highlights recent works. We discuss films, the movie industry and how Native Americans fit into the world of cinema.

Thursday, August 25, 2016 — “You are cordially invited…” to a traditional Native American wedding
They’re not the typical Western weddings with the puffy, white gowns, tuxedos and tiered cake. Many young Native American couples are opting for the traditional ceremony. What does it take to put on a traditional wedding?

Friday, August 26, 2016 – August in the News
The protest against the Dakota Access Project gathered steam, although organizers complained about unfavorable media coverage. They took their messages to social media. That’s one of the topics on the table as we check in on recent news. Also, the Navajo Nation sues the EPA over last year’s Gold King Mine spill, an Arizona court deals a blow to a Gila River Indian Community custody case, and the presidential candidates continue to ignore Native American issues.