Monday, November 09, 2015 – November Book of the Month: “The Reason You Walk” by Wab Kinew
This month we connect with First Nations journalist and musician Wab Kinew (Midewin). He offers his take on Native culture and its ability to provide strength even in some of the darkest hours in his memoir, “The Reason You Walk.”

 
Tuesday, November 10, 2015 – The Native Hawaiian election
Voting is under way right now among the nearly 100-thousand Native Hawaiians. The election is both historic and contentious. For the first time since the U.S. government took control of the islands more than a century ago, Native Hawaiians have a chance to regain sovereignty.

 
Wednesday, November 11, 2015 – Reducing Meat Consumption
The American Heart Association, American Cancer Society and most recently the World Health Organization (WHO), have suggested Americans reduce their red and processed meat consumption to stay healthy and reduce the risk of getting cancer. Have we listened? Not really.

 
Thursday, November 12, 2015 – White House Tribal Nations Conference 
Tribal leaders came together for the seventh–and perhaps the last–White House Tribal Nations Conference. This year’s conference focused on Native youth with Generation Indigenous initiative.

 
Friday, November 13, 2015 – What’s Your Job as Native Artist?
We are live from the campus of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, New Mexico to hear from Native artists. We want to know what they feel their job is. Do artists serve as a source of education for the masses? Or do they embark on a more personal journey of self expression?

Monday, October 26 – Domestic Violence Shelters
Leaving an abusive relationship can be a difficult journey, particularly if the victim lives with her abuser. A domestic violence shelter may be the only option. For Native American women those options are limited. Does your community have a domestic violence shelter?

Tuesday, October 27 – Redface in the Entertainment Industry
A burlesque performer drew protests for wearing a buckskin bikini and feather headdress. A Seattle actress takes to the stage in a cartoonish Native American costume as a way to educate people about cultural misappropriation. We’ll hear from performers who say they’re on the right side of donning what’s known as “redface”. Just what are the boundaries of Native American dress and imagery?

Wednesday, October 28 – October Book of the Month: “A Is for Acorn: A California Indian ABC”
Lyn Risling (Karuk/Yurok/Hupa) and Analisa Tripp (Karuk) are introducing the world to Native American California culture through the pages of a children’s book, “A is for Acorn: A California Indian ABC.” Each letter of the English alphabet is connected to an aspect of Native culture, like B for basket—featuring designs similar to many of the tribes that call California home.

Thursday, October 29 – October in the News
Republicans align with tribal sovereignty over oil drilling, more cities and states recognize Indigenous Peoples Day, and tribes seek a presidential declaration to protect land. These are among the recent news events we’ll take a look at. Three Native journalists will join us with their insights on the stories that got their Native communities buzzing. What hot news item got your community talking this month?

Friday, October 30 – The “Indian Burial Ground” Trope
Halloween is nearly here and many TV shows are unearthing seasonal episodes with spooks and ghouls. One popular plot line is the “Indian burial ground” trope that usually includes characters becoming cursed or haunted because they unwittingly desecrate a Native American burial ground. Join us as we examine shows and movies that rely on exaggerated or just plain wrong interpretations of Native culture. Where did the fascination with Indian burial grounds come from?

 

 

Monday, October 19 – Native American Energy Act: What It Means For Native America
Republicans muscled a bill through the U.S. House of Representatives that would give tribes more control over how to use resources on tribal land. The Native American Energy Act (H.R.538) affords tribes more sovereignty when it comes to drilling for gas and oil or mining coal. It streamlines the clearance process by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  Do you think a clearer path to energy resources development is a good idea? What controls should tribes consider to protect the environment?

Tuesday, October 20 – Setting the Record Straight
magine getting thrown out of a history class for sticking up for what you know to be true. That’s what happened to student Chiitaanibah Johnson (Navajo/Maidu) when she was ejected from her California State University, Sacramento American history class. Johnson disputed her instructor’s refusal to use the word “genocide” when referring to the historical treatment of Native Americans. What is the best way to go about expressing differences over history and facts?

Wednesday, October 21 – October Music Maker: Primeaux & Mike
Verdell Primeaux (Oglala Sioux/Ponca) and Johnny Mike (Navajo) have teamed up once again on the new CD “Road to Peace.” This time they are lending their voices to a more contemporary intermingling of sound–including teaming up with hip-hop artist Twista. Although they’re bringing a new sound into Native America with their songs, both singers fall back on their traditions and cultural understanding as they move through the notes.

Thursday, October 22 – Domestic Violence and the Violence Against Women Act
American Indian and Alaska Native women experience much higher levels of sexual violence than other women. The U.S. Department of Justice finds they are more than 2.5 times more likely to be raped or sexually assaulted than women in the U.S. in general. Is the Violence Against Women Act helping domestic violence rates? Is the act protecting Native women as intended?

Friday, October 23 – Recreational Marijuana: Good Economic Venture or Bad Business?
The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in South Dakota is making strides to open the first tribal recreational marijuana resort by the end of the year. They already have several strains of marijuana plants growing in a specialized lab. Do you think recreational marijuana is a good business or a risky one for tribes to venture into? What role should tribes play in the growing efforts to legalize marijuana?

 

 

 

Monday, October 12 – Scary Storytelling
With Halloween just around the corner, we turn our attention to scary stories. Do you have a scary tale of your own to share?

Tuesday, October 13 – Sharing Stories of Recovery
For many, sharing their journey from addiction to sobriety is part of the recovery process. Can sharing stories about addiction help others? Are there any drawbacks to sharing those experiences?

Wednesday, October 14 – Photography in Native America
Photographs tell stories and help us document our lives and preserve memories. What makes good photography stand out from the millions of photos snapped every day on cell phones?

Thursday, October 15 – Stop Wasting Food!
The USDA and the EPA are teaming up with  charitable organizations to cut national food waste in half by 2030. Join us to learn how you can reduce food waste in your home.

Friday, October 16 – Native Fitness
Well for Culture is an Indigenous-based movement to redefine fitness. Today we talk about dietary challenges Native Americans face and the movement to relate Native culture to healthy living.

 

 

Monday, October 5 – Assimilation in Native America
Republican presidential candidate Rand Paul recently said on a national radio program that he thinks “assimilation is an amazing thing.” What does it mean to you to assimilate? How do you feel when politicians speak about assimilation of Native Americans or other groups of people?

Tuesday, October, 6 – Fighting Forest Fires
Firefighters and forestry officials work to prevent and address forest fires. What are the best strategies today for combating wildfires? Join our conversation about forest fires and the firefighters who work on the front lines.

Wednesday, October 7 – Charity Drives
Many people donate to local charities during the holiday season. Do families in your community rely on charity drives to make ends meet? What makes a charity drive effective?

Thursday, October 8 – Addiction Killing Tradition
Addiction can have a devastating impact on individuals and communities. Join our conversation about the impact of addiction on traditional and cultural practices in Native communities.

Friday, October 9 – Chronic Pain
Chronic pain can last for weeks, months or years. Are you or a family member affected by chronic pain?

Monday, September 28 – Understanding Stroke 
Stroke is the seventh leading cause of death for American Indians and Alaska Natives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Has someone in your family been affected by stroke? What questions do you have about strokes?

Tuesday, September 29 – Defining Student Success
Students take many tests every year, but are tests the best way to measure student learning? How can schools measure student success from Indigenous perspective?

Wednesday, September 30 – Book of the Month: “Conflict Resolution for Holy Beings”
Mvskoke Nation artist Joy Harjo is known for her moving poetry. We invite you to join us as we hear her observations on life during our September Book of the Month program.

Thursday October 1 – Alzheimer’s & Dementia: Taking Care of the Caretaker
Caretaking can be phycially and emotionally challenging. Do you care for a family member with dementia? How do you cope with the challenges of caretaking?

Friday, October 2 – Change for the School Lunch Program?
In 2010, Congress passed the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act, which changed many aspects of child nutrition programs, including the National School Lunch Program. Now there’s room for change as Congress considers reauthorization. Do you want to see changes made to school lunches, breakfasts and snacks?

 

Monday, September 21 – End-of-Life Health Care
People who are facing serious, life-ending illness, are often overwhelmed with information and decisions about treatment options. What happens when family members don’t agree on the best course of action for someone with a serious disease? What cultural considerations should doctors consider when speaking with Native American patients about this difficult topic?

Tuesday, September 22 – Dialects
The exact definition of a dialect is often debated, but generally it is viewed as a variation within a language defined by geographical region. There are many different dialects in Native American languages. How are dialects part of learning languages in our Native communities?

Wednesday, September 23 – Natives in Science Fiction
Star Wars Episode Seven is coming soon. A lack of diversity in science fiction is a concern for many.  In this hour, Native authors and filmmakers talk about redefining what it means to be Native in science fiction.

Thursday, September, 24 – Pan Indianism
Many say the term Pan Indianism comes from Native Americans who worked together in order to maintain cultures when they moved away from reservation lands.  Is it a good or bad thing for Native communities today?

Friday, September 25 – September Music Maker: Fawn Wood
Native recording artist Fawn Wood (Cree/Salish) is known for her inspirational harmonies. She comes from a strong singing family and has extended an invitation to other powerful voices to join her on her latest album “Kikāwiynaw,” which translates to “our mother.” Join our conversation with this Native artist.

Monday, September 7 – **Pre-recorded** Inspiring Native Youth
More than 1,800 young people gathered in Washington D.C. this year for the annual United National Indian Tribal Youth(UNITY) Conference. They represented more than 200 tribes and Indigenous communities. Join us as we share highlights from the gathering.

Tuesday, September 8 – Wild Rice in Native America
A group called the 1855 Treaty Authority demonstrated an exercise in treaty rights by ricing last week on a Minnesota lake without a permit. Join our conversation about the cultural and political significance of wild rice.

Wednesday, September 9 – Language Programs Across Native America
There are many creative and exciting approaches to preserving, reviving and continuing our tribal languages. Some programs use immersion, while others utilize technology.Does your community have a Native language program?

Thursday September 10 – Lady Backup Singers
At powwows you may see women standing behind the men singing at a drum, singing in a slightly higher tone with them. The Lakota call it “Wicaglata” meaning “women backup singers.” What does it mean to hear a lady’s voice backing the male singers and the drum?

Friday, September 11 – Research in Native America
It is often challenging to find research on Native Americans. Today we talk about the importance of research and how it benefits tribes.

 

 

Monday Aug 31 – Museum Round Up
Many Native museums are gearing up for new exhibits this fall.  What are you favorite museums

Tuesday, September 1 – XXX: Porn Addiction
Dirty magazines, nasty movies and x-rated Internet sites may or may not be a part of your life. How do you think porn affects the way we view sex in society today?

Wednesday, September 2 – Meth in Native America
Methamphetamine, or meth, is a stimulant that can have long-term, damaging effects on people who use it. Has meth hurt someone you love? Today we talk about meth addiction in Native communities.

Thursday, September, 3 – Native Filmmakers in the Spotlight
The 15th annual Native Cinema Showcase recently took place during Santa Fe Indian Market. Join our conversation with Native filmmakers who were featured this year.

Friday, September 4 – Sound Nutrition
Every day we are bombarded with messages about what to eat. Where do you get information about nutrition and healthy food?