Monday, April 12, 2021 – Mixed decision for the Indian Child Welfare Act
A federal appeals court struck down some previsions of the Indian Child Welfare Act while upholding others in a complex and sometimes divided 325 page ruling. ICWA advocates express concern about far-reaching implications of the decision by the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals. At the same time, they find some things to cheer. Those working against ICWA are calling it a partial victory. At issue is the long-standing ability of tribes to keep Native children in Native families. We’ll learn more about the most recent decision and what it means for the future of ICWA.
Tuesday, April 13, 2021 – Elevated alcohol sales concerns health and safety experts
The research firm NielsenIQ noted alcohol sales dipped some in March after a significant surge since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. But sales remain much higher than they were before the pandemic. On top of that, in a study by Iowa State University, women reported drinking more and more often during the pandemic. We’ll look into what’s behind the statistics, and concerns about what they mean for issues like drunk driving and alcohol related health problems that already affect Native Americans disproportionately.
Wednesday, April 14, 2021 – Music Maker: Joy Harjo
With a mix of spoken word and jazzy soul sounds, Muscogee Creek Nation musician Joy Harjo might make listeners want to dance to her new album “I Pray for My Enemies”. But her creations are also meant to make people think and feel. Harjo, the nation’s first Native American Poet Laureate, features words in her Muscogee language layered with graceful jazz. And listeners are treated to her inviting saxophone sounds. Our April Music Maker is a celebration of the music and poetry of Joy Harjo.
Thursday, April 15, 2021 – Correcting the record with inclusion and accuracy
There are plenty of warnings about the accuracy of information on publicly-edited online sources like Wikipedia, but those are one of the first places people go to research a topic. The National Museum of the American Indian is hosting a Wikipedia Edit-a-thon. They want to add entries to the public online encyclopedia, specifically on Native women. Organizers maintain entries are often inaccurate, one-sided or missing. We’ll talk about the state of accurate representation and inclusion in online educational and research resources.
