Monday, December 14, 2020 – 2020 movers and shakers: NCAIED’s 40 under 40
This year’s 40 under 40 list includes a college vice president, a foundation coordinator and a neurosurgeon. The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development recognizes 40 people 40 years of age or younger every year who demonstrate notable leadership, initiative, and dedication and who make significant contributions to business or their community. They are tribal leaders, storytellers, business owners and healthcare workers doing good work. We’ll talk with some of this year’s winners to highlight some of the promising Native leaders who are on the move.
Tuesday, December 15, 2020 – One health center’s fight against COVID-19
Tribally-run health care clinics have never been more important than right now. Since the start of the pandemic, the Winslow Indian Health Care Center in Arizona has maintained in-patient services, urgent care and comprehensive health services. It is a crucial source of health care during a major health crisis on the Navajo Nation. Like all medical facilities across the country WIHCC is feeling the strain of unrelenting health care demands. We’ll zero in on how one tribally-run clinic is meeting the health care needs of tribal citizens when they need it most.
Wednesday, December 16, 2020 – Tribal casino wins and losses during the pandemic
Tribes closed casinos and hotels at the beginning of the pandemic in order to prevent further spread of the virus. A few tribes have turned their closed casinos into pandemic support centers with drive-up testing and isolation rooms for people who test positive for COVID-19. But closing casinos cuts off a key source of revenue from gaming and the associated hospitality industries like lodging, restaurants, golf, and merchandise sales. We’ll talk about the risks of operating during a pandemic weighed against the reality of severe economic hardship of not operating.
Thursday, December 17, 2020 – Honoring the Dakota 38
Every December, Dakotas commemorate the executions of 38 men following the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. President Abraham Lincoln ordered the hanging of the warriors on December 26, 1862 in Mankato, Minnesota. Two other chiefs were hanged three years later. The commemoration draws attention to the events leading up to the hangings that aren’t often included in history books about the years of broken promises, oppression and imprisonment by the U.S. Government that led to starvation and other hardships for the tribes. The pandemic has cancelled the annual 330-mile memorial horseback ride from the Lower Brule Reservation in South Dakota to Mankato. We’ll take time to remember this tragic chapter in history.
Friday, December 18, 2020 – December Music Maker: The Red and Blues Band
The Red and Blues Band started as a creative outlet playing gigs at Haskell Indian Nations University. Now its members have built their talents into a strong musical force with charging rock rhythms. And the band’s biting lyrics take on the injustices foisted on Indigenous peoples across the globe. Our final Music Makers of the year offer their gift to the world with their latest album “Resistance is Fuel.” The musicians will talk to us about the songs they say are a direct response to continued brutality against Indigenous people and the fight for justice.
