Monday, December 31, 2018 – Notable shows from 2018
The Native America Calling staff picks some shows that stand out from the last year. From ‘chicken scratch’ music in Tohono O’odham Nation to unwarranted police checks on Native college students, we’ll relive some of the moments of live radio from 2018 that made an impression. What was your memorable moment?
Tuesday, January 1, 2019 – What does it take to be a ‘genius’?
We’re starting the New Year by striking a balance between art and academics. We talk with two Native women who were named MacArthur Foundation Fellows. The awards are also referred to as “Genius Grants”. Rebecca Sandefur (Chickasaw) is an associate professor in the Department of Sociology and the College of Law at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is credited with innovative approaches to civil justice for low-income people. Poet Natalie Diaz (Mojave) was a professional basketball player before earning her MFA in poetry. She is language activist and uses her art to highlight the joys and pitfalls of reservation life.
Wednesday, January 2, 2019 – The push to free Tokitae
The Lummi Tribe is hoping 2019 will be the year an orca named Tokitae is freed from captivity. Named ‘Lolita’ by Miami’s Seaquarium, the animal has lived and performed in a man-made tank since 1970. The tribe and a host of animal rights groups are putting pressure on the Seaquarium to return her to her home pod in and around Puget Sound. The push to return the orca is part of a bigger effort to bring attention to the health of the marine ecosystem that is part of the Lummi’s ancestral territory. We’ll talk with Lummi representatives and others about Tokitae and the traditional importance of orcas.
Thursday, January 3, 2019 – Indigenous tea time
Beverages made from plants like green thread, bear root, sassafras and stinging nettles make up a variety of drinks that we might refer to as ‘tea’. Tribes continue to utilize a variety of leaves, roots, berries and other ingredients to create traditional drinks or medicine. We’ll get a . Green thread, bear root, sassafras and stinging nettles (to name a few) all make delicious and healthful drinks. In this program, we’ll explore the different flavors and health benefits of Indigenous tea. What local, Indigenous teas are you steeping?
Friday, January 4, 2019 – The cost of a federal government shutdown
As the partial government shutdown stretches into its third week its effects are starting to surface. Elected leaders’ inability to agree on a funding plan has furloughed thousands of Bureau of Indian Affairs employees and suspended some Indian Health Service operations. The main disagreement is over funding for a wall along the U.S.-Mexico border, one of President Donald Trump’s priorities. We’ll talk with employees and Native organizations about how the shutdown affects Native America.
