Monday, February 19, 2018 – Marijuana’s controversial cousin: hemp
Growing hemp is not as simple as putting seeds into the ground. The St. Croix Chippewa Indians tribe in Wisconsin is suing the state’s attorney general. It’s legal to grow hemp in the state, but the tribe insists they shouldn’t have to submit to the state’s oversight. Other tribes are also getting pushback in their attempts to turn hemp into a cash crop. The plant is related to marijuana but does not contain the psychoactive effects. It is listed as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The 2014 Farm Bill allows hemp for academic research. But large scale commercial industrial hemp is still in a legal grey area. Are the legal risks worth it?
Tuesday, February 20, 2018 – Through the Generations: the next Native ranchers
Kelsey Ducheneaux (Cheyenne River Sioux), 24, is a fourth generation rancher and owner of DX Beef. She’s one of a handful of Native farmers and ranchers under the age of 25. The USDA’s Census of Agriculture counted 293 of them in 2012. She’s also the youth programs coordinator for the Intertribal Agriculture Council, helping promote interest in ranching among young Native Americans. Some tribes, organizations and individuals are working to connect the wisdom from elders in the industry to the next generation eager to learn the trade.
Wednesday, February 21, 2018 – After the Colten Boushie verdict
A white Canadian farmer is cleared in the shooting death of Colten Boushie, a Cree man from the Red Pheasant First Nation. The verdict from a jury with no apparent Indigenous members prompted an angry outcry and calls to address flaws in the justice system. The premier of Saskatchewan says there needs to be a dialogue on racism across Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau presented an agenda to Parliament that would overhaul relations between the government and Indigenous peoples. Can this tragedy help find a new path toward solving a persistent problem in Canada?
Thursday, February 22, 2018 – Book of the Month: “Heart Berries” by Terese Marie Mailhot
“Heart Berries” is memoir that takes readers to a reality that counters a Hollywood romanticized version of what it means to be an Indigenous person. Terese Marie Mailhot from the Seabird Island Indian Reservation doesn’t hold back on what it means to live through a heavy childhood and everything after. She gives insights from her deepest thoughts and reflections on healing from trauma and all that she’s witnessed. Join us for our February Book of the Month to hear about Mailhot’s journey.
Friday, February 23, 2018 – February in the news
A lot of news happens during the sweetest, shortest month of the year. We’ll talk with Native journalists who are covering big issues that face Native America. From national policy to tribal politics, we’ll take time to check in with journalists, newsmakers and others about the important issues of the day. Join us for our regular news round-up.
