Monday, January 4, 2021 – Are online gatherings here to stay?
Hoop dancing competitions, stand-up comedy and an annual gathering of Native elders and youth are all events the pandemic forced online. The switch to Zoom and other online meeting spaces created significant technical challenges in the past year like getting the picture and sound to work and maintaining internet connections. It also highlighted other hurdles like getting input from all those who want to contribute and finding ways to network with fellow attendees. We’ll look at how some event planners have made the most of online gatherings. We’ll also hear how virtual meetings have evolved and whether they’re here to stay.
Tuesday, January 5, 2021 – COVID-19 vaccine update
COVID-19 vaccines from two pharmaceutical companies are making their way to Native populations and tribes are among those creating vaccine distribution plans. Hundreds of Native health workers, elders and others were among the first to receive the vaccine. It’s among the more promising developments in the fight against the pandemic in at least a year, that has disproportionately affected Native Americans. But many individuals remain wary of the vaccine, citing possible unforeseen side effects, and a general distrust of the federal government and the Indian Health Service. We’ll get an update from health leaders and tribal leaders about vaccine distribution.
Wednesday, January 6, 2021 – Traditional hide tanning
Hide tanning was a traditional practice long before mass produced leather. Many people still put in the many hours and years of skill required to tan hides by hand. We’ll get a look into the world of Native hide tanning and traditional techniques like brain and smoke tanning. We’ll also hear why Native tanners place such importance on traditional methods.
Thursday, January 7, 2021 – Best books of 2020
A biography of Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flannagan (White Earth Ojibwe), rez dogs and protecting sacred water are all topics of books that made American Indians in Children’s Literature best of 2020 list. It’s been a challenging year, but Native authors made significant contributions to the list of books published. We’ll go over the AICL list and hear about what people consider the best Native books are for all ages. What books by Native authors did you curl up with this year? Send us your best-of list to comments@nativeamericacalling.com.
Friday, January 8, 2021 – Book of the Month: 2021 Hopiyaasangwni (Hopi Calendar)
We kick off 2021 with a view into Hopi life. We’re doing it one day at a time with the “2021 Hopiyaasangwni (Hopi Calendar).” The different months feature images that reflect Hopi culture and teachings courtesy of young Hopi artists. Important dates and phases of the moon are woven in with monthly reflections in the Hopi language. It’s put out by Mesa Media, which says the aim is to get people of all ages speaking Hopi in daily life.
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