Monday, July 23, 2018 – Providing clean water to Native communities
“Water is life” and the fight to keep it clean and accessible is big issue in Indian Country. What’s not always highlighted is the basic job of providing clean water to Native communities. Many tribes operate their own water treatment and wastewater facilities. They have to navigate around issues like pollution, access, changing technology, drought and water rights. Tribes also deal with shortages of trained and certified employees, said Brian Bennon, director of the Tribal Water Department of the Intertribal Council of Arizona. We’ll learn about what it takes to provide clean water to Native residents.
Tuesday, July 24, 2018 – Running toward tradition
Running long distances was a much needed and useful skill to have in the past. Tribes had runners who would carry messages hundreds of miles. Tribes also incorporated running in ceremony and for spiritual purposes. Today, some of those same running traditions are carried on by Native athletes who run for spiritual and health reasons as well as competition. Some even take it to the extreme as marathon and ultra-marathon runners. We’ll explore what it takes to run 26 miles or more and how running the distance connects Native people to their culture.
Wednesday, July 25, 2018 – Improving the official count in 2020
U.S. Census numbers determine the number of a state’s congressional seats. They also inform the distribution of federal funding for Indian health, housing and infrastructure projects. The 2020 Census may be a little less than two years away, but now is the time to start talking about how important it is to get an accurate count in Native America.
Thursday, July 26, 2018 – Powwow specials: couples, giveaways and fun
Powwow specials add just a little bit extra. They can include couples contests, teams, tiny tots and themes like hats and boots. They are an extension of powwow dancing and always help to reinforce cultural ties. Most of all specials can bring extra fun.
Friday, July 27, 2018 – July in the News
We’re highlighting recent notable news, including discussions about the U.S. Supreme Court nominee’s track record on Indian Country and the ongoing reorganization of the Dept. of Interior. We track some of the most important issues that affect Native Americans.
