Monday, July 2, 2018 – Native in the Spotlight: James Bilagody
Throughout James Bilagody’s (Diné) long career as a musician, he’s also found time to do some comedy, motivational speaking and acting. He voiced a Star Wars character in the Navajo language version of “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope.” When asked about why he does so many different things, he said, “that is a part of Hózhó. In Navajo, you experience. You go out there and you try everything.” He’s joining us as the July Native in the Spotlight.
Tuesday, July 3, 2018 – Attention to fire safety
Many of you have a closet full of fireworks at home right now waiting to celebrate the Fourth of July. There’s something about Black Cats, sparklers and Roman candles that satisfy people’s fascination with explosions and fire. But without proper precautions, celebration can quickly turn into a threat. High temperatures and dry weather also increase the chances that even the smallest sparks can get out of control quickly. It’s a good time of year to get reminders on basic fire safety for your home and your surroundings.
Wednesday, July 4, 2018 – Moose (encore)
We take a day to revisit our recent show about one of the largest land mammals in North America. Moose are important, spiritual animals to many tribes in the northern United States, Canada and Alaska. They weigh around 1,800 pounds and stand more than 6 feet at the shoulders. They are traditionally a main source of food for some Indigenous communities. As strong and powerful as they are, moose are not immune to the effects of environmental changes, overhunting, disease and parasites. Such factors have reduced moose herds to a point where some tribes, like Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa and Boise Fort Band of Chippewa in Minnesota, have strict limits on moose hunting. This is an encore presentation to recognize the importance of moose and how we might help them thrive.
Thursday, July 5, 2018 – Indigenous artistic identity
President Trump, the Dakota Access Pipeline, and missing and murdered Indigenous women are among the high-profile topics that help frame authenticity, activism and appropriation in a new art project in Santa Fe. Organizers for Project Indigene say they’re fighting appropriation and cultural theft that threaten Indigenous art. The project weaves together several works—painting, sculpture, photography and performance—at eight separate art institutions. We’ll talk with the artists about how their work helps to strengthen awareness of Native identity.
Friday, July 6, 2018 – Chicken Scratch for the soul
Waila music, or chicken scratch, is a mix of norteño and polka dance music. It typically features a button accordion, electric guitar, and sometimes saxophones. It’s not entirely traditional but it has deep roots in the Tohono O’odham Nation. It also hearkens back to early European fiddle bands. Tucson, Ariz. hosts a waila music festival every year. We learn about the history and characteristics of waila music and listen to some of the classics.
