Monday, March 2, 2020 – Border wall construction ignores tribal concerns
The chairman of the Tohono O’odham Nation says the current wall construction on the U.S. – Mexico border is no different than “building a 30-foot wall along Arlington Cemetery.” Ned Norris Jr. made the comments during a recent congressional hearing, saying blasting and bulldozing in the Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in southern Arizona is destroying many sacred places that remain important for ceremonial practices. The tribe continues to push for government-to-government consultation which is mandated by federal law. But the U.S. Government is invoking a waiver that bypasses the requirement for barriers along the border. We’ll get an update and more details from the voices of those on the ground.
Tuesday, March 3, 2020 – Turning a passion for sports into a career
Dedicated high school and college athletes pour their hearts and bodies into their passion for the game. But very few people can actually make a career on the court or on the field. So many people turn that passion into related careers, like coaching, physical therapy, and even sports journalism. We’ll find out what drives people in athletic careers and get some ideas about what those interested in a sports career can expect.
Wednesday, March 4, 2020 – Indigenous legislation update
A number of federal and state proposals could potentially affect issues important to Native constituents. At least three bills in Congress aim to address the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women. They mainly hope to encourage law enforcement communication and cooperation across jurisdictions and fix the lack of accurate data that could help fight the epidemic. Another federal proposal aims to remove the pervasive barriers to broadband access in rural tribal areas. Also, states continue to seek “riot boosting” laws that enact severe penalties for people protesting projects like oil pipelines. We’ll get updates on proposed laws with a round-up of legislative actions.
Thursday, March 5, 2020 – Book of the Month: “The Night Watchman” by Louise Erdrich
Louise Erdrich’s latest novel, “The Night Watchman,” is based on the life of her grandfather who was an extraordinary man in his own right. This work of fiction follows a handful of characters who grapple with the realities of their time including the threat of tribal termination and exploitation in a bustling urban environment. We’ll get in between the lines with the award winning Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa author.
Friday, March 6, 2020 – Finding the right nutrition path
Intermittent fasting, keto, and Whole30 are some of the diet plans that are currently popular. They’re among the ever-evolving ideas aimed at an audience hungry for simple, sustainable ways to lose weight and live a healthier life. There’s no shortage of information about what to eat and what to avoid. But how do you separate viable advice from internet ads telling you to “try this one weird trick” to lose weight. As we enter month three of 2020, those who started the year with a new diet plan might be questioning their decision. We’ll bring you advice from nutrition experts on where to find the most current and valuable information on feeding yourself. Send your nutrition questions to comments@nativeamericacalling.com.
