Monday, March 26, 2018 – ‘I’ll publish it myself’: Native zines
In the age when people publish instantly on Facebook, Instagram, Tumblr, and their own blogs, it might be difficult to see where zines—low-tech, photocopied, self-published magazines—have a place. But they’re still around. You might find them laying around at your local coffee shop or alternative bookstore. The zine publisher might print one out and mail it to you. Kayla Shaggy’s (Diné and Anishinaabe) zine, “Monstrous,” is filled with drawings of monsters. She says the format offers “the freedom to do what you want.” Self-publishing something that people can hold in their hands is part of the reason for doing it. We’ll talk with Native zine makers about why self-publishing a few copies with limited reach is their favorite way to get their creative work out.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018 – Traditional influence, classical composition
When Chickasaw classical composer, Jerod Tate creates music he’s always “feeling ethos, romance and deep feelings about Indian people,” he said. In some of his newest works, Tate tells traditional stories through large orchestrated oratorios. Another composer, Wolastoqiyik Jeremy Dutcher, based in Canada, is honoring his people’s language by composing music around old wax cylinder recordings from 1910. These two Indigenous artists will join us to talk about telling stories through classical music.
Wednesday, March 28, 2018 – Johnson-O’Malley: More than school supplies
When Oglala Lakota educator Robert Cook’s son came to him asking for violin to play in the school orchestra, he told him the family didn’t have the money for the instrument. But Johnson-O’Malley Program in their tribe was able to provide the funds for the instrument, creating a lifelong musician. Since 1934 the JOM has provided funding for American Indian and Alaska Native students in public school. The money provides school supplies, cultural activities and other enrichment for Native students. The Trump administration’s latest budget proposal includes eliminating the JOM program. We’ll talk about the program and efforts to save the funding.
Thursday, March 29, 2018 – Book of the Month: “That’s What They Used to Say” by Donald Fixico
In certain Native communities, what gets passed on orally to future generations can be a wealth of Indigenous knowledge. But how much value do we place on this process in modern times? This month our featured author Donald Fixico (Shawnee/Sac and Fox/Mvskoke Creek/Seminole) explores what accessing this type of information sharing does for tribal communities. He hones in on his own experience and explains the role storytellers play in forming Native identity. “That’s What They Used to Say: Reflections on American Indian Oral Traditions” is our March Book of the Month.
Friday, March 30, 2018 – March in the News
Indian Country Today is back with veteran journalist Mark Trahant (Shoshone/Bannock) will be the editor. We’ll talk with him about what new innovations and directions the revived ICT will incorporate. We’ll also talk with other journalists covering the recent important issues in Native America. It’s our regular news round up.
