Monday, November 18, 2019 – Native in the spotlight: Dr. LaNada War Jack
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the occupation of Alcatraz. It was a 19 month long protest on the island in the San Francisco Bay by Native activists claiming the land in the name of broken treaties. We’ll spend the hour with Dr. LaNada War Jack (Shoshone Bannock) was one of the founding protesters occupying the island. We’ll chat with her about her time on the island, and the years afterward fighting for tribal sovereignty and rights.
Tuesday, November 19, 2019 – Tribes and climate change
As the United States announces its official exit from the Paris Climate Agreement, we’ll take time to revisit some of the tribes fighting the effects of climate change. The Trump Administration officially notified the United Nations of the intention to pull the U.S. out of the accord next November. Meanwhile, scientists continue to sound the alarm over the current and looming problems associated with climate change, and project Native people all over the world will suffer the affects disproportionately. Tribes are among those already facing urgent crises linked to the warming planet. We’ll get updates from tribes and organizations about the work they are doing to handle the effects of climate change.
Wednesday, November 20, 2019 – The future of coal in tribal economic development
Navajo Nation president Jonathan Nez pulled backing for the Navajo Transitional Energy Company, after the company announced it’s purchase of coal mines in Wyoming and Montana. In a press release President Nez said he’s worried about “the viability of expanding our interests in a coal market that appears to be dwindling.” The Trump Administration vows to revive the coal industry. At the same time the U.S. Environmental Information Administration reports a steady decline in the number of coal companies. What’s next for tribes, like the Navajo Nation, that are transitioning away from coal?
Thursday, November 21, 2019 – Commercial tobacco: smoking your last cigarette
Native Americans have the highest prevalence of cigarette smoking in the country, according to reports by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. As a result, they also have a higher risk of developing tobacco-related illnesses, like heart disease and lung cancer. The CDC acknowledges the potential electronic cigarettes have as an alternative to smoking, but now recommends against them following a string of deaths and lung injuries from vaping. The Oglala Sioux Tribe banned the use of electronic cigarettes. For the Great American Smokeout day we’ll talk about the importance—and difficulty—of smoking cessation.
Friday, November 22, 2019 – Book of the Month: “Indigenous Food Sovereignty in the United States”
“Indigenous Food Sovereignty in the United States: Restoring Cultural Knowledge, Protecting Environments, and Regaining Health” is a collection of writings from different Indigenous cultural advocates. Some of those offering their perspectives on why it’s time to revitalize Indigenous food systems are those who prepare the food. There are also works from those who have a close eye on the land and social structures that affect the way the natural environment produces the foods Native nations need for sustainability. We hear from editors and contributors of this wealth of food sovereignty knowledge.
