Monday, October 16, 2017 – The gift of potlatch
The potlatch ceremony traditionally centers on gift-giving. It remains an important tradition for coastal tribes in the Pacific Northwest, Canada and Alaska. It’s meant as a way to show generosity, promote cooperation, and strengthen social bonds. The practice survived a nearly century-long ban by the government of Canada trying to force assimilation of Indigenous people. We’ll explore how potlatch has evolved over the years and how it fits in with modern culture.
Tuesday, October 17, 2017 – Honor Native land
There are simple but meaningful ways to acknowledge the traditional Indigenous inhabitants of the land. A campaign by the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture aims to increase such acknowledgements by educational and cultural institutions the way they are in other countries such as Canada and Australia. They suggest adopting practices like publicly offering recognition and respect and fostering a broader public awareness of history. We’ll hear about the campaign and the possibilities for healing it holds.
Wednesday, October 18, 2017 – Reflecting on Standing Rock
This time last year, tensions were at an all-time high at the anti-Dakota Access Pipeline camps near the Standing Rock reservation in North Dakota. Private security officials had turned guard dogs on protesters, police used water hoses on crowds as temperatures dropped, and protesters and police clashed almost daily. The effort to stop the pipeline construction ultimately failed. But many activists say the movement galvanized a new generation of organizers for environmental justice. A year after a crucial time at Standing Rock, we’ll talk with people about their experiences and the lessons they learned in retrospect. What messages from Standing Rock stay with you?
Thursday, October 19, 2017 – The champions of domestic violence prevention
The late Tillie Black Bear (Lakota) is known as the Grandmother of the Battered Women’s Movement. She was a founder with the White Buffalo Calf Women’s society and the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center among other things. She is among the people and efforts we will reflect on as we acknowledge Domestic Violence Awareness month. We’ll remember some of the pioneers of the movement and talk with experts about how the approaches to addressing domestic violence in our Native communities have changed through the years.
Friday, October 20, 2017 –Book of the Month: “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen”
Sean Sherman (Oglala Lakota) is among the leading chefs breathing new life into Indigenous cuisine. Now he’s celebrating the launch of his new cookbook, “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen,” filled with creative recipes using traditional ingredients and methods. He’s known for dishes like bison wild rice bowls and roasted duck with sage. He shows how cooking can be an act of reclaiming history and culture. We’ll talk to him about his mission to educate people as well as feed them.
