Monday, October 18, 2021 — They/them? Understanding nonbinary gender identities
In many Native American cultures, there’s an understanding and respect for those who identify with a gender that is neither male nor female. Only recently have the terms “nonbinary,” “them” and “they,” entered the mainstream lexicon in reference to gender. “Nonbinary” is a catch-all term meaning not strictly male or female. That includes many—but not all—of those who call themselves “Two-Spirit.” We’ll learn more about nonbinary identities how some advocates want to change the way nonbinary Native people are treated in healthcare settings.
Tuesday, October 19, 2021—Native consultants and liaisons
When businesses or media productions take on Native themes, images or storylines, they turn to Native consultants to avoid stereotypes or offensive messages. It takes a broad knowledge of Native cultures and often requires standing up to executives with entrenched ideas. We’ll hear from Native consultants about what the job is like and the growing importance to have Native voices in the corporate and media world.
Thursday, October 21, 2021 – Questions about federal pandemic relief distribution
The more than $200 billion in federal pandemic aid to tribes provided welcome financial relief at a critical time. But a new analysis points out what the study’s authors say is vastly inequitable distribution of that money. Scholars with the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development say flaws in the formula established to distribute the money are the main culprit and both the Biden and Trump administrations chose to ignore recommendations by tribes and others to make the allocations more equitable.
Friday, October 22, 2021 — Checking in with The Sioux Chef
Chef Shawn Sherman is celebrating the successful launch of his full-service Minneapolis restaurant Owamni, and the publication of a new Native cookbook “The Good Berry Cookbook: Harvesting and Cooking Wild Rice.” We’ll also discuss the growing strength of the Indigenous sovereignty movement and those meat pies featured in the HULU show “Reservation Dogs.”
