Monday, October 19 – Native American Energy Act: What It Means For Native America
Republicans muscled a bill through the U.S. House of Representatives that would give tribes more control over how to use resources on tribal land. The Native American Energy Act (H.R.538) affords tribes more sovereignty when it comes to drilling for gas and oil or mining coal. It streamlines the clearance process by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Do you think a clearer path to energy resources development is a good idea? What controls should tribes consider to protect the environment?
Tuesday, October 20 – Setting the Record Straight
magine getting thrown out of a history class for sticking up for what you know to be true. That’s what happened to student Chiitaanibah Johnson (Navajo/Maidu) when she was ejected from her California State University, Sacramento American history class. Johnson disputed her instructor’s refusal to use the word “genocide” when referring to the historical treatment of Native Americans. What is the best way to go about expressing differences over history and facts?
Wednesday, October 21 – October Music Maker: Primeaux & Mike
Verdell Primeaux (Oglala Sioux/Ponca) and Johnny Mike (Navajo) have teamed up once again on the new CD “Road to Peace.” This time they are lending their voices to a more contemporary intermingling of sound–including teaming up with hip-hop artist Twista. Although they’re bringing a new sound into Native America with their songs, both singers fall back on their traditions and cultural understanding as they move through the notes.
Thursday, October 22 – Domestic Violence and the Violence Against Women Act
American Indian and Alaska Native women experience much higher levels of sexual violence than other women. The U.S. Department of Justice finds they are more than 2.5 times more likely to be raped or sexually assaulted than women in the U.S. in general. Is the Violence Against Women Act helping domestic violence rates? Is the act protecting Native women as intended?
Friday, October 23 – Recreational Marijuana: Good Economic Venture or Bad Business?
The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in South Dakota is making strides to open the first tribal recreational marijuana resort by the end of the year. They already have several strains of marijuana plants growing in a specialized lab. Do you think recreational marijuana is a good business or a risky one for tribes to venture into? What role should tribes play in the growing efforts to legalize marijuana?
