Monday, September 17, 2018 – Combating elder isolation
Maintaining social contacts helps elders stay healthy. And it’s something elders have difficulty with. Researchers at Brigham Young University found links between social isolation and increased risks of heart disease, infections and cognitive decline. Few studies zero in on Native elders, but the problem is noticeable enough that organizations are offering ways to get elders out of the house and interacting with young people, each other and other members of the public.
Tuesday, September 18, 2018 – Coping with suicide
A suicide by a family member or friend leaves grief, depression, anger and a host of other crippling emotions in its wake. Because Native Americans have the highest rate of suicides compared to other groups, Native people are disproportionately left to cope with the loss. The gravity of the problem is spurring new and innovative ways to turn the numbers around. We’ll hear from those affected by suicide and get guidance on where to turn.
Wednesday, September 19, 2018 – The first year of high school: Myths and realities
The initial shock of the first few days as a high school freshman might be starting to wear off by now. But there are new challenges all through the school year. The transition from middle to high school is a rite of passage. Added homework, grade point averages and fitting in are all factors in the freshman experience. Some Native students have the extra hurdle of going from a tribal school to a large public school. We’ll learn some of the usual challenges to entering high school and how to work through them.
Thursday, September 20, 2018 – Native groups speak out against Kavanaugh
Brett Kavanaugh appears to be headed for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. At the same time, Native organizations and advocates are speaking out against President Trump’s nominee. The Alaska Federation of Natives issued a statement urging Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski to vote against his confirmation. The group says his confirmation would be troubling, especially for Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. New Mexico Democratic Senator Tom Udall says Kavanaugh poses a ‘real threat to bedrock federal Indian law and policy principles.’ We’ll get an update on what’s known about Kavanaugh’s record.
Friday, September 21, 2018 – September in the News
An encampment of mostly Native homeless people in Minneapolis faces a pending deadline to disperse. A young woman at the camp died from a poorly-treated health problem, raising already high concerns about safety. The top Navajo Nation presidential candidates run into some challenges. And a Navajo MMA champion is stripped of her title. Join our discussion about some of the leading Native news stories.
