Monday, September, 3, 2014 – Chicken scratch for the soul
Waila music, or chicken scratch, is a mix of norteño and polka dance music. It typically features a button accordion, electric guitar, and sometimes saxophones. It’s not entirely traditional but it has deep roots in the Tohono O’odham Nation. It also hearkens back to early European fiddle bands. It’s spread from there, and Tucson, Ariz. hosts a waila music festival every year. In this entertaining encore presentation, we learn about the history and characteristics of waila music and listen to some of the classics.
Tuesday, September 4, 2018 – Inviting in the world’s tourists
International visitors bring in almost $4,400 per trip to the United States on average according to the U.S. Travel Association. There are a number of tribes and organizations working for a share of those dollars. But attracting international visitors isn’t as easy as translating your website into another language. Tribes need to learn about the cultures they are trying to attract as well as offer a package of experiences instead of just one attraction. We’ll have a conversation with tribal tourism experts about what it takes to connect with international visitors.
Wednesday, September 5, 2018 – Big name adoptions
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe formally adopted Celtics point guard, Kyrie Irving and his sister. Their mother has ties to the tribe. The Crow Tribe adopted President Barack Obama. A member of the Assiniboine Sioux Tribe adopted U.S. Department of Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke and a Comanche Nation member adopted actor Johnny Depp. We’ll explore the process and legacy of some high profile adoptions.
Thursday, September 6, 2018 – The quest for wellness
Indigenous wellness might refer to something as simple as managing stress. But it might also be as encompassing as addressing intergenerational trauma. Lately ‘wellness’ is a buzzword incorporated by everyone from your company’s human resources department to the World Health Organization. It’s a concept embraced by employers and caregivers. Tribal traditions often encourage working toward physical, spiritual and emotional balance. It’s much more than just being healthy. It’s making healthy choices hour by hour, day by day. In this hour we’ll hear from health professionals about the latest methods to achieve wellness.
Friday, September 7, 2018 – Native Cinema Showcase review
Tribal justice, drag queens, sisters, Navajo politics, origin stories and grief are just a few of the themes highlighted in the films at this year’s Native Cinema Showcase put on by the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian. Once again we’ll review some of the cinematic work by Native filmmakers and discuss the inspiration and toil that goes into each one.
