Monday, February 6, 2012 – Yellow Thunder, AIM and Wounded Knee:
It was Feb. 12, 1972 when four white men grabbed Raymond Yellow Thunder, roughed him up, stripped him from the waist down, tossed him in the trunk of a Ford, and then shoved him half naked into the American Legion Hall during a dance. He was found dead eight days later. His death sparked a large protest and brought the American Indian Movement to Pine Ridge for the first time. The organization’s presence there eventually led to the Wounded Knee occupation. What’s changed in the last 40 years? Guests include Stew Magnuson, author of “The Death of Raymond Yellow Thunder.”

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 – Current Events:
A peaceful protest will be held at the Grammy’s to voice discontentment by the Native American community about dropping the Native music category. Tucson, Arizona is hosting the “19th Annual Southwest Indian Art Fair” and Red Lake, Minnesota will be the site of the “6th Annual Warrior Challenge” basketball tournament and will feature some of the best ballers from around Indian Country. The Junior Native Youth Olympics is looking for athletes to compete in its 2012 games in Anchorage, Alaska. Do you have an event in your area that you would like to share?

Wednesday, February 8, 2012 – For the Love of Chocolate:
Often the word chocolate can garner a smile at almost any given moment. The silky flow of its rich flavor has captivated our senses for centuries. Beyond the sweet tastes and sensations it brings to the taste buds, what other benefits come from this treat? Is it really healthy? What is the indigenous connection to chocolate? What is the difference between chocolate and cocoa? How is chocolate still playing a role in Native life? Guests are indigenous cultural interpreter Navidad Estrada (Mazatec), and Catherine Kwik-Uribe, Director of Research and Development/Mars Botanical.

Thursday, February 9, 2012 –The Mobs of Minnesota:
Three Native America men were arrested recently and are suspected of being the leaders of the Native Mob, considered to be one of the most organized and violent gangs in Indian Country. The indictments against the gang members list offenses such as attempted murder, drive-by shootings, pistol whippings, assaults and illegal narcotics distribution. Are gangs in Indian Country getting more violent? What is it about gangs that attract our Native youth? Invited guests include Christopher Grant, Native Gang Specialist and Natay Carroll (Navajo), Former Gang Member/Activist.

Friday, February 10, 2012 – Cultural Inheritance:
Native Americans continue to band together as tribal nations, not only as tribal governments, but as distinct cultural groups from the rest of America. Why do we insist that we carry on our cultural practices and traditions as a subculture of the rest of society? Why do we hear complaints about our meager socioeconomic standing, yet we bubble up with pride about our history and our sovereignty? What do you get from staying Indian, and why is our culture more valued than wealth? Guests include Richard Luarkie (Laguna), Governor of Laguna Pueblo.

Native America Calling Airs Live
Monday - Friday, 1-2pm Eastern