Monday, January 2, 2012 – The Year in Review: (listen)
The code name used by the military for Osama Bin Laden was Geronimo. Once the code name was made public, it set off a storm of protest in Native America. Elouise Cobell of the Blackfeet Nation made history with the landmark class action lawsuit she led against the United States government. Native America mourned when she died of cancer. Russell Means apparently has beaten cancer, using traditional methods of healing – including prayer. What were the top stories of the year in Native America?

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 – New Year’s Resolutions and Predictions: (listen)
It’s an American tradition to make New Year’s resolutions. In fact, nearly half of all American adults make one or more New Year’s resolutions each year. Of course the most popular resolutions include losing weight, getting more exercise, quitting smoking and better money management. But what about in Native America are there Native-specific resolutions that people make like “I’m going to start powwow dancing, or I’m going to get elected to tribal council?” Also, it is 2012, what do you predict is going to happen this year?

Wednesday, January 4, 2012 – Rights of Indigenous Peoples: (listen)
A year has now passed since President Obama announced his support for the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples. He also promised to Native Americans that he would take action to implement at least a few of those rights. Tribes across the country are using the UN declaration to seek changes in federal laws and regulations. Has the President fulfilled his promise and taken action, or will Natives once again be left out in the cold? Our guest is Robert T. Coulter (Potawatomi), Executive Director/Indian Law Resource Center.

Thursday, January 5, 2012 – Damaged by Birth Defects: (listen)
During our lifetime, many of us expect to become parents of a beautiful and healthy baby boy or girl. We don't anticipate that our child will be born with a birth defect. American Indians and Alaska Natives rank highest in the United States when it comes to giving birth to a child with a major birth defect. Is there a way to prevent our children from being born with a birth defect? Can expectant mothers and the fetuses be tested to find out if the child will be born with a major birth defect? Guests include Pamela K. Miller, Executive Director, Alaska Community Action on Toxics.

Friday, January 6, 2012 – Making the U.S. Apology to Natives Public: (listen)
Have you ever heard of the Apology to Native Peoples Resolution? It was signed by President Obama as part of the 2010 Department of Defense appropriations bill. It states: “The United States, acting through Congress, apologizes on behalf of the people of the United States to all Native peoples for the many instances of violence, maltreatment and neglect inflicted on Native Peoples by citizens of the United States and expresses its regret.” Now, tribal leaders and others are calling on the President to take the apology to the public. Is it time for the President to officially apologize? Our guest is Lise Balk King, Fellow/Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Monday, January 9, 2012 – Return of Our Troops: (listen)
The end of the war in Iraq is official. After nine years, our military men and women are coming home. Many of these soldiers are coming back to their tribes and tribal communities. But what are they coming home to? What efforts are being made to support them and what can we do to help their transition from war, back home? As we close this chapter in American history, questions arise. What did we gain from this war? Will we continue to see deadly violence in Iraq? Was it all for oil? Guests include Native veteran’s advocate Eli Painted Crow (Yaqui).

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 – Current Events: (listen)
Canyon Records is celebrating 60 years of Native American Music with a performance series called "Traditions and Transformations.” The Russian marine tanker Renda is making an historic fuel delivery to Nome, Alaska, which is suffering from a severe gas shortage. The 2012 Winter Symposium will be hosted by the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Native Learning Center. The Palms in Las Vegas, Nevada will be the site of the 5th annual “National Casino and Hotel Development Conference.” Join us for Current Events.

Wednesday, January 11, 2012 – Love Medicine: (listen)
In these times of crisis many people around the world are looking for something they can trust and believe in. They are turning to indigenous practices and beliefs to comfort their fears. Many Native people understand that the power and the answers we seek lie within each one of us. Have you ever thought about love as a medicine - a medicine that can heal yourself and those around you? When we speak of love, how do we receive it and how do we give it? What is real love medicine? Our guest is Patricia Anne Davis (Choctaw/Navajo) Indigenous Medicine Diagnostician and Practitioner.

Thursday, January 12, 2012 – Radon and Indoor Air Quality: (listen)
This month is radon awareness month. According to those in the field, radon – a colorless, odorless, naturally occurring radioactive gas found in homes – is the second leading cause of lung cancer in the U.S. and the leading cause among non-smokers. Does your tribe have a radon testing program? What measures is your tribe taking to keep your air quality at a healthy level? What else are you breathing inside your home and workplace? Guests include Vivian Craig (Navajo) Environmental Specialist/Navajo Radon Program, Twa-le Abrahamson (Spokane /Colville/Coeur d’Alene/Navajo) Air Quality Coordinator/Spokane Tribe, and Mansel Nelson, Senior Program Coordinator/ Northern Arizona University’s Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals.

Monday, January 16, 2012 – Music Maker: Debora Iyall: (listen)
Debora Iyall (Cowlitz) has been riding the changing slope of the national music scene since the new wave genre hit it big in the 80’s when she was a member of the band Romeo Void. Today, she is reinventing herself while exploring new sounds on her new EP titled “Singing Until Sunrise.” It was just released on New Year’s Day. Join us as we learn more about Iyall’s musical path, from her band’s tunes on the radio like “A Girl in Trouble (is a Temporary Thing)” to her new sound. As a special bonus, we will give away 12’’ purple vinyl copies of her latest creation.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 – Breaking the Code of Silence: (listen)
The calamity at Penn State concerning a former coach molesting young boys has shed a national spotlight on the issue of sexual abuse. Native women and children are victims of more acts of rape and violence than white or black women and children. Often, these violent acts are committed by someone within their own community, which leads to the crime being swept under the rug. Is violence against Native women and children being kept quiet to protect the reputations of the guilty? Guests are Linda Thompson (Chippewa) Director/First Nations Women’s Alliance, Lisa Thompson (Lower Brule Sioux of South Dakota) Director of Wiconi Wawokiya, Inc. and Carmen O’Leary (Cheyenne River Sioux) Director/Native Women’s Society of the Great Plains.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 – Bridging the Wealth Gap: (listen)
The growing wealth gap between the rich and the poor in this country is now part of the national consciousness. Where does Native America fit into this escalating debate? More Native families live in poverty than any other group in the country. One solution being offered is to entice more Native students to enter business school. But often getting a business degree and the Indian worldview creates a conflict. How can we use business management and academics to reduce poverty in tribal communities? Guests are Joe Gladstone (Blackfeet/Nez Perce) doctoral student/New Mexico State University, and Dan Stewart (Spokane) Associate Professor of Management/Gonzaga University.

Thursday, January 19, 2012 – Tribes and the Iron Horse: (listen)
The arrival of white settlers and the transcontinental railroad in the 1800’s brought many changes to Native American tribes all over the country. Tribal lands shrunk as white settlements sprung up all over what was once Indian Country. What kind of impact did the railroad have on tribes and what was its influence on Native life? Is the arrival of the iron horse still affecting tribes today? Guests are Professor Ned Blackhawk (Shoshone) of Yale University and Professor Richard White of Stanford University.

Friday, January 20, 2012 – Indigenous Identity through Food: (listen)
The pieces that help to define who we are as Native peoples are integral to our existence as a whole. Often it is our stories, traditions and even our own personal memories that hold the key to opening the door to the richness of our identity. How do our foods play a role in all of this? Are there certain types of food or special recipes that tell your family or tribe’s story? Does your cultural and tribal identity rest in the food you eat? Guests include Enrique Salmón (Rarámuri) author of “Eating the Landscape: American Indian Stories of Food, Identity, and Resilience.”

Monday, January 23, 2012 – Native Books Banned in Tucson: (listen)
Reports in the media that the Tucson Unified School District banned books by prominent Native American and Mexican authors and has discontinued its Mexican-American Studies programs spread like wildfire and prompted outrage from people all across the country. Is this taking compliance to Arizona HB-2281 too far? What books are on the list and no longer available for students and teachers to use in the classroom? Guests are author and educator Simon Ortiz (Acoma), activist and author Winona LaDuke (Anishinaabe) and Cara Rene, Communications Director/TUSD.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 – Apathoids and Egothoids: (listen)
An online opinion piece by a Native writer states that Natives who are comfortable with oppression and have embraced assimilation suffer from one of two diseases; apathy or egoism. She states that Indians either don't put forth the effort to preserve their culture or they are "Super Native" and have a twisted definition of tradition and respect. Do you consider yourself an apathoid or an egothoid? Our guest is Corine Fairbanks (Oglala Lakota) Director/American Indian Movement - Southern California Chapter.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 – Mining Protest in Wisconsin: (listen)
The Penokee Hills in northern Wisconsin are the target of an open pit iron ore mine and a processing plant. Two new bills have been introduced in the state Assembly that would make it easier for strip mining of iron ore in the region. Opponents of these laws say they are flawed and will drastically challenge the pristine environment of northern Wisconsin. The bills reportedly have no sponsors. Meanwhile, thousands of people are reportedly are making their way to the state capital in Madison. Will this turn into “Occupy Madison?” Guests include Paul DeMain (Oneida) CEO/Indian CountryTV.com.

Thursday, January 26, 2012 – State of Indian Nations Address: (listen)
National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) President Jefferson Keel (Chickasaw) will deliver the annual State of Indian Nations address in Washington D.C., and U.S. Congressman Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) will provide the Congressional response. This will come just two days after President Barack Obama delivers the annual State of the Union address. The State of Indian Nations will be a call to action to U.S. Presidential candidates, citizens, tribal leaders and government partners to chart a clear path forward for strengthening tribal nations and the country.

Friday, January 27, 2012 – Native in the Spotlight: Chuck Billy: (listen)
Metal legend Chuck Billy (Pomo) has torn up the stage for decades. His captivating voice has scraped the inner soul of many metal concert rockers. Towering over the history of rock Billy has helped to form the raw metal scene and today heads up the band Testament, who just kicked off their 2012 tour. Billy continues to bring his style of sound, staying faithful to the band's creed of stepping forward into dark, uncomfortable places because of the need for honest expression. Are you ready to rock out with a heavy metal legend?”

Monday, January 30, 2012 – Appeal of the Cobell Settlement: (listen)
When President Obama signed the Claims Resettlement Act in December of 2010, it contained the Cobell v. Salazar $3.4 billion trust fund settlement agreement. It was announced that barring a filing in the appeals process, plaintiffs in this historic class action lawsuit would start getting checks by the end of 2011. Four class members (of the estimated 350,000) did file appeals to the settlement. This is causing delays in the payments and bringing much agitation and frustration. Why did they file their appeals? Guests include two of the appealing class members, Mary Lee Johns (Cheyenne River Sioux) and Carol Good Bear (Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara).

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 – Top 10 Indians of All Time: (listen)
When you think about all the Top 10 lists that are out there, have you ever seen a Top 10 list of the greatest Native Americans of all time? Who would you put on this list? Would you include someone from your own tribal nation? Would you have an equal number of historical Native figures and modern Native people, even some who are still living today? What should be the criteria for getting on this list of the Top 10 Indians of All Time? Jim Thorpe, Crazy Horse, Elouise Cobell, Sherman Alexie, Po’pay? Who would you put on your list? Open lines.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012 – Otter Pelts Open for Possession: (listen)
Legislation introduced by U.S. Representative Don Young (R-AK) aims to open the transport, possession, and sale of unaltered northern sea otter pelts to non-Native Alaskans. The bill seeks to amend the Marine Mammal Protection Act of 1972. What does this mean for Alaska Natives who rely on the pelts for their livelihoods? Will the proposed new law drive up the price of pelts and force traditional Alaska Native artists out of the market? Guests include Mike Miller (Sitka) Chairman of Indigenous Peoples Council for Marine Mammals and Christy Ruby (Southeast Alaska Indian) Alaska Native Artist.

Thursday, February 2, 2012 – What to Do When Diabetes Hits: (listen)
When it comes to the epidemic of diabetes, the numbers reveal this disease is in nearly every corner of Indian Country. Diabetes rates have been constantly growing for several decades. Nearly every day there are new people who receive the news of being diagnosed with diabetes. So when diabetes hits what are the first steps? What changes immediately need to be made? How do individuals make a life switch? What about those connected to them? What all does a newly diagnosed person know or do? Guests Dr. Ann Bullock (Ojibwe) Clinical Consultant/Indian Health Services Division of Diabetes and Kelli Wilson (Kickapoo/Seminole/Creek), Training Facilitator/ Indian Health Services Division of Diabetes

Friday, February 3, 2012 – Examining Tribal Identity Through Film: (listen)
“OK BREATHE AURALEE” is a film gracing audiences at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. It exposes some of the intricacies of Native life. Focusing on the themes of adoption and the life choices that follow, the film is in line with the current push to tell Native stories from a real life standpoint. When the whole idea of interpreting and understanding Native identity is thrown upon the silver screen, what is the reward? Guests include Native filmmaker Brooke Swaney (Blackfeet/Salish), Kendra MyInechuk (Inuit) Native Actress and composer/musician Laura Ortman (White Mountain Apache).