Wednesday, September 1 - Hemp Harvest:
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A Native farmer on the Pine Ridge Reservation held the 2nd Annual Lakota Hemp Days in connection with his wild hemp harvest. He cites his rights outlined in an 1868 Treaty that gives Lakota people the right to grow whatever they see fit for food and clothing. He wants to grow and harvest his hemp and turn it into paper. Unlike marijuana, hemp doesn’t have the psychoactive chemical that produces a high thus making it illegal. Is hemp a viable crop and business for some tribes? Guests are Alex White Plume, Oglala Lakota/Lakota Hemp Project, Jermy Briggs, Editor of Hemphasis Magazine, and Robert Grey Eagle, Oglala Lakota Attorny.

Thursday, September 2 - Elders in the 21st Century:
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Despite U.S. Government attempts to “assimilate” Native peoples, many Native families have Elder relatives who refuse to fully participate in life in the 21st Century. They only speak their language. They have existed for years without running water or electricity and refuse to use these modern conveniences even after they have them installed in their homes. Does this sound familiar? It might be hard for some people to believe this sort of lifestyle still exists in high-tech and modern America. For some Native families, it’s reality and sometimes a conscious choice. Guests to be announced.

Friday, September 3 -Amnesty for Native Artifacts Update :
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On May 20, 2004, tribes in the Four Corners region collaborated with the U.S. Attorney’s Offices in those states to grant amnesty from federal criminal prosecution for the return of specific Indian tribal items and remains, no questions asked. That amnesty period is over and several objects have been returned to many of the tribes. In addition, human remains have been returned for proper burial. Which tribes had items returned and do they view this as a successful venture? Guests include Paul Charlton, U.S. Attorney, District of Arizona.

Monday, September 6- Culturally Conflicting Jobs:
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Tribes everywhere have certain cultural taboos and activities tribal members shy away from. That might include digging up bones, being around dead bodies, or invading someone’s personal space. Today however, Native people have careers or jobs that call on them to do these things. Native people have careers as archeologists, journalists, and morticians. How do these jobs conflict with tribal beliefs? Do you have a culturally conflicting job? How do you deal with the taboos? Guests include Joe Watkins, Archaeologist and David Satala, Hopi/Shoshone Paiute, Television News Photographer.

Tuesday, September 7 - Current Events:
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We’re heading into the final stretch of 2004 and there are lots of activities in September. An estimated 100,000 Indians are going to descend upon Washington, D.C. for a week to celebrate the opening of the National Museum of the American Indian. Another gala event will honor Natives in the world of economic development. A workshop takes place that focuses on the Indian Child Welfare Act. Native art, film festivals and more are going to be happening in the month of September. What’s happening in your area?

Wednesday, September 8 - Native Food Summit:
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“Delicious!” “Mmmmm!” “Can I have that recipe?” These are just a few of the exclamations that will probably be heard at the First Nation’s Development Institute’s Native Food Summit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The conference menu also includes workshops on the nutritional value of Native foods, dietary management of diabetics and other health conditions using Native foods and a cornucopia of traditional recipes using Native foods. What are some of these Native foods and recipes? Do you have a special recipe for traditional foods of your tribe?

Thursday, September 9 - Pentagon Totem Poles:
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A special healing ceremony will take place this month to mark the 3rd Anniversary of the 9-11 terrorist attacks. The Lummi Nation is delivering two totem poles, the Liberty and Freedom Totem Poles, to the Pentagon as a sign of healing for all. The Lummi Nation has already carved and delivered totem poles to the World Trade Center site and the crash site in Pennsylvania. The volunteers are making their way across the country and will arrive in Washington, D.C. on September 19th. Guests include Jewel James/Lummi Woodcarver, Frank Cordero/Suquamish veteran.

Friday, September 10 -Are You Registered?:
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Only seven weeks are left before the 2004 Presidential election, are you registered to vote yet? Each state has different deadlines for folks to sign up and be eligible to vote in this federal election. What does it take to register and where can you sign up? What other documents will you need on election-day to cast your ballot? Guests are Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director of NCAI, and Mike Miller, Communications Officer,Cherokee Nation.

Monday, September 13 - School Bullies:
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With school getting into full swing this fall, parents and teachers must also be paying close attention to another school situation- school bullies. How do you handle this as a parent if your child is being bullied? And what do you do when your child is the bully? How does this type of behavior affect a student’s academic achievement? Guests include Kathy Campbell, Assistant Principal Winnebago Public School.


Tuesday, September 14 - Relapse and Recovery:
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Many Native families have been shattered and lives ruined due to alcohol and other drug abuse. On some reservations the sale of alcohol is banned, as one way of trying to fight this problem. There are many different types of recovery programs. Natives have tried a variety of them. But what happens when a person has a relapse? What happens when someone, who has been sober for a number of months or years, goes back to the addictive behavior? How many times can a person have a relapse in their effort to become sober, before they either conquer the addiction or give up? Guests include Vino Burnett, White Mountian Apache, Community Relations Coordinator for the Rainbow Center.


Wednesday, September 15 - Election 2004: Veteran’s Report Card:
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The military service records of both Presidential candidates have become issues in Election 2004. The controversy surrounding the events involving Senator John Kerry in Vietnam and general questions about President Bush’s service remain in the spotlight. As a result, other issues seem to have taken a backseat, like the war in Iraq, the economy, and health care. What do Native veterans think about the candidates and their records? Do they consider events that took place decades ago relevant to today’s election? How will it impact Native veteran voters? Guests to be announced.


Thursday, September 16 - Whale Chief:
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Tribes along the Pacific coast have a spiritual connection to killer whales. One tribe believes a whale living west of Vancouver, British Columbia is their former chief. For the last year, the Mowachaht-Muchalaht Band has fought with scientists who are trying to capture the whale. The scientists want to capture the whale and reunite it with a pod of whales they believe is its family. The tribe wants the whale to stay where it is without human interference. How does the tribe know this whale is their former chief? What do scientists hope to accomplish by relocating the whale? Guests to be announced.

Friday, September 17 - The Native Side of Washington, D.C.:
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All next week Native America Calling will be broadcasting live from Washington, D.C. for the grand opening of the National Museum of the American Indian. In fact, our broadcast will include an additional hour from Tuesday thru Friday. But today, let’s take a look at the Native history of the city. Who were the tribal people who first called D.C. home? What tribes still live in the area? And what’s the Native population there today, with many national Native organizations based in the capitol city? Who are the movers and the shakers of the past and the present? What are some of the unknown tidbits of Washington, D.C.? Guests include Robert P. Green/Patawomack Tribe.

Monday, September 20 - Sneak Peak at the NMAI:
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In less than 24 hours, nearly 15 years of waiting will end with the Grand Opening of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C. From the core of this museum to the exterior, it offers many elements uniquely Native. In this special Live broadcast from Washington, D.C. we bring you a sneak peak at the museum collection, creation, and grand opening festivities. Guests include. W. Richard West, Jr./NMAI Founding Director, and Helen Scheirbeck, NMAI Editorial Board.

*NAC Special two-hour live broadcast from Washington, D.C. Tuesday - Friday, Noon EST to 2 pm EST

Tuesday, September 21 - Noon-2pm EST:
Grand Opening of the National Museum of the American Indian:
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If you can’t be on the National Mall, Native America Calling will bring you all the highlights of the Opening Ceremony in this special two-hour report. As the Native Nations Procession comes onto the mall, the museum will officially open at 1 pm. More than 100,000 Native and non-Native people from throughout the Western Hemisphere are expected to attend. This day kicks off six days of celebration with Native food, dancing, storytelling, and education. Guests include Hopi Tribal Chairman, Wayne Taylor, and Caleb Strickland, NMAI Community Services Program Assistant.


Wednesday, September 22 - Noon – 1 pm EST:
American Indian Contributions:
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Are you aware that the game of basketball has roots in a Native game? Or that chewing gum came from the Aztecs? Even medical procedures like cataract and brain surgery were practiced by Native ancestors. The method of freeze-drying came from Natives, as did the ever-popular popcorn. As part of the effort of the NMAI to educate the public about Native peoples, a book, “Encyclopedia of American Indian Contributions in the World,” is highlighted in the NMAI magazine. Find out what other contributions Native people made to the world in this special edition of Native America Calling. Guests include Millie Knapp and Jamie Hill, NMAI Magazine Co-Editors.

Wednesday, September 22 - 1pm – 2 pm EST:
Book of the Month: Native Universe:
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This is the inaugural book of the National Museum of the American Indian published in conjunction with the grand opening. It is a collection of stories by Native people about Native civilizations and culture in the Western Hemisphere. The stories celebrate the legacy of Native peoples past, present, and future. Guests include: Gerald McMasters/Plains Cree, Editor.

Thursday, September 23 - Noon - 2pm EST:
Storytelling and Music Making:
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For this two-hour special we will bring you a small sample of all the cultural events taking place during the weeklong opening celebration. Dozens of storytellers, dancers, and demonstrators will come to Washington, D.C. to share their cultures with the public. Guests are Nukarik Inuit Throat Singers Karin & Kathy Kettler, Trudie Richmond, Storyteller, Ulali, Joe And Donna Cros/ Leaf Arrow Story tellers, Chuna McIntyre/ Regalia Demonstrator, and David A. Montour/ Flute Player.

Friday, September 24 - Noon – 1 pm EST:
The D.C. Wrap:
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Washington, D.C. is the nation’s capitol and today home to many national Native organizations. They work on policy that affects Native people. So what are the hot issues for the National Congress of American Indians? How is the health of the Indian Health Service? And what are some of the legislation being discussed by lawmakers? Guests include: Dave Anderson/ Assistant Secretary Bureau of Indian Affairs, Dr. Charles Grimm/ Director Indian Health Services, Ross Swimmer/ Special Trustee, Keith Harper/ Native American Rights Fund, Jacqueline Johnson, Executive Director of the National congress of American Indians.

Friday, September 24 -1pm – 2 pm EST:
NMAI Special Exhibits:
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Before we leave Washington, D.C. and the NMAI, we bring you a closer look at the three special opening exhibits of the museum. If you weren’t able to attend this week’s opening events, what should you look for when you do visit this new museum? Besides looking quite different from the other museums on the mall, the NMAI has many interesting aspects you should be aware of as you tour the facility. Guests are Truman Lowe/ NMAI Curator, Gabriella Taya/ NMAI Curator and Emil Her Many Horses/ NMAI Curator.

Monday, September 27 - Prostate Cancer:
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September is National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. Men across the country should be aware of this deadly form of cancer. In the United States prostate cancer is the second leading cause of male cancer death. Minority groups in the United States are at high risk for prostate cancer, according to the National Prostate Cancer Coalition. What are the risks for Native American men? How can prostate cancer screening save your life? Guests include Dr. Linda Burhanstepanov/Native American Cancer Research and Jamie Burse/National Prostate Cancer Coalition.

Tuesday, September 28 - NASA in San Felipe:
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What if your children had the opportunity to learn how to fly a plane and other aircraft? That’s what elementary and middle school children at San Felipe are doing with help from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. NASA established a lab at the school 3 years ago. Children are learning engineering, astronomy, aeronautics and many other subjects at the lab. Why did NASA pick the San Felipe School? How are children benefiting from the program? Guests, Richard Ulibarri/Principal and Marianne Serna/Teacher.

Wednesday, September 29- Big Brothers and Sisters:
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Many children across the country are raised in single parent households. These children often don’t have a mother or father figure. Big Brothers and Sisters, a national mentoring program, is helping these children build relationships with caring adults. Children who met with their Big Brother or Sister are less likely to use drugs, drink alcohol and act violently. How many Native children have a Big Brother or Sister? How many Native mentors are there? Guests to be announced.

Thursday, September 30 - Down to The Wire:
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It’s coming down to the wire to register to vote in some states. Where do you stand on this matter? What are the issues that will entice you to cast your ballot for the next President of the United States? With less than four weeks before election night, have you decided which candidate will get your vote? There are many states in the U.S. with high populations of Native people and these so-called “swing states” are being heavily courted by the candidates. Do you see voting as a right, privilege or duty? Or, are you even going to bother to vote? Guests to be announced.

Friday, October 1 - Tattoo Artists:
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Many native peoples in the world practice tattooing. Tattoos served a variety of purposes. But not all tattooing is alike. They can be dependent on location, gender and tribe. Traditional Sioux women drew a circle or line on a person’s skin with clay and punched a design into the skin. California natives would scratch the skin and rub charcoal dust or plant juice into the scratches for coloring. What are the traditional meanings of tattoos? How is tattooing different today than from the past? Is the traditional form of tattooing still practiced? Guests to be announced.

Monday, October 4- Current Events –October 2004:
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Major Native gatherings are taking place this month across the country. In Florida, the National Congress of American Indians will hold its 61st Annual Conference. “Protecting Our Children,” is the theme for the National Indian Child Welfare Association seminars. “Weaving Native Tradition and Education,” is the theme for the National Indian Education Association’s 35th Convention, which will be held in Arizona. Sovereignty and solidarity events are planned in place of Columbus Day. Plus, there are several art exhibits and pow wows to fill out the rest of the month. What else can Indian country squeeze into one month?

Tuesday, October 5 - Native Vote Prognosis:
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We are four short weeks away from November 2nd, Election Day 2004. As we continue to look at the presidential candidates, we ask people in the medical fields to give us an overview on the state of Native healthcare and rate the candidates on their records when it comes to Native health. Are you happy with the healthcare you’re receiving? What would you like to see changed? Which candidate offers the most to Native people? Guests are Alida Montiel, Health Systems Analyst for the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona, and Dr. Yvette Roubideaux, Assistant Professor at the College of Public Health and the College of Medicine at the University of Arizona.

Wednesday, October 6 - Grooming Future Native Health Care Providers: (Listen in RealAudio…)
Aside from complaints by Native people over the inadequate funding of the Indian Health Service, they also point out the need for more Natives to go into health care careers. The idea is Native health care providers would be sensitive to some traditional beliefs, and might be able to communicate easier with Elders who don’t speak much English. So where are the students in medical schools? A recent summit evaluated and discussed the reasons and possible solutions to this problem. Are Native students truly ill-prepared? What can tribes do to improve the opportunities for students to consider and complete training in any number of health careers? Guests are Barbara Anderson, of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, and Student Advisor with the Indians Into Medicine Program at the University of North Dakota, Leo Nolan, of the St. Regis Akwesasne Mohawk Tribe, and Senior Policy Analyst for External Affairs of the IHS, and Dr. Craig Vanderwagen, Acting Cheif Medical Officer of the IHS.

Thursday, October 7 - Parking Lot Shrine:
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Across the U.S. border in Mexico a major American business finds itself in the middle of a cultural uproar. While constructing a Wal-Mart store ancient ruins of the Teotihuacan were uncovered. It isn’t stopping the construction of the store but there is a sort of compromise. Wal-Mart has agreed to promote and respect traditional cultures in their construction of the store. They are choosing colors that will blend in with the surroundings. As for the artifacts they’ve uncovered, they plan on putting plexiglass around the artifacts and having them on display in the parking lot. Guest are Bill Wertz, Director of International Corporate Affairs for Wal- Mart International, and Franc Contreras, Latin America correspondent for "The World."


Friday, October 8 - Domestic Violence Month:
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Domestic violence is a problem for many Native communities. Whether it’s physical, emotional or sexual abuse, the victims often find it difficult to get out of the situation. Perpetrators often use threats, intimidation, isolation and other behaviors to force fear on their victims. It can be hard for Native women and their children to escape the abuse because they fear they won’t get support, or may have to move to a strange city. Finances can also deter a victim from leaving the situation. What are some signs of domestic violence? How can you get out of an abuse relationship? Guests include Sharon Asetoyer from the Native American Women's Health Education Resource Center.


Monday, October 11 - Celebrating Sovereignty Day:
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“In 1492, Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue.” The actions of a lost voyager centuries ago are still affecting Native people today. Christopher Columbus has a national holiday in his honor in the United States, but the American government, as well as the U.S. education system have ignored the other side of the story. It’s a story of genocide and ethnic cleansing of the Indigenous cultures. So today some tribal nations are opting not to observe October 11th as a national holiday. They are replacing it with something more culturally appropriate. Some Natives want the holiday rescinded. Are there other options to the Columbus Day holiday? Our guest is Benito Torres from the Circle of the Drum Network.

Tuesday, October 12 - Defending Your Candidate:
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In just three weeks voters will converge on polling precincts and make their choice on which candidate will get their vote. With two debates between the Presidential candidates and one between the Vice Presidential candidates, do you have a better idea of who will get your vote? Hear from Native representatives with both the Republican and Democratic parties as to why they are supporting their candidate. It’s a debate we’re calling, “Defending Your Candidate.” Guests are Brian Wallace, Chairman of the Washoe Tribe, and John Gonzalez, RNC Convention Delegate.


Wednesday, October 13 - Border Town Issues:
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Each time you drive onto or out of a reservation, or reserve, or village, you pass through small non-Native communities, commonly referred to as border towns. Quite often they are the only places where Natives can shop for groceries, wash their laundry, or see a movie. They offer amenities not found on reservations. But sometimes, even though Natives spend a lot of money in these towns, there are racial tensions. So what happens if you feel like you’ve been discriminated against? The U.S. Civil Rights Commission has stepped in on border town disputes around the nation. Recently in Gallup, New Mexico, city officials settled a lawsuit accusing the city of discriminating against American Indians. What will improve relations between Natives and border town residents? Guests include John Dulles/U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and Tom Poor Bear/Camp Justice.


Thursday, October 14 - Breast Cancer Awareness Month: (Listen in RealAudio…)
All women are at risk for developing breast cancer. The incident rate for American Indians is lower than that of other races. But, the five-year breast cancer survival rate for Native American women is higher than that of other ethnic and racial groups in the U.S. Health care professionals and researchers agree that early detection of breast cancer is your best protection. What are symptoms of breast cancer? What should you expect from a breast screening? Guests to be announced.

Friday, October 15 - Music Maker Edition: Te Kupu A.K.A. Dean Hapeta: (Listen in RealAudio…)
The music of the Maori people in New Zealand is being blended with both rap and reggae by one musician. Te Kupu is using the world of music to help reflect the cultural metamorphosis in his life. The CD, “Reo Maori Remixes,” has received the Tui Award at the 2003 New Zealand awards for the Best Mana Maori Album. How do his songs reflect the Maori culture and also show the differences between the Maori and North American Native cultures? Our guest is Dean Hapeta, a.k.a. D. Word, a.k.a. Te Kupu.

Monday, October 18 - Native Mascots: Bringing the Issue to Primetime TV: (Listen in RealAudio…)
The rally cries and school spirit emotion can be heard across the country, especially with high school, collegiate and professional football in full season. A mascot is usually the center of attention. And though scores of teams use Native names and images as mascots, few are aware of the insensitivity of using them. Even in Indian Country they are used. A primetime cable TV sports talk program will bring the issue of Native mascots to a national audience. Does the use of Native names and symbols honor or dishonor Native people? If the shoe were on the other foot, and other ethnicities were made into mascots, would it be tolerated? Guests include Jackie Goldberg/Assembly Member-State of California, Billy Mills/Olympic Gold Medalist and Motivational Speaker and Adam Clymer/Annenberg Public Policy Center.

Tuesday, October 19 - The Native Vote: The Ballot vs the Pulpit: (Listen in RealAudio…)
In the U.S. there is supposed to be the separation of church and state. But can we really say that when we have religious influences on political parties over issues such as abortion, stem cell research or the ceremonial use of protected birds and/or animal parts? Where is the separation in those cases? How do religious leaders look at this Presidential race? As voters head to the polls in two short weeks, we continue our discussion about politics and the American right and responsibility to vote. Guests include Abel Sakiestewa/Pastor, 4th World Ministries, and Eddie Benton-Banai/ Grand Chief of the Three Fires Midewiwn Society.

Wednesday, October 20 - Book of the Month: “Everyday is a Good Day: Reflections by Contemporary Indigenous Women” : (Listen in RealAudio…)
A Cheyenne proverb says that a nation is not conquered until the hearts of its women are on the ground. Native women today are still persevering and learning lessons along the way. A new book by Cherokee author, Wilma Mankiller, presents a rare and intimate look into the lives of some contemporary Indigenous women. How are Mankiller and leading Native women finding their own way home? Guest is Wilma Mankiller/Author, activist and former Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation.

Thursday, October 21 - Indian Education: Is It Making the Grade?: (Listen in RealAudio…)
Education is a key issue in the Presidential campaign. During the debates, both candidates made their case on supporting and funding education legislation. Yet, in the real world the “Leave No Child Behind Act," doesn’t seem to be doing its intended job. A conference of Native educators and researchers will meet to focus on the needs of Native students. “Weaving a Lifelong Journey with Tradition and Education,” is the theme of the 35th Annual Convention of the National Indian Education Association. How is culture merging with today’s contemporary education styles? Guests include Cindy La Marr/President-National Indian Education Association.

Friday, October 22- Native Brews: (Listen in RealAudio…)
Oktoberfest is not just celebrated by the German culture. Colleges and towns around the world have beer festivals. The making or distilling of alcoholic beverages was invented by ancient cultures. Native people in North America have been brewing up traditional drinks even before Sam Adams started brewing beer. Southwestern tribes, like the White Mountain Apache, made tulapi, a corn based drink. Other tribes made drinks from cactus plants. What purpose did the drinks serve? Do tribes still have their own brews? Guests are Katerri Dale/White Mountain Apache, Liliana Scott/ Deputy Council of Peruvian Consulate, and Ramon Riley/ Cultural Resource Director of the White Mountain Apache Tribal Museum.

Monday, October 25- Alaska Natives 101: