
Wednesday, June
1- New
Year’s Resolutions Update:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
On January 4th, 2005 we produced a show on New Year’s Resolutions
and we promised to get an update from our guests on how their resolutions
were going during the year. Well, believe it or not, 2005 is half
over now and it’s time to take a look at the guests and see
how they’re doing with their resolutions. What about your
resolution? Did you make one? How are you doing with the pledge
you made? What does it take to make and keep a New Year’s
Resolution? Guests include: Nanette Napoleon (Hawaiian) Resolved
to Surf More, and Jonathan Windy Boy (Chippewa Cree) Resolved to
Stop Drinking.
Thursday,
June 2 - Celebrating 10 Years of Native America Calling!
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
On June 5, 1995, in an obscure studio in downtown Albuquerque,
the broadcast voice of Indian Country was born. The dream of
a nation-wide “electronic talking circle” became
a reality when Native America Calling signed on the air. It
remains the only national, live, call-in, talk show that looks
at topics from a Native perspective and links Native people
from around the globe. What was it like in the beginning for
the first staff of NAC? Guests include Pam Belgarde (Turtle
Mountain Band of Ojibway) First Producer of NAC, Frank Blythe
(Eastern Cherokee & Sisseton Dakota) Original Executive
Producer of NAC, and Harlan McKosato (Sac and Fox & Ioway)
Original Associate Producer of NAC and Former Host.
Friday
June 3 - Native America Calling: The Next 10 Years:
There have been roughly 2,600 programs and more than 7,000 guests
on Native America Calling in the past ten years. Add to that
thousands of listeners who’ve called and joined the conversation
on any number of topics. Now we want to hear from you, our listener
about what topics you’d like us to cover in the next ten
years. From our daily discussions, to our specific programs
like our Native in the Spotlight, our Music Maker or Book of
the Month shows, who would you recommend for these exclusive
spots? It’s a time to celebrate ten years on the air and
look forward to shaping the next ten years. Guests include Susan
Braine (Assiniboine), Executive Producer, Antonia Gonzales-McConkey
(Navajo), Associate Producer, and Jaclyn Sallee (Inupiat) President
& CEO of Koahnic Broadcast Corporation, and Richard Towne,
General Manager/ KUNM.
Monday, June 6 - Current Events: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
June is the half-way mark for the year! How has 2005 treated
you so far? For many students, school is out and it’s
time to start thinking about vacations. But all across Indian
Country there are many events happening- such as conferences
on substance abuse, mental health, and mining on Native lands.
In Canada, Aboriginal musicians can compete in three new music
categories for this year’s Canadian
Aboriginal Music Awards. The deadline to enter is this month.
There are plenty of sports camps and events taking place this
month-plus all the powwows! What’s happening in your part
of Indian Country?
Tuesday,
June 7 - IIM Update:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
It’s been nine years since Eloise Cobell brought her class-action
lawsuit against the federal government for mismanagement of
Individual Indian Monies accounts. Her lawsuit is asking the
federal government to make good on its promise to keep an accurate
accounting of these trust fund accounts. They were established
in 1887 when government officials didn’t think Native
people could take care of their own business affairs. But time
has shown the government hasn’t done a great job managing
the accounts. What’s the latest in the IIM Trust Fund
lawsuit? Guests include Eloise Cobell (Blackfeet), Lead Plaintiff
and Keith Harper (Cherokee), Attorney/ Native
American Rights Fund.
Wednesday, June
8 - Native
Youth Suicide Hearings:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
The extremely high rate of suicide among Native teenagers has
caught the attention of U.S.
Senator Byron Dorgan. He held the first ever Senate Hearings
on Native Teen Suicide last month in Bismarck, North Dakota.
He’s going to hold a second hearing later this month in
Washington, D.C. to bring this more attention to this crisis
in Indian country. How are your family and community affected
by youth suicide? How can you send your comments to this Senate
panel so they hear your concerns? Guests Dr. Paul Dauphinais
(Turtle Mountain Ojibwe) Psychologist/ Turtle Mountain Community
School, and Dr. Teresa LaFromboise (Maimi), Professor/ Standford
University.
You
can send your comments by June 14, 2005 to the Senate Oversight
Committee on Youth Suicide Prevention by contacting Senator
Byron Dorgan at:
senator@dorgan.senate.gov
Fax: 202-224-1193
You can watch a live internet broadcast of the Oversight Hearing
at the
US Senate Committee on Indian Affairs website: http://indian.senate.gov/
Thursday,
June 9 - Diagnosing Dyslexia:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Is your child having a hard time reading, speaking, spelling
or writing? Have you ever considered they might have dyslexia?
The National Institute of Health
estimates that about 15% of the U.S. population is affected
by some type of learning disability. The numbers may be low
but it’s very frustrating for those people who suffer
from dyslexia. What are the signs you should look for as a parent
if you suspect your child might be dyslexic? Guests are Sheldon
Horowitz, Director of Professional Services/ National
Center for Learning Disabilities, and Phillip Whiteman Jr.
(Northern Cheyenne), Diagnosed with Dyslexia.
Friday, June 10 - Into
the West Premiere:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
What is written in history books is often from the point of
view of non-Natives. Imagine what Geronimo or Chief Seattle
would have said if they wrote history books about the events
that took place during their lifetimes. Turner
Network Television is set to air a six-week mini-series
on the settling of the American west. They hired Native advisors
who helped in the accurate portrayal of Native people and they
hired Native actors to play the parts of historical figures.
How can non-Natives learn about the history of Native Americans
from this television series? And how did the Native actors and
advisors help portray the Native perspective? Guests to be announced.
Monday, June 13 - Health Tune-Up
for Native Men:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Men! Who can figure them out? Most of them can rattle off statistics
on just about any sport or athlete but they have no idea what
their own stats are in terms of blood pressure or cholesterol
count. And they usually know all about automobiles, in fact
knowing what weight of oil their car takes is basic information
for most. Yet, how many know what a PSA test is for their own
bodies? It’s time for a “tune-up” for Native
Men. This week is “National
Men’s Health Week.” Native men, what should
you be aware of when it comes to keeping your bodies in tip
top shape? Guests include: Dr. Charles North, Medical Director/Albuquerque
Indian Hospital.
Tuesday, June 14 - Careers
in TV & Movies for Native People: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
Mainstream America is familiar with Native actors like Wes Studi
and Tantoo Cardinal, but who are the Native people working behind
the scenes of television and Hollywood movies? Several years
ago the networks were reprimanded for their lack of minority
representation in primetime programming. So the network executives
established diversity initiatives. ABC and Disney are investing
their efforts in a summer television and film workshop for Native
people. They hold their training at the Institute
of American Indian Arts in the summer. What Native people
have attended this training and have been hired by the network
or Disney? What does the training entail? Guests include Pierre
Barrera (Lakota), Writer/ABC; Carmen Smith, Vice President/ABC
Talent Development Team and Della Warrior (Otoe-Missouri), President/Institute
of American Indian Arts.
Wednesday, June
15 - Native in the Spotlight: Marilyn Delgado:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Life has been quite interesting for Marilyn Delgado. She’s
from the Nor-Rel-Muk Band of Wintu Indians in California. Her
degree in Business Management has led her to careers with the
California Highway Patrol, the California Lottery and the Office
of Small and Minority Business. Eventually she was appointed
by then-California Governor Gray Davis as the Director of Office
of the American Indian Coordinator. She advised the governor
on tribal issues in the state of California and even had a hand
in helping renegotiate gaming compacts for tribes. She’s
a strong advocate for tribal sovereignty. Marilyn Delgado is
our June Native in the Spotlight.
Thursday,
June 16 -
Planning for Your Spirit Journey:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Death is a topic many Native cultures traditionally don’t
encourage talking about. But when a loved one dies there are
several decisions the family needs to make in this modern day
and time. Funerals usually cost thousands of dollars. Many Native
families pool their money together to help pay for the funeral
because some funeral homes ask for cash up front. How are tribes
and Native people, today, dealing with planning the spirit journey?
Guests are Marcia Racehorse-Robles (Shoshone Bannock) Owner/Bannock
Pride, and Kurt Soffe, Spokesperson and Funeral Director/
National Funeral Directors Association.
Friday, June 17 - Salute
to Single Fathers!:(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Did you know the first Father’s Day was observed on June
19, 1910? The idea came from a woman who wanted to honor her
father because he raised his six children, including an infant,
after his wife died in childbirth. Today many fathers face the
same challenge of being a single parent. But, how do Native
men who are single dads cope with parenting? If they come from
a matrilineal society does that have an impact on their role
as single fathers? What single dads would you like to commend
on this Father’s Day program? Guests include Monte Tilden
(Navajo) 2003 Learning Circle “Parent of the Year,”
& Single Dad; Stewart Dukepoo (Hopi) Single Dad; Wallace
Youvella (Hopi & Tewa) Single Dad.
Monday, June 20 - Cultural Preservation:
Best Practices:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
What are the necessary components a tribe should consider when
looking at historical preservation? How do tribes interact with
federal agencies in this process? A report entitled, “Tribal
Consultation: Best Practices of Tribal Historic Preservation,”
has just been released. The goal was to provide a model for
consultation between federal agencies and tribes on how to work
with the National Historic Preservation Act. Guests include
Kelly S. Jackson (Chippewa) Tribal Historic Preservation Officer/Lac
du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Dr. Sherry Hutt/Main
Report Author/National Association
of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers.
Tuesday, June 21 - Aboriginal
Day in Canada:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Today is National Aboriginal Day in Canada! People across Canada
are celebrating the cultures and contributions of the First
Nations, Inuit, and Metis peoples of Canada. In 1996, former
Governor General Romeo LeBlanc declared June 21st as National
Aboriginal Day after consulting with several Aboriginal
groups. How do the Aboriginal people feel about this national
holiday in their honor? What cultural celebrations are held
on this day in Canada? Guests include Mosha Floger (Inuit),
Communications Officer/ Inuit Tapiriit
Kanatami.
Wednesday, June
22 - Living with Dialysis:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
One of the complications of Diabetes is “end stage renal
disease.” This is the result of damage to the small vessels
in the kidney due to diabetes. Once the kidneys are damaged,
dialysis is the only way to treat the patient. Many Native Americans,
Alaska Natives, and Aboriginal people have to undergo dialysis.
What is the process of dialysis? What are the complications?
And what are some other diseases that lead to dialysis? Guests
include Gordan Quam (Zuni) Nurse Community Educator/ Albuquerque
IHS Dialysis Unit and Andrew Narva, MD/Chief Clinical Consultant-Nephrology
IHS Kidney
Disease Program.
Thursday,
June 23 -
Casinos: Blinded By The Light:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Any business owner will tell you the way
to get customers is to advertise. In Indian gaming, that advertising
often means big, bright neon or flashing lights shining the
way to the casino. Now, a rainbow of colors streak across the
night sky that once was only lit by stars. Is this light pollution?
How have the bright lights affected the Native community? What
other ways can tribes attract patrons without changing the night
sky? Guest to be announced.
Friday, June 24 - Music
Maker: Carlos Reynosa, “For The People:”
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Singing has always been a part of life for Carlos Reynosa. He
says he wrote his first song when he was eight-years-old! He
sang in school choirs and started his professional singing career
by the time he was 17. Today, many bands and CD’s later,
he’s releasing his latest album, “For the People.”
It’s the first recording since the birth of his son and
the music reflects his happiness in being a father. His music
also reflects his mixed heritage of Cherokee, Yaqui, Mexican,
Irish, French and German descent. The album is a combination
of contemporary tunes as well as Native flute. Carlos
Reynosa is our June Music Maker.
Monday,
June 27 - National HIV Testing Day:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
It’s been about three decades since HIV (Human immuno-deficiency
virus) became widely known. The virus is most commonly transmitted
through sexual contact or through contact with bodily fluids.
HIV can lead to AIDS (Acquired immuno deficiency syndrome) but
who is at risk? How has HIV and AIDS affected Indian country?
How do you know if you should get tested? This is “National
HIV Testing Day.” What is your Native community doing
to help treat HIV positive people in your community? Guests
include Rick Haverkate (Chippewa) Director Health Services Division/Intertribal
council of Michigan.
Related
Link:
www.embracingourtraditions.org
Tuesday, June 28 - How
Does Your Native Garden Grow?:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Many Native tribes are well known for their farming and gardening
techniques. They’ve found ways to grow food in dry climates
or irrigate their fields with large canals. Like any farmer
or gardener Native growers found ways to scare off the birds.
But today with so many Native people moving into urban areas,
how has gardening changed? What are the benefits of having a
garden? What traditional plants from your people do you still
grow? Guests include Jeff Metoxen (Oneida) Manager/TSYUNHEHKWA
Oneida Nation Farms and Alex Sando (Jemez) Native American Program
Director/Native
Seeds.
Wednesday, June
29 - Iraq: One Year of Sovereignty:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
On June 28, 2004 at 10:26 AM Baghdad time, coalition civil administrator
Paul Bremer turned over Iraq’s sovereign status to the
Interim Prime Minister Ayad Allawi. Now, one year later, where
does Iraq stand in terms of sovereignty? How has the interim
government dealt with the rash of suicide bombers and insurgents
who have not let the country rest in its first year apart from
Saddam Hussein’s dictatorship? With the number of casualties
for all forces growing each day, are the Iraqi people any closer
to peace in their homeland? What does sovereignty mean to the
Iraqi people? How does the issue of sovereignty concern Native
people of Turtle Island? Is there a correlation between sovereignty
for Iraq and sovereignty for Native people in the United States?
Guests are Isam al-Khafaji/contributing editor of Middle East
Report/Iraqi Social Scientist, and N. Bruce Duthu/Vice Dean-Academic
Affairs-Professor of Law Vermont Law School.
Thursday,
June 30 -
Book of the Month: Coyote Wisdom:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
What is the tradition of storytelling
in your tribe? Some Native people only tell stories in the winter
time and some stories are told to teach the listeners a moral
lesson. But stories can also heal people. In his book, “Coyote
Wisdom,” Dr.
Lewis Mehl-Madrona shares several stories from various Native
cultures and shows how everyone can learn from them. “Coyote
Wisdom” is our June Book of the Month. Medrona, who is
of Cherokee and Lakota heritage, mixes his formal education
in medicine and psychology with traditional stories to show
how healing can take place in all people.
Friday, July 1 - Facts
on Fireworks:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
As we head into the 4th of July weekend,
chances are you might be setting off some fireworks or at least
going to see a fireworks display somewhere. What are some of
the precautions you should heed if you are going to buy your
own fireworks and set them off? What other factors should you
consider like dry brush in your area? And what do you do when
someone is injured by a firecracker? Learn how to keep safe
during this holiday weekend. Guests include Doreen Milne (Muckleshoot)
Fireworks Vender and Fireworks Commissioner/ Muchleshoot Tribe,
Jim Winner, Public Relations Spokesman
/ National Council on Fireworks Safety, and Barbara Green, Nez
Perce Tribal Member.
Monday,
July 4 - No
Wasting Leftovers:
(Listen in RealAudio
)
If you’re enjoying a cookout or picnic today and preparing
some huge feast don’t think you have to eat it all today!
Holiday cooking can be overdone and then you’re left with
piles of leftovers. Instead of just warming them up and eating
them all week long, what other creative ways can you prepare
leftovers? Some Native chefs are on hand to give you’re
their best recipes for holiday leftovers. Guests include Loretta
Barrett Oden (Citizen Potawatomi Nation) Chef/Corn Dance Enterprises,
Inc. and Dale Carson (Abenaki) Food Columnist/ Indian Country
Today.
This show is Pre-Recorded. No phone calls will be taken during
the 4th of July program.
Tuesday, July 5 - Current
Events:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
July starts off with a bang and not just because of Independence
Day! Across Indian country there many are conferences, seminars
and social gatherings taking place this month. From health care,
youth and small business development, there are conferences
on various issues to help folks in Indian country. Plus there
is a good opportunity to tell you about if you’re a student
looking at a career in the science field. For folks planning
on visiting Alaska make some time to take in the World
Eskimo Indian Olympics which gets underway this month. All
that plus our list of powwows taking place this month, round
out the July Current Events program.
Wednesday, July
6 - Vanishing
Footprints: Update on Missing Natives:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
The so called “Run-Away-Bride” received major attention
in newspapers, radio and television newscasts. And currently
the young woman missing in Aruba is getting a lot of news time.
Yet, these are not the only cases of missing people. In the
U.S. and Canada many Native people are missing and their cases
have not been as well covered in the news media. This week marks
a year since six-year-old Tamara Keepness disappeared. The little
girl is from the Muscowpetung Cree Reserve in Canada. She is
just one of many Aboriginals missing for a year or more. Have
all the leads in their cases dried up? Who’s still searching
for missing Natives? Guests include Phyllis Hallatt, President/
Child Find Saskatchewan, Fran Flores, Crime Victim Specialist/
Laguna Police Department, and Loreena Keepness (White Bear Cree),
Mother of Tamra Keepness, a 6 Year Old Missing Child.
Thursday,
July 7 -
Native Hawaiians
Struggle for Recognition: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
Unlike Native Americans on the mainland, Native Hawaiians don’t
have the same federal status and government to government relationship.
But for the past six years they’ve tried to gain federal
recognition. Earlier this year Senator Daniel Akaka (D) Hawaii,
sponsored the, “Native
Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act.” It was heard
by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs who voted to adopt
an amended version of the Act. It is now set to be heard by
the full senate by August 7, 2005 for a roll-call vote. What
does this bill mean for Native Hawaiians? How will it differ
from the federal recognition status enjoyed by Native American
tribes on the mainland? And how will Native Hawaiian enrollment
criteria be established? Guests are Jade Danner (Native Hawaiian),
Spokesperson/ Council
for Native Hawaiian Advancement, and Kekuni Blaisdell (Kanaka)
Convenor/ Ka Pakaukau.
Friday,
July 8 - DNA Testing
for Tribal Enrollment:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Many people have stories in their family of
a grandparent or some other relative who was Native but the
family never talked about that heritage for various reasons
and now the bloodline can’t be traced. There are other
reasons why tracing ones Native ancestry might be difficult
but those issues may be over. Some tribes are turning to DNA
testing to determine if a person is of Native heritage. How
will DNA testing impact tribal membership roles? Should science
determine who is or isn’t Native? Guests include Jennifer
Clay, Director-Native American Marketing/ Orchid
Cellmark, Inc.
Monday, July 11 - Empowering
Native Women:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Historically many Native tribes had matriarchal societies. However,
with the influence of European cultures, the role of the Native
women was reduced and in some cases eliminated. Men became the
sole leaders and held the power of decision making in all tribal
matters. Even today, when Native women attain high leadership
roles there is friction. Yet there are many Native women who
are interested in leadership roles and helping mentor other
young Native women to be leaders in their personal and professional
lives. What are the leadership qualities of Native women? Guests
are Susan Masten (Yurok) Co-President/ Women
Empowering Women for Indian Nations and Melanie Benjamin
(Mille Band Ojibwe)Treasure/ Women Empowering Women for Indian
Nations.
Tuesday, July 12 - Native
in the Spotlight: Jesse Frankson: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
Have you ever heard of the “One Foot High Kick?”
Can you even imagine what the “Kneel Jump,” competition
looks like? These are some of the events in the World Eskimo-Indian
Olympics held each year in Alaska. Jesse Frankson is Inupiaq
and lives in Point Hope, Alaska. He holds four world records
in the World Eskimo Indian Olympics.
This young Alaska Native is preparing to defend his records
at the upcoming Olympic games to be held in Fairbanks later
this month. His amazing abilities to jump, kick and reach stunned
television audiences of a national program a few years ago.
Besides competing in the four events where he holds the world
records, Jesse will compete in six other games. Jesse Frankson
is our July Native in the Spotlight.
Wednesday, July
13 - Proposed
Changes in the WIC Program: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
The “Supplemental
Nutrition Program,” Women, Infants & Children,
otherwise known as WIC, was established by the U.S. Congress
in 1972. It provides financial assistance and health education
to indigent women. A recent change in the program requires that
all WIC sites must have a Registered Dietician on staff by October
1, 2005. Some tribes are having trouble meeting this new requirement.
One office was forced to close in Montana because of this new
law. How will the changes affect WIC programs that primarily
serve Indian people? Guests are Doris McGuire, Nutrition Coordinator/
Navajo Nation WIC Program, Nicole Bittle (Chickasaw), and Miranda
Nirvaz (Chactow), Mothers participating in the WIC program.
Thursday,
July 14 -
Supreme Court Vacancy:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
With the announcement of Sandra Day O’Connor’s resignation
from the United States Supreme Court, leaders in Indian country
are keeping an eye on who will take her seat. Ruling from the
nation’s highest court has a major impact on Indian tribes
and nations. A recent report shows that in the past decade the
justices have ruled against the tribes in approximately 80%
of cases brought before them. The Native American Rights Fund
along with the National Congress of American Indians established
the Supreme Court Project to monitor the cases brought before
the U.S. Supreme Court. They also coordinate the advocacy of
issues before the Supreme Court. Why should Native people be
concerned about the candidates being considered for the Supreme
Court bench? Guests include Lucy Simpson (Navajo) Attorney/
Indian Law Resource Center.
Friday, July 15 - Thumbing
A Ride: National Hitchhiking Month: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
Hitchhiking is a way to get around whether or not you have other
means of transportation. In the past it’s been hugely
popular and relatively safe. Today there are a number of websites
and books about the “art” of hitchhiking. For many
Native and Aboriginal people “thumbing a ride” is
part of their daily routine, especially on reservations, in
villages and on reserves. July is “National Hitchhiking
Month.” How has hitchhiking changed over the years? What
states ban hitchhiking? Guests include Milt Lee (Cheyenne River
Sioux) Documentary Producer and Morgan Strub, Spokesperson/
Digihitch.
Monday,
July 18 - Cancer, Natives, and the Health Disparities Summit:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Cancer rates among Native Americans and Alaska Natives show
an alarming disparity when compared to the rest of the US population.
Health care services for Native people who’ve been diagnosed
with cancer are dependent upon the Indian Health Service, in
most cases. And in most cases, cancer patients don’t receive
the care they need due primarily to inadequate federal funding
of the IHS. A national conference meets this week to examine
and problem-solve the factors that contribute to the disparities
in health care for Native cancer patients. What are some of
the cancer care needs in your community and how may they be
met? Guests Alberta Tippeconnic (Navajo), Assistant Director/
Inter-Tribal Council of
Arizona, Dr. Judith Kau, Medical Director/ Native American
Programs of the Mayo Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Dr. Roland
Garcia, Program Director/ Center
to Reduce Cancer Health Disparities.
Tuesday, July 19 - Violence
Against Women Act:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
In 1994, the National Organization for Women got the Violence
Against Women Act passed. Congress allocated funds to begin
the prevention and healing process for many battered and abused
women. This raised national awareness of the increasing numbers
of violence against women. There are now a number of shelters
across the country. But, for Native women, it’s not so
easy leaving an abusive relationship. They risk losing their
children to foster care and many don’t have a safe place
to escape to. Does your tribal community have a safe place nearby
to house abused women and their children? Where can Native women
seek help when their families may be hundreds of miles away?
Guests include Karen Marlene Artichoker (Oglala Lakota/Hochunka)
is the co-founder of Cangleska, Inc., a Domestic Violence and
Assault program located within the exterior boundaries of the
Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
Wednesday, July
20 - Indian Country Tourism: Promoting Native
Culture:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
The
erroneous stereotype of Native Americans, sadly perpetuated
by Newsweek and other forms of media, has changed from the ‘hangs-around-the-fort
Indian’ to the ‘casino Indian’. Not every
tribe relies on gaming for its economic development. Some tribes
sell or promote their individual culture to draw the US tourism
dollar. A conference that focuses on Indian tourism will bring
together a number of Native people whose effort is to promote
Indian culture to the American ‘tourista’. What
are some of the success stories in your area? How might tribes
help one another to be successful in the tourism business? Guests
are Camille Ferguson (Tlingit), President/ American
Indian Alaska Native Tourism Association, Daphne Richards-Cook
(Oglala Sioux), Executive Director/ Alliance
of Tribal Tourism Advocates, Ramus Suina (Chochiti), Coordinator
of the Cultural
Tourism Training Workshop.
Thursday,
July 21 -
Washington Redskins Lawsuit
Update:
(Listen in RealAudio
)
In 1992 a group of Native Americans filed
a lawsuit against the National Football League’s Washington
Redskins team. The petition noted the Redskins’ logo was
dehumanizing to Native peoples. Six years later, they won their
case in federal court. But the ruling was appealed by Pro-Football,
Inc. on the grounds the statute of limitations has expired.
Last week that decision was reversed by another judge. He ruled
that one of the plaintiffs still had grounds to sue since he
was just two-years-old when the logo was registered. Mateo Romero,
a Cochiti artist, now finds himself at the center of this lawsuit
against the NFL team. What is the next step in this process?
Do all, some, or just a few Native people find such logos offensive?
Guests include Mateo Romero (Cochiti) Plaintiff and Suzan Shown
Harjo (Cheyenne & Muskogee) Plaintiff.
Friday, July 22 - Music
Maker: Randy Wood, “Our Love Will Never Die:”
(Listen in RealAudio
)
Randy Wood’s first venture into the world of recording
music was less than three years ago. That first release made
quite an impression and he received a GRAMMY nomination in the
U.S. and a JUNO nomination in Canada. Since then he’s
added three more CD’s. His latest one, “Our Love
Will Never Die,” is a collection of lullabies and love
songs arranged to a Round Dance rhythm. Wood is Cree and originally
from Saddle Lake First Nation in Alberta Canada. He’s
our July Music Maker.
Monday,
July 25 - Indian Health Services: 50 Years of Serving Native
Amerians and Alaska Natives:
(Listen in RealAudio
)
Fifty years ago, the “Transfer Act,” removed the
Indian Health Services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs and
placed it under the Department of Health, Education and Welfare.
At the time, President Dwight D. Eisenhower opposed the move
because he said it wasn’t cost effective. Yet the IHS
has survived. How has the IHS served Native people through the
years? What major changes have they endured? What’s in
store in the next 50 years for IHS? Guests include Dr. Charles
Grimm (Cherokee) Director/Indian Health Services and Dr. Everett
Rhoades (Kiowa) Former Director/Indian Health Services.
Tuesday,
July 26 - Native Youth at the Helm!:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
How often have you heard the phrase, “Our youth are our
future.” While that might be the case, what are Native
youth doing today that’s noteworthy? Some are excelling
in academics, or sports and others are working to retain their
culture and language. While most students are still taking a
summer break from school, we’re going to take a look at
some of the outstanding Native youth across Indian Country.
Guests to be announced.
Wednesday, July 27 - Book of the
Month: “Little Woman Warrior Who Came Home:”(Listen
in RealAudio
)
The tragedy of the Navajo people’s infamous “Long
Walk” is told from a child’s viewpoint in the book,
“Little Woman Warrior Who Came Home.” In 1864 approximately
8,000 Navajos were rounded up and marched to Fort Sumner, more
than 300 miles away. Dr. Evangeline Parsons Yazzie writes about
this historic tragedy in a way young children can understand.
Alongside the English words she writes the story in Navajo.
Dr. Yazzie is Navajo and teaches the language at Northern Arizona
University. The book is named after her two grandmothers as
a tribute to them. “Little Woman Warrior Who Came Home,”
is our July Book of the Month.
Thursday, July 28 - FCC Indian
Telecommunications Workshop:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Where does Indian Country stand in this “age of technology
and information?” The world is so connected via the internet
these days that it might surprise some people to know how much
of Indian Country remains in the dark when it comes to logging
on and surfing the web. The Federal Communications Commission
is trying to address the issues of telecommunications in Indian
Country. They have partnered with the National Congress of American
Indians to host workshops and roundtable discussions on or near
several Native communities, including Albuquerque, NM. What
are the telecommunication issues when it comes to Indian Country?
How does homeland security impact telecom policy? Guests are
Valerie Fast Horse (Coeur d'Alene), Director of Information
Technology/ Coeur d'Alene Tribe, and Geoffry Blackwell (Muscogee
Creek), Senior Attorney and Liaison to Tribal Governments/ Consumer
and Governmental Affairs Bureau, FCC.
Friday, July 29 - Misusing Native
Symbols:(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Dream Catchers, Kokopelli, Totem Poles…you name it and
you’ll probably see these items or symbols on sale in
any number of stores or swap meets. Quite often the purpose
of the item or symbol is lost on the buyer or they get limited
information about the true traditional nature of the item. What
does the Dream Catcher really stand for and how was it used
in the past? Why won’t some Native people consider hanging
a picture of Kokopelli in their home? The use and misuse of
Native symbols may offend some Natives but it remains big business
for many shop keepers. How does it impact you? Guests are Jodell
Meyer (Mille Lacs Ojibwe) Assistant Site Manager/ Mille Lacs
Indian Museum & Trading Post, Andy Abeita (Isleta), President,
Founder/ Council for Indigenous Arts and Culturs, Leslie Ramirez,
Owner/ Kokopelli's Treasures.

Monday,
August 1 - August Current Events:(Listen
in RealAudio
)
For young people, August
means summer vacation’s almost over and many are getting
ready to head back to school. For others, it means only a month
left to make as many powwows as possible! This includes the
National
Museum of the American Indian Powwow in Washington, D.C.
For government employees various conferences will be taking
place this month. Also on the schedule of events there are conventions
on land issues, business development and health care. This month
also brings the annual Indian Market in Santa Fe, NM. What’s
going on in your part of Indian Country?
Tuesday,
August 2 - World Breast Feeding Week:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
According
to a 2003 government report, 70% of all infants in the U.S.
are breastfed. Researchers and health care providers know the
benefits of breastfeeding. It builds up resistance to disease
and reduces infant mortality. For the mother, studies show women
who breastfeed have a lower risk of breast cancer. Native women
tend to breastfeed their children longer than the national average
age. This is, “World Breastfeeding Week.” It’s
an effort to bring more awareness to the importance of breastfeeding.
Guests are Barbara Stoddard, Program Manager/ Honoring the Children,
Marinah (Indigenous Northern Mexico Tribes, Pima) Midwife/ Sage
Midwifery, and Julianne (Eskimo), Woman Infant Child Counselor/
Resource Center for
Parents and Children.
Wednesday, August 3 - Preparing
for College:(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Who in your family is going off
to college this fall? Are they the first person in your family
to go to college? For many Native families, this is still the
case. So how do you support the college-bound student? How can
families work at home to ease the pain of separation and even
guilt? First time college Native students need help and support
to stay in school and graduate. Guests are Rudy Preston (Navajo),
Arizona State University Student, and Melinda Polk (Confederated
Tribes of Warm Springs) Haskell Indian Nations University Student.
Thursday, August 4 - Native Youth
Perspectives on Resource Development:(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Across Indian Country there are
a number of unsung heroes who work tirelessly to protect Mother
Earth. They watch out for threats to traditional treaty lands
from pollution, resource development and the impact of human
beings. Some tribes have been successful in fighting corporations
and governments when it comes to mining and other resource development
cases. How is this knowledge passed on to the youth? At the
31st
Annual International Treaty Council Conference there will
be several sessions on what the youth need to know when it comes
to resource development on Indian lands. Guests are Danika Littlechild
(Ermineskin Cree), Youth Track Co-coordinator/International
Indian Treaty Council Conference, and Troy
Earthchild Dressyman-Lavallee Askiawasis (Plains Cree),
Youth Counselor/Motivational Speaker.
Friday, August 5 - Native Men
Stepping Up:
(Listen in RealAudio
)
Across Indian Country
you will find programs and services that support Native women,
children and teenagers. In 2001 the Native American Fatherhood
and Family Association was established on the Salt River Pima-Maricopa
Indian Community. The program helps incarcerated fathers become
more involved with their families and children. A few tribes
have adopted the NAFFA program because of its successful track
record. What other programs are geared specifically toward Native
men? Guest Albert Pooley (Navajo/Hopi), is the President and
Founder of the Native
American Fatherhood and Family Association.
Monday,
August 8 - Signing
The Energy Bill:
(Listen in RealAudio
)
It has taken an exorbitant amount of political wrangling, partisan
bickering and late hours of negotiating to put together and
pass the Energy Policy Act of 2005. It will be signed today
in New Mexico. One provision of the bill covers Indian Energy
and creates a framework to help Indian tribes develop their
natural resources. Which tribes will benefit from this bill?
What will be the impact on Indian Country overall? Guests include
Jim Grey (Osage) Principal Chief/Osage Nation, A. David Lester
(Muscogee Creek) Executive Director/Council of Energy Resource
Tribes, and Senator Tim
Johnson (D-SD)/ Member -Senate
Committee on Energy and Natural Resouces.
Tuesday,
August 9 - Careers
of Native Journalists:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
What is it like covering the news in both tribal media and mainstream
media? For more than 20 years the Native American Journalists
Association has worked to increase the number of Native journalists
in all news media outlets. Who are the Native journalists working
in both mainstream and tribal media? What experiences have they
had in their careers? Why is the media so important to Native
peoples? Guests are Brian Bull(Nez Perce)/Acting News Director/-Wisconsin
Public Radio, Joe Martin (Cherokee), Editor Cherokee One Feather
(Tribal newspaper), Matt Kelly (Ojibwe), Reporter/ Pentagon
Coverage USA Today, Dixie Hutchinson (Tlingit),
News Director/ KNBA Alaska Public
Radio.
Wednesday,
August 10 -
Native in the Spotlight: Frank
Blythe:(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Frank Blythe spent more than 15 years working in commercial
television at a time when few Native people were even considering
any media career. He took those skills and launched Native American
Public Television, a distribution house for Native films, videos
and radio productions. Frank continued his quest to bring more
Native programs to the airwaves and created the American Indian
On Radio Satellite Network. He’s Eastern Band Cherokee
and Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota. Frank Blythe is a pioneer in the
world of media. He’s our August Native in the Spotlight.
Thursday,
August 11 -
Native Journalists and Free Press
Issues:(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Over the years tribal communities have developed their own radio
stations and newspaper publications to bring the news to their
community members. Their perspective is rarely heard in mainstream
media. Yet some of the tribal news outlets have a hard time
operating because of restrictions placed on them by their tribal
governments. How do these journalists still manage to do their
job of informing the people? What tribes have had success in
creating a free press? Guests include Dan Lewerenz (Ioway) President/Native
American Journalists Association, Abbey Thompson (Ojibwe) Public
Relations Director/ Lac Du Flambeau Tribe and Patty Wenzel,
Reporter/ Lakeland Times
Friday,
August 12 -
Native Journalists Covering Indian Gaming:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Indian gaming has been and continues to be a controversial subject
for both Native and non-Native people. How do Native journalists
cover this issue? How do casino managers view the coverage they’ve
received about their business venture in mainstream and or tribal
media? A Town Hall meeting will be held in association with
the NAJA convention. What do tribal leaders have to say about
media coverage? Can journalists cover this particularly sensitive
issue in an in depth manner?
Monday,
August 15 - Immunizations
and Autism:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
More than 500,000 children suffer from autism in the United
States. It's a neurological disorder that affects the normal
development of the brain in the area of reasoning, social interactions
and communications. New research studies have linked some vaccines
to autism. What are the health factors and risks involved in
immunizing your children? Guests include: Dr. Rozlyn Singleton
and Dr. Steve Holve, Pediatric Senior Clinician/ Indian Health
Service, Glen Nowak, Spokesperson/ Centers for Disease Control.
Tuesday,
August 16 - No
Child Left Behind: School Plans in Indian Country:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
In 2002 President Bush signed the No Child Left Behind Act.
It aimed to improve the educational standards for all American
students. President Bush also approved a significant increase
in funding for Bureau of Indian Affairs schools. How does that
funding help schools on reservations and tribal communities
comply with the No Child Left Behind Act? How are schools in
Native communities planning on meeting all the requirements
of the No Child Left Behind Act? What should parents know about
the new standards in education? Guests include: Victoria Vasques
(Diegueno San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians) Secretary/ U.S.
Department of Education and Ed Parisian (Chippewa-Cree), Director/
Office of Indian Education Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Wednesday, August 17 -
Sacred Grain:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
The end of August and early September is the time for
harvesting wild rice. The healthy grain can be found growing
on the lakes of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Canada.
The Ojibwe regard wild rice as their "sacred grain." Some families
still harvest and process wild rice in the traditional manner.
Wild Rice can be found in gourmet shops in the U.S. and in Europe.
How can you tell the difference between paddy grown and traditional
wild rice? Guests include: Winona LaDuke (White Earth Ojibwe)
Director/ White Earth Land Recovery Project, Paul Schulz (Ojibwe),
Spiritual Advisor, and Joe LeGarde (Ojibwe), Ricer.
Thursday,
August 18 - Native Cinema:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Art comes in many forms at the annual Santa Fe Indian Market
held each year in August. Besides jewelry, paintings, and beadwork
you can find films made by Native people. The Native Cinema
Showcase screens several films during the two-day market. Who
are some of the new Native film makers? What topics are they
tackling? Guests include: Gary Farmer (Six Nations) Actor, Writer,
Director, Tazbah Chavez (Paiute, Navajo), Film Major, Santa
Barbara City College, and Danis Goulet (Metis), Executive Director/
imagineNative Film and
Media Arts Festival.
Friday, August 19 - Book
of the Month: Po'pay Leader of the First American Revolution:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
In 1680, Po'pay a man from San Juan Pueblo, led a successful
and historic attack against Spanish colonizers. For the first
time ever Pueblo historians are writing their own accounts about
that period of time in their history. The revolution led by
Po'pay changed the area of what later became the state of New
Mexico. For the Hopi, August 10 th is an official tribal holiday
called, "Pueblo Revolt Day." How do the other Pueblos
mark this day in history? Guests include: Joe S. Sando (Jemez
Pueblo) Co-Editor, and Herman Agoyo (San Juan Pueblo) Co-Editor
of "Po'pay Leader of the First American Revolution."
Monday,
August 22 - Acne & Other Skin Disorders
Affecting Native People:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
According to the Centers for Disease Control more than 60 million
people in the United States have a skin disorder that needs
medical attention. The most common skin disease is acne. There
are different forms of acne or pimples and they don’t
just affect teenagers. The condition, mild or severe, can have
devastating effects on a person’s self esteem. Other skin
disorders like vitiligo, the lightning of pigment, can affect
people in other ways. How can you care for these conditions?
How do you learn to live with a skin disorder? Guests are Dr.
Sandy Tsao (Navajo); Dermatologist/ Massachusetts General Hospital,
Mellor Willie (Navajo), Acne Patient, and Luann Pennesi, Holistic
Nurse/ NY Metropolitan Wellness Center.
Tuesday,
August 23 - Cultural
Boot Camps For Native Youth: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
Substance abuse and mental health programs for Native youth
are hard to find in Indian Country. Many young people who struggle
with alcohol and drug addictions are forced to participate in
adult programs. This lack of peer support and leadership can
be difficult for youth to handle. In Montana there’s a
program that instructs young boys to replace the euphoria they
get from drugs and alcohol with healthy high-risk activities.
Guests include Marcus Red Thunder (Cree), Cultural and Marketing
Director/ Four
Dances Outdoor Program.
Wednesday, August 24 -
Music Maker: Ardijah “Journey”:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
From the other side of the world comes music from the
Maori people. The group Ardijah first wowed audiences in 1988.
Since then they’ve toured the world, made more CD’s,
and developed their unique sound. They’re currently touring
the U.S. with their new CD, “Journey.” Ardijah
is our Music Maker guests for the month of August.
Thursday, August 25 - Teaching
Native History & Government: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
In some public schools there’s an effort to include Native
American history in their curriculums. In some states it’s
mandatory to teach Native history. In many cases only a few
tribes are mentioned but even their histories are not well covered.
In some cases teachers may be using outdated material. What
are the improvements in the public school system to ensure that
Native history is not forgotten? Why is it important for American
school kids to learn about Native history and government? Guests
include Carol Juneau (Mandan Hidatsa),
Montana State Legislator- Democrat, and David Bisonette ( Lac
Courte Oreilles Band of Ojibwe), Ojibwe History Teacher/ Lac
Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Community College.
Friday, August 26 - UFO's
In Indian Country:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Recently something was spotted in the sky over Standing Rock,
New Mexico which is located on the Navajo Nation reservation.
Some local Native people believe it was an Unidentified Flying
Object or UFO. The object appeared five nights in a row and
the sightings lasted as long as 90-seconds each. UFO experts
say both of these factors are rare in UFO sightings. Some people
were able to take photos of the lights which were reprinted
in the local paper. Are there any traditional teachings about
UFO's? How do Native people who witness something like this
handle the situation? Do you believe in UFO's? Guests include
Robert Allen, UFO Expert/ Interplanetary Science Research Organization
and Preston Thompson (Ho Cak) Cirriculum Developer/ Ho Cak Nation.
Monday,
August 29 - Indian
Trust: Cobell V. Norton Update: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
It’s
been nine years since the class action lawsuit led by Elouise
Cobell was filed against the United States government. In that
time they’ve won numerous court rulings and have seen
two Interior Department Secretaries held in contempt of court.
Now the plaintiffs have developed a list of 50 trust principals
to settle the case. But they face another battle in the courts
this time over the judge. The government’s representatives
have filed a motion to replace U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth
in this case. What are the other developments in this case?
Guests include Elouise Cobell (Blackfeet) Lead Plaintiff/IIM
Case and Bill Dorris, Attorney/Kilpatrick Stockton Law Firm.
Tuesday,
August 30 - Ruffling
Eagle Feathers:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
In
1940 the United States Congress passed the Bald Eagle Protection
Act and in 1962 they amended the law to include Golden Eagles.
The birds are also listed as “threatened” on the
Endangered Species list. Regardless of these protections and
the heavy penalties, the birds are still being illegally hunted
and killed. The Act does allow enrolled tribal members to possess
eagle feathers for cultural and ceremonial purposes but they
have to get the feathers from eagle repositories. For most repositories
the demand for the feathers out weighs the supply. Some say
the result is more illegal poaching. Some people argue the use
of eagle feathers in pow wows is a reason for more poaching.
Do you own eagle feathers, if so, how did you get them? Are
you aware of the laws that protect the bird? What rights do
you have as a Native or non-Native person to possess eagle feathers?
Guests to be announced.
Wednesday, August
31- Partnering For Higher
Education: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
Universities across the country are starting
to team up with tribes in their states to form a better working
relationship. The idea behind these partnerships is to increase
the attendance and graduation rates of Native students. For
many years Arizona State University has had such a relationship
with tribes in Arizona. Now, the University of New Mexico hopes
to create a similar program. What are the other goals of such
programs besides increasing the number of college graduates?
Why are such relationships important to universities and tribes?
Guests to be announced.
Thursday, September 1
- Congress Back In Session:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
After
taking more than a month off, our nation’s lawmakers will
be returning to the halls of Congress. Refreshed and rejuvenated,
the Senators and Representatives will again tackle a variety
of issues. What does the upcoming congressional session have
in store for Native America? What proposed legislation from
the last congressional session will be reintroduced? What happened
in the last session that affected Native peoples? Guests are
Jackie Johnson (Tlingit and Haida), Executive Director/ National
Congress of the American Indian, Michael Wero (Navajo), Communications
Director/ Navajo Nation Washinton Office, and Laura Strickler,
Reporter/ Capital News Connection.
Friday, September 2 -
Meditation
Methods of Indigenous People:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
In
this busy world where stores are open 24-hours a day and people
work shifts round-the-clock, how does one take time to relax?
It’s a very different world today than that of our ancestors.
But even they took the time to relax, meditate, and rejuvenate.
How do Natives today meditate? Are tribal rituals being observed
in the big cities? Rather than reaching for that aspirin what
can you do to relieve the stress and tension from the day? Guests
include Karen Waconda-Lewis (Isleta/Laguna) Program Manager
and Traditional Healer for the First Nations Community Source
Center in Albuquerque, Robert John (Seneca/Tubotlobal Olhone)
Spiritual Advisor, and Nancy Willis, Vice-President of Marketing
at St. Alexis Hospital in Bismark, North Dakota.
Monday,
September 5 - Tribes
Affected By Hurricane Katrina: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
Hurricane Katrina has destroyed major cities and towns along
the gulf coast states. As America assesses the damage, the projected
costs of clean-up and rebuilding escalates. In the midst of
the devastation stories of courage, humility and unity are emerging.
There are several federal and state recognized tribes along
the gulf coast who were impacted. The tribes who were spared
by Katrina are now stepping up to the plate to offer shelter,
food and other necessities to their tribal and non-tribal neighbors.
How are tribes in the area dealing with the devastation? How
can you help? Guests include Brenda Dardar Robichaux, Principal
Chief United Houma Nation, Frank Keel, Eastern Regional Director/Bureau
of Indian Affairs, Robert Holden (Chickasaw/Choctaw) NCAI Sr.
Staff, and Paula Shattuck Souther Pueblo Agency Fire Information
Officer.
Donations
can be sent to:
United
Houma Nation
20986 Highway 1
Golden Meadow, LA 70357
(985) 475-6640
N.C.A.I.
Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund
1301 Connecticut Ave., N.W
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
www.ncai.org
Tuesday,
September 6 -September Current Events:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
The month of September is traditionally known as, “Indian
Summer.” In the last warm month of the year there are
many events taking place across Indian Country, including the
Milwaukee Indian Summer
Festival. It will feature a pow wow, boxing, LaCrosse games
and a Film and Video Image Awards program. Throughout Indian
Country there are dozens of other pow wows and seminars, including
one on Business Development. IBM is offering grants to help
Native communities with technology training. The state of California
is celebrating its 38th Indian Day. Join us for our September
current events program.
Wednesday, September 7 -
Update on the Office of Special Trustee:
In 1994 the American Indian Trust Fund Management Reform
Act was passed. Since then the Department of the Interior has
beefed up its efforts to assist account holders with their trust
accounts. Some new things include opening a toll-free telephone
center where account holders can get information on their leases.
Fiduciary Trust Officers are being hired to also assist Indian
Trust beneficiaries and there are a number of other programs
in place to help the Individual Indian Money account holders.
How are the programs working? What does the future look like
for account holders and their leases? Guests include Ross Swimmer
(Cherokee) Special Trustee for American Indians/ Department
of the Interior.
Department
of Interior Trust Benificiary Service Line:
1-888-678-6836
Thursday,
September 8 - Native In
The Spotlight: John Echohawk: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
For more than three decades John Echohawk
has been defending Native people and lecturing about Federal
Indian Law. He has led the Native
American Rights Fund (NARF) as its Executive Director for
nearly 30 years. This year NARF celebrates its 35th Anniversary.
They have provided legal representation and technical assistance
to tribes, organizations and individuals. What lies ahead for
this Pawnee attorney and the organization he helped found? John
Echohawk, of the Native American Rights Fund, is our September
Native in the Spotlight.
Friday, September 9 - The
Legacy of Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
On January 7, 1972 William H. Rehnquist took his seat on the
U.S. Supreme Court. The graduate of Stanford Law School and
lawyer from Phoenix, AZ was nominated by President Richard Nixon.
Then on September of 1986 President Ronald Reagan named him
Chief Justice of the nation’s highest court. For more
than 30 years the opinions of this man, his legal interpretations
of the law have impacted Americans greatly. He voted to end
the execution of juveniles and the mentally ill. But as a lawyer
in Phoenix he opposed an ordinance to require all restaurants
and businesses to serve people of color. What was his legacy
in terms of American Indians and Federal Indian Law? Guests
include Dr. Peterson Zah (Navajo) Former Tribal President/Navajo
Nation and John LaVelle (Santee Sioux) Professor of Law/University
of New Mexico Law School.
Monday,
September 12 - 9/11
Four Years Later:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
It’s
been four years since the terrorist attacks on the World Trade
Center and the Pentagon. Native people living in both cities,
like all Americans, were greatly affected by the plane crashes.
From the Mohawk iron workers who helped build the twin towers,
to the local Native community leaders and even the Native journalists
who covered the horrific story, the event that forever changed
America, changed them in many ways as well. What was the personal
impact of those events on their lives? How have they recovered
from the terrorist attacks? Guests include Charlie LeDuff (Anishinabee),
Reporter/ New York Times and Rosemary Richmond (Mohawk), Executive
Director/American Indian Community House.
Tuesday,
September 13 - Dealing With the Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Two
weeks have passed now since Hurricane Katrina slammed into the
gulf coast states. Among the communities hit hardest by this
major storm is the United Houma Tribe in southeast Louisiana.
Help from Native America has poured in since then. Tribes have
sent food, water and even personnel to help in the search and
rescue effort. How are the tribes in the affected area doing
now? What has your tribal community done to support the gulf
coast state tribes? Guests are Jackie Johnson (Tlingit and Haida),
Executive Director/ National Congress of the American Indian,
Larry Frank, Editor/ Native American Housing News, and Lenore
Churole, Program Dircetor/ Vocational Rehabilitation Program,
United Houma Nation.
Donations
can be sent to:
United
Houma Nation
20986 Highway 1
Golden Meadow, LA 70357
(985) 475-6640
N.C.A.I.
Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund
1301 Connecticut Ave., N.W
Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
www.ncai.org
Wednesday, September
14 - Absence of Abstinence:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Parents
may ask their children to hold off having sex until they are
married but how many teenagers obey? There are several websites
and books that promote abstinence for people of all ages and
religious backgrounds. Yet in this culture that shows sexuality
on television, in magazines and on billboards, is it easy to
try to abstain from sexual activity? What are some Native teachings
on sexuality and abstinence? Guests include Alice Skenadore
(Oneida), Director/ Wise
Women’s Gathering Place and Leslie J. Unruh/ Founder,
National Abstinence Clearinghouse.
Thursday,
September 15 - Hispanic
Indians:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Each year September 15th marks the start of the
month-long celebration of, “National Hispanic Heritage
Month.” Hispanics are the largest racial group of people
in the United States and many of them have Native American heritage
as well. What is it like growing up with duel identities? How
does one embrace two vibrant cultures? How do Native communities
celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month? Guests to be announced.
Friday, September
16 - Music
Maker: Black Lodge:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
The singers from the drum group, “Black Lodge” are
at it again! They’re releasing a second CD called "More
Kids' Pow Wow Songs." It's filled with pow wow songs
for children of all ages! From Sponge Bob Square Pants to Elmo’s
World, they cover the kids’ scene with their new tunes.
Black Lodge is our Music Maker group for the month of September.
Guests include Kenny Scabby Robe (Blackfeet), Leader Singer,
Algin Scabby Robe (Yakima & Blackfeet), Singer/ Black Lodge
and Irwin Scabby Robe (Yakima & Blackfeet), Singer/ Black
Lodge.
Monday,
September 19 - Surviving Suicidal Attempts:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Suicide touches the lives of a majority of Native people. According
to a 2004 report from the Centers for Disease Control, American
Indian and Alaska Native men ranked second in suicide rates.
That report also showed that men are four times more likely
to die from suicide than females. In Native communities suicide
clusters are not unusual. Children not yet in their teen years
are attempting to take their own lives. What’s being done
in your tribal community to prevent suicides? How does one survive
suicide and go on to live a better life? How do family members
of suicidal people deal with the situation? Guests include Arnold
Thomas (Shoshone/Paiute) Traditional Healer & Attempted
Suicide Survivor.
Tuesday, September
20- Fuming Over Gas Prices:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
How high are the gas prices in your part of Indian country?
In some places people are paying more than $3.00 a gallon! What’s
causing this surge in prices and how long can we expect to keep
paying more at the pump? Are there ways to make your gas last
longer? What’s the forecast for gas prices in light of
the recent hurricane’s destruction of oil companies along
the gulf? Guests include Roger Fragua (Jemez Pueblo) Deputy
Director/The
Council of Energy Resource Tribes, Jeannie Chavez, Spokewoman/AAA
New Mexico, and Michael Peters (Squaxin Island) General Manager/Skokomish
Indian Tribal Enterprises.
Wednesday,
September 21- NMAI One Year Anniversary:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
The National Museum
of the American Indian celebrates one year of being in business
and open to the public today. Thousands of people from all over
the world came to its grand opening last year and millions more
have toured the museum in its inaugural year. What have been
the highlights of the year? What have museum staff learned they
need to modify? And how are the Native plants on the grounds
growing? Guests include Keevin Lewis (Navajo) Community Services
Coordinator, Ceni Myles (Navajo/Mohegan) Public Programs, Sharyl
Pahe (Navajo/San Carlos Apache) Cultural Interpreter, and Donna
House (Navajo/Wisconsin Oneida) Ethnobotanist/NMAI Native Design
team.
Thursday, September
22- Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
The National Institute of Mental Health says Post Traumatic
Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is an anxiety disorder that can develop
after exposure to a terrifying event in which grave physical
harm occurred or was threatened. Health professionals are preparing
for an influx of P.T.S.D. after Hurricane Katrina. Many Americans
were also affected by the anniversary of 9/11 and some students
and teachers at Minnesota’s Red Lake High School are still
dealing with last March’s school shooting. What is P.T.S.D.?
What are the symptoms and what kind of help is out there? Guests
include Thomas Berry (Choctaw) U.S. Air Force Veteran/ Diagnosed
with P.T.S.D and Dr. Carolyn Barcus (Blackfeet), Director/ American
Indian Support Project, Utah State University.
Related
Sites:
ptsd.factsforhealth.org
National Center
for PTSD
Friday,
September 23- War Protests:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Anti-war activists across the nation will march in Washington,
D.C. on Saturday, September 24th. It’s part of the “Troops
Out Now Coalition’s” effort to get the U.S. to bring
American troops back home. Recent polls suggest the majority
of Americans oppose the U.S. military occupation in Iraq. How
do Native people feel about the war and about pulling U.S. troops
out of the region? Are there anti-war marches and rallies on
Indian reservations or in villages? Guests are Joe Cross (Caddo),
Vietnam Veterans Against the
War, Maria Santelli, Co-Coordinator/ Albuquerque Center
for Peace and Justice, Orion Yazzie (Navajo, Cheyenne-Arapahoe),
Highschool Senior, Dine for Peace and Sean Griswold (Jemez,
Laguna, Zuni), Highschool Senior, Youth Action.
Related
Link: sanjuanpeace.net
Monday,
September 26 - Stalking
Troubles in Indian Country: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
American
Indian and Alaska Native women are targeted by stalkers more than
any other race in the U.S., according to the survey, "Stalking
in America- National Violence Against Women," conducted
by the Stalking Resource Center. Some tribes and nations have
created laws against stalking and impose fines and/or imprisonment
to perpetrators. Statistics show one in 12 women and one in 45
men will be victims of stalking in their lifetime. Does your Native
community have a problem when it comes to stalking? What laws
are in place to protect community members? Guests include Tracy
Bahm, Director/ Stalking Resouce
Center - National Center for Victims of Crime, and Barry Ski
(Lac du Flambeau Chippewa), Projects Director/
Native American Circle.
Tuesday,
September 27 -
Po’Pay Statue Placed In Statuary Hall:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
National
Statuary Hall in the U.S. Capitol is
now complete with the induction of New
Mexico’s statue of Po’Pay. Each state provides
two statues of people who they consider a major influence in their
state’s history. Po’Pay came from the Pueblo of San
Juan. He’s credited with leading the Pueblo Revolt of 1680
that drove the Spanish settlers from Pueblo lands. New Mexico’s
congressional delegation voted to have Po’Pay represent
their state. Cliff Fragua from the Pueblo of Jemez carved the
statue and he’s the only American Indian sculptor to have
a creation in this collection. What does this inclusion of a Native
American leader in Statuary Hall mean to Native people everywhere?
Guests are Cliff Fragua (Jemez Pueblo), Sculptor, Rachele Agoyo
(Cochiti & Santa Domingo), Concept Originator, and Barbara
Wolanin, Curator/ Office of the Architect.
Wednesday,
September 28 - Book
of the Month: Tiller’s Guide To Indian Country:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
For
non-Natives it might be hard to imagine that there are more than
550 Federally Recognized tribes in the U.S. Each one has its own
distinct characteristics. For the business minded, the educators,
and just the plain curious, there is a book out that’s just
been updated and has a tremendous amount of information on Indian
nations. “Tiller’s
Guide to Indian Country,” is written by Dr. Veronica
Velarde Tiller. She’s from the Jicarilla Apache Nation in
New Mexico. Dr. Tiller visited each Indian community and gives
detailed information on their economy, government, demographics,
history and culture. “Tiller’s Guide to Indian Country,”
is our September Book of the Month and Dr. Tiller is our guest.
Thursday, September 29 - Update
On Meth In Indian Country: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
The State of Arizona, the Federal Bureau of Investigation
and the Bureau of Indian Affairs are currently enforcing, “Operation
Wildfire.” Although it sounds like they’re putting
out fires, this operation is focused on the trafficking of methamphetamine
or “meth” on tribal lands. Meth is an addictive stimulant
drug and its use is reaching epidemic proportions on tribal reservations.
What are tribal law enforcement agencies doing to tackle this
drug problem? What happens to people who use the drug? Do tribal
codes address the problem of meth specifically? Guests include
Ken James (Santee Sioux) Chief of Police/ Flandreau Santee Sioux
Tribe, and Elmer Four Dance (Hidatsa), Special Agent/ Bureau of
Indian Affairs- Law Enforcement.
Friday,
September 30 - Nuclear
Waste In Skull Valley:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission is giving the green light
to build a nuclear waste dump on the Skull
Valley Goshute Reservation in Utah. The dump is expected to
bring millions of dollars to the impoverished tribe that has less
than 150 members. This is the first legal step for the tribe.
They must now secure the approval of the Bureau of Indian Affairs
to go forward with the construction. Private
Fuel Storage, the company that plans to send 44,000 tons of
radioactive waste to the site, must also get the approval of the
Bureau of Land Management before the deal is finalized. BLM oversees
the federal land PFS plans to use to build railroads to transport
the nuclear waste. Utah’s Congressional delegation opposes
the whole plan, as well as some members of the Goshute and several
national Native environmental groups. If this deal goes through,
it would be the first nuclear waste dump site located on a Native
reservation. What are the long-term implications of such a storage
site? How does housing toxic waste comply with Native values on
land stewardship? Guests are Sue Martin, Public Affairs Consultant/
Private Fuel Storage, and Margene Bull Creek (Skull Valley Band
of Goshutes), Chairperson / Ohngo Gaudedeh Devia.

Monday,
October 3 - Current Events:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
October is a busy month for Indian Country. In the Midwest a deadline
has been extended for a juried Native American art exhibition,
hundreds of people will convene in St. Paul for the National Native
American AA Convention and, in Arizona the Native American Recognition
Days kicks off this month. In Florida the 7th Generation Community
Services Corporation will host a seminar entitled, “How
to Identify and Plan for Native American Families in need of Mental,
Alcohol & Drug Abuse Treatment.” Join us for our October
Current Events show.
Tuesday, October 4 - Global Warning
& Tribes:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says global warming is
the progressive and gradual rise of the earth’s surface
temperature. It’s thought to be caused by greenhouse gasses.
Global warming is considered responsible for changes in climate
patterns throughout the world. Some believe its consequences are
drought, disease, floods and lost ecosystems. Environmentalists
argue the recent hurricanes are the result of global warming.
Now some Native organizations and companies are getting involved
in helping to fight and find solutions to global warming. How
are they protecting Mother Earth? Guests include Patrick Spears
(Lower Brule Sioux) Co-Founder & President/ Intertribal
Council on Utility Policy and Clayton Thomas-Müller (Mathais
Colomb Cree Nation), Native Energy Organizer- Indigenous
Environmental Network.
Related
Link: NativeEnergy
Wednesday,
October 5 - Raising
a Child with Down Syndrome: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
October is National Down
Syndrome Awareness Month. This genetic disorder affects approximately
one in every 800 births according to the National
Association for Down Syndrome. It’s caused by an error
in cell division that occurs during conception. Yet the medical
community has no idea why this happens. Many people know that
a woman older than 40 has a higher chance of conceiving a baby
with Down syndrome, however, 80% of children with Down syndrome
are born to mothers less than 35-years-of-age. How many Native
people have Down Syndrome? What special needs do parents of Down
syndrome children have? Where do they get help from in their Native
communities? Guests are Gloria Dodge (Navajo) Parent of Down Syndrome
daughter and Dr. Sophie Two Hawk (Cheyenne River Sioux), Chief
Medical Officer/ California Area IHS.
Thursday, October 6 - The
Salta, Argentina Mummies:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Nearly seven years ago, a research team unearthed the remains
of three Incan children on the top of Mount Llullaillaco in Argentina.
The remains are more than 500-years old. Their discovery prompted
the local government to open a museum for the public viewing of
the remains. The mummified bodies of the children, believed to
be six, seven and 15 years-old at the time of their deaths, are
on the museum’s website
and will soon be on public display at the museum. What are the
issues surrounding the public display of these ancient Natives?
How does this reflect on the laws and attitudes of Natives in
the U.S. and Canada? Guests are Christian Vitry, Head of Scientific
Area/ Musuem of High Altitude Archeology, Gabriel Miremont, Director/
Musuem of High Altitude Archeology, Monica Cassels, Translator,
Tim McKeown, NAGPRA Program Officer/ Department of Interior, and
Julio Guardita Torres, Member of the Indigenous Association of
Argentina.
Friday, October
7 - The Growth of the Native American Church:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
The Spanish believed that peyote was the Devil’s root and
many Mexican-Indians were tortured and killed for using this ceremonial
plant. In the late 1800’s James Mooney, an anthropologist
from the Smithsonian Institution, researched the use of peyote.
Years later he helped Oklahoma tribes protect their religious
right to use peyote. Recently the Navajo Nation proclaimed a new
law that decriminalized the use of peyote in ceremonies. The sacred
button is used in the Native American Church religion. Currently
there are more than 250,000 members and that number is growing.
How many tribes are adopting this religion or other Native ceremonies
that use peyote? Guests are Rita Coosewoon (Comanche), Comanche
Linguist Teacher, Doug Long (Ho-Chunk), Peyote Road Man, David
Clark (Dine), President of Azee Bee Nahagha of the Dine Nation.
Monday,
October 10 - Indigenous Languages & Technology:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
For a number of reasons many tribes have lost their language.
Some tribes have only a few fluent speakers left alive to pass
on the knowledge. With the developments in technology several
tribes are reviving their languages. Innovative methods of teaching
Native languages are being used as tools of empowerment for adults
and children. Which tribes have effective language models? What
does the loss of language mean to tribal peoples? Guests include
Chris Harvey,
Linguistics Professor/ University of Manitoba, Canada and Gerald
Hill (Oneida) President of the Board of Directors/ Indigenous
Language Institute.
Tuesday,
October 11 - Indigenous Airwaves:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Dozens of people from Indigenous communities throughout the Americas
will gather in Santiago, Chile later this month to talk about
the importance of radio to their communities. In the U.S. tribes
are seeing the benefits and power of radio. How are other Indigenous
people faring when it comes to radio ownership and use? For some
tribal communities radio isn’t just about music; it's helping
to preserve culture and tradition. How are Indigenous people around
the world using their airwaves? Guests include Loris Taylor (Hopi)
Executive Director/ Center
for Native American Public Radio and Brian Wright McLeod (Dakota/Anishnabe)
Producer & Host/ Renegade Radio.
Wednesday,
October 12 - Indian Rodeos 101:
(Listen in RealAudio
)
The first all-Indian rodeo occurred in the 1960's as part of the
Crow Fair Celebration in Montana. Sixteen years later, the first
Indian National Finals Rodeo was held under the direction of Clem
McSpadden, a former Oklahoma congressman and rodeo enthusiast.
This year the San Carlos Apache Tribe will host the Indian
National Finals Rodeo. Hundreds of participants from the U.S.
and Canada will travel to the southwest to compete in bull riding,
roping, barrel racing and bullfighting. What should first time
rodeo spectators look for when they attend their first rodeo?
Guests to be announced.
Thursday,
October 13 - Native
in the Spotlight: Andrea Smith: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
Andrea Smith, a Cherokee from Oklahoma, was nominated for the
2005 Nobel Peace Prize. Andrea co-founded the Chicago Chapter
of Women of All Red Nations and she is a long-time activist working
for peace. In 2000 she organized the first Color of Violence national
conference that was held in California. She is an Assistant Professor
at the University of Michigan’s Native American Studies
Department. Andrea Smith is our October Native in the Spotlight.
Friday, October 14 - Iraqi
Constitutional Vote:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Saturday October 15th is the day Iraqis will go to the polls and
vote on a new constitution for their country. Iraqi citizens are
already picking up draft copies of the constitution to read before
the election. The election process is being closely watched, monitored
and secured by both the United Nations and the United States.
How similar is this process to the Indian Reorganization Act tribal
governments? And if the constitution passes, how will it impact
the withdrawal of U.S. troops from the region? Will Native troops
be coming home soon? Guests are Ahmed Sheikh, Chief Editor of
Al-Jazeera Television News, Robert Odawi Porter (Seneca), Professor
of Law/ Syracuse University, Joe Ray Toledo (Jemez Pueblo), Rio
Rancho/ New Mexico National Guard.
Monday,
October 17 - Acknowledging Black Indians:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
In Oklahoma, the Muscogee Creek Nation is struggling with an identity
crises. Two men are trying to reclaim their citizenship in the
nation. Their ancestors are on enrollment lists included under
the Dawes roll. However, they have African-American heritage as
well and because of that their ancestors were placed on the Muscogee
Creek Freedman Roll. In 1866 these people were granted full tribal
citizenship. But less than five years ago, the Muscogee Creeks
stripped anyone on their Freedman Roll of membership. Now the
Freedman descendants are fighting to have their Creek Nation membership
reinstated. How have enrollment guidelines changed for your tribe?
Guests include: Ron Graham (Muscogee Creek) Plaintiff/ “Ron
Graham V. Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma Citizenship Board,”
Fred Johnson (Muscogee Creek) Plaintiff/ “Fred Johnson V.
Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma Citizenship Board,” Damario
Solomon Simmons, Attorney & Managing Partner/ Solomon
Simmons & Associates and Dr. Robert Collins (Choctaw &
African American) Lecturer, University of California, Berkely.
Tuesday, October 18 - The
Evolution of Native Hunting:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Native people have developed various techniques when it comes
to hunting. Essential to the hunt was the spiritual preparation
of the hunter. Some tribes watched nature to determine when the
hunting of a certain animal could begin. Now with the impact of
non-Natives, things have changed for tribes. Some tribal members
are seeing their traditional way of hunting disappearing. What
are your tribe’s traditional hunting practices? Are you
a Native person who hunts? Do you use a rifle or do you hunt with
a bow and arrow? Guests are Silis'chi taun Jackson (Hoopa), Practitioner
of Traditional Hunting Techniques, and Paul Asicksik (Inupiak),
Big Game Hunter.
Wednesday,
October 19 - Preparing for Winter:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
The blazing days of summer are coming to an end. It’s time
to prepare for winter by breaking out the sweaters and canning
the food. From gathering pinions to firewood, Natives are getting
ready to welcome the cold. It’s also the time when certain
words and stories can be said aloud for some tribes. Besides traditional
practices during the winter months there are also modern concerns
Native people need to understand. The price of natural gas is
expected to rise. How can Native people prepare for this extra
winter cost? What are you doing, either traditionally or modernly,
to prepare for winter? Guests are Roger Fragua (Jemez), Deputy
Director/ Council of Energy
Resource Tribes, and Tanya Serota (Sault Ste. Marie Tribe
of Chippewa Indians), Homebuyer Education Coordinator/ National
American Indian Housing Council.
Thursday,
October 20 - Understanding Stuttering: (listen)
Have you known someone who stutters? More than three-million Americans
suffer from this communication disorder. It affects males at a
rate of four times more than females. And about 20% of all children
will go through a phase where they stutter. For people who have
this disorder, talking can be quite frustrating. What do you need
to know about stuttering and how can you help your children if
they start to stutter? Will your child ever stop stuttering? How
many Native children and adults are affected by this disorder?
Guests are Brenda Malepeai, Clinical Associate Professor/ Idaho
State University, and Verlee Neha (Navajo), Speech Language Pathologist/
McKinley County Public Schools.
Related
Link: The Stuttering
Foundation
Friday, October
21 - Music
Maker: Peacemaker's Lullaby:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Five years ago ElizaBeth Hill began learning the Mohawk language
so she could share it with her grandchildren. She has reconnected
with her tribal roots and now composes music with the help of
tribal elders. She intertwines the Kanienkeha:ka (Mohawk) language
with music to share the history of her people. Her CD, “Peacemaker’s
Lullaby,” is recorded in the Mohawk language. It’s
our Music Maker edition for the month of October and ElizaBeth
Hill is our guest.
Monday,
October 24 - Alaska Federation of Natives Wrap:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
39 years ago, the Alaska
Federation of Natives was formed. AFN represents Native organizations,
corporations and tribes. They address issues facing Alaska Natives
and they play an active role in setting policies. Some of those
policies cover education, health, labor and resource development.
Last week AFN held its annual conference in Fairbanks. The theme
was, “Follow the Lights: Native Ways of Knowing.”
What other issues were brought up during AFN? What is the state
of Alaska Natives today? Guests are Sarah Sherry (Athabascan),
Program Officer/ First Alaskans Institute, Nelson Angapak (Yupik),
Vice President/ Alaska Federation of Natives, and Dixie Hutchinson
(Tlingit), News Director/ KNBA Public Radio Station in Anchorage,
Alaska.
Tuesday, October 25 - Native Intelligent
Design:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
You’ve probably heard in the news recently all the talk
about teaching “Intelligent Design” in schools. What
exactly is Intelligent Design? Does it include a Native perspective
on the earth's creation? What is your child learning in school
when it comes to evolution and your own tribal teachings on creation?
Guests are Ernest Siva (Cahuilla/ Serrano), Cultural Advisor -Tribal
Historian/ Morango Band of Mission Indians, Dr. Tim Begaye (Navajo),
Assistant Professor of Education and Policy Studies/ Arizona State
University, and Georgiana Sanchez (Chumash, Tohono O'odham) Lecturer/
California State University, Long Beach.
Wednesday,
October 26 - Book
of the Month: Bleed Into Me: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
“Bleed Into Me: A Book of Short Stories,” features
a young Indian man’s journey to discover America. The result
is an unsettling understanding of relations between whites and
Natives in the 21st Century. As Stephen
Graham Jones, the author, explains it, the life of an Indian
in modern America is as rich in irony as it is in tradition. He
has written other books including, “The Fast Red Road.”
Jones is Blackfeet and he’s an Assistant Professor of English
at Texas Tech University. His book, “Bleed Into Me,”
is our October Book of the Month.
Thursday,
October 27 - Living With Celiac Disease:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Have you ever met a Native person
who can’t eat frybread? Chances are they have Celiac Disease.
CD, as it’s commonly known as, isn’t an allergy, it’s
an autoimmune intestinal disorder. People who have CD can’t
digest gluten. Gluten is a protein that’s found in all forms
of wheat. You might be surprised at how many food products have
various forms of wheat in them, including candy bars. How do you
get Celiac? What special diet must you follow to avoid being sick?
And how can you avoid, “Celiac meltdown?” Guests are
Dr. Don Clark, Medical Officer/ IHS Division of Epidemiology and
Disease Prevention, and Pemwahtumequah (Kickapoo, Laguna), has
Celeac Disease.
Related
Links: Celiac Disease Foundation
Friday, October
28 - Boo!
Scary Stories:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
It’s story time in Indian Country. Stories have been a part
of Native culture since the beginning of time. Often they have
lessons that teach us how to live and behave. In the great mix
of stories told lie a group of stories that can spook you and
make your skin crawl. From the north to the south and the east
to the west, we lend our ears to some stories that might make
you shiver. It’s our Native tribute leading up to Halloween.
Guests are Storytellers Joseph Buchac (Abenaki), Lloyd
Arneach (Eastern Band Cherokee), Pat Smith (Micmac), and Gayle
Ross (Cheokee Nation of Oklahoma).
Monday,
October 31 - Indian
Self Determination Act:
As the 62nd Annual Convention of the National Congress of American
Indians gets underway this week, it’s time to take a look
at the work NCAI has done through the years. The theme for the
convention is, “Celebrating 30 Years of the Indian Self
Determination Act.” The act was signed by President Richard
Nixon in 1975. How have Indian tribes fared since this act was
implemented? What is NCAI celebrating? What are some of the goals
for tribes in the next 30 years? Guests include Sue Masten (Yurok)
Member of Board of Directors for Indian
Law Resource Center , Dr. Eddie Brown (Pascua Yaqui) Director
of American Indian Studies, and Madeline Marie Soboleff-Levy (Tlingit-Haida)
Miss National Congress of American Indians 2004-2005.
Tuesday,
November 1- NCAI Presidential Candidates Debate: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
In 1944 the National Congress of
American Indians was formed. It has become the largest organization
representing American Indian and Alaska Native tribes and organizations
in the country. It takes tremendous time and skill to lead this
organization as it deals with sovereignty issues and the unique
government-to-government relationship Native governments have
with the U.S. Federal Government. At this 62nd Annual Conference
it’s election year. Who will lead the National Congress
of American Indians for the next two years? Candidates will face
off in a debate on the issues. Guests include the NCAI Presidential
candidates Harold Frazier (Cheyenne River Sioux) Chairman/Cheyenne
River Sioux, Joe Garcia (Ohkay Owingeh) Governor/ Ohkay Owingeh
Pueblo and Jim Gray (Osage) Principal Chief/Osage Nation.
Wednesday,
November
2 - Health
& Fitness Day:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
To be in harmony as a Native person, it takes more than strength
and wisdom. It also takes being healthy in body and spirit. For
the past three years organizers of the NCAI conference have considered
this aspect. They’ve held a fitness walk for the delegates.
This year Olympian Billy Mills will lead the walk. What is the
state of Native health today? Looking at the numbers, Natives
top the charts when it comes to suicide and substance abuse, most
recently methamphetamines. What events and programs are available
to help Native people be healthy? Guests include Dr. Joseph B.
Stone (Blackfeet/Lakota/Turtle Mountain Chippewa) Program Manager
and Clinical Supervisor of the Behavioral Health Program for the
Confederated Tribes in Grand Ronde, OR., Tex G. Hall (Mandan/Hidatsa/Arickara)
President of National Congress of American Indian , Don Coyhis
(Mohican Nation from the Munsee Reservation, WI) Founder/President
of the White Bison Inc., Billy Mills (Oglala Sioux) 1964 Olympic
Gold Medalist, and Dr. Thomas J. Drewhard Deputy Chief of Surgery
at the Indian Medical Center in Tuba City, AZ.
Thursday,
November
3 - Recognition Issues Facing Native
Peoples: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
In 1994, Congress requested the
Secretary of the Interior publish a list of all tribes that are
eligible for federal services based on their recognition status.
This list is published in the Federal Register each year. Today
there are more than 240 tribes in the United States who are seeking
Federal Recognition status. What are the steps required to obtain
Federal Recognition? Can that designation be taken away? Guests
include: Reggie Tupponce, Jr. (Mattaponi) President/Virginia Tribal
Alliance for Life and Brenda Dardar-Robichaux (Houma) Principal
Chief/United Houma Tribe.
Friday,
November
4 - The
Changing Face of Indian Gaming: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
For some tribes, gambling has always been a part of their culture.
The Ojibwe had the Moccasins Game and the Kiowa and Caddo were
known for their Hand Games. But times have changed. In the late
1970’s, Bingo halls started to flourish on many reservations,
then came big time Las Vegas style gaming and the advent of the
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Since then Indian Gaming has become
a multi-million dollar business for some tribes. What are the
latest changes in Indian gaming? How have tribes benefited? Guests
to be announced.
Monday,
November 7 - November
Current Events:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
For many sports hunters, November is deer hunting season. Some
Tribal communities have seen their first snow and for others it
marks the beginning of the holiday shopping extravaganza. This
month, registration deadlines are fast approaching for the Federal
Indian Trust Responsibility Conference in Arizona. Las Vegas,
Nevada is the host site for the Legal, Financial, and Regulatory
Issues in Indian Housing Symposium. Also, the Native American
Graves Protection and Repatriation Review Committee will hold
consultation meetings in the southwest for recommendations on
regulations for the disposition of unclaimed Native American cultural
items that are excavated or discovered on Federal or Tribal Lands.
There are dozens of Powwows to honor Native American Veterans
and to celebrate Native American Heritage month. What’s
happening on your Rez this month?
Tuesday, November
8 - Native Gay Pride:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
The celebration of gender-variant
people in Native circles is flourishing. Many Native lesbian,
gay, bisexual and transgenders are out and proud. How are Native
LGBT members celebrating their pride? What is the historical thought
of Native LGBT individuals? Do they play a role traditionally?
Have we learned to shun these individuals as another part of Western
assimilation? Guests include John “Hawk” Co-Cke (Osage/Peoria/Cherokee)
HIV-AIDS Coordinator/ Indian Health
Care Resource Center of Tulsa, Sherrick Roanhorse (Dine) member
of the Dine Coalition
for Cultural Preservation and Sharon Day (Ojibway), Executive
Director/ Indigenous
Peoples Task Force.
Wednesday,
November
9 - Homeland:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
In observance of Native American Heritage Month, PBS is airing
a documentary produced by the Katahdin Foundation entitled; Homeland:
Four Portraits of Native Action. Today, most all Indian nations
sit on land threatened by environmental hazards: toxic waste,
strip mining, oil drilling, and nuclear contamination. Homeland
tells the stories of five Native American activists in four communities
struggling to protect their homeland. Guests are Dana Barry (Penobscot),
Former Tribal Chief of the Penobscot Nation, and Evon Peter (Gwichin),
Founder and Director of Native
Movement Coalition.
Thursday,
November
10 - Distance Learning:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Tribal Colleges today are incorporating
new types of technology to the classroom. This includes art classes,
science and math course that helps students learn in a small college
environment with a university teacher. The Institute of American
Indian Arts in Santa Fe has a website program called “Native
Eyes.” This new program supports single moms in obtaining
their degree through their Distance Learning Program. This has
helped stay-at-home moms take care of their children and still
obtain their degree. What other Tribal Colleges offer Distance
Learning? Guests include David Wade (Cherokee), Director/ Native
Eyes Distance Learning Program, Institute of American Indian Arts.
Friday,
November
11 - Salute
to Native Veterans:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Natives have partaken in combat for centuries. Beginning with
tribal warfare up to present day battles overseas. Among this
group of warriors are the Prisoners of War. We celebrate their
bravery and honor this Veterans’ Day as we listen to their
stories. How can their stories help how we shape our view of the
world inside and out of Indian country? What did they face as
POWs? How do they cope with the memories today? Have they been
honored properly? Guests are Lanny G. Asepermy (Comanche/Kiowa),
U.S. Army Retired Sergeant Major and Dr. Cornell Pewewardy (Comanche),
Son of Battle of the Bulge P.O.W. Samuel "Doc" Pewewardy,
Jr.
Monday,
November 14 - Medicare
Part D:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Through the Medicare Modernization Act, some Native Americans
may be eligible to receive additional Medicare coverage. Medicare
D will cover prescription drug benefits and preventive health
services for those that take the time to fill out the necessary
information. Medicare is a Federal Health Insurance Program available
to people 65 years of age or older and younger people with mental
and health disabilities and those who suffer ESRD - End Stage
Renal Disease. On January 1st, 2006, Medicare D goes into affect.
How does Medicare D affect you and your family? Guests are Captain
Robert
Pittman (Yankton Sioux), Principal Pharmacy
Consultant/ Indian Health Service in Rockville, Maryland, Alvin
Rafelito (Navajo), Director of Administration/ National Indian
Council on Aging, and Traci McClellan (Cherokee), Executive Director/
National Indian Council on Aging.
Related
Link: American
Indian/ Alaska Native Medicare Resource Center
Tuesday,
November 15 - What To Do Against the Flu:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Along with chilly weather comes the flu. What
forms of protection are out there this year to fight this age
old bug? What exactly is the flu? How is it spread? Who is at
the highest risk for catching the flu? Is it fatal? Health organizations
and community clinics suggest getting a flu shot is your best
defense. Will the flu shot insure that you will not catch it?
How do herbal remedies combat the flu? What about the threat of
a pandemic flu? Guests are Donna McKenzie (Williams Lake Indian
Band of the Secwepemic Nation), Community Health Nurse/ Q'wemtsin
Health Society, and Dr. Andrea Girman, Board of Trustees/ American
Holistic Medical Association.
Wednesday,
November 16 -
NAGPRA’s
15th Anniversary: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, also
known as NAGPRA, became a law 15 years ago today. The law allows
cultural items held in Federal agencies and museums to be repatriated
to lineal descendants, culturally affiliated Federal Indian tribes,
and Native Hawaiian organizations. Since its inception, how has
the law helped Native communities make connections with their
ancestors? How many remains have been returned to their respective
communities? How does this law affect non-federally recognized
tribes? What about items held in private collections? Do they
fall under protection of NAGPRA? Guests are Sherry White (Stockbridge-Munsee
Band of Mohicans), Tribal Historic Preservation Officer/ Stockbridge-Munsee
Band of Mohicans and Sherry Hutt, Program Manager/ NAGPRA.
Thursday,
November 17 -
Remembering Vine Deloria, Jr.:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
In the beginning, Vine Deloria, Jr. wanted to become a Minister
like his Father, but decided to become a lawyer to help his Native
People. He obtained his Law Degree from the University of Colorado
and in the mid 60's he served as the Executive Director for the
National Congress of American
Indians. Vine Deloria, Jr. was best known for his books, "Custer
Died For Your Sins" and "God Is Red." He wrote
more than twenty publications, mostly on Federal Indian Law, Indian
Policies, and Tribal Sovereignty. His legacy as an activist and
as a great Native American Author will never be forgotten. Join
us, as we remember Vine Deloria, Jr. Guests: TBA.
Friday,
November 18 - Music
Maker: Tiger Tiger:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Two brothers are rocking the music world with their new CD entitled;
“Peace From The Everglades.” Their recording was nominated
for Best Pop/Rock Recording for the 7th Annual NAMMY Awards (the
Native American Music Awards). One of the songs, Heya, was nominated
for Best Song/Single of the Year. Their father instructed the
brothers to “use your knowledge of music to promote positive
awareness of our people.” The CD is dedicated to the survival
of the Miccosukee and Seminole people of Florida. Join us as we
talk with Stephen and Lee Tiger (Miccosukee) of the Native Rock
n’ Roll group Tiger
Tiger.
Monday,
November 21 - Conflict, Resistance, & Peacemaking:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Last week, the University of New Mexico’s Native American
Studies and Peace & Conflict Class sponsored an International
Symposium entitled: “Indigenous Peoples of the Americas:
Conflict, Resistance, and Peacemaking. Native groups such as the
Gwich’in Steering Committee, the Indigenous Environmental
Network, SAGE Council, Seventh Generation Fund, and a dozen other
Native organizations gathered to discuss peacemaking in a world
of conflict. What ideas and concerns were brought to the table
from this gathering of Indigenous people from North and South
America? Guests are Roxanne Olguin (Isleta), Coordinater, David
Lujan (Chicano), State Director/ American Friends Service Committee,
and Rose Ebaugh (Dine), Native American Voter Alliance Organizer/
SAGE Council.
Tuesday,
November 22 – Native In The Spotlight: Della Warrior: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
For
more than thirty years, Della Warrior has supported Native American
education. She was the Education Specialist for the Bureau of
Indian Affairs and she served as the Director of Indian Education
for the Albuquerque Public Schools in New Mexico. She was the
first woman elected as Chairperson for her tribe. She later became
the tribe’s Chief Executive Officer. In January of 1998,
Della became the President of the Institute of American Indian
Arts, a premiere Native American Art School located in Santa Fe,
New Mexico. Before her presidency, she was IAIA’s Development
Director from 1993-1997. During her tenure at IAIA, she has raised
more than $9.5 million for the establishment of IAIA’s permanent
home. On January 1st, 2006, she will retire as the President of
the Institute of American Indian Arts. Della Warrior (Otoe-Missouria)
is our November Native In The Spotlight.
Wednesday,
November 23 -
Christmas
In The Clouds:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
A new romantic comedy movie is coming out this holiday season
called “Christmas
In The Clouds.” The movie premiered at the Sundance
Film Festival. Christmas in the Clouds was written and directed
by Kate Montgomery and features a great line-up of Native Actors
and Actresses. The film gives viewers a glimpse into the life
of a close-knit tribal community and pokes fun at stereotypes
and celebrates Native American wit. Guests are Brien Wescott (Yupik/Athabascan),
Co-Producer, Sheila Tousey (Stockbride-Munsee), Executive Producer/Actress,
and Sam Vlahos (Pima), Actor, and Kate Montgomery, Director/Writer.
Thursday,
November 24 - What
Are You Thankful For?:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Thanksgiving is a time for many families and friends to gather
and feast. Favorite recipes are shared and lots of food is prepared
in addition to the traditional turkey. This day is usually celebrated
in some Native communities while others prefer not to recognize
this day. For many Native families, giving thanks is a daily tradition.
The people who surround us, the food that is placed in front of
us, and ending the day with a prayer is a way of giving thanks.
What does Thanksgiving mean to Native Americans today? What are
you thankful for? Share your thoughts with us on this formal holiday
of giving thanks. Guest
include Betty Durkee, Historic Preservation Director/ Kaw Nation,
and Greg Richardson (Haliwa Saponi), Executive Director/ North
Carolina Commission of Indian Affairs, Faye Waheneke (Wasco, Paiute
& Warm Springs), Tribal Elder, Garth Locklear (Lumbee), Chairman/
Lumbee Federal Recognition Committee, and Dave Anderson (Lac Courte
Oreilles Ojibwe & Choctaw) Founder/ Famous Dave's Barbecue
Restaurants.
Friday,
November 25 - Harvard
Honorees *Pre-recorded program:* (Listen
in RealAudio
)
The winners of “High Honors,” from the Harvard University’s
Kennedy School of Government are being lauded. Among them are
tribal government programs that tackle language preservation,
traditional farming, successful employment practices and cleaning
waterways. In all fourteen tribal programs were recognized recently
at the National Congress of American Indians conference in Tulsa,
Oklahoma. Find out what government programs are working in Native
communities throughout the U.S. Guests include: Joyce Country
(Sisseton Wahpeton) Co-Facilitator/Professional Empowerment Program,
Peter Captain (Athabascan) Representative/Yukon River Inter-Tribal
Watershed Council, Amy Besaw, Director/Harvard Honoring Nations
Program.
Monday,
November 28 -
Understanding the Role of Lobbyists for
Native Nations: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
What is the role of a lobbyist and what ethical guidelines govern
their business? As the current scandal involving lobbyists for
Indian tribes heats up it’s a critical time for tribal members
and leaders to consider the role of a lobbyist. Not all tribes
hire outside lobbying firms, many do their own lobbying. Lobbying
is done at both the state and federal level. How do tribes decide
whether to hire a lobbying firm? How do they keep an accounting
of their performance? Guests include Catherine Baker Stetson,
Owner/Legi\x Company and Richard
Monette (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa), Lawyer/ Great Lakes
Indian Law Center.
Tuesday,
November 29 – Spirit Award Winners:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
This week four exceptional Native
artists will be honored for their unselfish work to bring spirit
back into their communities. The honors come from the First
People’s Fund. They recognize artists who demonstrate
outstanding cultural values and service to their people through
artistic expression. The annual fellowship award winners are nominated
by members from their community. This year the winners range from
a storyteller to a weaver and a canoe carver. Guests include:
Nellie Two Bulls (Oglala Lakota) Storyteller/ Award Winner, Lois
Chichinoff Thadeli (Aleut) Weaver & Print Maker/ Award Winner,
Apolonia Susana Santos (Tygh/ Yakama) Painter & Sculptor/
Award Winner, David Moses Bridges (Passamaquoddy/Wabanaki) Canoe
Maker & Basket Weaver /Award Winner and Jhon Goes in Center
(Oglala Lakota), Director/ Fellowship Programs
for the First People's Fund.
Wednesday,
November 30 -
Book
of the Month: Beaver Steals Fire: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
This tale from the Salish people explains how the animals brought
fire from the sky to the earth. Like many Native stories, it can
only be told in the cold winter months when snow is on the ground.
The story shows how the animals helped prepare the world for human
beings. It also touches on the ideas of teamwork, greed and deception.
“Beaver
Steals Fire,” is our November Book of the Month. Our
guests are Germaine White (Salish and Kootenai), Information and
Education Specialist for the Confederated Salish & Kootenai
Tribe and Tony Incachola (Salish Pend'Oreilles), Director of Salish
Culture Committee.
Thursday,
December 1 - World AIDS Day:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
This is the 18th time for the world
to mark, “World AIDS Day.” This international health
day is an effort to make more people aware of HIV and AIDS. Since
the medical community first defined AIDS and HIV the number of
infected people continues to rise. What educational efforts are
being made in Indian Country to raise HIV and AIDS awareness?
Guests are Yvonne Davis (Dine) Board of Directors President/
National Native American AIDS
Prevention Center, and Dr. John Iralu (Angami), Cheif Clinical
Consultant for Infectious
Diseases/ Navajo Indian
Health Service.
Related
Links: The Body
Friday,
December 2 - Canada’s
Contaminated Water Crisis: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
Many First Nations communities in Canada are in a contaminated
water crisis. More than 90 First Nation reserves have unsafe drinking
water and are under a boil-water advisory. The Ontario Cree Community
of Kashechewan brought to light the grave issue when their community
was evacuated due to sewage-polluted water. Several tribal members
reported sores covering their bodies due the contaminated water.
The event triggered many government officials to examine the health
care of First Nation reserves across Canada. How has the Canadian
government responded to this crisis? What measures are being taken
to ensure the future of safe water for future generations? Guests
include Leo Friday (Kashechewan) Chief/ Ontario Cree Community
of Kashechewan, and André Côté, Director/
Office of the Auditor General of Canada Indian and Northern Affairs.
Monday,
December 5 -
Current Events:
(Listen in RealAudio
)
‘Tis the season to be jolly as visions of
pow-wows and feasts dance in our heads! It’s the December
Current Events program and some of the events this month center
on the holidays. In the southwest, there’s a concert to
benefit homeless Natives and underprivileged children. The Mdewankton
Sioux in Minnesota are sponsoring a blood drive in their community
and the Six Nations of Canada will host an Aboriginal art show.
There are several deadlines coming up for Native artists, including
one for the 2006 Santa Fe Indian Market. There’s also an
opportunity to intern at the White House next summer. What’s
going on in your Native community?
Tuesday,
December 6 – Native
Youth Police Academy:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Are you a Native youth interested in a career in
law enforcement? A national two-week summer program is becoming
quite popular with youth who have the desire to work as a tribal
officer. In the National
Indian Youth Police Academy, trainees learn water and firearms
safety. They also study the history of law enforcement and learn
the process of investigating a homicide or domestic violence case.
The academy is held each summer in Wisconsin. It also helps build
self-esteem in the participants. What else can “Blue Knights”
learn from this academy? Guests include David Rogers (Nez Perce)
Tribal Law Enforcement Programs Specialist/ Fox Valley Technical
College, Criminal Justice Center,
Daphne Wang (Comanche), Senior
/ Lake Dallas High School and Quinn VanDenBerg (Oneida), Junior
/ Freedom High School.
Wednesday,
December 7 -
Lending
A Helping Hand:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Calling all volunteers! With the holidays around the corner many
organizations are hoping to receive some of the holiday spirit
with your time and commitment. Each day volunteers are helping
get things done in their communities by giving of their time and
energy. Where are some places you can offer your time? Can volunteering
lead to your dream job? What opportunities are available for minors?
Guests are Jason Willett, Spokesperson/
Volunteer Match Support, and Heather Schafer, Executive Director/
National Volunteer Fire Council.
Thursday,
December 8 - Rez Biz Spotlight:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
As more Natives venture into the
realm of entrepreneurship, the thought of economic development
becomes a reality. A new magazine is helping to spotlight the
many small businesses located primarily on the Hopi and Navajo
Nations. “Rez Biz,”
is geared toward telling the “ins” and “outs”
of developing and maintaining a business. What Native businesses
are in your Native community? What opportunities exist in your
community to help you start your own business? Guests include
Michael Clani (Navajo), Co-owner and Business Developer/ Rez Biz,
and Tony Skreleunus (Navajo) Columnist/ Rez Biz.
Friday,
December 9 - Native
Human Rights Day:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
On December 10th, communities around the world will celebrate
“International Human Rights Day.” In 1948, the United
Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of
Human Rights, which led to this international day. What are the
human rights issues confronting Native communities? How do these
issues tie in to the global world and issues facing all indigenous
peoples? Guests include Robert T. Coulter (Citizen Potawatomi
Nation) Founder & Executive Director/Indian
Law Resource Center and Arlan Melendez (Northern Paiute),
Commissioner/ U.S. Commission
on Civil Rights.
Monday,
December 12 -
Finding The Great Gift:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
It’s the middle of the busiest shopping time of the year.
Do you know what exactly you want to give to your friends and
family this year? Finding the great gift is always a challenge.
Are you considering giving a traditional item? What are some unique
items from Native people? And how will your spending vary this
year from last year? Everything seems to be on sale right now
but is that a good way to judge what you want to purchase? Guests
include: Steve Meyerhardt, Public Information Officer/ Bureau
of the Public Debt, Lindsay Kruz, Press Relations Director/
Uncommon Goods and Violet Sunchild (Chippewa/ Cree), Native Massage
Therapist.
Tuesday,
December 13 – Death Penalty: Yes or No?:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
In 1979 Stanley Tookie Williams
shot and killed four people during two robberies. Williams is
the founder of the street gang knows as the “Crips.”
He’s been on death row for more than 20 years and is set
to be executed today in California. Across the U.S. there are
some Native people on death row. Some Natives, including women,
have been executed in the past. Many tribes don’t condone
a federal death penalty code but traditionally some tribes had
their own forms of the death penalty. Is the death penalty the
best way to punish criminals? Guests are Vincent Knight (Laguna,
Ponca), Prosecutor/ Laguna Pueblo, Bill Pelke, Chairman/ National
Coalition to Abolish the Death Penalty, and Lenny Foster (Navajo),
Program Supervisor/ Navajo Nation Correctional Project.
Wednesday,
December 14 -
The
Iraqi Vote:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
It’s supposed to be the final step in the process to bring
Democracy to the Iraqi people, so how will the final vote on their
constitution turn out? Iraqis are set to head to the polls tomorrow.
Is this the best process for those indigenous peoples? How will
this vote impact the presence of American troops, including thousands
of Native American troops stationed in Iraq? Guests include Alexander
Tallchief Skibine (Osage), Law Professor/ University of Utah College
of Law, and Tina Garnanez (Navajo), U.S. Army Vetran.
Thursday,
December 15 - Music Maker: “Rhythm of Love” (Listen
in RealAudio
)
Tiinesha Begaye composed her first
song at the age of nine while preparing for a Hand Drum contest
in Arlee, Montana. Now at the age of 17, she is releasing her
first CD. “Rhythm
of Love,” has songs composed by this teenager. She’s
no stranger to the music world. Her father is Jay Begaye, a veteran
singer with his own CDs. Tiinesha sings about her family, friends
and her love of sports on her first CD. Tiinesha Begaye is our
Music Maker for the month of December.
Friday,
December 16 - The
Conscientious Holiday Chef:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
For most Native people the holiday season is the best time for
pulling out grandma’s recipes and baking up a storm! Prune
and peach empanadas, almond and cinnamon cookies or the old favorite,
fruitcake. The aromas of freshly baked goodies fill homes and
offices this time of year. But much of that good taste comes from
sugar and butter. How can “holiday chefs” prepare
wonderful treats that won’t make your waistline disappear
or send your blood sugar sky rocketing? Can low-fat and low-sugar
items be just as tasty? Guests include: Arnold Olson (Saskatchewan
Cree First Nation), Aboriginal Chef and Lois Ellen Frank (Kiowa),
Native Chef, and David Wolfman (Xaxli'p Lillooet First Nation),
Aboriginal Cuisine Professor.
Monday,
December 19 -
The
Patriot Act:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
After
the horrifying terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001, the Patriot
Act was created and became law. It expands the power of the federal
government to investigate people without securing search warrants.
Among other things it also gives the government more freedom to
place wire taps on people without probable cause. The Patriot
Act expires at the end of this year. Some lawmakers want to make
major changes to this law. The House has already passed its version
and the Senate is expected to vote this week. How does the Patriot
Act further impact Native peoples? Guests include Ned Norris (Tohono
O'odham), Vice Chairman/ Tohono O'odham Nation, and Tom Udall,
U.S. Representative (D), New Mexico.
Tuesday,
December 20 – Native
in the Spotlight: Melvina Winters:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Since 1983 Melvina Winters and her husband have served the Oglala
community as foster parents. Together they have raised more than
four-thousand children in the only licensed foster home in Pine
Ridge, South Dakota. The foster home is called, “Wakanyeja
Tiospaye O’Tipi," otherwise known as the “Children’s
Village, Inc.” In 1999, Melvina and her husband were recognized
by the Adopted Angel Network for their work in caring and providing
protection for Native and non-Native children. In this season
of giving we take a look at the woman who has given so much of
her life to others. Join us as we talk with Melvina Winters (Oglala
Lakota) is our Native in the Spotlight for December.
Wakanyeja Tiospaye O'Tipi - Children's Village, Inc.
P.O. Box 1034
Pine Ridge, South Dakota 57770
Wednesday,
December
21 - Winter
Solstice:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Today marks what is known as the winter solstice or the beginning
of winter in the Northern Hemisphere. The winter solstice marks
the shortest day and the longest night of the year. There are
websites that give ideas on how to celebrate the winter solstice.
They include everything from building bonfires, to making teas
to renew the body and spirit. For some tribes the winter solstice
is a time for prayer and ceremonies. The connection of the sun
and its relation to the earth plays a significant role in many
tribal stories. How does your tribe recognize and mark the winter
solstice? Guests are Edward Weymtewa (Zuni), Councilman for Zuni
Pueblo,and Elaine Schneider (Chumash), Elder Advisor for the Chumash
Band.
Thursday,
December 22 - Just Drive!
(Listen in RealAudio
)
The merriment of the holiday season
can mean lots of invitations to parties and celebrations. As more
people hit the roads for holiday travel, drivers who are alert
are most appreciated. It is the time of year when more accidents
occur. Safety measures practiced by all drivers can make this
festive time last into the New Year. What are some safety tips
you can follow to be safe on the roads this season? What are the
dangers of taking to the roads after being out late? Guests include
Lawrence Garnanez (Navajo) Program Manager/ Navajo Nation Department
of Highway Safety and Carolyn Johnson, Program Specialist/ Institute
of Public Law and Jennifer Shorty (Navajo), Licensed Insurance
Agent / Allstate - Ramos Agency.
Friday,
December 23 - What
Does Christmas Mean To You?: (Listen
in RealAudio
)
Beyond the bows and packages and the plump jolly man who brings
them, what does this holiday mean to you? Do you even celebrate
it? Other than the commercial aspect many Native people have their
own meaning for this day and the days that follow. Some Natives
view this holiday from the aspect of religion and tradition, while
others view it as a time to spread their generosity to others.
Does your tribe take part in Christmas? What are other ways tribes
celebrate this day? How do Native families with mixed racial and
religious backgrounds celebrate this time of year? Guests tinclude
Marilyn Vann (Cherokee), President & Director/ Decendents
of Freedmen of the Five Civilized Tribes Association.
Monday,
December 26 -
India Tsunami: One Year Later:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
One year ago a tsunami swept through the Bay of Bengal destroying
towns in several countries and killing thousands of people. Among
those affected by the massive storm were the people of the Andaman
and Nicobar Islands. These people still live according to their
traditional ways. How have they recovered? How has the entire
region changed in the past year? Guests are Phillip Russel, Director
of Operations/ World
Society for the Protection of Animals, Mary Duncan, Director
of Development/ World Association
for Children and Parents, and Harry Van Burik,
Vice President/ Shelter for
Life.
Tuesday,
December 27 – Acts of Modern Removals:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
No matter what boundaries exist, Native
leaders consider their land sacred. Cities expanding to meet the
needs of growing populations have unearthed a new issue. Legalities
of state land have come into question as Natives push to protect
the resting places of their ancestors. What happens when Native
remains are found on state land? How can decisions made today
dictate the law for tomorrow? Guests include: Edward Halealoha
Ayau (Native Hawaiian) Executive Director/ HuiMalama
I Na Kupuna O Hawaii Nei and Mark Mitchell (Tesuque Pueblo)
Governor/ Tesuque Pueblo and Dr. Thomas King Cultural Resource
Consultant/Author.
Wednesday,
December
28 - Book
of the Month: A Scar Upon Our Voice:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
Robin Coffee began writing poetry in high school. In 1982 he joined
the Tahlequah Indian Writers Group and began sharing his work
nationally. Through his poetry he shares his experience of raising
children, his concern of loosing his tribal language and personal
freedom. Robin comes from the Cherokee, Creek and Yankton Sioux
people. His new book is called, “A
Scar Upon Our Voice.” It’s a book of poetry published
by the University of New Mexico Press. Robin Coffee’s book,
“A Scar Upon Our Voice,” is our December Book of the
Month.
Thursday,
December 29 - Literacy Efforts:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
During holidays and birthdays most children
may receive a book or two compared to all the toys and games they
get to unwrap. But what can a book do for a child more than any
toy or game? How can books help Native kids become literate? It’s
well known that the drop out rate among Native high school students
is higher than the national average. Indian educators say reading
is one answer to the problem. Does it matter what type of book,
comic book, or magazine children read? What are the literacy efforts
currently underway for Native youth? Guests to be announced.
Friday,
December 30 - Safe
& Sensible New Year's Celebrations:
(Listen
in RealAudio
)
As the New Year approaches there are many ways to celebrate. Instead
of tipping a glass of champagne many Native communities will celebrate
the coming of the New Year with powwows and other family oriented
events. What ways will Natives in your tribe bring in the New
Year? How can you plan to have a safe celebration? What are things
to keep in mind as you head to your New Year's celebration? Guests
include Dr. Glenn Mitchell, Emergency Physician/ Indian Health
Services- Tuba City, AZ, Kenny Frost (Southern Ute) Co-coordinator/
Southern Ute Sobriety Spiritual, and Michael Bissonette (Oglala
Lakota), Alcohol Drug Counselor/ Ho-Chunk Nation.
JANUARY
/ FEBRUARY
/ MARCH
/ APRIL
/ MAY
/ JUNE /
JULY/ AUGUST /
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER
/ NOVEMBER / DECEMBER
PAST
NAC PROGRAMS
JANUARY
/ FEBRUARY
/ MARCH
/ APRIL
/ MAY
/ JUNE /
JULY/ AUGUST /
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER
/ NOVEMBER / DECEMBER
Past
Programs: 2007,
2006, 2005, 2004,
2003, 2002,
2001, 1995-2000
Music
Maker Edition: 2007, 2006,
2005, 2004,
2003
Book
of the Month: 2007, 2006,
2005, 2004,
2003
|