Native America Calling

Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for those who are in the last stages of kidney failure. At the same time, the process requires a serious commitment of time and expense. It’s like “having a part-time job that makes no money,” said Dr. Mark Unruh, chair of medicine at the University of New Mexico. Many Native Americans who rely on dialysis face the additional burden and expense of living a long distance from any treatment centers. We’ll explore the current state of dialysis treatment and...

Even before its official debut on PBS, the four-part documentary “Native America” is earning praise for its sophisticated portrayal of historical events and current issues. The creators of the show tout their collaboration with Native people in forming the final product. The series looks at traditional art, spiritual practices, political realities and the ongoing legacy of European contact. We’ll hear from those involved in the film who say the project should be viewed differently than...

The world watched Christine Blasey Ford publicly detail her allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. While she earned widespread support, she continues to endure backlash from the president on down, all questioning her motives and character. Native women are among those joining the discussion, pointing out how harmful the dispute is on a population that suffers high rates of sexual violence. We’ll consult with Native women’s advocates about the potential...

Corn plays a variety of major roles in Native culture and is a key ingredient in many Native foods. It originated in Mexico and quickly became a staple across the Americas as Indigenous farmers and seed keepers conditioned the plant to live in deserts, grasslands and high mountains. Today, Indigenous strains of corn have a smaller presence, but there are efforts to revitalize traditional corn for the benefit of Native culture, economics and health.

It’s that time of the year when Christopher Columbus is celebrated with a mandated federal holiday. But the number of cities, counties and even states commemorating Indigenous Peoples Day instead is a testament to the work toward exposing Columbus’ full historical context. Los Angeles, Tacoma, Washington, and Oklahoma City are among the more recent additions to the Indigenous Peoples Day momentum. We’ll open up our own celebration of Indigenous people and hear from folks across the nation...

Sihasin is back with their second album “Fight Like a Woman.” Calling on the punk rock style of expression they’re known for they jump into emotional and political issues that weigh heavy on the lives of Native people. They join us live in Studio 49 to share their hopes of empowering Native people and raising awareness through their music.

Three states are currently challenging the Indian Child Welfare Act. Among other things they say the law giving tribes a say in the adoption of Native children interferes with states’ authority to regulate adoption. It’s the latest trend in the efforts to dismantle the 40-year-old law. Previous challenges came from individuals—all hopeful adoptive parents claiming ICWA gives unconstitutional preference based on race. We'll explore what these cases could mean for the future of ICWA.

A new exhibit at Epcot’s American Adventure Pavilion gives vacationers a taste of contemporary Native American art. “Creating Tradition: Innovation and Change in American Indian Art” includes 89 pieces of art from current and past Native artists. Pieces include Loren Aragon’s (Acoma Pueblo) “Ancient Resonance” dress, dolls by Glenda McKay (Ingalik-Athabascan) and an 1890’s Chilkat blanket. It’s a collaboration among Disney, the National Museum of the American Indian and the Museum of...

Every year for the last 10 years the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development recognizes 40 outstanding Native individuals making a difference in Native America. They are all successful business men and women, tribal leaders, lawyers, politicians and health professionals under 40 years of age. We check in with several of this year’s recipients for inspiration and insight.

Dipping into dreams to explore deep emotions is something Osage poet Elise Paschen is very familiar with. She does it in her book of poetry, “The Nightlife.” Her style of storytelling with verse is our focus for our October Book of the Month spotlight. We visit with her about her third book which links real life and an imaged one.

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina has been fighting for federal recognition for decades. That fight is not only waged against federal opposition, but also against other tribes, including the neighboring Eastern Band of Cherokee. The tribe has longstanding ties to their home, but their identity and the right to exercise sovereignty remain in the balance. We’ll look at Lumbee history, identity and what federal recognition would mean for 55,000 citizens.

When anxiety goes beyond stress over an important test or speaking in public, it could be a sign of something more serious. Some people are in a constant state of worry even when there are no identifiable causes. There are several different kinds of anxiety disorders, including panic attacks and phobias. If left untreated they can affect a person’s social and work life. We’ll hear about ways to recognize clinical anxiety and explore some treatments.

Moose, bison and deer get a lot of attention in Native America—and rightfully so—because they are staples of Indigenous food and culture. But hanging out in the shadows of large game animals are the small ones; the little ground squirrels, rabbits, beavers and other snack-size animals that sustained Indigenous diets since time immemorial. They’re still making appearances on Native dinner tables, but not as often. In this program, we’re taking a look at small game hunting and eating.

We know how much Native America takes pride in homegrown Native blues. We turn to the Blackhorse Blues Band out of California made up of Pomo and Wappo musicians who pride themselves in what they call an amped-up set of gruff and grime with some ferocious blues rock. Who knows what emotions they’ll invoke once you experience their blues? We invite you to tune in to our September Music Maker and find out.

Several tribes look to trees as a means of economic development. The practice brings up environmental and even aesthetic concerns about the process of harvesting a natural resource. We’ll talk with officials from tribes that harvest trees for profit about how they balance the economic and environmental benefits that come from the forest.

An encampment of mostly Native homeless people in Minneapolis faces a pending deadline to disperse. A young woman at the camp died from a poorly-treated health problem, raising already high concerns about safety. The top Navajo Nation presidential candidates run into some challenges. Join our discussion about some of the leading Native news stories.

Brett Kavanaugh appears to be headed for a seat on the U.S. Supreme Court. At the same time, Native organizations and advocates are speaking out against President Trump’s nominee. The Alaska Federation of Natives issued a statement urging Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski to vote against his confirmation. The group says his confirmation would be troubling, especially for Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians. New Mexico Democratic Senator Tom Udall says Kavanaugh poses a ‘real threat to...

The initial shock of the first few days as a high school freshman might be starting to wear off by now. But there are new challenges all through the school year. The transition from middle to high school is a rite of passage. Added homework, grade point averages and fitting in are all factors in the freshman experience. Some Native students have the extra hurdle of going from a tribal school to a large public school. We’ll learn some of the usual challenges to entering high school and how to...

A suicide by a family member or friend leaves grief, depression, anger and a host of other crippling emotions in its wake. Because Native Americans have the highest rate of suicides compared to other groups, Native people are disproportionately left to cope with the loss. The gravity of the problem is spurring new and innovative ways to turn the numbers around. We’ll hear from those affected by suicide and get guidance on where to turn.

Maintaining social contacts helps elders stay healthy. And it’s something elders have difficulty with. Researchers at Brigham Young University found links between social isolation and increased risks of heart disease, infections and cognitive decline. Few studies zero in on Native elders, but the problem is noticeable enough that organizations are offering ways to get elders out of the house and interacting with young people, each other and other members of the public.