Archives for September 2016
NAC Sept. 12 – 16
Monday, September 12, 2016 – Taking a stand at Standing Rock
A federal judge’s decision Friday dashed the hopes of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the many people assembled to fight the Dakota Access Pipeline project. Then the Obama Administration unexpectedly halted work in order to address “important issues raised by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and other tribal nations.” Did the movement to stop the pipeline bring not just a victory for Standing Rock, but open to the door to long-awaited reforms for Indian Country policy?
Tuesday, September 13, 2016 — When people go hungry
The counties with high Native American populations are among the places with the highest rates of hunger in the U.S. according to the Map the Meal Gap project by the nonprofit Feeding America. We’re taking time during Hunger Action Month to talk about what’s being done to address food insecurity and hunger in our Native communities.
Wednesday, September 14, 2016 – September Book of the Month: “The Pueblo Food Experience Cookbook”
We welcome one of the editors of “The Pueblo Food Experience Cookbook: Whole Food of Our Ancestors,” Roxanne Swentzell from Santa Clara Pueblo. The book unlocks many of the savory tastes of the Southwest. The recipes and narratives promote healthy living with use of pre-contact ingredients that readers are encouraged to grow themselves.
Thursday, September 15, 2016 – Man-made earthquakes?
The largest earthquake in state history shook the ground just outside the Osage Nation in Oklahoma this month. The U.S. Geological Survey is looking into whether fracking wastewater injection wells are the cause. What role do Native Nations play in protecting people, property and the environment from the possibility of earthquakes caused by humans?
Friday, September 16, 2016 — Accepting our bodies
The body positive movement inspires people to love their bodies whether they’re 300 pounds or 90 pounds, short or tall. The concept is mostly geared toward plus-size women, but also encourages positive attitudes regardless of race, gender or disability. At a time when Native Americans are struggling with obesity and diabetes, is it healthier to feel good about ourselves or strive to slim down?
Challenging the Bering Strait migration theory
Trahant Reports – Disconnect
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There is a disconnect between the perception of the dispute at Standing Rock and the reality of the moment. It starts a few miles south of Mandan, North Dakota.
This is Trahant Reports.
A cement barricade and a handful of police divert traffic, so that people have to take a slightly slower route to camps near the Missouri River. Not that it stops anyone. It’s silly. And more than anything else it displays a deep sense of ignorance.
It’s that ignorance that is systemic. There is a profound regional misunderstanding about so many things. And it’s exactly why, in an election year, every politician running for office (or even those in office) ought to take a few hours, drive around the barricade and take time to listen.
What will they see and hear?
The first thing is a remarkable organization. It’s very much like any powwow weekend in America — except more so. There are checkpoints (no alcohol, no drugs, no weapons) and a food operation that is extraordinarily complex, managing the increasing shipment of donations to the menu of the day. Everyone is fed. And the trash is about as organized as you can get: Cans for cigarette butts, recycling bins, and garbage bags. When people forget to separate their plastic – we are dealing with humans after all – there are regular reminders and more people to help.
Politicians would hear speeches, songs, and prayers, one after another. People standing, listening, laughing, nodding, and being inspired. They’d also see many symbols of patriotism: From flags to recurring honors for veterans.
But the most important lesson for any politician who drops by would be this: A clear message of resolve. There is a serious purpose for the people here, one that’s not going to go away without a successful resolution. There are so many avenues for that to happen: A favorable court ruling based on the Treaty or other actions, or more important, the court of public opinion.
So far nearly all of the North Dakota politicians who have been on site are from Indian Country.
Chase Iron Eyes, Ruth Buffalo, Henry Red Cloud and Marlo Hunte-Beaubrun.
The idea that politicians should visit now is especially important. There was a violent clash over Labor Day weekend between private security for the pipeline and the people from the camp. The potential of a misunderstanding is dangerous.
Federal, state, and local politicians could learn a lot by visiting. Perhaps they have not been able to get past their own silly roadblock.
I am Mark Trahant reporting.
Trahant Reports is brought to you by Kauffman & Associates, Inc., a Native American owned, woman-owned small business that has delivered innovative solutions for government and commercial clients since 1990. KAI’s expertise spans diverse specialty areas, including public health, education, and economic development.
NAC Sept. 5 – Sept. 9
Monday, September 5, 2016 – Remembering Jim Northrup
Ojibwe writer, Vietnam veteran and Anishinaabe culture advocate Jim Northrup combined personal tragedy with a dry wit. He had a keen sense of observation that turned into poems, books, and his popular newspaper column, “Fond du Lac Follies.” Northrup walked on Aug. 1 after battling cancer. We honor his memory by talking with the people who knew him best.
Tuesday, September 6, 2016 —Confronting sexual harassment
From the head of Fox News to tribal council chambers to the everyday office environment, sexual harassment is a pervasive problem. Branches of the Navajo Nation are reviewing their policies and training after the only female delegate recently went public with harassment allegations. We’ll brush up on what sexual harassment is and how to prevent it.
Wednesday, September 7, 2016 – Standing up for patriotism?
Do you stand with Colin Kaepernick? The San Francisco 49ers quarterback decided to remain seated for the national anthem during football games. He says it’s in protest over the United States’ treatment of people of color. His actions are creating a national conversation about patriotism, free speech and racism. It’s customary to stand during veterans’ songs at Native gatherings. Are you ambivalent about honoring the Stars and Stripes?
Thursday, September 8, 2016 – Challenging the Bering Strait migration theory
A recent study finds the timeline for the Bering Strait ice bridge migration theory doesn’t hold water. On this show, we’ll discuss competing views about how the Americas were originally populated. Is the Native perspective included?
Friday, September 9, 2016 — Stressed out over stress
Many of us get stressed out about work deadlines that come and go. But when we’re stressed all the time, it can lead to some serious health problems like weight gain or even heart disease. We’ll learn some common causes and symptoms of stress. We’ll also ask the experts about the best ways to cope.