Archives for May 2017
NAC: May 29 – June 2
Monday, May 29, 2017 – A Tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow
On this Memorial Day we take the hour to learn more about the life and legacy of the late Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow of the Crow Nation. His role in the U.S. Army and efforts towards Native American history earned him a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Born in 1913, the esteemed veteran, educator and cultural advocate witnessed many things in his life including the birth of his Native nation’s tribal college. His view on education and culture has inspired many to keep close to their traditions and community.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017 – Chasing the win
Slot machines seem to explode with music, bells and flashy graphics whenever you win something. That’s among the sensory overload gambling establishments offer to boost the entertainment value of gambling. But the consequences of compulsive gambling are far from entertaining. Gambling addicts often lie to friends and family as they experience financial problems. We’ll talk with experts about the signs and treatment options for those addicted to gambling.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017 – Book of the Month: “Rock Piles Along the Eddy” by Ishmael Hope
Inupiaq and Tlingit poet Ishmael Hope understands the importance of culture and its tie to place. In his new collection of poetry titled “Rock Piles Along the Eddy,” he illuminates just how the two are woven together. Poems like “Indigenous Thought” and “Caribou Hunters Out At Camp” are two out of dozens of thought-provoking works. His word play gets readers close to his sense of life as a descendant of rich culture and heritage.
Thursday, June 1, 2017 — Autism in Native America
About 1.5 percent of 8-year-olds are living with autism spectrum disorder, according to the 2016 Community Report on Autism by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Native families are among those who are caring for a young loved one with autism. Health experts say when children with autism are not properly diagnosed early, they are at risk for developing life-long behavior problems. In this program, we turn to health specialists to find out exactly what autism is and why early intervention could change young lives.
Friday, June 2, 2017 — Plant medicine
Before Tylenol or Tums, Native people had a vast knowledge of plant medicine to help heal the body and spirit. Although fewer Native people have this knowledge today, it’s still an important part of Native culture, health and ceremony. In this program, we’ll talk about the importance of plant medicine in Native America. We’ll also explore how land and environmental issues are impacting the growth and harvest of medicinal and sacred plants.
A seat at the table? Claudia Kauffman launches bid for Seattle Port Commission
There is a lot of attention paid to Native American candidates running for Congress or many other visible political offices. But There are also elected offices that we don’t think about, yet are critical, and by definition, a that seat at the table. Claudia Kauffman is running for such a job, Commissioner for the Port of Seattle. This is a $650 million a year, public business that manages Seattle’s seaport, airport, and a portfolio of real estate.
It’s such a simple thing: Every citizen should have a voice at the table when decisions are made. It’s a powerful notion because no democracy can sustain itself unless all of its people, all of those who have a stake in the outcome, are included.
But that idea remains illusive. And never more important.
This is Trahant Reports
So what does a seat at the table look like? It means more Native Americans elected as governors, members of Congress, U.S. Senators, mayors, county executives, judges, members of state legislatures, and, yes, why not, even the presidency. Indian Country deserves more of a voice, both in terms of fairness and electing representatives based on our share of the population. Wait. That’s fairness, too.
There are elected offices that we don’t think about, yet are critical, and by definition, are that seat at the table.
Claudia Kauffman is running for such a job, Commissioner for the Port of Seattle. This is a $650 million a year, public business that manages Seattle’s seaport, airport, and a portfolio of real estate.
Tribes and native people are impacted by port decisions ranging from cleaning up rivers and salmon habitat to regulating oil drilling rigs that berth in Seattle on their way to Arctic waters.
Kauffman is Nez Perce. She is the first Native American woman who was elected to the Washington state Senate a decade ago. She also works for the Muckleshoot Tribe as the Intergovernmental Affairs Director. One of her tasks is distributing $1.3 million a year to more than 200 local schools, churches and not-for-profit organizations. She’s also been a trustee at The Evergreen State College.
Kauffman grew up in Seattle’s Beacon Hill as the youngest of seven children. “I come from a family with a long history of giving back to the community,” Kauffman says on her web site.
A couple of years ago Kauffman told the port commission that it could use her perspective as a working mother, a small business owner, and a community leader.
In her campaign brochure, Kauffman said she will build on her tribal contacts and strengthen ties with the 29 tribes in Washington state. Tribes “are large employers,” she said. “In 2010, they paid $1.3 billion in wages and purchased $2.4 billion in goods and services.”
This will be a challenging race. But Kauffman is no stranger to that world. She raised nearly $300,000 in her bid for the Senate. She was one of those candidates who knocked on every door at every opportunity. She also has a political organization — a network of people willing to work extraordinarily hard so that she can win her election.
This is what a seat at the table looks like. I am Mark Trahant.
NAC: May 29 -2
Monday, May 29, 2017 – A Tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow ***Pre-Recorded***
On this Memorial Day we take the hour to learn more about the life and legacy of the late Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow of the Crow Nation. His role in the U.S. Army and efforts towards Native American history earned him a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Born in 1913, the esteemed veteran, educator and cultural advocate witnessed many things in his life including the birth of his Native nation’s tribal college. His view on education and culture has inspired many to keep close to their traditions and community. We invite you to join us for our pre-recorded tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017 – Chasing the win
Slot machines seem to explode with music, bells and flashy graphics whenever you win something. That’s among the sensory overload gambling establishments offer to boost the entertainment value of gambling. But the consequences of compulsive gambling are far from entertaining. Gambling addicts often lie to friends and family as they experience financial problems. We’ll talk with experts about the signs and treatment options for those addicted to gambling.
Wednesday, May 31, 2017 – Book of the Month: “Rock Piles Along the Eddy” by Ishmael Hope
Inupiaq and Tlingit poet Ishmael Hope understands the importance of culture and its tie to place. In his new collection of poetry titled “Rock Piles Along the Eddy,” he illuminates just how the two are woven together. Poems like “Indigenous Thought” and “Caribou Hunters Out At Camp” are two out of dozens of thought-provoking works. His word play gets readers close to his sense of life as a descendant of rich culture and heritage.
Thursday, June 1, 2017 — Autism in Native America
About 1.5 percent of 8-year-olds are living with autism spectrum disorder, according to the 2016 Community Report on Autism by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Native families are among those who are caring for a young loved one with autism. Health experts say when children with autism are not properly diagnosed early, they are at risk for developing life-long behavior problems. In this program, we turn to health specialists to find out exactly what autism is and why early intervention could change young lives.
Friday, June 2, 2017 — Plant medicine
Before Tylenol or Tums, Native people had a vast knowledge of plant medicine to help heal the body and spirit. Although fewer Native people have this knowledge today, it’s still an important part of Native culture, health and ceremony. In this program, we’ll talk about the importance of plant medicine in Native America. We’ll also explore how land and environmental issues are impacting the growth and harvest of medicinal and sacred plants.
A Tribute to Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow
On this Memorial Day we take the hour to learn more about the life and legacy of the late Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow of the Crow Nation. His role in the U.S. Army and efforts towards Native American history earned him a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Born in 1913, the esteemed veteran, educator and cultural advocate witnessed many things in his life including the birth of his Native nation’s tribal college. His view on education and culture has inspired many to keep close to their traditions and community. We invite you to join us for our pre-recorded tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow.
Trump Reality Show
The best moment for the new Trump Administration was the one where the president smiled in Saudi Arabia and said only 26 words in public. This was terrible reality TV but we all watched knowing that it was likely just a pause. Something outrageous must be coming up next. Meanwhile, beyond the distraction, Republicans work to dismantle the most successful government health insurance for the poor, Medicaid. (White House photo)
Reality TV works for one simple reason: The antics of the characters are beyond what’s believable in fiction.
That’s why the presidency of Donald J. Trump would make a terrible novel or screenplay.
This is Trahant Reports.
The White House Reality Show may be entertaining. But more important stories are being written and played off-screen. This is what the Trump Show hides: The House’s Health Care Act does much more than roll back the Affordable Care Act (or Obamacare as they like to say.) It ends Medicaid, the single most effective form of “government” insurance that secures health care options for 62.3 million Americans. To add perspective: Medicare — supposedly untouchable in politics — insures 43.3 million seniors.
These are huge numbers. Medicaid is expensive. And we all pay for this plan. As we should. It’s one of the best things this country does.
So it’s no wonder that Speaker Paul Ryan and Republicans are eager to make this go away (both because it costs so much and because it requires a lot of taxes to pay for this enterprise).
At a town hall meeting in Anchorage last week, Alaska Sen. Dan Sullivan followed this script to the letter. According to The Alaska Dispatch News the Republican senator told a contentious town hall, that he wanted to make sure the people who received health care coverage under Medicaid expansion “do not have the rug pulled out from under them.” Medicaid for now? Then something else? What else?
The answer is to protect the framework of Medicaid. It’s the one part of Indian health funding that’s growing and already accounts for the insurance of record for more than half of all our children. (And, this is really important, third-party insurance billing, which includes Medicaid, is money that stays at a local IHS clinic or hospital. It does not go into the general budget.)
I’ve heard Republicans say they like the results of Medicaid but that we has a country cannot afford it. That’s particularly troubling because Medicaid is more efficient that private insurance. A study by the Kaiser Family Foundation says Medicaid acts as a “high risk pool.” Because so many people are excluded (or out-priced) from private insurance, Medicaid becomes the only option. That makes private insurance more affordable.
The Senate is now busy rewriting the House’s awful health bill. It will be a different entity, that’s for sure. But will the Senate protect the best basic public health insurance program that we have now? There is no evidence to suggest that. And too many people are busy watching reality TV to even notice.
I am Mark Trahant.
NAC: May 22 – 26
Monday, May 22, 2017 — When tobacco smoke threatens non-smokers
Tobacco smoke contributes to 41,000 non-smoker deaths every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A handful of studies, including one by the Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences, suggest even thirdhand smoke—chemicals and residue from tobacco smoke that settle on walls, clothes and furniture—might also cause harm, mostly for people in smokers’ homes. Some tribes ban commercial tobacco smoking in certain areas. But is that enough to protect children and other nonsmokers?
Tuesday, May 23, 2017 — There’s no prize for appropriation
The editor of “Write” magazine came under fire for an editorial he wrote called “Winning the appropriation prize.” In it, he encouraged authors to appropriate more; to write more about cultures and people they don’t identify with. That sparked a debate on appropriation as other editors and authors from Canadian media weighed in. Are people missing something about appropriation? We’ll talk with Indigenous writers from Canada about what appropriation is and how it affects Native people.
Wednesday, May 24, 2017 – Suicide prevention for young people
The new Netflix series 13 Reasons Why has suicide experts debating the appropriate ways to address suicide in the media. Some are praising the show’s candid look at bullying, sexual assault and suicide, while others say it glorifies troubling issues for a vulnerable population. A show centered around suburban, white teenagers may not resonate with some Native youth. But the series does present an opportunity to revisit the many ways to reach out to Native youth that experience dramatically higher rates of suicide than any other group. We’ll talk with experts and youth about what it takes to save young lives.
Thursday, May 25, 2017 – May Music Maker: Jonah Littlesunday
This month we go to the Navajo Nation to sample the debut album “Gratitiude” by Dinè flute player Jonah Littlesunday. Over the years he’s used his Native American flute to help bring a bit of joy to the lives of the audiences including elders and children. He’s noted for his ability to translate emotions and stories thorough his flute playing. Songs like “Echoes” and “Navajo Waltz” swirl listeners into the landscapes he grew up with. Other tracks on the album are reflections of love, peace and unity. We invite you to discover more on this album along with us as we visit with our June Music Maker Jonah Littlesunday.
Friday, May 26, 2017 – May in the News
The Eastern Band of Cherokee leadership remains in turmoil as the principal chief and tribal council are at odds. The tribe’s Supreme Court allowed the impeachment process against the chief to continue. Meanwhile Principal Chief Patrick Lambert released financial audits he says shed light on financial misconduct by council members. We’ll talk with a reporter covering this complicated issue. Also two Native Americans are running for Congress. One of them hopes to be the first female Native in the US House of Representatives. Join us for our round up of the news.
Native American woman runs for Congress
Debra Haaland has filed paperwork to run for Congress from New Mexico as a Democrat. She is a member of the Laguna Pueblo and, if elected, would be the first Native American woman ever elected to Congress. (Campaign photo via Twitter)
Congress is supposed to represent the people. All the people. Yet in the entire history of this country there has never been a Native American woman in either the House or the Senate.
This is Trahant Reports.
Debra Haaland is campaigning to be the first. She’s running for Congress from New Mexico. So, yes, if elected, she would be the first Native American woman to ever serve in that body. What makes this news especially cool: This is a winnable seat.
Haaland is a member of Laguna Pueblo.
She has been working as the New Mexico Democratic Party chair for the past two years. Haaland has also been a candidate for lieutenant governor and has chaired the Laguna Development Corporation.
Her Twitter profile says: “A proud UNM Lobo mom; Pueblo woman; Marathon runner; Gourmet cook.” She also tweeted: “Thank you for the outpouring of support! Stay tuned for more in the coming weeks.” She uses the hashtag, #Deb4Congress and her web site is found at debforcongress.com
Haaland said in a statement: “I’ve spent my life advocating for the underrepresented, advancing progressive values, and working tirelessly to help elect Democrats up and down the ballot. I want to ensure that everyone’s voice is heard.”
New Mexico’s First Congressional District includes Albuquerque and the north-central portion of the state. It’s currently represented by Michelle Lujan Grisham, a Democrat, who won with 65 percent of the vote, and is now a candidate for governor. The seat is rated “solid” or “safe” for the Democrats.
Since this will be an “open” seat there will be a lot of competition. So the test for Haaland will be a primary election in June of next year.
That means she will need early campaign money. Rep. Grisham raised $1.8 million for her re-election in 2016, however, the last time a Republican held this seat, former Rep. Heather Wilson, raised and spent nearly $5 million.
As a former party chair, Haaland should be well-suited to take on the fundraising challenges. She has basically been raising money — albeit for others — for the past two years. She was the first Native American woman to serve as a state party chair. Money is a tough challenge, but in the last election cycle, another Native American woman, Denise Juneau in Montana, raised $2.7 million in her unsuccessful bid.
Some history: I looked up the numbers and since 1789 there have been nearly 10,300 people elected to Congress. There have been a handful of Native American men, but never a woman. By my count, at least eight Native American women have formally made a bid for Congress. None successfully.
Perhaps, now, the time is right for a Congress that really is a People’s House.
I am Mark Trahant.
NAC: May 15 – 19
Monday, May 15, 2017 — A conversation with Larissa FastHorse
Self-taught playwright, Larissa FastHorse (Sičháŋǧu Lakota), tells an interesting story in her newest play, “What Would Crazy Horse Do?” The satirical play explores issues of racial preservation and cultural pride. We’ll talk to FastHorse about her new play and why it’s important to have a Native presence on the stage.
Tuesday, May 16, 2017 — Climate change and traditional food
Louisiana is losing coastal land to encroaching water from the Gulf of Mexico, driving away plants and animals tribes traditionally rely on. In Alaska, thinning ice prevents subsistence hunters from reaching game that provide food for their communities. Those are just two examples of how climate change is affecting traditional Native food practices. We’ll discuss how tribes are taking preventative measures to keep their traditional foods alive as their environments change.
Wednesday, May 17, 2017 – The fate of Bears Ears
Before he left office, President Barack Obama designated Bears Ears in Utah a National Monument to protect 1.3 million acres that contain many sites significant to several tribes. Now, President Trump is calling for a review of that decision and dozens of other monument designations since 1996. That could open the door for more oil drilling, mining and other development in those places. Interior Department Sec. Ryan Zinke made his first visit to Bears Ears as a decision on the monument status looms.
Thursday, May 18, 2017 – Removing racist relics of the past
Did you know there is a law still on the books that allows children to be placed in boarding school without parental consent? There is also still a provision for denying federal money to ‘hostile Indians’. U.S. Sen. Mike Rounds, R-S.D., wants to remove some antiquated laws about Native Americans. He proposes the Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes (RESPECT) Act to do that. We explore that effort and a few of the other racist images, names and laws of the past that don’t stand the test of time.
Friday, May 19, 2017 – Life skills for Native youth
Knowing how to apply for a job or resolving conflicts with friends are among the wide range of basic life skills that aren’t directly taught in school. Young people might pick up such skills from family or community members if there are good role models. We’ll talk with folks from NativeVision, a sports and life skills camp that has spent more than 20 years making life skills a priority.