Monday, November 21, 2022 – The strength of competitive weightlifing for Indigenous female athletes

Competitive weight lifting is about more than just strength. Stepping away from the rack with a weight you know you’ve never managed before also takes mental preparedness and technique. It’s a spot dominated by men, but the number of female lifters is growing. A First Nations woman just became the first Indigenous female lifter in Canada to earn a pro card. Monday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce talks with Indigenous female powerlifters Angela Houle (member of the Whitefish Lake First Nation); Aboriginal artist Zoe Raymond (Yindjibarndi and Pinikura); and Monica Chaffin (Diné), hospice nurse and TikTok extraordinaire, about what draws them to the sport and what keeps them going.

Tuesday, November 22, 2022 – Tracking missing people one name at a time

Federal law enforcement officials in New Mexico developed a list of roughly 200 names to help track and raise awareness of Indigenous people who go missing. Since it started in July, they have both added and taken off names using information from the public, partner law enforcement agencies, and community advocates. Agency officials say it’s one tool in helping battle the disproportionate, pervasive issue of missing Indigenous people. Tuesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce spoke with Amber Kanazbah Crotty (Diné), Navajo Nation Council Delegate and a member of the Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives Task Force; Beata Tsosie Pena (citizen of Santa Clara Pueblo), organizational director for Breath of My Heart Birthplace and task force member; Lynn Trujillo (Sandia Pueblo), secretary for the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department; and Frank Fisher, public affairs specialist for the FBI in New Mexico.

Wednesday, November 23, 2022 – The Native American Music Awards

The Native American Music Awards are back. The event is live from original territory of the Seneca Nation. Lifetime Achievement Recipient Rodney Grant hosts the live event to celebrate the best among veteran and up-and-coming Indigenous artists. Wednesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce speaks with Edward Koban (Mohawk), NAMA music director; Strong Buffalo (Sisseton-Wahpeton Dakota), NAMA winner of the Best Duo/Group award for Buffalo Weavers; Jacob Faithful (Frog Lake Cree First Nation), head singer of the Young Spirit; Rex Lyons (member of the Onondaga Nation), founding member of the Ripcords; and Brett Maybee (Seneca Nation), producer and host of Gaënö’.

Thursday, November 24, 2022 – The enduring artistry of Buffy Sainte-Marie

Buffy Sainte-Marie’s singing career began at a time when the country’s knowledge and awareness of Indigenous people was limited. Growing up as an adoptee, she admits limited knowledge of her own heritage. But by educating herself, connecting with like-minded people, and honing her talent, Sainte-Marie became a trailblazer and an artist who’s gift remains current and laudable. Thursday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce talks with her about the early years of singing, the foundation it provided for her current work, and the PBS documentary that paints a portrait of her many talents. Please note: This is a pre-recorded conversation, so we won’t be taking calls.

Friday, November 25, 2022 – The buying season from a Native retailer’s perspective

Business experts are mostly optimistic about the retail business outlook for the last part of this year. It all depends on the bite that things like inflation, gas prices, and other factors will take out of the time that is traditionally the busiest of the year. Friday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce takes the holiday season temperature with Native retailers about how they’re planning for the coming weeks.

 

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