Monday, August 1, 2022 – The history and protocols of headdresses

The pictures of Pope Francis wearing a headdress spurred controversy across the globe – and on our social media channels! A Cree elder and chief gifted the high honor to the leader of the Catholic Church during his visit to Canada last week during a visit specifically to apologize to Indigenous people for the church’s role in residential school abuses. Indigenous leaders throughout history have given headdresses to numerous non-Native people including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and many U.S. presidents. Some tribes have very specific traditions and ceremonies connected to making and receiving headdresses. Monday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce discusses headdress protocols and traditions and why the headdress on the pope sparked particular concern with Dana Wilson (Crow), former member of Crow Tribal executive and legislative government; Dr. Don Pepion (Pikunni), emeritus professor of Native American studies at New Mexico State University; and Niigaan Sinclair (Anishinaabe), Winnipeg Free Press columnist and Indigenous studies professor.

Tuesday, August 2, 2022 – Heat, Monkeypox, and COVID

Heat, COVID, and Monkeypox are all health threats that have loomed over many of us this summer. As record temperatures climb, so does the rate of heat illnesses for workers and vulnerable populations. Meanwhile, COVID persists and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared monkeypox a global health concern. Tuesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce speaks with health experts about latest information and how to keep safe.

Wednesday, August 3, 2022 – Gallup Inter-Tribal Ceremonial Centennial

Before Native Americans gained the right to vote, the town of Gallup, NM was celebrating the region’s Indigenous culture with events like a parade and traditional song and dance. The event has grown to include a rodeo, an arts market and representatives from tribes across the globe. Wednesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce talks with organizers about celebrating the 100th annual Ceremonial August 4th through the 14th.

Thursday, August 4, 2022 — TBD

Stay connected to our social media channels for the latest updates on this episode.

Friday, August 5, 2022 – Comanche warriors battle Predator

Move over Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny Glover, Amber Midthunder (Sioux) is the new hero of the Predator sci-fi franchise. “Prey” will be released on Hulu Friday, August 5. The story takes place 300 years ago as a female Comanche warrior battles a Predator, a species of alien with a knack for hunting other dangerous species, to protect her tribe. The film is in English and dubbed in the Comanche language, with the help of the Comanche Nation. Friday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce talks with Amber Midthunder, her breakout co-star Dakota Beavers (Pueblo descendant and Mexican), producer Jhane Myers (Comanche and Blackfeet), and director Dan Trachtenberg about the film and how awesome it is to see how our ancestors would’ve fought back against a highly evolved alien hunter.

Monday, July 25, 2022 — Fair play: Jim Thorpe’s legacy

The International Olympic Committee recently restored the gold medals Sac and Fox athlete Jim Thorpe won at the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm. The decision comes after decades of work by advocates who considered stripping the medals an injustice. Thorpe was the first Native American to win gold medals for the United States. He was an athletic pioneer, playing professional baseball, football, and even basketball. Monday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce celebrates Thorpe’s legacy and discusses his influence in American sports with Nedra Darling (Cherokee and Potawatomi), co-founder of Bright Path Strong and producer for the film Bright Path; Teresa Thorpe, (Sac and Fox, Potawatomi, and Kickapoo), Jim Thorpe’s granddaughter; and Bob Wheeler, honorary board member of Bright Path Strong, Jim Thorpe biographer, and founder of the Jim Thorpe Foundation.

Tuesday, July 26, 2022 — Rethinking blood quantum

The Sealaska Corporation just dropped their blood quantum requirement for shareholder enrollment. Members of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe voted to end their requirements in an advisory referendum. Advocates for eliminating the blood quantum hurdle say it’s necessary to ensure future generations of thriving tribal culture. Tuesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce hears from Joe Nelson (Tlingit), board chair of Sealaska, and Dr. Jill Doerfler (Anishinaabe), professor and department head of American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Plus, Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), publisher and editor of Native News Online and Tribal Business News, remembers the life and work of Tim Giago, who passed away Sunday at age 88.

Wednesday, July 27, 2022 — Through the Decades: the 1990s

The U.S. Congress passed both the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and the Indian Arts And Crafts Act in 1990—two pieces of legislation with significant power to protect culture. On the international front, the Zapatista Army of National Liberation in Mexico rose up in an effort to reclaim their land and resist globalization. Dances With Wolves captured audiences’ attention with a Native cast and a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for Graham Greene. Meanwhile a new generation of Native writers and directors made their voices heard. Wednesday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce remembers the Native ’90s, as part of our series Through The Decades.

Thursday, July 28, 2022 — Honoring a forgotten civil rights pioneer: Miguel Trujillo

The son of a single mother on Isleta Pueblo, Miguel Trujillo became an important figure in civil rights history. After serving as a Marine in World War II, Trujillo came home to find he could not vote in his home state of New Mexico. The state constitution barred Native Americans under the pretense that they paid no property taxes. Trujillo filed suit after he was turned away at his polling place. He won his suit, opening the door for voting rights for all New Mexico tribal members. Thursday on Native America Calling, Shawn Spruce honors Trujillo’s legacy.

Friday, July 29, 2022 — The Menu with Andi Murphy

Andi Murphy, host of the award-winning podcast Toasted Sister, is cooking up another edition of our regular feature The Menu this Friday. Stay tuned to our social channels or sign-up to our daily newsletter for more details.