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.