Monday, November 23, 2020 – COVID-19 rates on the rise
North Dakota reached the highest COVID-19 fatality rate per capita in the world, according to the Federation of American Scientists. South Dakota, Wisconsin and Montana are all in the top 20 highest COVID-19 death rates. Infection rates all over the country are spiking and tribes are reissuing strict shutdown orders aiming to slow down the spread. We’ll get insights from tribal leaders and health officials about their hopes for fighting the new deadly wave of the pandemic.

Tuesday, November 24, 2020 – Native words to live by
In Native languages, some of our favorite words and phrases pack much more meaning than any English translation can encompass. The Navajo word, “hózhó” refers to a way of life; balance, harmony and order. As the country marks Native American Heritage Month and 30 years of the Native American Languages Act, ensuring tribes’ use of their languages without any government interference, we’ll honor the importance of language and celebrate with some of the most notable words and phrases.

Wednesday, November 25, 2020 – Perspectives on the Mayflower 400 years later
It’s been four centuries since the Pilgrims stepped off the Mayflower onto the shores of present day Massachusetts. The white, Christian Europeans established a colony at Plymouth and the rest is history. But it’s a one-sided history that too often omits the Indigenous experience outside of a revisionist Thanksgiving story. This year, the Plymouth, Massachusetts 400th Anniversary Commission is commemorating the shared history among the Wampanoag tribes and settlers. It’s an inclusive celebration with Wampanoag perspectives. We’ll look at how representation of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower has changed over the years and what perspectives still need to be voiced.

Thursday, November 26, 2020 – A Conversation with Keith Secola
(Encore show; we aren’t taking live calls) Over the years Keith Secola, creator of the song “NDN Kars,” has brought a lot to our Native communities with his creativity and voice. We take time to check in with this Anishinabe artist and learn about his latest creations including the podcast project, Native Americana Audio Café, where he visits with musicians, artists and others. We’ll find out how music is taking him through these times, and get to the roots of where his love of music began.

Friday, November 27, 2020 – November in the news
Congresswoman Deb Haalan (D-NM, Laguna Pueblo) is among the names floated for a spot in President-elect Biden’s cabinet, specifically as the head of the Department of Interior. We’ll take a look at the Native people who could potentially be part of the Biden Administration. Also President Trump still hasn’t conceded the race, and is falsely claiming election fraud. We’ll ask Native political watchers whether Trump’s antics pose any threats to Native confidence in the election process. We’re shopping around for the best Native news stories on this day-after-Thanksgiving episode of the news roundup.

Monday, November 16, 2020 – Understanding epilepsy
Of the nearly 3.5 million people in the United States who have epilepsy, the Epilepsy Foundation estimates about 51,000 are Native Americans. The Foundation also says at least 150,000 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every year. The non-profit calls it one of the most misunderstood health disorders because so little is known about its causes. Nearly half of all those with epilepsy continue to have uncontrolled, recurring seizures, despite medication and other treatments. There are some things everyone should know about epilepsy, even if they aren’t directly affected.

Tuesday, November 17, 2020 – “Something Else” speaks to Native exclusion
When CNN aired a graphic with racial breakdowns of voters, it included a category called “Something Else” for those not under the white, Black, Latino or Asian labels. Native Americans were quick to respond with sharp criticism that spread across social media. The Native American Journalists Association called for an apology from the media network. “Something Else” also speaks to the pervasive exclusion of Indigenous people in polls and research.

Wednesday, November 18, 2020 – Rock Your Mocs
The annual celebration is about more than just what Native people traditionally wear on their feet. Started in 2011 as a way to show Native pride, Rock Your Mocs has grown into a multi-day collection of events and discussions. We’ll get perspectives on how people in many nations are marking the celebration of traditional culture.

Thursday, November 19, 2020 – Addiction during the pandemic
Social relationships are among the strongest tools available for substance abuse recovery. The National Institute on Drug Abuse acknowledges Zoom meetings and phone calls can’t fully measure up to the effectiveness of in-person contact for people fighting addiction. The National Institutes of Health also warns the stress and isolation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic can exacerbate the triggers for those vulnerable to addiction.

Friday, November 20, 2020 – Music Maker: Bluedog
Bluedog is not only a family affair but a group that prides itself on sharing the life experiences of Native people through sound. In their new album “Take a Stand” the blues riffs are solid and the vocals are inviting. This time around the blues band out of Minnesota’s Twin Cities has teamed up with guest musicians including Ojibwe recording artist Keith Secola.

Monday, November 9, 2020 – Gather: personal stories of traditional food connections
The makers of the new film “Gather” assert that Native food rights are human rights and food helps keep Native people connected to culture. The film tells personal stories of food warriors from the White Mountain Apache, Yurok and Lakota nations that exemplify the importance of maintaining Indigenous foods in the face of centuries of colonial efforts to break that connection. The film, directed by Sanjay Rawal, is a New York Times Critic’s Pick. We’ll speak with Rawal and some of the film’s subjects about their work and how it strengthens Indigenous food sovereignty.

Tuesday, November 10, 2020 – Staying fit during the pandemic
It’s easy to pack on an extra pound or two as the pandemic throws off your regular schedules and limits the people and places you normally connect with. At the same time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns carrying extra weight can increase the severity of COVID-19 for those who contract the disease. Staying fit during the pandemic doesn’t necessarily mean a strict exercise regimen. It can be as simple as adding extra movement to your day and mixing in healthier food choices. We’ll talk with health experts about how to get motivated to stay fit during these challenging times.

Wednesday, November 11, 2020 – Book of the Month: “Too Strong to Be Broken” by Edward J. Driving Hawk and Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve
With the help of his sister, Edward J. Driving Hawk recounts his life as a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars and former chairman of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. “Too Strong To Be Broken: The Life of Edward J. Driving Hawk” also follows pivotal moments in his life including his struggle with alcoholism and suffering the effects of exposure to Agent Orange. Edward J. Driving Hawk says it’s also his hope that readers, especially his decedents, understand the importance of Native heritage in building strength. We’ll hear from the authors for our November Book of the Month.

Thursday, November 12, 2020 – Three decades of protecting cultural patrimony
Landmark legislation protecting Native American cultural items turns 30. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act requires museums and any institution that receives federal funds to return items of tribal cultural significance taken from federal land. The legislation was the result of decades of work by Native experts and activists who were fighting the theft of Native items over the years. We’ll talk with the people who were instrumental in getting the legislation passed as well as tribal historic preservation officers who rely on it to protect their cultural patrimony.

Friday, November 13, 2020 – Are holiday get-togethers safe?
Coronavirus infection rates continue to climb just as families are planning holiday gatherings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report record-breaking numbers of new infections as the pandemic reaches its tenth month. The CDC is recommending people take extra precautions and even consider cancelling or postponing family gatherings altogether this season. States and tribes are making their own COVID-19 safety protocols. We’ll get details on what public health officials say about holiday gatherings and whether families are likely to make any changes.

Monday, November 2, 2020 – Tribes confront new COVID-19 surge
Most states are seeing a rise in COVID-19 infections. In response, tribes are reinstating curfews and monitoring borders to keep infections numbers down. In October, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw saw an alarming rise in COVID-19 infection rates and deaths. Numbers compiled by the New York Times showed 10% of tribal members were infected and made up the majority of deaths for the Mississippi county where most tribal members live. We’ll look at what’s behind the increases and check in with tribal community members about what they’re doing to keep their communities safe.

Tuesday, November 3, 2020 – Historic election day
Election Day always brings surprises, but so much is up in the air this year. The pandemic is changing how people cast their ballots. The incumbent president hasn’t committed to stepping down if he loses. Law enforcement and elections officials are grappling with the possibility of armed, right wing militia members showing up at polling places. Still, there are many reasons to be hopeful. We’ll talk with political and public policy experts about the issues driving Native voters to the polls and what bright spots are in play for the 2020 election.

Wednesday, November 4, 2020 – The results are in?
The election is over and it’s time to add up the results. Poll watchers and pundits warn many important races—including the one for president of the United States—may not be decided for days, if not weeks. We’ll talk about what the sure things are, what they mean for Native voters and how any undecided races might play out.

Thursday, November 5, 2020 – Keeping up with Larissa FastHorse
We catch up with playwright Larissa FastHorse (Sičháŋǧu Lakota), who just won a MacArthur Fellowship, also called the “Genius Grant”. She is the creator of “Thanksgiving Play” and “What Would Crazy Horse Do?” challenging Native stereotypes through smart writing and satire. She is in the midst of creating a collaborative trilogy that includes spending time imbedded with Native communities.

Friday, November 6, 2020 – Write the great Native American novel
David Heska Wanbli Weiden, Tommy Orange, Stephen Graham Jones and Terese Mailhot are some of the Native authors making reading lists across the country. They’re also inspiring other would-be writers. We’ll be talking to Native writers about their craft and how to get those first words on paper. They’ll discuss how to overcome writers’ block, how to structure a narrative, and essential elements of a good book like plot and scene. November is National Novel Writing Month with the challenge to amateur authors to pen an entire book in 30 days. Maybe one of them will write the next bestseller.

Monday, October 26, 2020 – The choice whether to vote
The decision of who to vote for comes down to a personal choice. The same goes for the decision whether or not to vote in the first place. People complain about disillusionment with candidates and government, a lack of interest in politics, or a disgust with the divisive nature of elections. Some Native voters view not voting as an act of decolonization. Research by the U.S. Census finds the turnout rate for Native voters is lower than the national average. More than a third of Native voters who are eligible are not registered. Are you voting this year? Email us why or why not to comments@nativeamericacalling.com We’ll talk with voters about their decision to vote or not in the upcoming election.

Tuesday, October 27, 2020 – Spooky season brings out Native horror pop culture
Horror has a long history, and Indigenous artists are mastering the genre, finding new ways to make peoples’ skin crawl. As Halloween approaches we’re taking the hour to celebrate the darker side of Native pop culture with Indigenous artists who are telling some terrifying stories through film, illustration and literature. What draws you to Native horror?

Wednesday, October 28, 2020 – Music Maker: Bluedog
Bluedog is not only a family affair but a group that prides itself on sharing the life experiences of Native people through sound. In their new album “Take a Stand” the blues riffs are solid and the vocals are inviting. This time around the blues band out of Minnesota’s Twin Cities has teamed up with guest musicians including Ojibwe recording artist Keith Secola. We’ll hear more from the band about keeping the legacy of Native blues strong.

Thursday, October 29, 2020 – Canada’s Lobster War
Ongoing violence marks a dispute over treaty rights and commercial lobster fishing in Nova Scotia. Arson, property destruction, vandalism and physical confrontations erupted after the Sipekne’katik First Nation exerted their treaty rights and started harvesting lobster outside the federally-mandated season. The actions echo the Fish Wars in the U.S. in the 1970s. Canada’s Supreme Court affirmed Indigenous fishing rights off season in 1999 to make what the court said was “a moderate living”. Interpretations of those words are among the key points of contention.

Friday, October 30, 2020 – October in the news
After largely ignoring important Native issues during most of the campaign, President Donald Trump recently has highlighted what he says are accomplishments for Native people in key states. He voiced his support for federal recognition of the Lumbee Nation in North Carolina, two weeks after Democratic challenger Joe Biden did. It’s an acknowledgement that Native voters could make the difference in close races in battleground states. But are the candidates merely pandering to tribes during the election? We’ll get some expert opinions and explore what’s making news in our regular news round up.