Monday, October 14, 2019 – Indigenous Peoples Day
New Mexico is commemorating its inaugural Indigenous Peoples Day this year. So are Wisconsin, Washington, D.C. and Maine. The idea to set aside a day to recognize Native people rather than Christopher Columbus is growing. While celebrations are in order, the day doesn’t come without some backlash. In Flagstaff, a group of Native people are planning to boycott the city’s first Indigenous Peoples Day celebration, citing concerns over policies and data that indicate a lack of concern and collaboration with Native residents. We’ll get a status report on Indigenous Peoples Day from community leaders and others.

Tuesday, October 15, 2019 – Jurisdiction and justice for violence victims
The complicated legal agreements between federal, local and tribal agencies can hinder enforcement of sexual assault cases on reservations. A new documentary, “A Broken Trust” interviewed dozens of sources and accessed exclusive data about cases on two reservations. It paints a stark picture of failed communication, misguided policy and woeful underfunding that jeopardizes the safety of residents. We’ll explore the complexities of jurisdiction and the Trust Responsibility when it comes to protecting people and finding justice for victims of violence.

Wednesday, October 16, 2019 – Learning from museum collections
A unique partnership between the Poeh Cultural Center and the National Museum of the American Indian may serve as a model for other institutions with collections of Native items. The Poeh Center is the conduit for members of the seven Tewa pueblos to interact with and share knowledge about dozens of pueblo pots. NMAI is loaning the pots—some are more than 150 years old—to the Poeh Center so more pueblo members can view them and share additional knowledge. The pots are starting to make their journey ‘home’ this fall in what the Poeh Center and NMAI are calling a ‘co-stewardship.’ We’ll hear about how the relationship came about and what it offers for tribes and museum collections.

Thursday, October 17, 2019 – Take care of your teeth!
The American Dental Association finds Native Americans have significantly higher rates of oral disease. There is usually adequate access to dental care, but many Native people don’t know how or where to go. It’s Dental Hygiene Awareness Month—a good time to review the basics of oral health care. We’ll talk with dental experts about why oral dental health is important for your overall health.

Friday, October 18, 2019 – Celebrating Native achievement in Hollywood
Two notable Native actors are getting recognition for their work. Cherokee actor Wes Studi will receive an honorary Oscar at the 11th annual Governors Awards. He is the first Native American actor to receive the award. Studi’s Dances With Wolves co-star, Tantoo Cardinal (Cree/Métis), is receiving a lifetime achievement award at the Santa Fe Film Festival. She recently landed a key role in the ABC series, Stumptown. We’ll take time to honor their recognition and celebrate the achievements of Native professionals in Hollywood.

Monday, October 7, 2019 – George Morrison’s artistic legacy
George Morrison (Anishinaabe) traveled in the same artistic circles as Abstract Expressionists Franz Kline, Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. But he worked hard at avoiding labels and ended up being a significant influence on Native art and beyond. His son Briand Morrison says his father erased the boundaries of what is considered ‘Native art.’ His work included colorful landscape paintings, sketches of geometric patterns, and intricate wooden sculptures. In this hour we’ll hear about his life, work and legacy.

Tuesday, October 8, 2019 – Young activists speaking for the environment
Sixteen-year-old Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg’s notoriety recently scolded world leaders over inaction on climate change at the UN General Assembly. Autumn Peltier (Anishinaabe) is a young First Nations environmental activist who also recently used the UN platform to speak up about the lack of clean water for Indigenous people in Canada. Xiuhtezcatl Tonatiuh Martinez is part of a group of young people suing the U.S. Government over climate change. Young Indigenous people are finding their voice and risking backlash, speaking up over climate change. Is their message being heard?

Wednesday, October 9, 2019 – Avoiding mistakes in the classroom
This is the time of year when teachers dust off their Native American curriculum on history and culture. Classroom activities for younger students might include model tipis or wigwams. Older students might be required to argue the pros and cons of European colonization. Educational units on Native Americans continue to evolve, but there remain relics that resort to construction paper headdresses. We’ll talk with Native educators about how teachers can utilize more inclusive and accurate lessons.

Thursday, October 10, 2019 – Native romance novels
Romance novels are known for their simple plot lines and cheesy, overly dramatic cover illustrations and happy endings. But romance sales outperform all other fiction genres. The trouble is a noticeable lack of honest Native American portrayals. If Native people are ever featured in romance novels, they typically end up as some version of a 1950s Wild West movie stereotype. The Romance Writers of America acknowledged the genre’s decided lack of multicultural understanding in a statement last year, saying “members from the historically marginalized groups have felt unheard, unseen, and unrepresented.” But some Native authors are taking to the genre with complex, realistic Native characters, with details that Native readers might relate to. Native romance novelists will talk to us the business and process of writing Native love stories.

Friday, October 11, 2019 – Rivers are relatives
The Klamath River has the same rights as people according to a new law passed by the Yurok tribal council. In 2017, a New Zealand court decision granted person status to the the Whanganui River after the longest-running litigation in the country’s history. Maori tribal members consider the river their relative. Indigenous people all over the world praise efforts to grant legal person status to rivers. But it also sets the stage for environmental legal battles.

Monday, September 30, 2019 – Celebrating Indigenous podcasts
Native media producers are making their mark in the growing podcast movement, taking Native perspectives directly to the public. Whether they’re polished and professional or decidedly DIY, dozens of Indigenous podcasts focus on issues ranging from food to comic books to true crime. With more than 700,000 active podcasts, on this International Podcast Day we’ll take time out to highlight some notable Native people using their podcasts to educate, inform and entertain.

Tuesday, October 1, 2019 – Natives in the Spotlight: Anthony Johnson and James Makokis
Anthony Johnson (Diné) and James Makokis (Saddle Lake Cree Nation) won the reality show competition, Amazing Race Canada. They beat out the other teams racing across the country while completing challenges like swimming under lake ice or building an irrigation system for a cranberry bog. The pair make up the first Indigenous group to win. Along the way they also used the platform to bring awareness to Native issues like missing and murdered Indigenous women and environmental causes. They previously got attention for getting married during the Vancouver, B.C. marathon.

Wednesday, October 2, 2019 – When preserving culture turns to shaming
Is humiliation an effective way to preserve traditional culture? Language, ceremony, community service, and even dress are all factors in connecting with and carrying on tribal cultures. Elders pass on their knowledge. Young people pick up the torch. Or not. There’s an age-old tug-of-war over how to set the boundaries of what’s acceptable. Some tradition keepers turn to private—and sometimes public—shaming.

Thursday, October 3, 2019 – Stepping up to help others: Careers in behavioral health
The commitment to help others as a psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor takes more than just a diploma. Dr. Shilo R. Tippett (Wasco/Tlingit) says it takes natural empathy and an ability to set boundaries. Shilo says helping people in her community as a clinical psychologist is her dream job. But there’s a national shortage of others willing to take on the challenge, according to the National Council for Behavioral Health. We touch in with Tippett and other Native mental health professionals about the rewards and constraints of working in the behavioral health field.

Friday, October 4, 2019 – Listener appreciation
Native America Calling is approaching a quarter century on the air. Over the years we’ve gotten to know thousands of people who have contributed as guests or called in to offer perspectives on issues important to Native people. There are many thousands more listening in. We’re taking time out to appreciate the people who make the show possible. We’ll hear from some of our dedicated listeners and get ideas for the future.

Monday, September 23, 2019 – Preventing falls
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists falls as the leading cause of death for Native American adults over 65. The first day of fall is also National Falls Prevention Day. Falls can end up taking away an elder’s independence and force them into a nursing home. But there are some simple things that can greatly reduce the possibility of a devastating fall. Putting non-skid mats on the floor and installing handrails are two suggestions for preventing falls. Also doing daily balance exercises and getting your eyes checked are other ways elders can prevent a fall. The first day of fall is also National Falls Prevention Day. We’ll talk with experts about the latest ideas for avoiding unnecessary injuries.

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 – Native in the spotlight: Cheyenne Kippenberger
All those chosen as Miss Indian World are ambassadors presenting a positive public face to the public. Reigning Miss Indian World, Cheyenne Kippenberger (Seminole) is also traveling the country, working to destigmatize mental health issues. She fought her own insecurities and self-doubt to compete out of her ‘comfort zone’, going on to first win Miss Florida Seminole, then to be the first Seminole woman to win the Miss Indian World title. We’ll talk with Kippenberger about what she’s learned since winning the crown and what her plans are for the remaining months as Miss Indian World.

Wednesday, September 25 – Babies’ first foods
Native mothers are looking for ways to start their babies off right when it comes to solid food after breast milk and formula. The World Health Organization recommends babies start getting complimentary foods around 6 months. That could be anything from cereal, mashed vegetables and fruit, and some traditional Indigenous foods. It’s never too early to think about starting good eating habits to fight the statistics showing a high percentage of Native American infants grow up to be overweight or obese. We’ll go over what is a nutritious diet for babies and ways to introduce health foods for the first time.

Thursday, September 26, 2019 –Book of the Month: “The Forever Sky” by Thomas Peacock and Annette S. Lee
Teaching younger generations about their Native heritage is one way to keep the stories going. The children’s book “The Forever Sky” by author Thomas Peacock (Fond du Lac Anishinaabe) and illustrator Annettee S. Lee (Ojibwe/Lakota) follows two young brothers as they learn how the stars can bring them closer to their ancestors including their late grandmother. Through artistic interpretations of the dancing northern lights the siblings pay tribute to star knowledge and a story that was passed on to them by their uncle. We’ll learn the inspirations and creative drive behind our September Book of the Month creators.

Friday, September 27, 2019 – September in the news
They Boy Scouts of America continue to resist the protests of numerous tribes, using Native terminology, ceremonies, regalia and sacred dances. Indian Country Today examines the Boy Scouts of America’s ongoing use of Native imagery in a five-part series. We’ll hear from associate editor Vincent Schilling about what inspired the series. We’ll also check in on recent news highlights affecting Native Americans.