Monday, February 18, 2019 – Remembering Alaska Native civil rights leader Elizabeth Peratrovich
A decade before Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat on a Montgomery, Ala. bus, Elizabeth Peratrovich and her husband were demanding equal rights for Alaska Natives. At the time Alaska Natives were lawfully excluded from theaters, hotels, restaurants and neighborhoods. Peratrovich made a famous speech in a territorial Senate hearing that spurred momentum to end discrimination against Alaska Natives. We’ll learn more about her story, her legacy, and the fight for civil rights in Alaska. Every year, the state sets aside a day to remember Peratrovich’s contributions.

Tuesday, February 19, 2019 – The benefits of music education
Numerous studies spanning decades show that music education can help students in other areas of their education, such as reading, vocabulary and even standardized tests. A number of organizations and Native musicians are working to expose more Native students to music education and even get musical instruments into classrooms. We’ll hear about the benefits of teaching music and get a glimpse of the efforts to improve music education for Native students.

Wednesday, February 20, 2019 – Getting to the online truth
What can you believe online? The confrontation last month between Omaha elder Nathan Philips and a crowd of rowdy Catholic high school boys was hard enough to interpret from mainstream news reports. It was made even harder by fake social media posts, including an inflammatory note claiming to be from the mother of one of the students. The false tweet wishing the “pioneers had brought more blankets with smallpox” was widely retweeted before the account disappeared. We’ll look into some things to keep in mind when trying to form an opinion from what you read, whether it’s high profile events or texts from friends.

Thursday, February 21, 2019 – Music Maker: Black Belt Eagle Scout
This month we welcome Swinomish & Iñupiat musician Katherine Paul into our monthly celebration of music. Her musical venture is called Black Belt Eagle Scout and her newest album is titled “Mother of My Children.” As a teenager she taught herself to play the guitar and things rocketed from there. She says she plays music to process feelings and there are many emotions that ring out in the different tracks on the album including what it means to face loss and what it means to still dream afterwards. We’ll experience her passionate guitar solos and lyrics on our February Music Maker.

Friday, February 22, 2019 – February in the news
An investigation by the Catholic Dioceses of Covington found no evidence of racist or offensive statements during the viral confrontation between Catholic students and Omaha elder Nathan Phillips in Washington, D.C. last month. At least one tribal leader who witnessed the incident finds the conclusions in the report “laughable.” Also the Native American Journalists Association is pushing National Public Radio to more accurately report on the Indian Child Welfare Act. And Elizabeth Warren is officially running for president, setting up the potential for a barrage of insults in an ongoing war of words with President Trump. What is the best journalistic response to the president’s offensive tweets? Tune in for our news round up.

Monday, February 11, 2019 – The State of Indian Nations
National Congress of American Indians President Jefferson Keel delivers the State of Indian Nations address at the start of the NCAI Executive Council Winter Session. The address comes as Indian Country is watching a number of issues, including continued tribal economic development, threats to the Indian Child Welfare Act, concerns over pipelines and extraction industries on or near tribal land, and the potential for another federal government shutdown. Native America Calling will carry a recorded version of the address immediately following the live address from the Newseum in Washington, D.C. and will also carry comments from the congressional response.

Tuesday, February 12, 2019 – Child sex abuse allegations against an IHS doctor
Former Indian Health Service pediatrician, Stanley Patrick Weber, was convicted of sexually abusing children at the Blackfeet Indian Reservation in Montana. He is also awaiting trial for sexually abusing children on the Pine Ridge Reservation in North Dakota. The new PBS documentary program Frontline documents the abuse and uncovers how Weber was apparently able to carry out abuses for decades. We’ll hear from those following the case and the Native leaders who helped bring Weber’s crimes to light.

Wednesday, February 13, 2019 – Dating or just hangin’ out?
There’s a lot of focus on preventing violence associated with teen dating. It’s an important message for Native Americans wanting to fight the disproportionate rate of violence among young people. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness month, and we’re going to approach the issue from the standpoint of what contributes to a healthy relationship. Teens are often entering romantic relationships for the first time. It’s common to let new emotions get in the way of rational decision-making. We’ll hear about getting out of the friend zone, healthy ways to disagree with others and how to talk to your parents about your feelings.

Thursday, February 14, 2019 – Life after a heart attack
Heart attack survivors are often prescribed medications, sent to rehabilitation and urged to adopt healthier lifestyle and diet habits. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds Native Americans are more likely to be obese, smoke tobacco, and have high blood pressure and diabetes compared to other populations. Those are all risk factors for heart disease. One the day dedicated to affairs of the heart, we’ll talk about what to expect after surviving a heart attack.

Friday, February 15, 2019 – Making college welcoming for Native students
It starts with acknowledging the Indigenous people on whose traditional land the institution exists. But making college a welcome place also includes the right training for faculty and staff and offering courses that include context from a Native perspective. Those are among the recommendations listed in a new report by the American Indian College Fund titled “Creating Visibility and Healthy Learning Environments for Native Americans in Higher Education.” The report was spurred by an incident when a member of a Colorado campus tour called police because two prospective Native students ‘looked suspicious.’

Monday, February 4, 2019 – Defining Indigenous beauty
A number of scientific studies link unrealistic beauty standards and low self-esteem. Research in the past year from a Florida mental health and treatment facility adds social media to the influences that might encourage poor body image among women. Louise BigEagle (Nakota and Cree) tells the CBC she was once told that she’s “too pretty” to be Native. She also said she is treated differently when she’s in casual clothes or isn’t wearing makeup. Some Native people—both men and women—are tired of feeling the pressure to conform to colonized beauty standards. They say they’re reclaiming what it means to be a beautiful and Indigenous.

Tuesday, February 5, 2019 – Protecting Native voting rights
The Washington State Legislature is considering a Native American Voting Rights Act. Among other things it would ensure tribal IDs are valid at polling places. It also allows for alternative methods to listing physical addresses. The bill comes following concern about barriers to voting during the midterm elections in places like North Dakota where voters are required to provide a physical address rather than a post office box number in order to vote. We’ll hear about the Washington bill and also get an update on efforts to prevent Native American access to the polls.

Wednesday, February 6, 2019 – Indigenous representation in food recommendations
Canada’s new food guide has some interesting changes: it doesn’t include serving sizes, it pushes a plant-based diet and it acknowledges traditional food and food insecurity. Canadian health officials are working with Indigenous representatives to develop guidelines that take them into account. Food guides, like the USDA’s MyPlate aim to promote the latest thinking on healthy and balanced diets. They are also a reference for schools and tribal nutrition programs.

Thursday, February 7, 2019 – Safety for elders and others in nursing facilities
A nurse at a Phoenix facility faces rape charges for impregnating a resident. The woman, an incapacitated San Carlos Apache tribal member, surprised the staff at the skilled nursing facility when she gave birth. A DNA investigation links the child to the accused nurse. It’s a troubling incident that triggers fears by those who have elders or other loved ones in the care of institutions. We’ll talk about questions families should ask and what they should look for when considering a care facility.

Friday, February 8, 2019 – The Native voice in state laws
A number of states are working on legislation that affects Native residents. New Mexico is considering a bill to help Native public school students succeed by requiring a needs assessment. It’s proposed by Representative Derrick Lente (Isleta/Sandia Pueblo). Montana and Oklahoma are among the states discussing permanently setting aside a day to recognize Native Americans. Washington State is moving ahead with a bill to ensure Native voting rights. We’ll hear about the notable state laws proposed with Native people in mind that could be model legislation elsewhere.

Monday, January 28, 2019 – House calls for new parents
The first days and weeks as a new parent are an exciting time. But they can also be filled with anxious worry about making the best choices. Several programs in Native America send parenting experts into homes with new babies. From when to feed an infant to how much sleep parents should expect to get, the questions tribal in-home visitation specialists tackle range from mundane to critical.

Tuesday, January 29, 2019 – Update on the opioid abuse epidemic in Native America
Dozens of tribes are suing pharmaceutical companies and distributors over the opioid abuse epidemic. Overdose deaths have been steadily increasing over the past few years, although there is some evidence the numbers are leveling off. For American Indian and Alaska Natives, the rate of opioid overdose deaths remains slightly above the national average. We’ll check in with law enforcement, lawyers, and health care providers about the current status of the opioid abuse epidemic in Native America and also discuss the legal efforts to head it off.

Wednesday, January 30, 2019 – Book of the Month: Spider Woman’s Children: Navajo Weavers Today by Lynda Teller Pete and Barbara Teller Ornelas
Navajo weaving traditions are rich in culture and creativity. Generations of weavers have gifted their knowledge to their loved ones. Our January Book of the Month, “Spider Woman’s Children: Navajo Weavers Today” by Lynda Teller Pete and Barbara Teller Ornelas includes several profiles of today’s Navajo weavers. They range in age from sixteen years old all the way up to 88. The beauty of the work comes out in their stories, but they also talk about the challenges they and their nation have overcome. We invite you to join us as we visit with the fifth-generation Navajo weavers who put the book together.

Thursday, January 31, 2019 – “Growing Native” TV series explores Native America
A new four-part TV series airing on PBS explores topics like Indigenous food systems, renewable energy and subsistence hunting. At the same time, “Growing Native” takes viewers on a tour of traditional and contemporary Native culture. We’ll talk with the series creators about what the show is about and what it takes to bring engaging Native issues to a large audience.

Friday, February 1, 2019 – Native in the Spotlight: Chance Rush
When Chance Rush (Hidatsa) speaks to a crowd, they listen. He captivates audiences with personal stories, humor, and advice for success. He says his message is pretty simple: “use your personal talents to lead you to greatness.” On this hour we’ll talk with him about his upbringing, vision for Native America and passion for creating a better life for young and old alike.

Monday, January 21, 2019 – The government shutdown starts hitting home
As the partial federal government shutdown approaches the one-month mark, the effects on tribes and individuals who rely on services are growing: Nearly 9,000 Indian Health Service employees are working without pay; the Yomba Shoshone Tribe in Nevada shut off services and their tribal office administrator is working without pay; the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa in Minnesota is reducing workers’ hours; In addition, thousands of federal employees are going without pay, and those in power show no signs of coming to an agreement.

Tuesday, January 22, 2019 – The next chapter for Indigenous child welfare in Canada
Indigenous leaders in Canada are hoping their government will approve a series of reforms for the foster care system that disproportionately separates Indigenous families. Statistics Canada reports Indigenous children make up more than half of those under age 4 in the foster care system. Indigenous people make up less than 8 percent of the total population. The push comes following a heart-wrenching video of a newborn child taken from its mother in a Manitoba hospital. We get an overview of the Canadian child welfare system and hear about the efforts to improve it.

Wednesday, January 23, 2019 – Music Maker: Randy Boogie
Neo-contemporary Navajo artist Randy L. Barton is known for his ability to slap the paint on the canvas and across large murals to make vibrant images. He sees art as a tool for educating people. His talent also extends to the musical art form. This month we visit with him about his album “The Blessing Way Boogie” that mixes in electric sounds brushed with B-Boy break beats and tribal rhythms including sounds from his Diné Nation. Much like his visual art, his music calls on indigenous knowledge and creation stories that are full of instructions on life and facing the world. Join us for our January Music Maker with as he’s known on the dance floor and behind the turn tables, Randy Boogie.

Thursday, January 24, 2019 – House calls for new parents
The first days and weeks as a new parent are an exciting time. But they can also be filled with anxious worry about making the best choices. Several programs in Native America send parenting experts into homes with new babies. From when to feed an infant to how much sleep parents should expect to get, the questions tribal in-home visitation specialists tackle range from mundane to critical.

Friday, January 25, 2019 – January in the News
Several tribal leaders and Native organizations issued statements of outrage after President Trump took another jab at Senator Elizabeth Warren, this time mentioning the sacred battle grounds at Wounded Knee and Little Big Horn. Also we’ll examine the coverage of the federal government shutdown and its impact on Native Americans. And the Menominee Nation is not giving up in its fight against the Environmental Protection Agency and the Army Corps of Engineers over the Back Forty open pit mine project. Join us for those stories and more on our monthly news roundup.