Monday, April 23, 2018 – Stitching together the U.S. and Mexico
A documentary called “Through the Repellent Fence” premieres on “America Reframed” on April 24. It tackles the Indigenous view on the timely subject of the U.S.-Mexico border. The documentary focuses on the creation of a two-mile-long art installation across the border meant to figuratively stitch together the two countries. It was made by Native artists Raven Chacon, Cristóbal Martínez and Kade Twist, collectively known as “Postcommodity”.

Tuesday, April 24, 2018 – Music Maker: Lakota John
Lakota John is a blues slide guitar player from the Lumbee and Oglala Lakota Nations. He’s been harnessing his musical abilities since he was a child alongside his family who centered their life around music. In his solo release “The Winds of Time” he gives new life to classic ragtime sounds and rhythmic picking. Help us get into the blues with our April Music Maker Lakota John.

Wednesday, April 25, 2018 – Student support helps graduation chances
The Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe School finds providing the right support for students in the small K-12 school can provide dividends in the way of graduation rates. School administrators say addressing social issues such as drug addiction, poverty and historical trauma can improve the likelihood of a student getting a diploma. The school originally opened in the 70s as an act of tribal self-determination by the tribe. As part of our series in the American Graduate initiative, we learn more about the school’s history and their efforts to create a healthy environment for learning.

Thursday, April 26, 2018 – April in the news
A nine month investigation by High Country News found $1.4 million raised for veterans to travel to the Standing Rock oil pipeline protest is mostly unaccounted for. We’ll talk with the reporter and editor who uncovered the story. We’ll also talk with other journalists about the important issues in Native America on our round-up of the news.

Friday, April 27 – The 35th Gathering of Nations Powwow
It’s time for the popular Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque. We take the opportunity to get a snapshot of the action in the arena and some of the voices behind the scenes. Thousands of dancers, musicians, vendors, horses, and spectators all stop in for the event, one of the largest powwows in the world.

Monday, April 16, 2018 – Lacrosse league plays defense against racism charge
A South Dakota lacrosse league expelled two predominantly Native American teams in March. Among the reasons league officials listed include uncertified coaches, unregistered players and unwarranted hostility toward players and administrators. The coaches of the expelled teams, however, say the action comes only after they insisted the league address racist incidents by other teams on the field. The coaches note the irony of expelling Native American players from a game invented by Native Americans in a league with a Native name. We’ll hear from the coaches and see if there’s a way to get at the root of the problem.

Tuesday, April 17, 2018 – Rumble on
A year after winning a Special Jury Award for Masterful Storytelling at the Sundance Film Festival, the documentary “Rumble: Indians Who Rocked The World” continues to win awards and accolades. The film’s producer recently took home the Canadian Screen Award for Best Documentary Feature. The documentary includes interviews with a list of prominent musicians about the influence that different Native musicians have had on rock ‘n roll, jazz, folk and blues music. We’ll talk with some of the musicians featured in the documentary.

Wednesday, April 18, 2018 – The future of Navajo sheep culture
Sheep used to roam the desert valleys and mesas of traditional Navajo lands in herds numbering in the thousands. Today, herds are much smaller. A nonprofit organization, Navajo Lifeway or Diné be’iiná, is dedicated to preserving and strengthening traditional herding, butchering and weaving. We’ll take a trip to a Navajo sheep camp and talk about what’s being done to preserve sheep culture.

Thursday, April 19, 2018 – Protecting wild rice in Minnesota
Wild rice waters in Minnesota face threats on two fronts. Some Minnesota tribes worry a pipeline replacement project carries the potential for a devastating crude oil leak that would contaminate rice beds for generations. At the same time, state lawmakers are moving to eliminate 45-year old water quality standards—the nation’s only law designed to help wild rice habitat. We’ll get updates on tribes’ efforts to keep wild rice thriving.

Friday, April 20, 2018 – Book of the Month: “Of Cartography” by Esther G. Belin
Native identity is a weaving of many experiences, beliefs and even the ground that a person considers home. We will witness how Diné poet Esther G. Belin is turning to the written word to celebrate her life and its relationship to Diné culture. “Of Cartography,” plays on poetic structure, often pushing readers to rethink how they are taking in the thoughts and words. We hear how Belin is shaking up the world of poetry.

Monday, April 9, 2018 – An hour of Native poetry
We’re turning the mic over to Native poets to celebrate National Poetry Month. Their words can take readers and listeners on an intimately personal journey. They can also provide artistic narration for social and cultural movements. Which Native poets inspire you? Join our show and pitch in your own short poem.

Tuesday, April 10, 2018 – Native business women gather strength
Native women make up half of all business owners in Native America according to estimates in the most recent “State of Woman-Owned Business Report” by American Express. At the same time they represent one of the smallest fractions of business owners in the country. The organizers of the first ever Native Women’s Business Summit aim to capitalize on the intelligence, creativity and resourcefulness Native women bring to their endeavors. But they also recognize Native women often have to overcome barriers like racial and gender pay gaps, wealth disparities, domestic violence, and even sexual trauma. We explore some expertise about raising capital, drafting business plans, self-promotion and other basics from the businesswomen’s perspective.

Wednesday, April 11, 2018 – The best thing to do with your tax refund
April is a good time to brush up on sound money management principles. We’ve all heard that following a budget is a good practice. But what other words of wisdom about money are good to follow? Student loans, cell phone bills, and relatives down on their luck all eat into the daily effort to build a personal nest egg. Experts advise you to start good habits early, have a plan and stick with it. We’ll talk with experts and young folks about money mistakes and wins.

Thursday, April 12, 2018 – Elders as teachers
Elder wisdom is greatly valued in many Native nations. It isn’t usually something that makes its way into the university setting, however. But a handful of Native studies programs are inviting elders in as lecturers, mentors and tutors. They provide traditional knowledge and expand the resources available to students.

Friday, April 13, 2018 – The social media privacy conundrum
Are you having to make the choice between liking your cousin’s baby pictures and protecting your privacy? Your actions on Facebook and other social media leave an invisible footprint that companies pay a lot of money to uncover. If you’re on Facebook it’s likely your political preferences, shopping habits, educational status and other information is in the hands of sophisticated marketers. If you’re not on Facebook, you might be missing out on updates about friends and family across the country or even across town. How vulnerable are you to the influences of those who use social media for a commercial or political agenda?

Monday, April 2, 2018 — Soothing seasonal allergies
The trees are budding, flowers are blooming and in some places the pollen count already has allergy sufferers staying inside. More than 50 million people experience allergies each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are many kinds of allergies, like seasonal allergies and animal allergies, and a wide range of symptoms including itchy eyes, congestion and anaphylactic shock. In this program, we’ll break down the causes and treatments for allergies while exploring some traditional remedies.

Tuesday, April 3, 2018 — Through the Generations: Summer camps
For the past 29 years, the Keex’ Kwaan Culture Camp in Kake, Alaska has helped link the community’s Native youth to their elders and culture. In Albuquerque, N.M., the Traditional Teachings Camp from the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center invites urban youth to learn about Pueblo culture through cultural activities and gardening. In the next in our series, Through the Generations, we’ll take a look at several tribally-run summer camps that focus on linking Native youth, elders and land traditions. Is there a cool camp that takes place in your Native community?

Wednesday, April 4, 2018 – Tackling a dropout crisis on Tohono O’odham Nation
Less than half of students graduated from Tohono O’odham Nation high schools a decade ago. It was a wake-up call for the superintendent at the time, Alberto Siqueiros. He set the school on a plan to improve graduation rates, test scores and overall performance. He cleaned house, removing half the district’s staff and raising teacher salaries. Today one high school in the school district sees 87-percent of their students graduate. We’ll talk with him and others about the successes and challenges of this transformation.

Thursday, April 5, 2018 – Remembering James Luna
Artist James Luna (Luiseño/ Ipai/Mexican) famously put his own body on display as a museum artifact in 1987. Later, he divided his face in two with his work, “Half Indian/Half Mexican,” a photo commentary on “the absurdity of being of measurability mixed blood ancestry.” In 2014 he reimagined Ishi, the last of the Yahi tribe, with photography. Last month the Native art world mourned when Luna unexpectedly walked on at the age of 68. We’ll remember his art and life with family and friends.

Friday, April 6, 2018 – The crackdown on public protests
Since the violent clashes between Dakota Access Pipeline protesters and law enforcement officers, states have passed dozens of laws restricting public protests and increasing penalties for convictions. Most recently, the Wyoming legislature passed a bill that would fine organizations as much as $1 million if they are found supporting protests that impede ‘critical infrastructure.’ The governor vetoed the measure. The First Amendment does not give permission to break laws, but protests and civil disobedience have a vaunted role throughout U.S. history for steering public discourse. Have modern protests crossed the line? Or is it the official reaction from lawmakers that’s going too far?