Monday, October 5, 2018 – Life lessons in sports
Many Native athletes attribute the skills and lessons learned from participating in sports to long-lasting and useful values that help throughout their lives. That’s in addition to the obvious benefits of physical exercise. Montana’s Arlee Warriors high school basketball team leveraged their state championship into a platform to prevent suicide.

Tuesday, November 6, 2018 – The healing song of the jingle dress
A jingle dress dance at Standing Rock two years ago brought much-needed healing following a series of setbacks. A video, viewed more 3 million times, shows a handful of women dancing on the road in front of a blockade. We’ll take this moment to reflect on the healing power of the jingle dress and explore its origins and modern history. The metal cones sewn onto the fabric sway and create a distinctive jingle to the beat of the drum. Some tribes say the sound is sending prayers to Creator.

Wednesday, November 7, 2018 – An Election Day for the books
The ballots are tallied and political pundits are spinning the election results. We add up the wins and losses for the record number of Native candidates who faced the voters. It’s possible America will be waking up to the first Native woman elected to Congress. Several other Native men and women are poised to make history in a number of state executive races. There are also concerns that some Native voters might be prevented from casting their ballots. We’ll get a round-up of key races and the down-ballot surprises. We also get analysis of what Election Day results might mean for the interests of Indian Country.

Thursday, November 8, 2018 – Bayou Bridge Pipeline
The last leg of the network of oil pipelines that stretches from North Dakota to the Gulf of Mexico is under construction. Indigenous protesters are among those who are committing acts of civil disobedience to try and halt completion of the 160-mile Bayou Bridge Pipeline project. They fear the possibility of an oil spill contaminating vital wetlands in Louisiana. We’ll hear from some of the stakeholders in the fight downstream of the Dakota Access Pipeline.

Friday, November 9, 2018 – Stories from veterans
WWII, the Vietnam War, the Korean War and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have all become part of contemporary Native storytelling. For Veterans Day, these stories may bring up happy memories of adventure and heroism. They may also be painful reminders of trauma and loss. Either way, these stories are important for veterans and their loved ones. In this program, we’re exploring veterans’ stories and talking about why it’s important to hear them.

Monday, October 29, 2018 – More problematic auctions
A New Jersey auction house pulled several cultural Native American items from an upcoming sale. The Association on American Indian Affairs requested they be removed from the auction block, although it’s unclear where the items came from or if they are, in fact, sacred. It’s the latest incident in a long line of recent struggles between tribes and auction houses over sacred and culturally important items being offered to the highest bidder.

Tuesday, October 30, 2018 – Traditional fiddle music with an Athabascan twist
European fur traders first brought fiddle music to Alaska more than 150 years ago by way of the Hudson Bay Company. Now it’s grown into a style of music all itself, with additional influences from miners and Alaska Natives. This week, the Athabascan Fiddle Festival commemorates its 36^th year in Fairbanks. We’ll learn more about the music’s unique history, what we can expect at this year’s festival and hear some of the event’s notable fiddlers.

Wednesday, October 31, 2018 – Truly scary costumes
It’s the time of year when Native people brace for the commercial costumes that others don at Halloween parties. They’re scary in a different way. Scantily-clad Native “princesses” and Indian “maidens” in buckskin bikinis and cheap headdresses are among the classics that remain popular. NBC host Megyn Kelly is under fire for publicly wondering what’s wrong with “blackface” costumes. Uproar by fans of the TV series “Handmaid’s Tale” got one company to pull a version of the show’s signature red, hooded robes. But for Native Americans, it’s another year of head-shaking over inappropriate costumes.

Thursday, November 1, 2018 – Dia de los Muertos: An Indigenous celebration
Dia de los Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, comes from the Aztec celebration of loved ones who’ve walked on. It’s now a Mexican holiday with customs and traditions that are catching on in the United States. But the American version is often more about sugar skull imagery and less about the original intent.

Friday, November 2, 2018 – Live at the Indigenous Comic Con
The biggest names in Native comics return to New Mexico for the third annual Indigenous Comic Con. The place will be crawling with celebrities, artists, cosplayers, and Indigi-nerds. This year’s panel discussions touch on Indigenous futurisms, women in comics, and decolonizing wealth. We’ll be live with a diverse line-up of guests for a provocative preview and an enlightening conversation about the newest

Monday, October 22, 2018 – “Will you marry me?”
From an orchestrated flash mob to a traditional appeal to the prospective bride’s family, there are plenty of ways to pop the question. Traditional Native customs might include exchanging goods or seeking consent from extended family members. Either way, asking “will you marry me” is meant to be—and usually is—a memorable occasion. We’ll hear about some modern proposals and review the history of certain tribal practices. We’ll also get advice about when a relationship is ready to go to the next level.

Tuesday, October 23, 2018 – The science and politics of DNA
Tribal leaders, Native politicians, researchers and activists all piled on a heavy helping of backlash when Massachusetts Senator Elizabeth Warren revealed her DNA results. Her attempts at having the last, scientific word followed years of insults by Donald Trump, going back to even before he was elected president, mocking her decision to claim Native heritage. She has her defenders, but Warren managed to inflame one feud while trying to settle another.

Wednesday, October 24, 2018 – The other S-word
Activists are publicly deriding an online clothing store called “The Spunky Squaw.” The business has been around more than a year, but was reviled on social media only recently. The business owner, a college student, is holding her ground, insisting the term ‘squaw’ is not offensive. We’ll examine the history and current meaning of the word with historians and activists.

Thursday, October 25, 2018 – Canada cannabis and consultation
Canada’s decision to legalize recreational marijuana has set up a jurisdictional dispute among some First Nations. The Sakamay First Nation and several others say they have no intention of seeking provincial permission to establish cannabis operations as required by the new law. At the same time, other Aboriginal peoples are heralding the end of the cannabis prohibition as a boost to their own economic ventures. Are there lessons for the future of U.S. cannabis policy?

Friday, October 26, 2018 – October In The News
The Indian Child Welfare Act is unconstitutional according to a Texas circuit court judge. The ruling has advocates and Indian legal experts on high alert. It’s good news bad news for Native elected officials in Alaska. Valerie Nurr’araaluk Davidson becomes the highest ranking Native woman in state government history. But she ascends to the lieutenant governor’s seat only after a Native man, Byron Mallott, resigns after making “inappropriate comments.” We’ll delve into these topics and hear about ways tribes are doing to address potential voter suppression in North Dakota.

Monday, October 15, 2018 – You’re outta here, Chief Wahoo (sort of)
Chief Wahoo, the offensive red-faced logo for the Cleveland Indians Major League Baseball team, made its last appearance on the team’s jerseys and ballpark this month. It’s one step closer toward erasing the mascot that Native organizations and other Indian mascot opponents have been fighting for decades. But Cleveland fans will still be able to purchase team merchandise with the logo and many vow to wear the symbol in the stands. We’ll check in on the effort to get the message across about offensive logos.

Tuesday, October 16, 2018 – Native parents and Down syndrome
Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal disorder. One out of every 700 babies are born with it, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People with Down syndrome have a wide range of developmental and cognitive impairments and are at increased risk of health problems like hearing loss and heart abnormalities. At the same time they have all the emotions and joys in life as anybody else. We’ll talk with Native parents about the joys and challenges of raising a Down syndrome child and hear from therapists about the most promising approaches for parents and kids.

Wednesday, October 17, 2018 – The Native vote
The midterm election is fast approaching. Some states are already accepting early and absentee voting. The number of Native candidates on ballots around the country could boost turnout. At the same time there are a number of new constraints that could hinder Native voters. Objections by tribes and Native organizations weren’t enough to stop a North Dakota law requiring a physical addresses in IDs which could inhibit thousands of Native voters. We’ll discuss some of the barriers Native voter might encounter when the go to the polls. We’ll also discuss the choice some Natives make to not vote. Will you be voting this election? Tweet us @180099Native

Thursday, October 18, 2018 – Writing your way into college
It’s around this time of year that high school seniors start dreading the box on their college application reserved for a personal essay. It typically involves turning a personal story into a narrative about overcoming adversity or finding a creative way to solve a problem. It usually requires the ability to “humble brag,” a skill that often takes a little practice. The good news is the college application survey can give admissions officials a sense of who you are beyond grades and test scores.

Friday, October 19, 2018 – Budgeting your way to financial health
Personal finance experts will tell you following a monthly budget is one of the most important steps for managing your money. But starting and sticking to that budget takes discipline. That doesn’t mean you have to give up eating out once in a while or treating yourself to a stylish new jacket. There are even ways to get on top of emergency expenses. We’ll talk with finance gurus and ordinary folks about managing debits and credits and needs versus wants as a way to get on top of personal spending.

Monday, October 8, 2018 – Indigenous Peoples Day momentum
It’s that time of the year when Christopher Columbus is celebrated with a mandated federal holiday. But the number of cities, counties and even states commemorating Indigenous Peoples Day instead is a testament to the work toward exposing Columbus’ full historical context. Los Angeles, Tacoma, Washington, and Oklahoma City are among the more recent additions to the Indigenous Peoples Day momentum. We’ll open up our own celebration of Indigenous people and hear from folks across the nation about their plans for the day. Email us at comments@nativeamericacalling.com.

Tuesday, October 9, 2018 – A kernel of culture
Corn plays a variety of major roles in Native culture and is a key ingredient in many Native foods. It originated in Mexico and quickly became a staple across the Americas as Indigenous farmers and seed keepers conditioned the plant to live in deserts, grasslands and high mountains. Today, Indigenous strains of corn have a smaller presence, but there are efforts to revitalize traditional corn for the benefit of Native culture, economics and health.

Wednesday, October 10, 2018 – Disclosing sexual assault (or not)
The world watched Christine Blasey Ford publicly detail her allegations of sexual assault against Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. While she earned widespread support, she continues to endure backlash from the president on down, all questioning her motives and character. Native women are among those joining the discussion, pointing out how harmful the dispute is on a population that suffers high rates of sexual violence. We’ll consult with Native women’s advocates about the potential dangers of the current public debate and where we should go from here.

Thursday, October 11, 2018 – PBS explores “Native America”
Even before its official debut on PBS, the four-part documentary “Native America” is earning praise for its sophisticated portrayal of historical events and current issues. The creators of the show tout their collaboration with Native people in forming the final product. The series looks at traditional art, spiritual practices, political realities and the ongoing legacy of European contact. We’ll hear from those involved in the film who say the project should be viewed differently than previous attempts at explaining Native America to a mainstream audience.

Friday, October 12, 2018 – Understanding dialysis
Dialysis is a life-saving treatment for those who are in the last stages of kidney failure. At the same time, the process requires a serious commitment of time and expense. It’s like “having a part-time job that makes no money,” said Dr. Mark Unruh, chair of medicine at the University of New Mexico. Many Native Americans who rely on dialysis face the additional burden and expense of living a long distance from any treatment centers. We’ll explore the current state of dialysis treatment and get first-hand accounts of how people work around the hardships.