Monday, February 5, 2018 – Strike two for ‘Wahoo’
The Cleveland Major League Baseball team is removing the disturbing “Chief Wahoo” logo from team uniforms and ballpark banners starting next year. The recent action is part of the team’s announced plan to distance itself from the offensive mascot. Native organizations and mascot activists cheered the move that comes after decades of criticism, protests and even lawsuits. It’s a win for Native Americans. But the team didn’t quite hit a home run. Fans will still be able to buy hats and other gear with the image that’s been the official team logo for 70 years.

Tuesday, February 6, 2018 – 573 and counting
Six Virginia tribes join the list of those recognized by the federal government. President Trump signed legislation granting federal recognition to the Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Upper Mattaponi, Rappahannock, Monacan and Nansemond tribes. The move is the result of a two-decade fight in Congress to correct what one senator says is an “injustice.” The recognition doesn’t come without sacrifice; tribes had to forego any gaming. We’ll talk with tribal leaders about what recognition means for the tribes. We’ll also explore the disturbing history of the white supremacist, Walter Plecker, who laid the groundwork to make recognition in Virginia more difficult.

Wednesday, February 7, 2018 – A cultural curriculum in Oregon
In Oregon, the graduation rates for Native students remain well below all other groups. A new report from the state’s Department of Education shows graduation is up by six percent overall from four years ago. But Native students are at the bottom. But there is some hope in Warm Springs centered around a curriculum that includes Native history and culture. The creators of the curriculum have confidence that students exposed to their culture are more likely to stay in school and achieve future success.

Thursday, February 8, 2018 — Death penalty in Native America
Kirby Cleveland, a Navajo man, faces a possible death sentence if convicted on charges he killed a Navajo Nation police officer last year. If Cleveland is sentenced to death, he would join 26 other Native Americans on death row, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. The Navajo Nation is against the death penalty. Tribes do not execute prisoners and some have laws against capital punishment, like the Navajo Nation. Does capital punishment serve a purpose in Native America?

Friday, February 9, 2018 – Music Maker: Nataanii Means
Corruption, exploitation of the land, and an attack on a Native cultural way of life are the things that Nataanii Means is challenging in his new album “Balance.” This Oglala Lakota, Navajo and Omaha recording artist has used his lyrics to bring awareness of what Native people face for years.

Monday, January 29, 2018 – Movement on monuments
The Trump administration is asking a federal court overseeing a lawsuit by tribes and environmental organizations fighting shrinking of Bears Ears National Monument to move the case to Utah district court. The move may put the defendants in a more favorable position, as a recent poll found almost half of Utah residents support shrinking the monument. The Antiquities Act, which is at the heart of the legal cases against the reduction, does not specifically authorize presidents to reduce National Monument boundaries. But Congress can. To cover that base, Utah Congressman John Curtis is proposing legislation that removes the name Bears Ears and creates two separate monuments called Shash Jáa and Indian Creek.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018 – Fighting the flu
It could start with a sore throat or maybe an aching feeling all over your body. The first thought is, “I hope I’m not getting sick!” Many health officials are calling this flu season the worst in decades, both in numbers and severity. The Indian Health Service recommends flu shots to help prevent infection. But that’s only one tool to help avoid what is a discomfort for most people and a real threat to others.

Wednesday, January 31, 2018 – Book of the Month: Cards Against Colonialism
People use different methods to get a message across or bring critical thinking to the fore. What about a game that combats stereotypes and colonization and the ills connected to them with the flip of a card? In our printed literature spotlight it’s all about an emerging game that uses humor to literally get difficult issues on the table. “Cards Against Colonialism” by the Native American Teaching Aids is the product of tribal members, elders and educators. They aim to confront some of the toughest disputes over a good old card game.

Thursday, February 1, 2018 — New momentum against sexual harassment
A U.S. Department of the Interior workplace environment survey found that more than a third of Bureau of Indian Affairs employees experienced some form of harassment, including sexual harassment, while on the job. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke fired four senior staff members and promised a new ‘zero tolerance’ stance against any harassment. As conversations continue about sexual harassment in the entertainment industry and in politics, we’re taking a look at the issue in Native America. Some tribes have their own laws that aim to address sexual harassment in the workplace.

Friday, February 2, 2018 — Eating disorders: when food is the enemy
So many Native gatherings center around food, including feast days, feeds, potlatches and even informal events. But despite traditional connections, some people suffer from an unhealthy relationship to food. Millions of people develop disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating, and the National Institute of Mental Health says researchers are still working to find out why. One 2012 study of 500 Native men and women finds eating disorders affect Native people the same rate as other racial groups.

Monday, January 22, 2018 – Uncovering new knowledge on ancient remains
Tests on remains found in Alaska have some people rethinking what we knew about ancient Native ancestors. The process leading up to the genetic testing took years of discussions and consultation. We’ll talk with the lead researcher and tribal representatives from the Tanana Chiefs Conference and the Healy Lake Village Council about what they know about the findings and the work to uncover them.

Tuesday, January 23, 2018 – Stalking awareness
Stalking is a crime that victims sometimes have difficulty proving. That’s because victims often need to provide a detailed account of a stalker’s actions. Some tribes, including the Fort Peck Assiniboine Sioux, have stalking codes of their own. The Stalking Resource Center defines stalking as “a course of conduct directed at a specific person that would cause a reasonable person to feel fear.” January is stalking awareness month. It’s a time reflect on the warning signs and causes of stalking. We’ll also explore what additional resources women’s advocates feel are needed.

Wednesday, January 24, 2018 — The need for Native nurses
A number of programs like Niganawenimaanaanig and the IHS American Indians Into Nursing Program aim to recruit Native nurses. Still the U.S. Census’ American Community Survey finds Native Americans are underrepresented in the workforce. They make up only .4 percent of all registered nurses. We’ll hear from some Native nurses about what the profession is like and hear from recruiters who say Native representation is sorely needed in hospitals and clinics.

Thursday, January 25, 2018 – Music Maker: Buffy Sainte-Marie
Buffy Sainte-Marie’s (Cree) music has moved audiences for decades. Her songwriting has consistently taught lessons about strength and the need to speak up. She describes her latest album “Medicine Songs” as a collection of front line songs about unity and resistance. This month we dive into this collection of melodies which include new sounds along with some of her classics that are reinvigorated with lyrics and arrangements that confront current times.

Friday, January 26, 2018 – January in the News
It’s our first news show of 2018. It’s been a year since President Donald Trump took office. Amid the near-daily turmoil from his tweets and off-the-cuff remarks, his administration has managed to change policies that significantly affect Indian Country. From national policy to tribal politics, we’ll take time to check in with journalists, newsmakers and others about the important issues of the day.

Monday, January 15, 2018 – Less hostile Hollywood
A story about an army captain escorting a dying Cheyenne chief to his homeland opens in movie theaters nationwide this week. The movie Hostiles, stars Christian Bale, Rosamund Pike, and Wes Studi (Cherokee). The National Congress of American Indians praised the film for a “culturally accurate portrayal of Native peoples.” We’ll talk with Native consultants Chris Eyre (Cheyenne/Arapaho) and Dr. Joely Proudfit (Luiseño) who worked to make sure the film wasn’t another stereotype-filled disappointment.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018 – “Americans”: Exhibition explores Native imagery throughout history
Indian Motorcycles. Apache helicopters. Wigwam Motor Oil. Imagery of and inspired by Native Americans is pervasive in pop culture, advertising, artwork, fashion and film. In many cases throughout history Native images have been used as a mark of identity for the United States. Cigarettes, baking powder, motorcycles, TV character sidekicks, American currency and, of course, sports teams are among the places where the public encounters Native images or words. The National Museum of the American Indian’s new exhibition “Americans” focuses on Native American-themed products and references throughout history in context of how actual Native Americans are treated individually and collectively. We’ll talk with the curators about what the exhibition aims to address.

Wednesday, January 17, 2018 – Native in the Spotlight: Nicco Montaño
Nicco Montaño (Diné) became the first UFC women’s flyweight champion with a broken foot. The TV show “Ultimate Fighter: A New World Champion” followed her efforts to train and ultimately win the championship title. On this show we’ll talk with Montaño about her passion for mixed martial arts, the importance of self-defense and how she feels about being the first to wear the women’s flyweight championship belt.

Thursday, January 18, 2018 – Cannabis businesses on notice
Attorney General Jeff Sessions is cracking down on state’s efforts to legalize marijuana use. A new Department of Justice memo rescinds the Obama-era policy that loosened marijuana prosecutions. What will this new direction mean for tribes getting into the cannabis business? We’ll talk with experts.

Friday, January 19, 2018 — Native bling: Medallions
Beaded medallions are come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Designs include traditional tribal symbols and clan emblems. They’ve branched out to include school colors, sports mascots and even cartoon characters. In this program we celebrate Native America’s favorite beaded ware and try to track down the origins of the craft.