Monday, February 19, 2018 – Marijuana’s controversial cousin: hemp
Growing hemp is not as simple as putting seeds into the ground. The St. Croix Chippewa Indians tribe in Wisconsin is suing the state’s attorney general. It’s legal to grow hemp in the state, but the tribe insists they shouldn’t have to submit to the state’s oversight. Other tribes are also getting pushback in their attempts to turn hemp into a cash crop. The plant is related to marijuana but does not contain the psychoactive effects. It is listed as a Schedule I drug by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The 2014 Farm Bill allows hemp for academic research. But large scale commercial industrial hemp is still in a legal grey area. Are the legal risks worth it?

Tuesday, February 20, 2018 – Through the Generations: the next Native ranchers
Kelsey Ducheneaux (Cheyenne River Sioux), 24, is a fourth generation rancher and owner of DX Beef. She’s one of a handful of Native farmers and ranchers under the age of 25. The USDA’s Census of Agriculture counted 293 of them in 2012. She’s also the youth programs coordinator for the Intertribal Agriculture Council, helping promote interest in ranching among young Native Americans. Some tribes, organizations and individuals are working to connect the wisdom from elders in the industry to the next generation eager to learn the trade.

Wednesday, February 21, 2018 – After the Colten Boushie verdict
A white Canadian farmer is cleared in the shooting death of Colten Boushie, a Cree man from the Red Pheasant First Nation. The verdict from a jury with no apparent Indigenous members prompted an angry outcry and calls to address flaws in the justice system. The premier of Saskatchewan says there needs to be a dialogue on racism across Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau presented an agenda to Parliament that would overhaul relations between the government and Indigenous peoples. Can this tragedy help find a new path toward solving a persistent problem in Canada?

Thursday, February 22, 2018 – Book of the Month: “Heart Berries” by Terese Marie Mailhot
“Heart Berries” is memoir that takes readers to a reality that counters a Hollywood romanticized version of what it means to be an Indigenous person. Terese Marie Mailhot from the Seabird Island Indian Reservation doesn’t hold back on what it means to live through a heavy childhood and everything after. She gives insights from her deepest thoughts and reflections on healing from trauma and all that she’s witnessed. Join us for our February Book of the Month to hear about Mailhot’s journey.

Friday, February 23, 2018 – February in the news
A lot of news happens during the sweetest, shortest month of the year. We’ll talk with Native journalists who are covering big issues that face Native America. 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. Join us for our regular news round-up.

Monday, February 12, 2018 – The first year of President Trump
Environmental rollbacks, job creation and the tax law from the past year all affect tribal governments and their people. Even counting his legislative accomplishments, President Donald Trump’s first year in office was anything but ordinary. We’ll look back and take the hour to discuss how his policies—and rhetoric—play out in Native America. We’ll hear from both supporters and detractors and map out what the next year might hold.

Tuesday, February 13, 2018 – Native in the Spotlight: Mary Kathryn Nagle
Mary Kathryn Nagle’s (Cherokee) play “Sovereignty” opened two weeks ago at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. The play revolves around a contemporary jurisdictional dispute as an overlay to Cherokee removal in the 1830s. Nagle is also preparing for the world premiere of her play, “Manahatta,” at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival next month. In addition to earning accolades as a playwright, Nagle is an accomplished lawyer specializing tribal self-determination, civil rights and violence against women. Her plays often overlap her legal expertise. We’ll hear from Nagle about what drives her passions for law and the stage.

Wednesday, February 14, 2018 — Safe teen dating
Social media and dating apps are among the places teens go to find love and companionship. Occasionally puppy love turns unhealthy or even abusive. It can be hard for parents to track. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. We’re talking about healthy dating for young people and how parents can talk to their children about it. What tips do you give to your teens about dating?

Thursday, February 15, 2018 – Heart health for Native women
Native women die younger compared to their peers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports cardiovascular or heart disease is at the top of the list when it comes to taking the lives of women in this country. Factors like diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure put women at higher risk of heart complications. We discuss ways Native women are reducing their risks and why more women are sharing their stories.

Friday, February 16, 2018 – The State of Indian Nations
The new president of the National Congress of American Indians, Jefferson Keel (Chickasaw Nation) delivers the State of Indian Nations address. This is Keel’s third nonconsecutive term as NCAI president. We’ll bring you the speech as well as the congressional response.

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.