NAC: February 27 – March 3
Monday, February 27, 2017 — Protecting Native children from domestic violence
Researchers find children who witness domestic violence experience fear, anger, anxiety, and sadness. And those feelings can last a long time. In the long run, domestic violence negatively affects the lives of children into their adulthood. Domestic violence rates are at the high end of the graph for Native Americans. this program we’re talking with a Native social worker and psychologist about how Native children and communities are affected by domestic violence.
Tuesday, February 28, 2017 — Trump’s wall
Since the beginning of his presidential campaign, President Donald Trump promised Americans a wall along the U.S.- Mexican border. But the likelihood of that wall the way it’s envisioned is called into question by the Tohono O’odham Nation. They share 75 miles with the Mexico border. Tribal members say it will further separate tribal people on both sides of the border and cut cultural ties.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017 – What is consultation?
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe argues the federal government failed to conduct meaningful consultation over the Dakota Access Pipeline project. Much of Standing Rock’s legal opposition relied on consultation. The concept comes up regularly for many tribes. When and how does consultation happen? It’s not always easy to get an answer.
Thursday, March 2, 2017 – Where environmentalism and Indigenous goals part
The priorities of environmental groups and tribes often align. The prevailing perception is Native Americans are good stewards of their land. But the two groups are sometimes at odds. The issues of protected species, hunting, land conservation and others can occasionally lead to friction.
Friday, March 3, 2017 – Is the battle at Standing Rock over?
Energy Transfer Partners is nearing completion of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Protesters are clearing some of the camps in North Dakota, but others are resolved to continue the fight. What happens next for the struggle against the pipeline?
NAC: February 20 – 24
Monday, February 20, 2017 – Native Americans and civil rights
Alaska Natives take time out in February to recognize activist Elizabeth Peratrovich. She was instrumental in boosting the state’s civil rights through the Alaska Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945. We’ll note Peratrovich’s contributions by getting a primer on what civil rights means for Native Americans and explore a workplace civil rights complaint.
Tuesday, February 21, 2017 — Non-Native allies
Those offering their support for the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline represent dozens of tribes around the country. But there are also many non-Native people adding their voices to the cause. Their efforts can help amplify the message. But their methods can sometimes go against Native interests and cause friction. How can non-Native allies be most effective?
Wednesday, February 22, 2017 –Books of the Month: “Celebrate My Hopi Corn” and “Celebrate My Hopi Toys”
Native American and Alaska Native cultural advocates are consistently on the hunt for materials that help inspire Native youth. They know the value of resources that highlight a community’s culture and language. In this month’s literary spotlight there’s a lot to celebrate. Hopi author Anita Poleahla and Hopi illustrator Emmett Navakuku have filled the pages of two books with Hopi culture and language. “Celebrate My Hopi Corn” and “Celebrate My Hopi Toys” are aimed at the earliest readers.
Thursday, February 23, 2017 — Yawn … Sleep disorders take a toll
Sleeping problems contribute to more than yawning in the morning. The Centers for Disease Control links lack of sleep to depression, diabetes, and an increased likelihood of accidental injury. The CDC also finds more than a quarter of Americans don’t get enough sleep. One study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests the lack of access to proper health care makes Indigenous people even more vulnerable to the detrimental effects of sleep disorders.
Friday, February 24, 2017 – February in the News
As the snow melts, things at Standing Rock continue to heat up. The remaining easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline is approved and the project’s backers expect construction to be completed shortly. Elsewhere, the FBI raided the Eastern Band of Cherokee Housing Authority, investigating possible fraud. And what does the nomination of Neil Gorsuch for the U.S. Supreme Court mean for Native America? Join us for our news round-up
Married into culture
NAC: February 13 – 17
Monday, February 13, 2017 — Steering teens to informed decisions about sex
An Oregon-based program aims to help Native American teens make better decisions when it comes to sex. Organizers with the STAND program hope their weekly education sessions that incorporate culture and language will help cut rates for sexually-transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies. They are among several programs that see a need for solid, research-based curricula to help teens get the basics about sex education.
Tuesday, February 14, 2017 — Married into culture
Love can lead us down many new paths. Sometimes the journey is toward a culture different than the one we’re born into. One of our guests honors her husband’s Salish culture by mastering traditional weaving. We’ll talk to others, as well, about the rewards and obstacles of navigating a spouse’s Native culture.
Wednesday, February 15, 2017 – February Music Maker: Cary Morin
“Cradle to the Grave” is the latest by Crow musician Cary Morin and it’s in invitation to take in some skilled finger picking fun. Continuing on his journey of solo acoustic exploration Morin is giving blues rock roots lovers almost a dozen tracks on his fourth solo album. The lyrics are also a passage through his life and lessons learned and from it this artist says he’s come to the understanding that life is fleeting. We invite you to our discussion with Cary Morin.
Thursday, February 16, 2017 – The State of Indian Nations
A major standoff over an oil pipeline in North Dakota, a new U.S. president and new priorities for federal decision-making; A lot has changed for our Native Nations since the last State of Indian Nations a year ago. We will hear the annual State of Indian Nations addres by National Congress of American Indians President Brian Cladoosby as well as the congressional response.
Friday, February 17, 2017 – What can protests accomplish?
Some enduring images from the Dakota Access Pipeline protest over the past year include throngs of people getting doused with water hoses in freezing temperatures and clashing with police in riot gear. Protesting and civil disobedience have long histories both in and out of our Native Nations. From Wounded Knee to the Oceti Sakowin Camp, demonstrations are a show of force for a pressing issue. But what purpose do they serve?
The new fight against DAPL
NAC: February 6 – 10
Monday, February 6, 2017 — Fighting depression
Nearly 9 percent of Native Americans experienced a major depressive episode according to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental Health Findings. That means they experienced severe problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, and self-worth—enough to interfere with their daily lives. The survey lists Native Americans as the group with the highest rate of depression. We talk to experts about the signs and treatments for depression and some of the suspected causes for the illness in Native populations.
Tuesday, February 7, 2017 – An update on disputed mine proposals
Since taking office, President Trump, has taken action on promises to cut environmental regulations and advance energy industry projects from coal to oil pipelines. With that in mind, we’ll take a look at two proposed mines that could also get caught up in the pro-industry momentum. The Back Forty Project in Michigan and the Resolution Copper mine in Arizona. We’ll get updates on these and what hopes tribal leaders and others have for fighting them.
Wednesday, February 8, 2017 — NoDAPL update
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is moving forward with the remaining easement for the Dakota Access Pipeline project. Thousands of people have set up at one of several other camps along the Cannonball and Missouri Rivers in North Dakota. We hear from Standing Rock Sioux Chairman Dave Archambault II and others about what this new development means for the tribe and the many people calling themselves water protectors.
Thursday, February 9, 2017 — Breaking up is hard to do
The decision to end a relationship is almost never easy. Whether it’s a marriage or a long term relationship, breaking up can be painful for everyone. Experts have advice on how to know it’s time to break it off and some ways to do it. They also have insights on what to expect afterwards and some things to think about ahead of time.
Friday, February 10, 2017 – Border town struggles
The mayor of Rapid City, South Dakota found himself in the hot seat for ineloquent comments about Native Americans and panhandling. The comments came as the city near the Pine Ridge Reservation is trying to improve relations after several ugly interactions between Native American and non-Native residents. Towns near reservations often struggle with the outward expressions of entrenched prejudice. We’ll talk with community members about the long, slow process of reconciliation in border towns.
NAC January 30 – February 3
Monday, January 30, 2017 – Can a student love math?
It can be daunting to stand in front of a classroom trying to solve a complicated math problem. For many of us, just balancing our checkbooks is scary enough. For American Indian and Alaska Native students math scores are generally lower than the national average. We continue our look at STEM subjects by exploring some innovative ways math is taught to Native students.
Tuesday, January 31, 2017 –Music Maker: Radmilla Cody
Grammy Nominee Radmilla Cody from the Navajo Nation is exploring her Diné foundation in her latest album “K’é Hasin.” The title translates to kinship and hope and sets the pace for the 13-track album that features both the Navajo and English language. With titles like “A Woman’s Journey” and “Walking Through Life,” listeners are invited to learn more about the importance of community and culture in sustaining a strong native life.
Wednesday, February 1, 2017 — What’s next for the Dakota Access Pipeline fight?
With a stroke of the pen, President Donald Trump revived the Dakota Access Pipeline construction. The action has sparked calls by pipeline opponents for renewed and escalated resistance. The chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe says the tribe will continue to fight the project in the courts. Where is the movement to halt the pipeline headed from here?
Thursday, February 2, 2017 — The Ancient One coming home
We’re within weeks of the Ancient One, also known as Kennewick Man, of returning to tribes in Washington state. It’s been a 20-year battle to get to this point. The argument between archeologists and tribes was finally settled by a DNA test and several court rulings. We get an update on the status of the 9,000-year-old remains and find out how tribal leaders in Washington state are preparing for their return.
Friday, February 3, 2017 – What’s in store for the new Dept. of Interior?
There are few U.S. cabinet positions that have more interaction with Native Nations than the head of the Interior Department. The job entails overseeing the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education as well as protecting and managing federal natural resources. Congressman Ryan Zinke is President Trump’s Interior secretary choice. We’ll discuss Rep. Zinke’s track record with tribes and what his role means for critical issues in our Native Nations.