Monday, August 7, 2017 – When words hurt
Domestic violence brings to mind images of black eyes or broken bones. But sometimes the violence comes in the form of words that leave no visible marks. Insults, threats and humiliation are just a few examples of emotional abuse. Sometimes it can lead to physical violence, sometimes it doesn’t. In our Native communities, emotional abuse can take the form of belittling traditional methods or preventing a partner from spiritual practices. We’ll talk with experts about the signs of emotional abuse what steps can be taken to address it.

Tuesday, August 8, 2017 – Gourd dancing
Every 4th of July, dozens of men gather in Carnegie Oklahoma to build an arbor for the annual Kiowa Gourd Clan Celebration. Hundreds of gourd dancers participate. Gourd dancing is a time-honored tradition, performed by men, with women supporting behind them. We’ll talk with the president and vice-president of the Kiowa Gourd Clan about the tradition and practice of gourd dancing.

Wednesday, August 9, 2017 — The intersection of western and Indigenous science
As Western science took over the mainstream in North America, traditional Indigenous science took a backseat. It’s not taught in most schools Native children attend. Sometimes Indigenous science is not viewed as valuable by non-Native scientists. This can create conflicts when the two paths cross.

Thursday, August 10, 2017 — Native Cinema Showcase 2017
More than a dozen filmmakers from across Turtle Island are featured in the 17th annual Native Cinema Showcase, held Aug. 15 to 20 during the Santa Fe Indian Market. We’re giving you an early preview and putting the spotlight on a few films as we talk about Native storytelling in the world of cinema.

Friday, August 11, 2017 – Fish Camp
In Alaska, fish camp is a carryover of a time when Alaska Natives traveled with the seasons to harvest food. Today, it is a time to gather with family, catch and process fish for the winter. Drying, smoking and canning are all part of the experience. Fish camp is hard work, but the rewards of having traditional food in the middle of winter are worth it. We’ll talk with Alaska Natives from a variety of areas about their fish camp experiences.

Monday, July 31, 2017 – Native in the Spotlight: Fernando Cellicion
Zuni musician Fernando Cellicion once wrote a school essay declaring he would someday be famous. His teacher told him “Indians can’t be famous.” Cellicion eventually mastered the flute and more than a dozen other instruments. He also performs with a family dance troop. His talents have taken him to 40 different countries. He says that skeptical teacher came back to him to apologize and said “I’m glad you didn’t listen to me.” The New Mexico Music Commission Foundation recently honored Fernando Cellicion with a Platinum Music Award. We’ll talk with him about his passion for the flute, dance and teaching.

Tuesday, August 1, 2017 – Fish camp
In Alaska, fish camp is a carryover of a time when Alaska Natives traveled with the seasons to harvest food. Today, it is a time to gather with family and catch and process fish for the winter. Drying, smoking and canning are all part of the experience. Fish camp is hard work, but the rewards of having traditional food in the middle of winter are worth it. We’ll talk with Alaska Natives from a variety of areas about their fish camp experiences.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017 — Bowling in Native America
Whether you bowled a few games as a kid, or you’re still striving for that perfect 300 game, you know the fun bowling alleys offer. The sound of bowling pins crashing at the end of the lane is music to a bowling enthusiast’s ears. The sport has a significant Native following. There is a lot of talent heading to Native bowling tournaments year-round. We talk to a few Native bowlers about the sport and why Native leagues are so popular.

Thursday, August 3, 2017 — Teen pregnancy: what’s working
The birth rate in the U.S. has declined to its lowest rate in history. That decline applies to teenage mothers as well, according to 2016 data by the National Center for Health Statistics. The most recent (2015) data broken down by race shows the Native American birth rate went down or stayed the same for younger teens, ages 15 to 17. We’ll check in with experts on what’s behind the trends and what else needs to be done to prevent teen pregnancy.

Friday, August 4, 2017 — Cultural miscues and oversharing on social media
Posting photos of sacred dances and ceremonies on Facebook is not cool. Same with airing out your family’s dirty laundry on Twitter. But many people don’t seem to be familiar with the ins-and-outs of social media because these things keep happening. We’ll get tips about some of the unwritten rules of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Monday, July 24, 2017 – Restarting uranium mining near the Grand Canyon
The Canyon Mine in Arizona opened in 1986, but work stalled as uranium prices fell. Now, mine owner Energy Fuels plans on resuming work at the mine just south of the Grand Canyon in the Kaibab National Forest. The Havasupai Tribe opposes the mine for religious and environmental reasons.

Tuesday, July 25, 2017 — Saving Indigenous seeds
Native groups like Sierra Seeds, White Earth Seed Library and Dream for Wild Health are building up seed resources to strengthen traditional varieties of vegetables and other plants. In some instances they’re reviving plant species that neared extinction because of increasingly commercialized farming practices.

Wednesday, July 26, 2017 – Auntie knows best
It’s National Aunt and Uncle Day. We’re taking the time to talk about the role aunties play in our lives. Some of us were raised by our aunts. Others had aunts who occasionally stepped in to get us in line. Either way, aunts hold a special place in Native America. We’ll also get advice from everyone’s favorite aunt, Auntie Beachress.

Thursday, July 27, 2017 – July Book of the Month: “How to Be an Indian in the 21st Century” by Louis B. Clark III
In an interview with his publisher, Louis V. Clark III said, “I hope that my words bring a better understanding to those of us who share this planet.” That’s in reference to his book “How to be an Indian in the 21st Century.” He was born and raised on Wisconsin’s Oneida Reservation and is a member of the Iroquois Confederacy. His book is a weaving of words that take the shape of verse and prose. He delves into moments in his own Native life to help the conversation on race in America blossom even further. He encourages the masses to “Speak the truth, confound the idiots, [and] listen to the silence.”

Friday, July 28, 2017 – July in the News
From health care to Standing Rock to tribal politics, we take time to regularly speak with journalists, newsmakers and others about the important issues of the day. We’ll devote the hour to catching up on major news events throughout Native America. Join us for our regular news round-up.

Monday, July 17, 2017 — Remembering the Church Rock uranium spill
It’s been 38 years since 94 million gallons of radioactive waste from a uranium mine spilled into the Puerco River on the Navajo Nation near Church Rock, New Mexico.
The health effects, water contamination and cleanup remain a concern to the people who still live in the area. The mining company, Kerr-McGee Corp., paid $1 billion of a $5 billion settlement to the Navajo Nation in 2014.

Tuesday, July 18, 2017 — Fighting LGBTQ2 violence
The first transgender person murdered in the United States this year was a 28-year-old Oglala Lakota woman. Statistics are hard to come by, especially for Native Americans, but the National Congress of American Indians points to a 2010 survey that says 1 in 3 LGBTQ2 Natives in New York State faced violence because of their sexual status. Some tribes have a traditional acceptance and respect for two-spirit people.

Wednesday, July 19, 2017 – Prostate cancer awareness
Prostate cancer is the second-most common cancer in men. Fortunately, American Indian and Alaska Native men have among the lowest rates of prostate cancer compared to other ethnic groups, according to most recent data available from the National Cancer Institute. And the numbers are going down for everyone. That’s good news. But it doesn’t mean men can ignore the latest recommendations for tests, treatment and prevention.

Thursday, July 20, 2017 – The threats to SNAP
President Trump’s budget proposes almost $200 billion in cuts to what is commonly referred to as food stamps over the next 10 years. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was created to help low income people buy food. In 2015, an average of 43 million people received SNAP benefits according to the USDA. A 2014 survey from the non-profit Feeding American notes American Indians and Alaska Natives experience food insecurity at higher rates than the national average.

Friday, July 21, 2017 – The continuing fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline
The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe continues to battle the Dakota Access Pipeline in the courts. A judge will decide this fall whether or not to stop the flow of oil while the legal dispute continues. Meanwhile local courts are slowly churning through the hundreds criminal trespassing and riot cases. We’ll get some perspective on both legal fronts and hear the latest from Standing Rock Chairman Dave Archambault II.