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.

Monday, July 10, 2017 — Native in the Spotlight: Harvey Pratt
Harvey Pratt (Cheyenne, Arapaho) is a self-taught artist whose work helped find murderers across the country. He’s also illustrated Bigfoot likenesses based on witnesses’ sightings. He’s currently a chairperson on the Indian Arts and Crafts Board. He was named a peace chief by the Southern Cheyenne Chief’s Lodge. Much of his artwork includes traditional Native aesthetics.

Tuesday, July 11, 2017 — Awesome jobs
Some of us punch the clock every day and wait for the weekend. Others seem to have found the secret for work that is rewarding. We talk with some inspiring Native people about their cool jobs and how they got them. We’ll also explore some strategies for making your current job satisfying and fun. Join our conversation and tell us why you think your job is awesome.

Wednesday, July 12, 2017 — The new roles for Urban Native American centers
Urban centers for Native Americans started springing up in cities in the 1950s following passage of the Indian Relocation Act. Thousands of Native people relocated from reservations and rural communities and the centers opened to help them connect with their cultures and each other. Today, urban Native centers serve a variety of purposes that include education and referrals for health, safety, and social services.

Thursday, July 13, 2017 – July Music Maker: Lisa Muswagon
Performer Lisa Muswagon, Nakoda Cree and member of the Pimicikamak Cree Nation, was given the gift of the hand drum by her father when she was young. Today she is using it as a tool to share stories. Her debut album, “Buffalo and Rabbits” takes us to the tale of Wapos, a rabbit, and Pison, a buffalo, and their journey to the heart of round dance. This musical story earned her a nomination for Best New Artist at the Indigenous Music Awards.

Friday, July 14, 2017 – Summer Indigenous Language Institutes
Summer is a busy time for Indigenous language teachers and learners to take intensive classes. The Lakota Summer Institute just wrapped up their 11th year at the end of June. The Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara Summer Institute runs the month of July, with teacher training classes and cultural activities.

Monday, June 26, 2017 – June Book of the Month: “Edge of Morning: Native Voices Speak for the Bears Ears”
The story of Native Americans and the connection to the land is one that extends back generations. It is also woven through Native language and traditions. So when this connection is threatened it is no surprise Native voices speak up. This is the case with Natives from different nations who are speaking out on the designation of Bears Ears as a National Monument. U.S. President Barack Obama made the designation before he left office and the current administration is challenging that. Our June Book of the Month takes the issue head-on with Native voices and explores the reasons this area in Utah should be protected. We’ll visit with the book’s editor, Jacqueline Keeler (Dakota/ Diné), and other contributors.

Tuesday, June 27, 2017 – Trademarking offensive mascots
A unanimous Supreme Court recently struck down an obscure provision in trademark law. It’s a victory for free speech, but a major blow for those working to force a name change for the Washington DC NFL football team. The Court calls the provision unconstitutional. Team owners are celebrating in the end zone. The National Congress of the American Indian, meanwhile, calls the ruling, ‘disappointing’.

Wednesday, June 28, 2017 – June Music Maker: Raye Zaragoza
With roots in the O’odham Nation, Raye Zaragoza steps into the Native music scene with her debut album “Fight for You.” Many of the lyrics on this album are a reflection of the times, including a song dedicated to those working to protect water and sacred places. Raye’s soulful voice gracefully drifts over the notes and lets listeners melt into her creativity. She’ll talk with us about why she feels music is a pathway to understanding.

Thursday, June 29, 2017 – Should we be celebrating?
This year marks two 150th anniversaries. The places we know today as Canada and Alaska are marking their sesquicentennials with historical exhibits, concerts, and other events. But in both places, the historical milestone is difficult for Indigenous people. Is there a way to acknowledge the legacy of violence and oppression against Native people alongside the flag-waving celebrations?

Friday, June 30, 2017 – June in the News
There’s a possibility a judge could shut off the Dakota Access Pipeline over the lack of a proper environmental review. U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke recommends trimming the size of Bears Ears National Monument. The final fate of that land and other monuments is still up in the air. At the same time, the size of the Interior Department is also slated to shrink, with implications for Indian Country. Join us as we catch up on the news.