IllumiNative On-Air

In this week’s episode, we focus on continuing our focus on anti-racism and the alliances that Black and Indigenous people can make during these momentous times. Up first, Jana Schmieding interviews Black Pamunkey writer, producer, and performer, Azie Dungey, to discuss how Black liberation and Native justice movements are directly linked. Azie breaks down the origins of anti-Blackness in her tribal history and how the insidiousness of anti-Blackness manifests in her life today. Then we liste...

In this episode, series producer Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Lakota) talks with the editor of Indian Country Today, Mark Trahant (Shoshone-Bannock), about the recent developments surrounding the reckonings on controversial statues, and the struggles to keep up with inconsistent Covid-19 public guidelines. Producer Tara Gatewood brings us the latest from the frontlines of the Keystone XL pipeline protests and how those on the ground have had to shift their tactics due to Covid-19. We also check...

George Floyd’s murder has spurred a call for justice across the country. IlllumiNative stands with the Black Lives Matter movement to change the institutions of power that drive systemic racism. In this episode series producer Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Lakota), talks with the editor of Indian Country Today, Mark Trahant (Shoshone-Bannock), about how he sees the recent events as potentially the beginning of the end of the United States. He also connects our current situation to historical eve...

In this week’s episode we interview Shandiin Herrera to discuss Covid-19 fundraising efforts and voting advocacy. We also check in with the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe and the growing standoff between the South Dakota governor, Kristi Noem, and the tribe over road checkpoints. The week’s big news is also discussed with Indian Country Today Editor, Mark Trahant. Produced By: Allison Herrera (Xolon Salinan), Jana Schmieding (Mniconjou Lakota), Crystal Echo Hawk (Pawnee)Series Producer: Mon...

The 2020 presidential election is in just over five months. It’s not yet clear how COVID-19 will impact the election. But that’s not preventing Native folks from putting their names on the ballot. Today we’re bringing you conversations with two Native women who are running for office. We also check in with Navajo hip-hop artist, Def-i to hear his newest single, "American Quarantine."

In this week’s episode, IllumiNative highlights the latest efforts to protect a sacred mountain, Mauna Kea. Protesters recently left the mountain after a long demonstration against building yet another telescope. We also share highlights from one of the panels featured recently during IllumiNative’s Virtual Town Hall. This Town Hall explores how the crisis has further highlighted the invisibility, inequality, and health disparities that Native Americans and communities of color are faci...

Our second episode brings you stories from across the country and unpacks issues related to COVID-19 and Indian Country. IllumiNative Executive Director Crystal Echo Hawk speaks again with Indian Country Today Editor, Mark Trahant, about the importance of data collection and reporting. We’ll also hear from artists who are struggling to make ends meet due to canceled exhibitions and slowing sales as well as how marketplace organizers are adapting in the age of COVID-19. We check in with the Se...

IllumiNative’s inaugural podcast episode brings you stories from across America and unpacks issues related to Covid-19 and Indian Country – from the CARES Act and how it impacts tribes, to interviews with those on the frontlines of the Coronavirus pandemic. Host and IllumiNative Executive Director Crystal Echo Hawk interviews Indian Country Today Editor, Mark Trahant, about the issues facing Indian Country in the midst of Covid-19. Oglala Sioux Tribal President, Julian Bear Runner tells us ab...