Native America Calling

Farming kelp provides a nutritious food source as well as habitat for sea creatures further up the food chain. It’s also a potentially profitable venture for some coastal tribes. That’s just one of the plants and animals that show promise for cultivation for economic development. And aquaculture connects to traditional Indigenous methods while also fitting […]

The scourge of slavery was an unfortunate reality for Indigenous people in the history of North America. Spanish colonizers set in motion a complicated legacy of slavery throughout the Americas that changed identity, culture and relationships forever. We’ll talk about the history and legacy of Indigenous slavery and get insights from speakers with the National Museum of the American Indian’s symposium, “The Other Slavery: Histories of Indian Bondage from New Spain to the Southwestern United States.”

The scourge of slavery was an unfortunate reality for Indigenous people in the history of North America. Spanish colonizers set in motion a complicated legacy of slavery throughout the Americas that changed identity, culture and relationships forever. We’ll talk about the history and legacy of Indigenous slavery and get insights from speakers with the National […]

Elders are already at risk for isolation. The pandemic only worsens the problem as the best way to protect them from the threat of COVID-19 is to keep them separated from other people. But that isolation can increase the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and stroke and mental health issues like anxiety and depression, according to the CDC. The National Indian Council On Aging launched the Connected Indigenous Elders campaign to keep elders engaged. We’ll hear about the program and what families and communities can do make sure elders are connected and healthy.

Elders are already at risk for isolation. The pandemic only worsens the problem as the best way to protect them from the threat of COVID-19 is to keep them separated from other people. But that isolation can increase the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and stroke and mental health issues like anxiety and […]

Newly discovered fossilized human footprints issue another blow to the conventional scientific theory about when humans came to North America. Many tribes have pushed back against the so-called land bridge across the Bering Strait theory because it conflicts with traditional knowledge. The new fossil evidence could add weight to their case. We’ll talk with Indigenous archaeologists about the new scientific revelations and inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in archaeological science.

Newly discovered fossilized human footprints issue another blow to the conventional scientific theory about when humans came to North America. Many tribes have pushed back against the so-called land bridge across the Bering Strait theory because it conflicts with traditional knowledge. The new fossil evidence could add weight to their case. We’ll talk with Indigenous […]

Corn was originally cultivated by Indigenous people in what is now Mexico. That led to another important Indigenous innovation whose origin dates back about 3,000 years: nixtamalization. It’s the process of soaking corn in an alkaline solution with hardwood ash or limestone to break down its natural barrier, releasing niacin, an integral part of human nutrition. It’s also turned corn into a culinary staple leading to commonly used foods like corn tortillas and hominy. We’ll talk about the origins and science that made its way into the historical and contemporary culinary traditions.

Corn was originally cultivated by Indigenous people in what is now Mexico. That led to another important Indigenous innovation whose origin dates back about 3,000 years: nixtamalization. It’s the process of soaking corn in an alkaline solution with hardwood ash or limestone to break down its natural barrier, releasing niacin, an integral part of human […]

Preston Singletary (Tlingit) has a new album coming out with his band Khu.éex. He also has a traveling exhibition of his glass artwork, heading next to the National Museum of the American Indian. And his design for a public work of art was chosen to be installed outside Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena. Nick Galanin is another busy artist with one-man shows all over the globe. He also has a new album of his music out. They are among several Native multidisciplinary artists who draw inspiration and support from their culture and each other to keep their creativity thriving.