Native America Calling

A proposed change in the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act would give tribes added muscle to hold museums accountable for the human remains they continue to keep in their collections. Museums still hold remains of thousands of Indigenous ancestors. Many times the burden is on tribes to prove their origins. Changes to the […]

Fishing for king and chum salmon on the Yukon River in Alaska is cancelled this year because fish numbers are so low. Regional tribal groups say it’s creating a dire situation for those who count on salmon for food and income to get them through the winter. Although the overall threat is mixed, it’s part of a worrying trend that has seen fish numbers in decline for decades in some areas.

Fishing for king and chum salmon on the Yukon River in Alaska is cancelled this year because fish numbers are so low. Regional tribal groups say it’s creating a dire situation for those who count on salmon for food and income to get them through the winter. Although the overall threat is mixed, it’s part […]

We welcome Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians author Angeline Boulley to discuss her novel “Firekeeper’s Daughter.” It follows the life of Daunis Fontaine who is a biracial, unenrolled tribal member and, as the author says, the product of a scandal. A swirl of events, including caretaking her mother, causes Daunis to put off her own dreams. The book takes a suspenseful turn when the main character witnesses a murder and becomes part of the FBI investigation.

We welcome Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians author Angeline Boulley to discuss her novel “Firekeeper’s Daughter.” It follows the life of Daunis Fontaine who is a biracial, unenrolled tribal member and, as the author says, the product of a scandal. A swirl of events, including caretaking her mother, causes Daunis to put off […]

Pregnant women need a healthy diet to minimize the risk of developmental problems with their babies. But many Indigenous people have limited access to fresh food and good nutritional guidance. A 2019 study of Indigenous women by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion found high sodium levels, empty calories and limited vegetables in their diets. There’s growing interest in incorporating ancestral foods in prenatal and postnatal diets.

Pregnant women need a healthy diet to minimize the risk of developmental problems with their babies. But many Indigenous people have limited access to fresh food and good nutritional guidance. A 2019 study of Indigenous women by the National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion found high sodium levels, empty calories and limited […]

Certain hills, mountains, valleys, forests and rivers are among some of the most sacred spaces for Indigenous culture and spirituality. They are included in creation stories. They include places like Oak Flat, San Francisco Peak, the Grand Canyon, South Mountain and the Blythe Intaglios. But many of those places are not controlled by tribes. They fight to protect sacred places from local and federal governments, private landowners and resource development companies. A series of articles by The Arizona Republic finds Western laws about land ownership and what is considered sacred stacks the deck against tribal interests. We’ll hear about the series and from some of the people who continue to work toward protecting sacred land.

Certain hills, mountains, valleys, forests and rivers are among some of the most sacred spaces for Indigenous culture and spirituality. They are included in creation stories. They include places like Oak Flat, San Francisco Peak, the Grand Canyon, South Mountain and the Blythe Intaglios. But many of those places are not controlled by tribes. They […]

Native Nations have been hit hard by COVID-19. There is the toll of lost loved ones and the economic devastation that is still far from recovered. Out of hardship, however, comes hope. Many individuals, organizations and grassroots groups continue to step up. Giving and helping those in need are key values among many tribes.  During the pandemic, giving or getting a helping hand is more important than ever. We’ll talk with representatives of Native organizations and grassroots groups who’ve been instrumental in giving during the pandemic.