Native America Calling

Spurred by unfounded and dangerous rhetoric, a mob of Donald Trump supporters angry over the election pushed past police and stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday. The images, video and messages from the violent scene are jarring: tear gas deployed in the Capitol rotunda; law enforcement officers, with guns drawn, barricade the doors of the U.S. House of Representatives while people inside take cover; members of Congress either evacuating or barricading themselves in their offices. The violence interrupted the Senate’s certification of Joe Biden’s electoral victory in the presidential election, but it also strikes a blow against fair and free elections and the peaceful transfer of power Americans take for granted. Trump denounced the violence, but referred to the protesters as ‘very special.’ We will take listeners’ calls and get perspectives from Native political watchers to get reactions on the violence and look ahead for possible strategies for healing the divide.

Spurred by unfounded and dangerous rhetoric, a mob of Donald Trump supporters angry over the election pushed past police and stormed the U.S. Capitol Wednesday. The images, video and messages from the violent scene are jarring: tear gas deployed in the Capitol rotunda; law enforcement officers, with guns drawn, barricade the doors of the U.S. […]

Hide tanning was a traditional practice long before mass produced leather. Many people still put in the many hours and years of skill required to tan hides by hand. We’ll get a look into the world of Native hide tanning and traditional techniques like brain and smoke tanning. We’ll also hear why Native tanners place such importance on traditional methods.

Hide tanning was a traditional practice long before mass produced leather. Many people still put in the many hours and years of skill required to tan hides by hand. We’ll get a look into the world of Native hide tanning and traditional techniques like brain and smoke tanning. We’ll also hear why Native tanners place […]

COVID-19 vaccines from two pharmaceutical companies are making their way to Native populations and tribes are among those creating vaccine distribution plans. Hundreds of Native health workers, elders and others were among the first to receive the vaccine. It’s among the more promising developments in at least a year in the fight against the pandemic that has disproportionately affected Native Americans. But many individuals remain wary of the vaccine, citing possible unforeseen side effects, and a general distrust of the federal government and the Indian Health Service. We’ll get an update from health leaders and tribal leaders about vaccine distribution.

COVID-19 vaccines from two pharmaceutical companies are making their way to Native populations and tribes are among those creating vaccine distribution plans. Hundreds of Native health workers, elders and others were among the first to receive the vaccine. It’s among the more promising developments in at least a year in the fight against the pandemic […]

Hoop dancing competitions, stand-up comedy and an annual gathering of Native elders and youth are all events the pandemic forced online. The switch to Zoom and other online meeting spaces created significant technical challenges in the past year like getting the picture and sound to work and maintaining internet connections. It also highlighted other hurdles like getting input from all those who want to contribute and finding ways to network with fellow attendees. We’ll look at how some event planners have made the most of online gatherings. We’ll also hear how virtual meetings have evolved and whether they’re here to stay.

Hoop dancing competitions, stand-up comedy and an annual gathering of Native elders and youth are all events the pandemic forced online. The switch to Zoom and other online meeting spaces created significant technical challenges in the past year like getting the picture and sound to work and maintaining internet connections. It also highlighted other hurdles […]

From powwows to boardrooms, ribbon shirts are a visual symbol of Native pride. They can be subtle or showy, but ribbon shirts almost always have a hint of personal expression and tribal tradition. They are usually made from cotton or linen, often with long sleeves but not always, with colorful ribbons appliqued or sewn into seams as tassels. Like many Native fashion trends, ribbon shirts owe their origins and inspirations to a number of sources. We’ll spend the hour discussing the history and evolution of ribbon shirts.

From powwows to boardrooms, ribbon shirts are a visual symbol of Native pride. They can be subtle or showy, but ribbon shirts almost always have a hint of personal expression and tribal tradition. They are usually made from cotton or linen, often with long sleeves but not always, with colorful ribbons appliqued or sewn into […]