Native America Calling

Drug makers will start distributing doses of the vaccine against the coronavirus within days. Tribes, along with the Indian Health Service, have distribution plans in place that put health care workers and elders at the front of the line. It could be many more months before it’s available for many citizens. While the prospect of […]

The challenge of remote college classes combined with the high cost of post-secondary education is taking a toll. A survey by a higher education marketing agency found a third of all prospective students say they are less likely than before the pandemic to pursue a college degree. Students are also rebelling against high tuition costs in light of the reduced quality of education. Many colleges across the country optimistically opened to in-person classes at the beginning of the school year, only to revert to online-only instruction weeks, or even days, later.  We’ll check in on the latest from educators and students.

The challenge of remote college classes combined with the high cost of post-secondary education is taking a toll. A survey by a higher education marketing agency found a third of all prospective students say they are less likely than before the pandemic to pursue a college degree. Students are also rebelling against high tuition costs […]

Tribes have until the end of this month to spend their share of the $8 billion in federal emergency coronavirus funds. The money comes with a number of restrictions that are causing some confusion. The money can only go for expenses directly related to losses caused by the pandemic. Lawsuits delayed distribution of the funds, shortening the window of time tribes have to make use of them. We’ll hear from tribal officials about some of the challenges that come with the federal money meant to offset the economic crisis caused by the pandemic.

Tribes have until the end of this month to spend their share of the $8 billion in federal emergency coronavirus funds. The money comes with a number of restrictions that are causing some confusion. The money can only go for expenses directly related to losses caused by the pandemic. Lawsuits delayed distribution of the funds, […]

When someone in a multi-person household contracts COVID-19, it puts everyone else living there at greater risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends strict use of masks and gloves and establishing rigorous cleaning routines. The CDC also recommends isolating the infected person away from others in the home. Native Americans have a higher average number of household members than the general population, ramping up the chances for infection in the home. We’ll hear first-hand accounts from those who cared for loved ones with COVID-19 and get a rundown of best practices when the pandemic hits close to home.

Wearing face masks is proven to be effective for slowing the spread of the coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention conclude wearing a mask protects the wearer and the people they come in contact with. The CDC recommends everyone over the age of two wear a mask in public settings. But it’s a new concept for most people and it’s getting pushback by some who see mask mandates as an infringement of personal liberties. Officials in 13 states, including some with the highest infection rates, refuse to issue statewide mask mandates. We’ll go over some of the facts about masks and gauge predictions about how long they’ll be needed.

The federal government is removing protections under the Endangered Species Act for gray wolves. Starting in January, tribes and states will take on managing wolf populations for the first time in 45 years. It’s a controversial decision for an animal that is both reviled and revered. And while wolves have rebounded in some states, there is no consensus that removing federal protections is warranted.  We’ll check in with tribal officials about how delisting gray wolves affects their wildlife management plans.

While much of the nation was enthralled in daily developments during the recent presidential election, dozens of tribes held elections, some with dramatic changes in governance. In South Dakota, the president of the Oglala Sioux Tribe was ousted in the primary after several controversies. In Oklahoma, the Seneca-Cayuga Nation elected their first female chief. In Montana, the Little Shell Tribe posted record voter turnout numbers for their first election as a federally recognized tribe. We’ll look at what goes into making secure, trustworthy tribal elections and talk to some of the newly elected leaders.

Holiday shoppers are turning to major online retailers now that the pandemic has stalled regular shopping at malls, brick-and-mortar stores and galleries. Native entrepreneurs, though, are offering more local and specialized options to online giants like Amazon.com. Some have been around for years. Others started as a way to offset the decline in sales facing Native creators. We’ll discuss the new reliance on online sales, and now Native businesses are adapting.