Native America Calling

Of the nearly 3.5 million people in the United States who have epilepsy, the Epilepsy Foundation estimates about 51,000 are Native Americans. The Foundation also says at least 150,000 people are diagnosed with epilepsy every year. The non-profit calls it one of the most misunderstood health disorders because so little is known about its causes. Nearly half of all those with epilepsy continue to have uncontrolled, recurring seizures, despite medication and other treatments. There are some things everyone should know about epilepsy, even if they aren't directly affected. We’ll get a rundown on the latest research and recommendations.

Coronavirus infection rates continue to climb just as families are planning holiday gatherings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report record-breaking numbers of new infections as the pandemic reaches its tenth month. The CDC is recommending people take extra precautions and even consider cancelling or postponing family gatherings altogether this season. States and tribes are making their own COVID-19 safety protocols. We’ll get details on what public health officials say about holiday gatherings and whether families are likely to make any changes.

Landmark legislation protecting Native American cultural items turns 30. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act requires museums and any institution that receives federal funds to return items of tribal cultural significance taken from federal land. The legislation was the result of decades of work by Native experts and activists who were fighting the theft of Native items over the years. We’ll talk with the people who were instrumental in getting the legislation passed as well as tribal historic preservation officers who rely on it to protect their cultural patrimony.

With the help of his sister, Edward J. Driving Hawk (Rosebud Sioux Tribe/Ponca/Lower Brule) recounts his life as a veteran of the Korean and Vietnam wars and former chairman of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe. “Too Strong To Be Broken: The Life of Edward J. Driving Hawk” also follows pivotal moments in his life including his struggle with alcoholism and suffering the effects of exposure to Agent Orange. Edward J. Driving Hawk says it’s also his hope that readers, especially his decedents, understand the importance of Native heritage in building strength. We’ll hear from the authors for our November Book of the Month.

It’s easy to pack on an extra pound or two as the pandemic throws off your regular schedules and limits the people and places you normally connect with. At the same time, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns carrying extra weight can increase the severity of COVID-19 for those who contract the disease. Staying fit during the pandemic doesn’t necessarily mean a strict exercise regimen. It can be as simple as adding extra movement to your day and mixing in healthier food choices. We’ll talk with health experts about how to get motivated to stay fit during these challenging times.

The makers of the new film “Gather” assert that Native food rights are human rights and food helps keep Native people connected to culture. The film tells personal stories of food warriors from the White Mountain Apache, Yurok and Lakota nations that exemplify the importance of maintaining Indigenous foods in the face of centuries of colonial efforts to break that connection. The film, directed by Sanjay Rawal, is a New York Times Critic’s Pick. We’ll speak with Rawal and some of the film’s subjects about their work and how it strengthens Indigenous food sovereignty.

David Heska Wanbli Weiden, Tommy Orange, Stephen Graham Jones and Terese Mailhot are some of the Native authors making reading lists across the country. They’re also inspiring other would-be writers. We'll be talking to Native writers about their craft and how to get those first words on paper. They’ll discuss how to overcome writers’ block, how to structure a narrative, and essential elements of a good book like plot and scene. November is National Novel Writing Month with the challenge to amateur authors to pen an entire book in 30 days. Maybe one of them will write the next bestseller.

We catch up with playwright Larissa FastHorse (Sičháŋǧu Lakota), who just won a MacArthur Fellowship, also called the “Genius Grant.” She is the creator of “Thanksgiving Play” and “What Would Crazy Horse Do?” challenging Native stereotypes with smart writing and satire. She is in the midst of creating a collaborative trilogy that includes spending time embedded with Native communities.

The election is over and it’s time to add up the results. Poll watchers and pundits warn many important races—including the one for president of the United States—may not be decided for days, if not weeks. We’ll talk about what the sure things are, what they mean for Native voters and how any undecided races might play out.

Election Day always brings surprises, but so much is up in the air this year. The pandemic is changing how people cast their ballots. The incumbent president hasn’t committed to stepping down if he loses. Law enforcement and elections officials are grappling with the possibility of armed, right wing militia members showing up at polling places. Still, there are many reasons to be hopeful. We’ll talk with political and public policy experts about the issues driving Native voters to the polls and what bright spots are in play for the 2020 election.