Native America Calling

A graphic anthology that includes 150 years of Canadian history from an Indigenous perspective; a collection of poems by Native women focusing on gratitude; and a story about a Cherokee middle-schooler’s enlightening road trip. All of these are books on the American Indians in Children’s Literature “Best of 2019” list. We’ll talk with Debbie Reese (Nambe Pueblo) about her favorite books by Native authors for young people that she curled up with this year. We’ll also check in with Indigenous librarian, Catherine Baty (Big Sandy Rancheria Band of Western Mono Indians), about her favorite Native books she read this year. And author Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Nation) introduces us to “Heartdrum,” a Native-focused imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books.

A graphic anthology that includes 150 years of Canadian history from an Indigenous perspective; a collection of poems by Native women focusing on gratitude; and a story about a Cherokee middle-schooler’s enlightening road trip. All of these are books on the American Indians in Children’s Literature “Best of 2019” list. We’ll talk with Debbie Reese (Nambe Pueblo) about her favorite books by Native authors for young people that she curled up with this year. We’ll also check in with Indigenous librarian, Catherine Baty (Big Sandy Rancheria Band of Western Mono Indians), about her favorite Native books she read this year. And author Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Nation) introduces us to “Heartdrum,” a Native-focused imprint of HarperCollins Children’s Books.

We heard the musical talents from members of the Swinomish, Tlingit, Mohawk, Cree, and Navajo Nations among many others in 2019. They told us a lot about their music and their tribal roots. In this special show, we’ll get to sample all of our Music Makers from the past year. We’ll take the hour to recap memorable moments from our time with the musicians and their work.

We heard the musical talents from members of the Swinomish, Tlingit, Mohawk, Cree, and Navajo Nations among many others in 2019. They told us a lot about their music and their tribal roots. In this special show, we’ll get to sample all of our Music Makers from the past year. We’ll take the hour to recap memorable moments from our time with the musicians and their work.

Baby Yoda and the Woman Yelling at the Cat meme dominated our social media feeds in 2019. The year was also filled with films, music and hashtags that Native audiences relate to. We’re reliving some of the highs and lows of 2019 and putting our finger on the pulse of the coming year in popular culture.

Baby Yoda and the Woman Yelling at the Cat meme dominated our social media feeds in 2019. The year was also filled with films, music and hashtags that Native audiences relate to. We’re reliving some of the highs and lows of 2019 and putting our finger on the pulse of the coming year in popular culture.

Musicians find inspiration in love, heartbreak and…the holidays. It’s the time of year when songs about winter, snowmen, sleigh bells and festive lights fill your playlist. Native songs celebrating the season include covers of classic holiday songs with Native instruments and languages. You don't want to miss out on the throat-singing version of Carol of the Bells. Native musicians also compose their own originals about Christmas in the Pueblos, winter solstice and dogsled rides. We’re giving the gift of the sweet sounds Native holiday music.

Musicians find inspiration in love, heartbreak and…the holidays. It’s the time of year when songs about winter, snowmen, sleigh bells and festive lights fill your playlist. Native songs celebrating the season include covers of classic holiday songs with Native instruments and languages. You don't want to miss out on the throat-singing version of Carol of the Bells. Native musicians also compose their own originals about Christmas in the Pueblos, winter solstice and dogsled rides. We’re giving the gift of the sweet sounds Native holiday music.

All those chosen as Miss Indian World are ambassadors presenting a positive public face to the public. Reigning Miss Indian World, Cheyenne Kippenberger (Seminole) is also traveling the country, working to destigmatize mental health issues. She fought her own insecurities and self-doubt to compete out of her ‘comfort zone’, going on to first win Miss Florida Seminole, then to be the first Seminole woman to win the Miss Indian World title. We’ll talk with Kippenberger about what she’s learned since winning the crown and what her plans are for the remaining months as Miss Indian World.

All those chosen as Miss Indian World are ambassadors presenting a positive public face to the public. Reigning Miss Indian World, Cheyenne Kippenberger (Seminole) is also traveling the country, working to destigmatize mental health issues. She fought her own insecurities and self-doubt to compete out of her ‘comfort zone’, going on to first win Miss Florida Seminole, then to be the first Seminole woman to win the Miss Indian World title. We’ll talk with Kippenberger about what she’s learned since winning the crown and what her plans are for the remaining months as Miss Indian World.