Native America Calling

Tribes, both in the U.S. and Canada, are on the forefront of restoring healthy, sustainable bison herds. In October, several tribes joined the growing number of those signing onto what’s known as the Buffalo Treaty. The agreement—first drafted in 2014—aims to ultimately restore the iconic animal’s range to more than 6 million acres and recognize its historical and cultural significance. Officials with the Badlands National Park in South Dakota just released four bison to a newly expanded bison range for the first time in more than 150 years.

Tribes, both in the U.S. and Canada, are on the forefront of restoring healthy, sustainable bison herds. In October, several tribes joined the growing number of those signing onto what’s known as the Buffalo Treaty. The agreement—first drafted in 2014—aims to ultimately restore the iconic animal’s range to more than 6 million acres and recognize its historical and cultural significance. Officials with the Badlands National Park in South Dakota just released four bison to a newly expanded bison range for the first time in more than 150 years.

After years of effort, the Pueblo of Acoma took possession of a sacred item from an overseas auction house. It’s one of very few successful repatriation attempts by tribes to get sacred items returned from foreign sellers intent on profiting from Native cultural patrimony. The Acoma shield was missing for decades before it showed up in 2015 at the EVE Auction House in Paris, an establishment notorious for selling off hundreds of Native items, some of which are sacred. Since then, the pueblo, along with the U.S. Department of Justice and political leaders worked to get it back. We’ll talk with Acoma leaders about what it took to see their sacred item returned and some ideas for other tribes fighting to return items.

After years of effort, the Pueblo of Acoma took possession of a sacred item from an overseas auction house. It’s one of very few successful repatriation attempts by tribes to get sacred items returned from foreign sellers intent on profiting from Native cultural patrimony. The Acoma shield was missing for decades before it showed up in 2015 at the EVE Auction House in Paris, an establishment notorious for selling off hundreds of Native items, some of which are sacred. Since then, the pueblo, along with the U.S. Department of Justice and political leaders worked to get it back. We’ll talk with Acoma leaders about what it took to see their sacred item returned and some ideas for other tribes fighting to return items.

The Mongolian metal group The Hu is currently making its way across the country, playing to a growing Native American fan base. Each time the group steps on stage they create a blend of riveting metal and throat singing. The band calls their unique and energetic sound Hunnu Rock, referencing the Hunnu Mongolian empire. Many of the lyrics on their album, “The Gereg,” are a call to warriors.

The Mongolian metal group The Hu is currently making its way across the country, playing to a growing Native American fan base. Each time the group steps on stage they create a blend of riveting metal and throat singing. The band calls their unique and energetic sound Hunnu Rock, referencing the Hunnu Mongolian empire. Many of the lyrics on their album, “The Gereg,” are a call to warriors.

The first Indigenous president of Bolivia, Evo Morales (Aymara), is in exile in Mexico. He resigned under pressure by the military shortly after he declared himself the victor in a contentious election to his fourth term in office. His supporters are calling it a coup but there are vastly divergent narratives about the situation and what led up to it. The self-appointed interim president is linked to anti-Indigenous comments and has already cracked down on protests calling for Morales’ return. We’ll talk with experts about the Morales’ legacy and the future of Bolivia.

The first Indigenous president of Bolivia, Evo Morales (Aymara), is in exile in Mexico. He resigned under pressure by the military shortly after he declared himself the victor in a contentious election to his fourth term in office. His supporters are calling it a coup but there are vastly divergent narratives about the situation and what led up to it. The self-appointed interim president is linked to anti-Indigenous comments and has already cracked down on protests calling for Morales’ return. We’ll talk with experts about the Morales’ legacy and the future of Bolivia.

“Indigenous Food Sovereignty in the United States: Restoring Cultural Knowledge, Protecting Environments, and Regaining Health” is a collection of writings from different Indigenous cultural advocates. Some of those offering their perspectives on why it’s time to revitalize Indigenous food systems are those who prepare the food. There are also works from those who have a close eye on the land and social structures that affect the way the natural environment produces the foods Native nations need for sustainability. We hear from editors and contributors of this wealth of food sovereignty knowledge.

“Indigenous Food Sovereignty in the United States: Restoring Cultural Knowledge, Protecting Environments, and Regaining Health” is a collection of writings from different Indigenous cultural advocates. Some of those offering their perspectives on why it’s time to revitalize Indigenous food systems are those who prepare the food. There are also works from those who have a close eye on the land and social structures that affect the way the natural environment produces the foods Native nations need for sustainability. We hear from editors and contributors of this wealth of food sovereignty knowledge.