Native America Calling

A unique partnership between the Poeh Cultural Center and the National Museum of the American Indian may serve as a model for other institutions with collections of Native items. The Poeh Center is the conduit for members of the seven Tewa pueblos to interact with and share knowledge about dozens of pueblo pots. NMAI is loaning the pots—some are more than 150 years old—to the Poeh Center so more pueblo members can view them and share additional knowledge. The pots are starting to make their journey ‘home’ this fall in what the Poeh Center and NMAI are calling a ‘co-stewardship.’ We’ll hear about how the relationship came about and what it offers for tribes and museum collections.

The complicated legal agreements between federal, local and tribal agencies can hinder enforcement of sexual assault cases on reservations. A new documentary, “A Broken Trust” interviewed dozens of sources and accessed exclusive data about cases on two reservations. It paints a stark picture of failed communication, misguided policy and woeful under-funding that jeopardize the safety of residents. We’ll explore the complexities of jurisdiction and the Trust Responsibility when it comes to protecting people and finding justice for victims of violence.

New Mexico is commemorating its inaugural Indigenous Peoples Day this year. So are Wisconsin, Washington, D.C. and Maine. The idea to set aside a day to recognize Native people rather than Christopher Columbus is growing. While celebrations are in order, the day doesn’t come without some backlash. In Flagstaff, a group of Native people are planning to boycott the city’s first Indigenous Peoples Day celebration, citing concerns over policies and data that indicate a lack of concern and collaboration with Native residents. We’ll get a status report on Indigenous Peoples Day from community leaders and others.

The Klamath River has the same rights as people according to a new law passed by the Yurok tribal council. In 2017, a New Zealand court decision granted person status to the Whanganui River after the longest-running litigation in the country’s history. Maori tribal members consider the river their relative. Indigenous people all over the world praise efforts to grant legal person status to rivers. But it also sets the stage for environmental legal battles.

Romance novels are known for their simple plot lines, cheesy, overly dramatic cover illustrations and happy endings. But romance sales outperform all other fiction genres. The trouble is a noticeable lack of honest Native American portrayals. If Native people are ever featured in romance novels, they typically end up as some version of a 1950s Wild West movie stereotype. The Romance Writers of America acknowledged the genre’s decided lack of multicultural understanding in a statement last year, saying “members from the historically marginalized groups have felt unheard, unseen, and unrepresented.” But some Native authors are taking to the genre with complex, realistic Native characters, with details that Native readers might relate to. Native romance novelists will talk to us about the business and process of writing Native love stories.

This is the time of year when teachers dust off their Native American curriculum on history and culture. Classroom activities for younger students might include model tipis or wigwams. Older students might be required to argue the pros and cons of European colonization. Educational units on Native Americans continue to evolve, but there remain relics that resort to construction paper headdresses. We’ll talk with Native educators about how teachers can utilize more inclusive and accurate lessons.

Sixteen-year-old Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg’s notoriety recently scolded world leaders over inaction on climate change at the UN General Assembly. Autumn Peltier (Anishinaabe) is a young First Nations environmental activist who also recently used the UN platform to speak up about the lack of clean water for Indigenous people in Canada. Xiuhtezcatl Tonatiuh Martinez is part of a group of young people suing the U.S. Government over climate change. Young Indigenous people are finding their voice and risking backlash, speaking up over climate change. Is their message being heard?

George Morrison (Anishinaabe) traveled in the same artistic circles as Abstract Expressionists Franz Kline, Jackson Pollock and Willem de Kooning. But he worked hard at avoiding labels and ended up being a significant influence on Native art and beyond. His son Briand Morrison says his father erased the boundaries of what is considered ‘Native art.’ His work included colorful landscape paintings, sketches of geometric patterns, and intricate wooden sculptures. In this hour we’ll hear about his life, work and legacy.

Native America Calling is approaching a quarter century on the air. Over the years we’ve gotten to know thousands of people who have contributed as guests or called in to offer perspectives on issues important to Native people. There are many thousands more listening in. We’re taking time out to appreciate the people who make the show possible. We’ll hear from some of our dedicated listeners and get ideas for the future.

The commitment to help others as a psychologist, psychiatrist or counsellor takes more than just a diploma. Dr. Shilo R. Tippett (Wasco/Tlingit) says it takes natural empathy and an ability to set boundaries. Shilo says helping people in her community as a clinical psychologist is her dream job. But there’s a national shortage of others willing to take on the challenge, according to the National Council for Behavioral Health. We touch in with Tippett and other Native mental health professionals about the rewards and constraints of working in the behavioral health field.