Native America Calling

The U.S. Department of Justice is in the process of distributing about $100 million to tribal victim support programs. The money comes from federal criminal fines, fees and special assessments and goes toward victim advocacy, crisis intervention, staff training and individual counseling. The idea is to help reduce suffering and build stronger communities for a population that, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, suffers violent crime at higher rates than others. We’ll get a glimpse of what tribal victims support programs offer and what difference they aim to make in their communities.

People with dementia frequently can’t perform many of the basic functions of life, including feeding, cleaning and dressing themselves. Those tasks often fall to relatives, who must also cope with the confusion, anxiety and hostility that can accompany the disease. A 2016 study published in the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association found Native Americans have among the highest rates of dementia. We’ll discuss the latest thinking on the best ways to care for loved ones with dementia. We’ll also get advice for those taking on the role of caregivers.

People with dementia frequently can’t perform many of the basic functions of life, including feeding, cleaning and dressing themselves. Those tasks often fall to relatives, who must also cope with the confusion, anxiety and hostility that can accompany the disease. A 2016 study published in the Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association found Native Americans have among the highest rates of dementia. We’ll discuss the latest thinking on the best ways to care for loved ones with dementia. We’ll also get advice for those taking on the role of caregivers.

The four Native American members of Congress just introduced a bill to create an advisory committee on missing and murdered Indigenous women. Some states like New Mexico and Wyoming assembled task forces to address the issue. Washington State is requiring the State Patrol to establish “best practices” for investigating missing Native Americans. Will more task forces, research reports and policy guidelines help solve the ongoing problem that disproportionately harms Native women? We’ll hear about some of the latest efforts and hear from experts about what the most promising approaches are.

The four Native American members of Congress just introduced a bill to create an advisory committee on missing and murdered Indigenous women. Some states like New Mexico and Wyoming assembled task forces to address the issue. Washington State is requiring the State Patrol to establish “best practices” for investigating missing Native Americans. Will more task forces, research reports and policy guidelines help solve the ongoing problem that disproportionately harms Native women? We’ll hear about some of the latest efforts and hear from experts about what the most promising approaches are.

Many Americans who celebrate Cinco de Mayo probably have it all wrong. In the U.S. it’s an imported celebration much like St. Patrick’s Day. It’s an excuse for parties and stereotypes. In Mexico, May 5 commemorates the day in 1862 when a small army made up of mostly Indigenous people defeated a French army in the town of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo is not a big holiday in Mexico, but it’s widely celebrated in the U.S. We’ll learn more about Cinco de Mayo and how Indigenous people played a role.

Many Americans who celebrate Cinco de Mayo probably have it all wrong. In the U.S. it’s an imported celebration much like St. Patrick’s Day. It’s an excuse for parties and stereotypes. In Mexico, May 5 commemorates the day in 1862 when a small army made up of mostly Indigenous people defeated a French army in the town of Puebla. Cinco de Mayo is not a big holiday in Mexico, but it’s widely celebrated in the U.S. We’ll learn more about Cinco de Mayo and how Indigenous people played a role.

Complaints against the Wolf Point School District include unequal treatment of Native students, bullying and even staff members using racial slurs. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is investigating the claims. The Fort Peck Assiniboine Sioux Tribes filed a complaint with the help of the Montana American Civil Liberties Union. We’ll learn more with some of those involved with the case.

Complaints against the Wolf Point School District include unequal treatment of Native students, bullying and even staff members using racial slurs. The U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights is investigating the claims. The Fort Peck Assiniboine Sioux Tribes filed a complaint with the help of the Montana American Civil Liberties Union. We’ll learn more with some of those involved with the case.

Sean Sherman (Oglala Lakota) just won a 2019 James Beard Foundation Leadership Award for his work increasing awareness of Native food through his non-profit North American Traditional Indigenous Food Systems. Last year he also won a James Beard Award for his cookbook, “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen.” In addition to his successful restaurant ventures, Sherman has traveled the world educating others about traditional Native American food. We’ll sit down with Sherman to learn about his passion and skill for connecting with others through food.