Native America Calling

Understanding and acknowledging past trauma can help guide how to interact with each other. For Native Americans it can inform how the history of colonialism might influence a person’s reaction to certain words or behaviors. Experts are developing methods for approaching situations in schools, offices and businesses from a trauma-informed perspective to avoid conflict, de-escalate tension and promote healing. In this hour we’ll talk with professionals about what trauma-informed approaches look like.

North Dakota just joined the handful of states guaranteeing Native students’ right to wear regalia during graduation ceremonies. It’s one of the highlights in the annual struggle to include eagle feathers and beaded mortar boards in commencement. Some schools adhere to strict dress codes and forbid students from adorning the traditional caps and gowns. The Native American Rights Fund sees it as an issue of free speech and religious expression. We’ll get a rundown of recent victories and setbacks toward recognizing the cultural significance of regalia at graduation.

North Dakota just joined the handful of states guaranteeing Native students’ right to wear regalia during graduation ceremonies. It’s one of the highlights in the annual struggle to include eagle feathers and beaded mortar boards in commencement. Some schools adhere to strict dress codes and forbid students from adorning the traditional caps and gowns. The Native American Rights Fund sees it as an issue of free speech and religious expression. We’ll get a rundown of recent victories and setbacks toward recognizing the cultural significance of regalia at graduation.

About a 300 U.S. cities and two states have banned single-use plastic bags. Seminole Gaming is phasing out plastic straws at their casinos, resorts and restaurants in Florida. The actions are an attempt to limit plastic waste that is posing an increasing threat to whales, turtles, seabirds and other animals. Some tribes are also worried plastics pollution affects their health and sustenance. Researchers with Ikaarvik in the Arctic are sampling ocean waters for micro plastics pollution and checking whether it’s affecting Indigenous residents. On Earth Day, we’ll take a look at how plastics pollution is affecting Native communities and what’s being done about it.

About a 300 U.S. cities and two states have banned single-use plastic bags. Seminole Gaming is phasing out plastic straws at their casinos, resorts and restaurants in Florida. The actions are an attempt to limit plastic waste that is posing an increasing threat to whales, turtles, seabirds and other animals. Some tribes are also worried plastics pollution affects their health and sustenance. Researchers with Ikaarvik in the Arctic are sampling ocean waters for micro plastics pollution and checking whether it’s affecting Indigenous residents. On Earth Day, we’ll take a look at how plastics pollution is affecting Native communities and what’s being done about it.

All the poems in Rex Lee Jim’s collection give the Navajo language center stage. The 30 poems in “Saad Lá Tah Hózhóón: A Collection of Diné Poetry” were written first in Navajo. Lee also translated them into English. The writing draws from his life as a Diné and the land his people call home. The former Navajo Nation vice president helps us celebrate National Poetry Month with a message about the importance of language and culture.

All the poems in Rex Lee Jim’s collection give the Navajo language center stage. The 30 poems in “Saad Lá Tah Hózhóón: A Collection of Diné Poetry” were written first in Navajo. Lee also translated them into English. The writing draws from his life as a Diné and the land his people call home. The former Navajo Nation vice president helps us celebrate National Poetry Month with a message about the importance of language and culture.

Managing diabetes involves tracking blood sugar, nutrition, exercise and insulin, among other things. Native Americans are twice as likely as whites to have diabetes according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers are developing new technologies—from food tracking apps, glucose monitors and insulin pumps—that are available to Native people with diabetes. We’ll hear from experts on how these tools might help make living with diabetes easier and even increase health outcomes.

Managing diabetes involves tracking blood sugar, nutrition, exercise and insulin, among other things. Native Americans are twice as likely as whites to have diabetes according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers are developing new technologies—from food tracking apps, glucose monitors and insulin pumps—that are available to Native people with diabetes. We’ll hear from experts on how these tools might help make living with diabetes easier and even increase health outcomes.

First Nations bands Piqsiq and A Tribe Called Red and throat singer Tanya Tagaq are among those protesting this year’s Indigenous Music Awards in Canada. They’re speaking out over recognition of Cree musician, Cikwes, who uses a singing style similar to Inuit throat singing. Some Inuit musicians are calling for Inuit representation on the Indigenous Music Awards board. We’ll explore some of the boundaries and contradictions of utilizing art forms and traditions.