Native America Calling

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.

The stalled Keystone XL pipeline project has new life after President Trump issued a memorandum allowing the controversial project to proceed. That is at odds with the ruling by a U.S. District Court judge requiring more environmental analysis. It adds concerns over presidential abuse of power to the usual complaints of pipeline safety, environmental damage and lack of tribal consultation. A number of tribes are among those challenging the pipeline because the planned route bringing tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada to Nebraska goes through ancestral territory.

The stalled Keystone XL pipeline project has new life after President Trump issued a memorandum allowing the controversial project to proceed. That is at odds with the ruling by a U.S. District Court judge requiring more environmental analysis. It adds concerns over presidential abuse of power to the usual complaints of pipeline safety, environmental damage and lack of tribal consultation. A number of tribes are among those challenging the pipeline because the planned route bringing tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada to Nebraska goes through ancestral territory.

Survival in the Wild West cowboy days continues to be a popular setting for video games. Red Dead Redemption II is one of the top sellers from the past year. If they have Native characters, games typically don’t drift far from old Western movie stereotypes. A growing number of Native game developers are starting to change that picture. The free educational PC game, “When Rivers Were Trails” utilizes Native talent to broaden players’ understanding of history. We’ll hear from Native developers about overcoming market forces, financial hurdles and mainstream resistance to build games that expand how gamers view Native people.

Survival in the Wild West cowboy days continues to be a popular setting for video games. Red Dead Redemption II is one of the top sellers from the past year. If they have Native characters, games typically don’t drift far from old Western movie stereotypes. A growing number of Native game developers are starting to change that picture. The free educational PC game, “When Rivers Were Trails” utilizes Native talent to broaden players’ understanding of history. We’ll hear from Native developers about overcoming market forces, financial hurdles and mainstream resistance to build games that expand how gamers view Native people.

A growing number of Indigenous doulas are working to decolonize the birthing process. Doulas offer guidance and support for expecting mothers before, during and after delivery. Programs on many reservations offer doulas at little or no cost. We’ll talk with some Indigenous doulas about what their role is for pregnant mothers and how they help maintain connections to Native traditions.

A growing number of Indigenous doulas are working to decolonize the birthing process. Doulas offer guidance and support for expecting mothers before, during and after delivery. Programs on many reservations offer doulas at little or no cost. We’ll talk with some Indigenous doulas about what their role is for pregnant mothers and how they help maintain connections to Native traditions.

The thing about food high in fat, empty carbs, sugar and salt is: it’s cheap. Some reservation residents are in food deserts, having to drive long distances to get fresh produce and other healthy options. But eating healthy food doesn’t have to break the bank. One study involving a tribe in California finds planning ahead helps families meet a budget and make good shopping decisions. We’ll learn more about the study and provide tips for committing to a healthier diet.

The thing about food high in fat, empty carbs, sugar and salt is: it’s cheap. Some reservation residents are in food deserts, having to drive long distances to get fresh produce and other healthy options. But eating healthy food doesn’t have to break the bank. One study involving a tribe in California finds planning ahead helps families meet a budget and make good shopping decisions. We’ll learn more about the study and provide tips for committing to a healthier diet.

The American economic system is a shifting continuum. Capitalism relies on market forces and rewards individual effort. Socialism works toward the collective good and aims to provide food, housing and education for each member of a community. A recent video renewed debate by arguing socialism failed Native nations. Does either approach help tribes?