Native America Calling

The new president of the National Congress of American Indians, Jefferson Keel (Chickasaw Nation) delivers the State of Indian Nations address. This is Keel’s third nonconsecutive term as NCAI president. We’ll bring you the speech as well as the congressional response.

Native women die younger compared to their peers. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports cardiovascular or heart disease is at the top of the list when it comes to taking the lives of women in this country. Factors like diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure put women at higher risk of heart complications. We discuss ways Native women are reducing their risks and why more women are sharing their stories.

Social media and dating apps are among the places teens go to find love and companionship. Occasionally puppy love turns unhealthy or even abusive. It can be hard for parents to track. February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month. We’re talking about healthy dating for young people and how parents can talk to their children about it. What tips do you give to your teens about dating?

Mary Kathryn Nagle’s (Cherokee) play “Sovereignty” opened two weeks ago at the Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. The play revolves around a contemporary jurisdictional dispute as an overlay to Cherokee removal in the 1830s. Nagle is also preparing for the world premiere of her play, “Manahatta,” at the Oregon Shakespeare Festival next month. In addition to earning accolades as a playwright, Nagle is an accomplished lawyer specializing tribal self-determination, civil rights and violence against women. Her plays often overlap her legal expertise. We’ll hear from Nagle about what drives her passions for law and the stage.

Environmental rollbacks, job creation and the tax law from the past year all affect tribal governments and their people. Even counting his legislative accomplishments, President Donald Trump’s first year in office was anything but ordinary. We’ll look back and take the hour to discuss how his policies—and rhetoric—play out in Native America. We’ll hear from both supporters and detractors and map out what the next year might hold.

Corruption, exploitation of the land, and an attack on a Native cultural way of life are the things that Nataanii Means is challenging in his new album “Balance.” This Oglala Lakota, Navajo and Omaha recording artist has used his lyrics to bring awareness of what Native people face for years. Join us as we hear his words and music on our February Music Maker.

Kirby Cleveland, a Navajo man, faces a possible death sentence if convicted on charges he killed a Navajo Nation police officer last year. If Cleveland is sentenced to death, he would join 26 other Native Americans on death row in U.S prisons, according to the Death Penalty Information Center. The Navajo Nation outlawed the death penalty, as have many other tribes. But does that have any sway over how federal prosecutors approach justice for tribal members who commit capital crimes?

In Oregon, the graduation rates for Native students remain well below all other groups. A new report from the state’s Department of Education shows graduation is up by six percent overall from four years ago. But Native students are at the bottom. But there is some hope in Warm Springs centered around a curriculum that includes Native history and culture. The creators of the curriculum have confidence that students exposed to their culture are more likely to stay in school and achieve future success.

Six Virginia tribes join the list of those recognized by the federal government. President Trump signed legislation granting federal recognition to the Chickahominy, Eastern Chickahominy, Upper Mattaponi, Rappahannock, Monacan and Nansemond tribes. The move is the result of a two-decade fight in Congress to correct what one senator says is an “injustice”. We’ll talk with tribal leaders about what recognition means for the tribes. We’ll also explore the disturbing history of the white supremacist, Walter Plecker, who laid the groundwork to make recognition in Virginia more difficult.

The Cleveland Major League Baseball team is removing the disturbing “Chief Wahoo” logo from team uniforms and ballpark banners starting next year. The recent action is part of the team’s announced plan to distance itself from the offensive mascot. Native organizations and mascot activists cheered the move that comes after decades of criticism, protests and even lawsuits. It’s a win for Native Americans. But the team didn’t quite hit a home run. Fans will still be able to buy hats and other gear with the image that’s been the official team logo for 70 years.