Native America Calling

So many Native gatherings center around food, including feast days, feeds, potlatches and even informal events. But despite traditional connections, some people suffer from an unhealthy relationship to food. Millions of people develop disorders like anorexia, bulimia and binge eating, and the National Institute of Mental Health says researchers are still working to find out why. One 2012 study of 500 Native men and women finds eating disorders affect Native people the same rate as other racial groups. In this program, we’ll talk about what eating disorders are, how they affect Native people and what treatment looks like.

A U.S. Department of the Interior workplace environment survey found that more than a third of Bureau of Indian Affairs employees experienced some form of harassment, including sexual harassment, while on the job. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke fired four senior staff members and promised a new ‘zero tolerance’ stance against any harassment. As conversations continue about sexual harassment in the entertainment industry and in politics, we’re taking a look at the issue in Native America. Some tribes have their own laws that aim to address sexual harassment in the workplace.

People use different methods to get a message across or bring critical thinking to the fore. What about a game that combats stereotypes and colonization and the ills connected to them with the flip of a card? In our spotlight this month it’s all about an emerging game that uses humor to literally get difficult issues on the table. “Cards Against Colonialism” by the Native American Teaching Aids is the product of tribal members, elders and educators. They aim to confront some of the toughest disputes over a good old card game. What do you think about this approach to stomping out stereotypes? Is humor your tool to heal from colonization?

It could start with a sore throat or maybe an aching feeling all over your body. The first thought is, “I hope I’m not getting sick!” Many health officials are calling this flu season the worst in decades, both in numbers and severity. The Indian Health Service recommends flu shots to help prevent infection. But that’s only one tool to help avoid what is a discomfort for most people and a real threat to others. We’ll talk with experts about preventing and treating the flu and learn why this year’s flu season is different.

The Trump administration is asking a federal court overseeing a lawsuit by tribes and environmental organizations fighting shrinking of Bears Ears National Monument to move the case to Utah district court. The move may put the defendants in a more favorable position, as a recent poll found almost half of Utah residents support shrinking the monument. The Antiquities Act, which is at the heart of the legal cases against the reduction, does not specifically authorize presidents to reduce National Monument boundaries. But Congress can. To cover that base, Utah Congressman John Curtis is proposing legislation that removes the name Bears Ears and creates two separate monuments called Shash Jáa and Indian Creek. We’ll revisit what these moves mean for both sides of the ongoing Bears Ears National Monument debate.

It’s our first news show of 2018. It’s been a year since President Donald Trump took office. Amid the near-daily turmoil from his tweets and off-the-cuff remarks, his administration has managed to change policies that significantly affect Indian Country. From national policy to tribal politics, we’ll take time to check in with journalists, newsmakers and others about the important issues of the day. Join us for our regular news round-up.

Buffy Sainte-Marie’s (Cree) music has moved audiences for decades. Her songwriting has consistently taught lessons about strength and the need to speak up. She describes her latest album “Medicine Songs” as a collection of front line songs about unity and resistance. This month we dive into this collection of melodies which include new sounds along with some of her classics that are reinvigorated with lyrics and arrangements that confront current times.

A number of programs like Niganawenimaanaanig and the IHS American Indians Into Nursing Program aim to recruit Native nurses. Still the U.S. Census’ American Community Survey finds Native Americans make up a tiny fraction of all registered nurses. We’ll hear from some Native nurses about what the profession is like and hear from recruiters who say Native representation is sorely needed in hospitals and clinics.

Menominee Nation files federal lawsuit over Back Forty Mine project

Deputy will not face charges in shooting death of Bad River teenager

Leader of Native organization advocates for diabetes program renewal

Red Fawn Fallis enters plea agreement for actions at Standing Rock

Tests on remains found in Alaska have some people rethinking what we knew about ancient Native ancestors. The process leading up to the genetic testing took years of discussions and consultation. We’ll talk with the lead researcher and tribal representatives from the Tanana Chiefs Conference and the Healy Lake Village Council about what they know about the findings and the work to uncover them.