Native America Calling

On his video podcast show, Nana Boozhoo talks about rez life and he plays blues and rock music. He also teaches audiences about Ojibwe language and culture. Nana Boozhoo is not a person, but a puppet. “What makes it so fun is that I keep seeing myself in it,” said Michael Lyons, Nana Boozhoo’s creator. “Some of it is very true to life.” We’re going to hear from a handful of Native American puppeteers who educate and entertain.

Both sides claim overreach by the federal government. Five tribes and a dozen environmental organizations filed legal challenges almost immediately after President Donald Trump signed a proclamation that dramatically cuts back the area under protection for Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante national monuments. President Obama created Bears Ears National Monument a year ago. A coalition of tribes pushed for the action because of threats to sacred and culturally significant areas by mineral extraction, vandalism and looting. Trump’s action is a setback for tribes, but is it a violation of the century-old Antiquities Act that was created to stop plundering land important to Native Americans?

Saddle Lake Cree First Nation singer Randy Wood is helping us wrap up another great year of Native music as our December Music Maker. In this hour we get to hear his style of round dance that not only keeps in line with the traditions and teachings of his tribal roots but also gives people something to smile and move to. Several of the songs are dedications to people who have influenced Randy’s life and music. It’s time to round dance once again on our airwaves.

Alaska Natives picked up arms, forming citizen militias to guard against a possible foreign invasion. That is among the many Native contributions to the war. As the nation takes time to remember the bombing of Pearl Harbor, we’ll honor some of the contributions by Native Americans and Alaska Natives to World War II. We’ll talk with a descendant of a Navajo Code Talker, a Cherokee Nation veteran, and we'll learn more about the Alaska Territorial Guard.

Access to safe drinking water is an issue for thousands of Native people in the Southwest. Mining for uranium and other minerals, toxins leeching into well water, and inadequate infrastructure all play into water availability. Federal agencies, universities and environmental groups like the Navajo Water Project are trying to address contaminated ground water by researching contamination sources, studying health effects and bringing in clean water from elsewhere. As part of a series on toxic exposure in the Southwest, we’ll get an update on the problems and how people are working to fix them.

The cold, dry air of winter takes a toll on a person’s skin. Harsh weather is one of the things that can exacerbate conditions like eczema and psoriasis. Millions of people also suffer from acne, fungal infections and sunburns. We’ll talk about skin care and hear from some Native entrepreneurs whose products focus on using traditional, Native ingredients.

Elders may hold high status among Native Americans, but that isn’t always enough to protect them from abuse. They are the victims of financial theft and physical and emotional abuse, often at the hands of family members. There are few concrete statistics, but experts say elder abuse is a real and serious problem in our Native nations. Their best protection is from other family members, health care workers, law enforcement officials and even neighbors who know what to look for. We’ll talk with experts about how tribes and communities can spot and prevent elder abuse.

Monday’s event honoring Native American Code Talkers should have been a solemn occasion to honor the heroic efforts of Native veterans. It was also a chance for President Trump to send a message of inclusiveness and respect to Native nations. Instead, with one word, the president managed to unite Native leaders, organizations and citizens against him. What can Trump do now to make amends to veterans and others he offended? Does anyone expect him to do it?

The Snake Oil Salesmen have blended rock and folk with a touch of twang since 2011. They like to call themselves musical healers and honest storytellers. Our musical spotlight for November comes after the release of their new album, “Dead and Breathing.” We’ll dive into the tunes the band says are meant to bridge the gap between fireside tales, kitchen parties and the world of rock and roll.

Grades, personal relationships, finding a date for prom. Those are among the triggers for student stress. Some of the causes for stress may seem trivial to adults, but a 2014 study by the American Psychological Association finds stress can take a toll on teens’ healthy eating habits, sleep and school performance. We’ll explore the causes and potential solutions for stress in school. Coping with stress may be one way to improve Native students’ chances for reaching graduation.