Native America Calling

More than a month after Hurricane Maria tore through Puerto Rico, some people are still without electricity and clean water. More than 50 people died because of the storm. Indigenous people from Puerto Rico are among those who are struggling to return to normal. Puerto Rican and Indigenous Taino people on the mainland are working to muster financial support and direct aid. We’ll check in on the slow progress to recover from the devastating hurricane.

In Canada, an apology, $2 billion, and a truth and reconciliation commission were all part of addressing the disastrous effects of residential schools. In the US, there are individuals and non profit groups working towards boarding school reconciliation, but nothing from a government level. The legacy of boarding schools is still something that many Native Nations are struggling to address. On this show, we’ll talk with the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition about their work.

It’s a creepy, crawly time of year and there are few creatures that spark fearful reactions as much as spiders. But the arachnid is also a critical part of many traditional origin stories. Spiders also have lessons to teach in many cultures. Spider Woman is critical to the Navajo creation story. For Lakota, it is Iktomi, a trickster who takes many forms and often plays the role of a fool. What do spiders represent in your community?

Kiowa poet and author N. Scott Momaday and his daughter, Jill, retrace his life and the footsteps of their ancestors in the documentary film Return to Rainy Mountain. N. Scott Momaday is the Pulitzer Prize winning author of such books as “House Made of Dawn,” “The Ancient Child,” and “The Way to Rainy Mountain.” Jill wrote, produced and directed the film, which is airing on PBS stations.

From national policy to tribal politics, we take time to regularly speak with journalists, newsmakers and others about the important issues of the day. We’ll devote the hour to catching up on major news events throughout Native America. Join us for our regular news round-up.

Some people enjoy subjecting themselves to the gore and suspense of horror movies and books. It’s a genre where some Native American artists are also finding a niche. The monsters, blood and supernatural villains are creeping their way into Native film and literature. Some of the stories even reference Native traditions. As we head into Halloween, we hear from some Native horror creators and fans about what makes Native horror special.

Hunting and fishing are a necessity for many Alaska Natives. It’s also a part of their culture and identity. For the federal and state entities that manage subsistence hunting, the topic is made complicated by unique land issues and rights. In this program, we’ll discuss the constant battle Alaska Natives face to preserve their right to hunt and fish to sustain themselves and their families.

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is embarking on a novel business partnership with a pharmaceutical company. The company pays the tribe to hold the patents for a profitable drug. In exchange, the tribe’s sovereign immunity prevents generic drug makers from getting at the drug’s formula. Some members of Congress are now drafting laws to prevent such agreements. The tribe is also suing business giants Microsoft and Amazon for patent infringement. It’s one of several instances in which tribes leverage sovereignty in business deals. Is this a new and innovative revenue-generating model? Or is the idea headed for a legal defeat? We’ll try and sort out the prospects.

Funding for the Children’s Health Insurance Program expired in September. The $150-million Special Diabetes Program for Indians is getting by on a three-month extension. Now, President Donald Trump ended subsidies to health insurance companies provided under the Affordable Care Act. As the future of federal health care policy remains a question, we’re once again asking: where do Native Americans fit into this fight? We’ll talk with experts to try and sort through the status and future of health care.

Sean Sherman (Oglala Lakota) is among the leading chefs breathing new life into Indigenous cuisine. Now he’s celebrating the launch of his new cookbook, “The Sioux Chef’s Indigenous Kitchen,” filled with creative recipes using traditional ingredients and methods. He’s known for dishes like bison wild rice bowls and roasted duck with sage. He shows how cooking can be an act of reclaiming history and culture. We’ll talk to him about his mission to educate people as well as feed them.