Native America Calling

The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development is recognizing 40 Native business and community leaders this week. It’s the official ceremony to honor this year's list of 40 Under 40—people who are all under the age of 40 who have achieved notable successes in business or have made significant contributions to Native communities. In this program, we’ll talk to some past awardees and learn more about what it takes to be a successful mover and shaker in Native America.

The movie “Wind River” is now showing in many cities across the country. Audiences have had a chance to peer into writer and director Taylor Sheridan’s story set on a Wyoming reservation. It follows the story of a game tracker played by Jeremy Renner and a rookie FBI agent played by Elizabeth Olsen as they uncover the full story of a murder of a Native woman. In this special pre-recorded program we turn our focus to the film’s Native cast and their hopes on how the film will impact movie goers.

New federal food safety rules are looming across the country. They’re aimed at ensuring consumers aren’t harmed by contaminated produce, but many growers say the rules are stepping on tribal sovereignty. In addition, opponents say the provisions in the law are confusing and onerous. President Barack Obama signed the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) in 2011. Its implementation is being phased in, with some larger tribal businesses having to start compliance next year. We'll talk about how tribal produce operations will be affected and what some groups are doing to help growers understand and comply with the new law.

Native fashion designers are putting their talent on the runway more and more with designs that include floral pattern bodycons and geometric pattern corset dresses. This year, the Santa Fe Indian Market continued their tradition of holding an haute couture fashion show with 11 Native designers. We’ll talk with designers about their latest collections, what inspires them and the trends they see for Native fashion.

The debate over the value of blood quantum has challenged both tribes and individuals over the years. The issue has many layers and reactions. For many it is a point of contention and a reminder of the U.S. Government’s attempt to define who truly is and is not Native American. The discussion continues in the new book “The Great Vanishing Act: Blood Quantum and the Future of Native Nations.” A collection of personal stories, essays, satire and poetry by different Native writers, intellectuals and artists bring readers closer to what happens when blood quantum is used as the borders of Native identity. Join us for our August Book of the Month as we talk with the books editors and contributors.

We’re going to howl alongside Tha Yoties out of Arizona and their new album “Midnight Patrol.” We’ll be sharing tunes from the album as we dig into its conscious message about Native nations and the lands that are connected to them. Join us as we visit with the members of Tha Yoties.

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.

Foraging for food is a satisfying and healthy option for filling our pantries. For Native Americans it’s also a way to connect to a tradition that goes back long before contact. In addition to the knowledge of plants and seasons, modern foragers often need to know about private property lines or agreements that allow harvesting on public land. We’ll talk with expert foragers on keeping the tradition alive and how beginners can get started.

The Navajo Nation added a new law this month criminalizing sex trafficking within its boundaries. It’s the latest attempt to fight what tribal officials say is the pervasive threat by those who prey on naïve or desperate young girls. And last month the U.S. Government Accountability Office released a survey indicating half of tribal law enforcement officials believe the sex trafficking problem is actually worse than is reported. We talk to people on the ground trying to help Native people taken away from their homes and forced into prostitution. We’ll look into the problem and find out what can be done.

The violence in Charlottesville Virginia and subsequent reactions from President Donald Trump are creating a firestorm of debate about free speech, history and racism. The racist organizers of the Charlottesville event continue to hold public rallies and promise to expand their efforts. In one sense, Native Americans are all too familiar with racist attacks and battles over hurtful statues and offensive mascots. At the same time, the renewed vigor among white supremacy organizations and the absence of unequivocal condemnation from the top requires thoughtful preparation for those who encounter it. We’ll unpack this latest racist eruption from an Indigenous perspective.