Native America Calling

The birth rate in the U.S. has declined to its lowest rate in history. That decline applies to teenage mothers as well, according to 2016 data by the National Center for Health Statistics. The most recent (2015) data broken down by race shows the Native American birth rate went down or stayed the same for younger teens, ages 15 to 17. We’ll check in with experts on what’s behind the trends and what else needs to be done to prevent teen pregnancy.

Whether you bowled a few games as a kid, or you’re still striving for that perfect 300 game, you know the fun bowling alleys offer. The sound of bowling pins crashing at the end of the lane is music to a bowling enthusiast’s ears. The sport has a significant Native following. There is a lot of talent heading to Native bowling tournaments year-round. We talk to a few Native bowlers about the sport and why Native leagues are so popular.

We turn to Native poets to get us closer to the beauty of Mother Earth. From the rivers to the stars there is plenty to celebrate. If there is a poem you’d like to share with others on this special day of poetry we’re all ears. Make plans to join us and let the poetry loose. We continue Earth Day week exploring just how poetic our planet can get.

Zuni musician Fernando Cellicion once wrote a school essay declaring he would someday be famous. His teacher told him “Indians can’t be famous.” Cellicion eventually mastered the flute and more than a dozen other instruments. He also performs with a family dance troop. His talents have taken him to 40 different countries. He says that skeptical teacher came back to him to apologize and said “I’m glad you didn’t listen to me.” The New Mexico Music Commission Foundation recently honored Fernando Cellicion with a Platinum Music Award. We’ll talk with him about his passion for the flute, dance and teaching.

From health care to Standing Rock 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.

In an interview with his publisher, Louis V. Clark III said, “I hope that my words bring a better understanding to those of us who share this planet.” That’s in reference to his book “How to be an Indian in the 21st Century.” He was born and raised on Wisconsin’s Oneida Reservation and is a member of the Iroquois Confederacy. His book is a weaving of words that take the shape of verse and prose. He delves into moments in his own Native life to help the conversation on race in America blossom even further. He encourages the masses to “Speak the truth, confound the idiots, [and] listen to the silence.” Find out more on this writers take on life on our July Book of the Month spotlight.

It’s National Aunt and Uncle Day. We’re taking the time to talk about the role aunties play in our lives. Some of us were raised by our aunts. Others had aunts who occasionally stepped in to get us in line. Either way, aunts hold a special place in Native America. We’ll also get advice from everyone’s favorite aunt, Auntie Beachress. Send us your favorite auntie stories to [email protected].

Native groups like Sierra Seeds, White Earth Seed Library and Dream for Wild Health are building up seed resources to strengthen traditional varieties of vegetables and other plants. In some instances they’re reviving plants species that neared extinction because of increasingly commercialized farming practices. These seed stewards say they are working toward better plant diversity and increased food sovereignty.

The Canyon Mine in Arizona opened in 1986, but work stalled as uranium prices fell. Now, mine owner Energy Fuels plans on resuming work at the mine just south of the Grand Canyon in the Kaibab National Forest. The Havasupai tribe opposes the mine for religious and environmental reasons. We’ll learn more about the history of the mine and the possible future of uranium mining in Arizona.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe continues to battle the Dakota Access Pipeline in the courts. A judge will decide this fall whether or not to stop the flow of oil while the legal dispute continues. Meanwhile local courts are slowly churning through the hundreds criminal trespassing and riot cases. We’ll get some perspective on both legal fronts and hear the latest from Standing Rock Chairman Dave Archambault II.