Native America Calling

The story of Native Americans and the connection to the land is one that extends back generations. It is also woven through Native language and traditions. So when this connection is threatened it is no surprise Native voices speak up. This is the case with Natives from different nations who are speaking out on the designation of Bears Ears as a National Monument. U.S. President Barack Obama made the designation before he left office and the current administration is challenging that. Our June Book of the Month takes the issue head on with Native voices and explores the reasons this area in Utah should be protected. We’ll visit with the book’s editor, Jacqueline Keeler (Dakota/ Diné), and other contributors.

Never touch a powwow dancer’s regalia or a singer’s drum without asking. Follow the emcee’s instructions to know when to stand. Stay off the arena floor unless invited. Those are some of the universal practices that will keep you in good standing if you go to a powwow. Whether you were born into a powwow family or are a new visitor to the dance circle, it’s important to know the protocols and appropriate behavior. We’ll talk with powwow veterans about the best ways to ensure everyone has a meaningful powwow experience.

Some Indigenous artists are pushing the envelope. Potters, painters and sculptors are creating works that stretch what’s considered traditional. We will take a look at how Native art is evolving and how artists are invoking tradition in new and innovative ways.

Accidents are the third leading cause of death for Native Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And Natives are 42 percent more likely to work in high risk occupations, according to the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. There are plenty of things employers and individuals can do to prevent accidents and injuries from happening at home and in the workplace. We’ll hear from tribal safety specialists on how to create safe environments.

Two documentaries, funded in part by Vision Maker Media, explore unique experiences for members of the Navajo Nation. In the film “The Mayors of Shiprock,” young people from the Diné Youth Committee, meet weekly to explore ways to make changes in their community. “Metal Road,” follows three Navajos who work on the railroad as they change railroad tracks across the country. We’ll talk with Navajo filmmakers Ramona Emerson and Sarah Del Seronde about their films.

For many people, buying a home is a big step in building equity and creating individual wealth. But the process is complicated. It requires saving a large down payment and qualifying for a mortgage. We’ll talk about what it takes to buy a house and what other kinds of benefits come from owning your own home, whether it’s in the city or on your tribe’s reservation.

Some tribes are responsible for managing sizable forests and wilderness areas. As the weather dries out and temperatures rise, the threat of wildfires increases. Managing forests and anticipating the fire threat is a complex and sometimes controversial process. Fighting fires when they flare up is also a seasonal employment opportunity for many people from Native Nations. We’ll talk about the business and the constant vigilance for fighting fires.

Thousands of Indigenous athletes from 29 countries are gearing up for the second World Indigenous Nations Games. They will be held July 1 to 9 in Alberta, Canada. Athletes compete in some mainstream sports like soccer, but also more traditional competitions like hand games, log races, lacrosse, and bow and arrow shooting. It’s a display of Indigenous strength, skill and culture and we’re getting a preview from the athletes and organizers.

Some tribes and tribal organizations say they will continue to advance the Paris Accord on climate change. Those commitments come despite President Donald Trump’s decision to pull the United States out of the agreement. The National Congress of American Indians and the Native American Rights Fund are among those expressing concern with Trump’s decision, saying Indigenous people are disproportionately affected by the effects of climate change. What can tribes do to make a difference in the face of the U.S. withdrawal?

For many of us, making ends meet requires more than just a nine-to-five office job. For others, having a side hustle is a good way to explore a personal passion or build skills that don’t quite pay the bills. Do you spend your evenings beading or building web pages for friends? We’ll talk with some enterprising people about holding down multiple jobs at once and what you need to know to get going on your side hustle.