Native America Calling

In addition to a certain amount of stigma and inconvenience that comes once a month for most women, imagine having to endure an inflated cost for feminine hygiene products. That’s the reality for some Aboriginal girls and women in Canada. One group is trying to help by getting donations to cut costs. We’ll also have a frank discussion about menstruation and some of the challenges Native American women face.

Energy Transfer Partners is nearing completion of the Dakota Access Pipeline. Protesters are clearing some of the camps in North Dakota, but others are resolved to continue the fight. What happens next for the struggle against the pipeline? Activists are planning a march in Washington D.C., but will they be heard in the cacophony of other voices protesting the Trump administration?

The priorities of environmental groups and tribes often align. The prevailing perception is Native Americans are good stewards of their land. But the two groups are sometimes at odds. The issues of protected species, hunting, land conservation and others can occasionally lead to friction. What steps can tribes and environmental organizations take to clear the air?

Since the beginning of his presidential campaign, President Donald Trump promised Americans a wall along the U.S.- Mexico border. He signed an executive order to start construction. But the likelihood of that wall the way it’s envisioned is called into question by the Tohono O’odham Nation. They share 75 miles with the Mexico border. One councilman says he’d rather die than see a wall built through his homeland. Tribal members, and those against the wall say it will further separate tribal people on both sides of the border and cut cultural ties the people have to the land. We’ll talk about the wall and immigration.

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe argues the federal government failed to conduct meaningful consultation over the Dakota Access Pipeline project. Much of Standing Rock’s legal opposition relied on consultation. The concept comes up regularly for many tribes. When and how does consultation happen? It’s not always easy to get an answer. We discuss what consultation means and how governments should go about it to help avoid bigger problems down the road.

Researchers find children who witness domestic violence experience fear, anger, anxiety, and sadness. And those feelings can last a long time. In the long run, domestic violence negatively affects the lives of children into their adulthood. Domestic violence rates are at the high end of the graph for Native Americans. this program we’re talking with a Native social worker and psychologist about how Native children and communities are affected by domestic violence.

As the snow melts, things at Standing Rock continue to heat up. Law enforcement officials are actively clearing out what was the largest camp for protesters since last summer. Many others are making decisions about the next phase of the resistance movement. Join us for our news round-up

Sleeping problems contribute to more than yawning in the morning. The Centers for Disease Control links lack of sleep to depression, diabetes, and an increased likelihood of accidental injury. The CDC also finds more than a quarter of Americans don’t get enough sleep. One study in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine suggests the lack of access to proper health care makes Indigenous people even more vulnerable to the detrimental effects of sleep disorders. We will find out more about sleep-related problems such as apnea and discuss ways to help fix them.

Native American and Alaska Native cultural advocates are consistently on the hunt for materials that help inspire Native youth. They know the value of resources that highlight a community’s culture and language. In this month’s literary spotlight there’s a lot to celebrate. Hopi author Anita Poleahla and Hopi illustrator Emmett Navakuku have filled the pages of two books with Hopi culture and language. “Celebrate My Hopi Corn” and “Celebrate My Hopi Toys” are aimed at the earliest readers. Learning the importance of corn and how to count are two big lessons taught through colorful imagery and the words of the Hopi Nation.

Those offering their support for the fight against the Dakota Access Pipeline represent dozens of tribes around the country. But there are also many non-Native people adding their voices to the cause. Their efforts can help amplify the message. But their methods can sometimes go against Native interests and cause friction. How can non-Native allies be most effective when attempting to help Native causes?