Native America Calling

Nearly 9 percent of Native Americans experienced a major depressive episode according to the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental Health Findings. That means they experienced severe problems with sleep, eating, energy, concentration, and self-worth—enough to interfere with their daily lives. The survey lists Native Americans as the group with the highest rate of depression. We talk to experts about the signs and treatments for depression and some of the suspected causes for the illness in Native populations.

There are few U.S. cabinet positions that have more interaction with Native Nations than the head of the Interior Department. The job entails overseeing the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education as well as protecting and managing federal natural resources. Congressman Ryan Zinke is President Trump’s Interior secretary choice. We’ll discuss Rep. Zinke’s track record with tribes and what his role means for critical issues in our Native Nations.

We’re within weeks of the Ancient One, also known as Kennewick Man, of returning to tribes in Washington state. It’s been a 20-year battle to get to this point. The argument between archaeologists and tribes was finally settled by a DNA test and several court rulings. We get an update on the status of the 9,000-year-old remains and find out how tribal leaders in Washington are preparing for their return.

With a stroke of the pen, President Donald Trump revived the Dakota Access Pipeline construction. Now, officials say an easement to complete the pipeline is coming. The actions have sparked calls by pipeline opponents for renewed and escalated resistance. The chairman of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe says the tribe will continue to fight the project in the courts. Where is the movement to halt the pipeline headed from here?

Grammy Nominee Radmilla Cody from the Navajo Nation is exploring her Diné foundation in her latest album “K’é Hasin.” The title translates to kinship and hope and sets the pace for the 13-track album that features both the Navajo and English language. With titles like “A Woman’s Journey” and “Walking Through Life,” listeners are invited to learn more about the importance of community and culture in sustaining a strong native life. We invite you to join us as we talk with our January Music Maker, Radmilla Cody.

It can be daunting to stand in front of a classroom trying to solve a complicated math problem. For many of us, just balancing our checkbooks is scary enough. For American Indian and Alaska Native students math scores are generally lower than the national average. We continue our look at STEM subjects by exploring some innovative ways math is taught to Native students. Can using culture help students improve in mathematics?

President Donald Trump took quick action toward advancing the Dakota Access Pipeline project. We’ll discuss what was in the orders he signed this week. We’ll also talk about the strong response from tribal leaders, activists and protesters on the ground as we get a handle on recent news. Also, what does a repeal of Obamacare mean for the Indian Health Care Improvement Act? Those topics and your comments are up for discussion in our news round up.

Native American chefs put a great emphasis on using quality, fresh ingredients. They encourage others to grow and use their own vegetables in their home cooking. We’ll talk to some notable chefs and expert Indigenous gardeners about the importance of incorporating home gardens in our daily diet. It’s the time of year to start thinking about what’s going in our gardens or perhaps whether to till the soil for the first time.

A new law in Oklahoma says only enrolled members of federally recognized tribes can label and sell their art as “Native made.” That means artists from tribes recognized only by states are out of luck. Those in support of the law—including several tribes—say it protects the integrity of Native art. But others—like Peggy Fontenot, an artist from a state-recognized tribe—say the law tramples on her rights. Do you think we need stricter arts and crafts laws? Is it fair for a state to determine who is Native or not?

Over the past two decades, the rate of kidney failures among Native Americans quietly dropped a total 54 percent. That’s the word this month from the Centers for Disease Control. The milestone is remarkable considering Native Americans are more likely to have diabetes than any other group, and diabetes is the major cause of kidney failure. It didn’t require a magic pill or miracle cure. Health officials credit a sustained, concerted effort. The low-key success story is saving lives and millions of dollars.