Some of the major art markets are wrapping up for the year. But for the artists, the work continues all year long. Many artists are constantly hustling, taking part-time jobs and branching out with other talents, just to put food on the table. A lucky few can get some breathing room with grants or fellowships. What does it take to have a thriving artist community in Native America? How do you support the artists in your life? We’ll speak with artists about their work, and the importance of supporting the arts.

The protest against the Dakota Access Pipeline gathered steam, although organizers complained about unfavorable media coverage. They took their messages to social media. That’s one of the topics on the table as we check in on recent news. Also, the Navajo Nation sues the EPA over last year’s Gold King Mine spill, an Arizona court deals a blow to a Gila River Indian Community custody case, and the presidential candidates continue to ignore Native American issues.

Some traditional weddings take days to complete and require specific time-honored tasks from the bride and groom. They’re not the typical Western weddings with the puffy, white gowns, tuxedos and tiered cake. Many young Native American couples are opting for the traditional ceremony. What does it take to put on a traditional wedding? How have traditions changed to fit the times?

We put the spotlight on some of the Native filmmakers whose films recently graced the big screen. The Native Cinema Showcase, during Santa Fe Indian Market, highlights recent works. We discuss films, the movie industry and how Native Americans fit into the world of cinema.

This is the time of year when young people are heading off to college for the first time. There are a lot of details and new experiences for incoming freshmen: financial aid, class schedules, dorm roommates, and missing home. Beyond the basics, what do Native students need to know to be prepared?

The protest grows in size by the day at the spot where Energy Transfer Partners aims to break ground on the Dakota Access Pipeline. The protesters near the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation hope to stop the momentum toward building the nearly 1,200-mile pipeline carrying crude oil from the Bakken oil fields to Illinois. Protesters set up at the Camp of the Sacred Stones are raising awareness of the issue, filling social media with videos. Meanwhile, lawyers on both sides are battling for their cause in the courts. Will pipeline opponents’ outcry change the outcome?

Native American entrepreneurs are among those tapping into the craft beer boom. With a brew pub on every corner, how do you rise above the crowd? From live music to food trucks to clever social media, Native breweries are working to make themselves known in the growing industry. We talk to Native people in the beer business about when to have an IPA over a lager. What are the best words to use when describing the taste of beer? And what’s with all the funny beer names?

Do you have a picky eater in the family? Someone who changes the way you cook and shop for groceries? Children can be stubborn when it comes to downing healthy foods like broccoli or green beans. Exasperated parents feel guilty when they end up feeding their kids chicken nuggets and Froot Loops. What’s the solution to the picky eater conundrum?

Many of us hope that we will someday write the great (Native) American novel. For those dedicated enough to put words to the page there are more ways than ever for getting work into readers’ hands. Many writers dash off copies to major publishing houses and collect rejection slips. Self-publishing is another option, but doesn’t offer anything in the way of distribution and marketing. Maybe the e-book path is best. What happens next after you type the words “The End” in your manuscript?

Fighting to breathe is a scary experience. But that’s the reality for 1 out of every 12 people in the U.S. who have asthma, according to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. American Indian and Alaska Native children are 30 percent more likely to have asthma, according to the Office of Minority Health. Rates of asthma are increasing and it’s unclear why. Researchers say environmental contaminants like smoke, dust mites, mold, and certain chemicals can trigger an attack. We’ll talk with doctors about the symptoms and the most up-to-date treatments. Email your questions about asthma to [email protected].