Native America Calling

Ishmael Hope (Tlingit and Inupiaq) is a Jack-of-all artistic trades. He’s a writer, poet, actor, storyteller, and scholar. You might also know his name from his involvement in the video game, “Never Alone.” We’ll hear a poem or two, and talk about his recent endeavors in literature and what it means for him, as an Alaska Native, to navigate the literary world.

So often, masculinity is defined by strength, stoicism, and money-making ability. It wasn’t always like that in Native American societies. Our guests will outline what current Native masculinity looks like and how that relates or conflicts with traditional roles for men. How do you think masculinity and the roles for Native men have changed over time? What kinds of things are we teaching to our Native boys on how to be men?

Horseback riders are en route to Mankato, Minnesota for the annual Dakota 38 +2 memorial ride. They plan to arrive at their destination December 26th to mark the 154 years since President Abraham Lincoln ordered the largest mass execution in U.S. history. We’ll take a moment to commemorate the day and the events that led up to it. We’ll also learn more about the annual ride to honor the memory of the 38 Dakota warriors who were executed.

Methamphetamine abuse is a serious problem. Law enforcement officials and health advocates agree the abuse of this very dangerous drug has a ripple effect on our families, schools and community. Is meth addiction getting the attention it needs? We’ll hear stories of recovery and what some people are doing to fight this plague.

Some enterprising companies are taking advantage of the popularity of the Dakota Access pipeline fight by selling knock-off “No DAPL t-shirts”. Some Native artists say their designs are being used without permission. The problem of stealing Native designs by non-Natives is not new: in 2015, designs very similar to fashion designer Bethany Yellowtail’s (Northern Cheyenne/Crow) work showed up on the runway. What can artists do to protect their work? How do you now what you’re buying is from the original source?

The story of the Nisenan people meeting Johann Sutter, a pioneer who brought upon the California Gold Rush in the late 1800s, is told—in musical fashion—through “Something Inside is Broken.” It’s as a rock opera filled with songs in the Nisenan language. It’s written and produced by Jack Kohler (Hupa) and Alan Wallace (Washoe) of On Native Ground. We’ll hear some of the songs and talk to some of the main players about how this production promotes healing.

While the Dakota Access Pipeline fight is far from over, some people at the camps are packing up and returning home at the request of the Standing Rock Sioux tribal leadership. But there are a number of other pipeline fights that are still looming. We’ll talk about the Enbridge 3, Trans Mountain Pipeline, and a few others that have Natives worried.

Veterans have a special place in our Native nations and this month’s book has a place for them in the pages of the comics. “Tales of the Mighty Code Talkers, Volume 1” explores the lives of code talkers from World War I through Korea. It’s a blending of the creativity of nine Indigenous artists and writers using the graphic novel concept to let the history unfold. We invite you to join us as we visit with some of the artists from the book.

Native Americans talk a lot about decolonization. But what that means is defined by each individual’s continuum. The overall goal is to reject colonial institutions and ideologies. But how much of your diet, your relationships with others, and the way you learn are you willing to change? We’ll talk about the basics of what it means to decolonize.

This is the time of year when new college students might start considering quitting school and heading home. School can be stressful, especially for those who are experiencing it for the first time. How should parents or family members respond when a student wants to drop out of college? What are the financial consequences to such a big decision? What can colleges do to encourage their Native students to stay?