Native America Calling

On this Black Friday, we’re shopping around for the most interesting and important Native journalism. We’ll learn more about the Mormon Church foster care scandal on the Navajo Nation. We’ll also check in on some previous stories we’ve covered and where they currently stand. We’ll also shine the light on some Native news stories that you may have missed because of the election and Dakota Access pipeline coverage.

It’s the time of year for reflection, feasts and family. We’re taking this time to rebroadcast one of our more popular shows on the tradition of hunting. It connects to the importance of sustenance, ceremony and celebration. What are the new traditions in your community?

Visionmaker Media is celebrating 40 years of Native filmmaking by showing 40 Native films over 40 weeks. The films featured run the gamut from Native marching bands to the protection of sacred places. We’ll chat with producers and filmmakers about the films they chose and what’s in store for the next 40 years.

Food allergies among children are becoming more common. There was a 50 percent increase in the prevalence of food allergies between 1997 and 2011, according to a 2013 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study. Another 2007 study found seal and whale meat caused allergic reactions among some Alaska Natives. Figuring out what to eat can be a challenge. The problem gets even more complicated with some Native Americans who have to confront poverty and food insecurity.

Food allergies among children are becoming more common. There was a 50 percent increase in the prevalence of food allergies between 1997 and 2011, according to a 2013 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study. Another 2007 study found seal and whale meat caused allergic reactions among some Alaska Natives. Figuring out what to eat can be a challenge. The problem gets even more complicated with some Native Americans who have to confront poverty and food insecurity.

Taté Walker (Mniconjou Lakota) is the editor of Native Peoples magazine which features the life and work of Native American, Alaska Natives and all First Peoples. She is an accomplished journalist, writer, blogger and photographer and her work over the years has raised awareness on the importance of Native art and culture.

Super Indian. Tribal Force. Captain Paiute. If you don’t know these names then you’re not yet plugged into the growing world Indigenous comics. The first ever Indigenous Comic Con is descending on Albuquerque and we’re broadcasting live. Comic conventions or ‘cons’ began as an opportunity for hard core comic book fans to connect and geek out. But it’s grown to include a much broader audience. There are a handful of comics and video games written by and about Native Americans. We’ll talk with some of the artists and authors about what inspires them.

Smoking rates are going down, but about 40 million adults in the U.S. still light up. The chances for Native Americans picking up the habit are higher than the rest of the population. On the day designated by the American Cancer Society as the Great American Smokeout, well discuss tips and tricks for quitting. We’ll also explore the difference between commercial and sacred tobacco. Are you ready to quit smoking?

The election of Donald Trump puts the Affordable Care Act in jeopardy. The new president-elect promises to repeal what’s known as Obamacare. That has possible consequences for Native Americans because it’s linked to Medicaid funding and the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. We will explore some of the potential scenarios that the new president and Congress might bring forward in the coming months.

Young people have ideas, energy and passion. But that passion can turn into frustration when they think no one is listening to them. The Obama administration launched Generation Indigenous to help young people succeed. The UNITY group also promotes positive pathways for Native American youth. In cultures that place a high degree of respect on elders, young people must work to be taken seriously. Are there ways to keep them from getting discouraged?