Native America Calling

We’ve come a long way from government-controlled boarding schools. Many tribes are now assuming control of their own education systems. But the transition from the federal to tribal control remains complicated and controversial. For example, teachers at Bureau of Indian Education schools on the Navajo Nation worry they might lose money, benefits, or even their jobs. School officials say the plan is not a done deal, but the goal of educational self-determination is paramount.

When Native guitars start to sing the people begin to move. That’s something The Jir Project Band’s lead man Jir Anderson (Cochiti Pueblo) has witnessed over and over on his tours across Native America. This month we welcome him as he presents his third musical release. This time he is calling on the place he calls home to set the scene for his heavy rock and blues sound. “The Pueblo” features his ability to glide over the strings of his guitar to electrify listeners. He’ll be live in studio to tell us more about his band and their compositions. Join us for this trip into Native sound with our July Music Maker Jir Anderson.

Dirt roads, rural life, horses, and heartbreak. Those are words that might conjure one aspect of Native American living. They also describe some of the driving themes of country music. The simple lyrics and twangy guitar riffs definitely have their place in the hearts of Native American listeners. We bring together Native musicians rooted in these tunes to find out what it is about trucks, boots, jeans and hard living that makes people want to sing along. How do you connect to country music?

Her voice was a frequent back-up to stars like Eric Clapton, Leon Russel and Stephen Stills. Grammy Award-winning Cherokee singer and songwriter Rita Coolidge also had solo hits like "(Your Love Has Lifted Me) Higher and Higher" and “We’re All Alone.” Now Coolidge is out with a memoir, Delta Lady, that recalls her days with the icons of music. As our July Native in the Spotlight, Coolidge relives her memories as a sought-after singer and muse in the L.A. music scene.

Fermented fish eggs and sheep’s head are considered delicacies to some tribes. But since burgers and pizza made their way to Native communities, our palates changed and we don’t eat them as often. The more traditional Native food can be hard to find and even hard to stomach for some of us. But they reflect the diversity of our tribal cultures and still occasionally make it to our plates. In this program, we celebrate unique delicacies and the efforts by some people to keep them vital. What’s considered a delicacy in your Native community?

A “devastating epidemic” is the phrase used by U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell to describe opioid abuse. Treatment for addicts continues to evolve. One approach, Medication-assisted Treatment (MAT), uses drugs like methadone or buprenorphine. Another relies on an abstinence-based treatment program. Which approach is the best treatment for opioid addiction? Is it the same for everyone?

Fewer than 3,000 police officers patrol more than 56 million acres in Indian Country. That’s the sobering statistic from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. All tolled, tribal law enforcement agencies need to double that number to be on par with other communities. What can be done to recruit and retain more cops?

From Pamuya to Cary Morin, Native American musicians give us a deep connection to our emotional motivations. Music moves us to tears and inspires us to get up and get moving. Whether it’s blues, country, rock, or traditional, music by Native Americans brings a unique and heartfelt groove to any given day. We celebrate some of the best bands and individual artists and hear what their words and melodies do for listeners.

Sex offenders pose a pervasive threat to our sense of security. There are hundreds of registered sex offenders in our Native communities. Many pose little risk and have lived in their communities for decades without incident. Others are considered high risks for reoffending. Officials struggle with the best ways to keep the public safe while also protecting people’s right to privacy. Tribal governments have varying ways of monitoring sex offenders. We’ll get a snapshot of the situation and learn some of the options are for communities and individuals.

The Supreme Court handed a victory for tribal court sovereignty in a case involving domestic abuse sentencing. We’ll examine the details behind the unanimous ruling in US v Bryant and what it means for the future of tribal courts. In the wake of the mass shooting of 49 people in Orlando Florida, some people are questioning the headlines “Worst Mass Shooting in US History.” We’ll discuss the criticisms and appropriateness of such arguments. And as always, until November, we keep an eye on the elections.