Native America Calling

The U.S. Census Bureau is debating whether to add an enrollment question for Native Americans in 2020 Census count. The agency is conducting a test in two communities. Native Americans—especially those in remote, rural areas—are among the populations that are poorly represented on the Census. Are there consequences for being under-counted? Were you counted back in the 2010 Census?

The need for Native American and Alaska Native foster parents is great. Finding safe and nurturing homes for Native children who need them is a critical element for a successful future. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services reports that at any given time around 400,000 children are living in foster care. What makes a good foster parent? Do foster parents need special skills to provide good care for the children they take in?

From the moment the pregnancy test gives a positive result many parents start worrying about how to have a healthy baby. What are the right foods to eat during pregnancy? How much exercise should you get? And now we can add the Zika virus to the list of potential threats. We’ll speak with experts about the best choices and behaviors to have the healthiest possible pregnancy.

When news broke last week that a Paris auction included several sacred Native American items, including human remains, people were furious. Many—including tribal leaders, organization leaders and government officials expressed their disappointment and dismay. Just one sacred item out of hundreds was spared from the sale at the Eve auction house. How do these important items leave the Native community? How do they end up overseas? Is there a way to stop the unscrupulous trade of sacred Native items?

Sovereignty, land use, health care and education are a few of the issues that Native American voters are keeping their eyes on during the elections. Senator Bernie Sanders has gone out of his way to meet with tribal leaders and speak up about Native American interests. But is he the right candidate for Indian Country? As the two major parties get ready to formally nominate their presidential candidates we revisit the issues and promises that are important to you.

A new film documents a group of Native American high school girls who defy tradition by playing—and excelling at—lacrosse. “Keepers of the Game” reveals both the obstacles and triumphs of the team and the girls individually. We talk with the director of the documentary about making the film and the reception it’s receiving with audiences and critics. We’ll also explore the history of lacrosse and what it means for girls to take up the sport.

Every day, nearly 80 people receive organ transplants. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services statistics also show another 22 people die waiting for an organ transplant. Organizations like Donate Life and the American Transplant Foundation urge people to register as organ donors, but there’s still a shortage of donors across the board. Many Native Americans view organ donation as a violation of their cultural and traditional beliefs. In this program we’ll discuss organ transplants. The practice is a proven life-saver, but it also clashes with some cultures. Are you a donor?

Annie Humphrey is stepping back in the music arena after a break of more than ten years. Her new album “UnCombed Hair” features ten tracks with a poetic look into life and love that she says reflects her life now. Humphrey is from the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and her songs exemplify the beauty and musical talent coming out of our Native nations. We get reacquainted with her distinctive sound on our May Music Maker edition.

Forming glass from sand has ancient roots. But using glass in art is a relatively new medium for Native American artists. Those who work with glass turn traditional images, shapes, and ideas into sculpture that is as beautiful as it is fragile. The works take after traditional baskets, jars, totems and masks. A handful of Native American artists have mastered the process that involves forming molten glass into intricate patterns. We invite you to join us for an encore presentation where we talked to Native artists about the joys and frustrations of working with glass.

Several tribal leaders are close to repatriating the remains of Native children who died at the Carlisle Indian School. In Washington, Kennewick Man is nearly set to go home after two decades of court battles and challenges by scientists. The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) calls for the remains of Native people and ancestors to be brought back home and properly buried. We will discuss current repatriation efforts and asking why it's important.