Native America Calling

The word “Navajo” is not famous enough to be considered a trademark. That is the ruling by a federal judge this month in the Navajo Nation’s suit against the clothing retailer Urban Outfitters. Who has the right to make money from names, images, designs and even ideas that originated from Native peoples? Also, when outsiders research Native American customs can they do it without stealing intellectual property? We’ll explore the complex issue of Native trademark infringement and talk about ways tribes can protect their intellectual property.

When horses came to Native America, they changed the game for many tribes, who quickly incorporated them into the community and culture. Today, there are faster forms of transportation, but horses still roam in Native communities. Why are horses a big part of Native culture today? What issues affect horses on tribal land?

Have you ever considered yourself an Indigenous superhero? Captain Paiute didn’t either until duty called. This month we’ll dive into the adventure of “Captain Paiute: Indigenous Defender of the Southwest” by Theo Tso. The comic book explores the character’s past while presenting readers with an invitation to better understand Native nations. Paiute illustrator and comic creator Theo Tso joins us for the May Book of the Month.

Fishing is about the water, the quality time with your buddies and the thrill of the sport. It’s also about getting into the mind of a simple trout and finding out what he’s willing to bite. It taps into our hunting instincts and using trickery and skill. Sometimes it’s to catch food, other times it’s just for fun. We celebrate one of our favorite pastimes. Tell us about your biggest catch.

If one person commits suicide, it’s devastating for a family and a group of friends. When suicides come in clusters, it requires a larger community response. The Attawapiskat First Nation of Canada recently declared a state of emergency after 101 people attempted to kill themselves since September. Can a single suicide put others at risk? What can community members and social workers do to prevent groups of suicides?

Do you ever notice the smell of cigarette smoke on your clothes when you come home from a night at the casino? Smoking rates have steadily declined since the 1960s. But there are still a lot of places you inhale smoke from someone else’s cigarette. Exposure to secondhand smoke was responsible for more than 7,300 lung cancer deaths over a four year period, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What can be done to reduce the risks of secondhand smoke exposure? Is the vapor from e-cigarettes less dangerous?

Fear is a common reaction to something we don’t understand—especially when it’s something as intimate as sexuality. Some people have strong reactions when crossing paths with LGBTQ2 people including gay men and women. At times those reactions can lead to harsh words and even violence. We acknowledge the International Day Against Homophobia by exploring what discrimination against members of the Native American LGBTQ2 community looks like. How does this type of discrimination hurt the citizens of our Nations? Is there a way for all of us to exist together peacefully?

Protecting children is a top priority for most families. As communities mourn the recent abduction and murder of young Navajo girl, we'll take a moment to discuss how we can protect our children from harm. What should parents, grandparents and family members share with children about staying safe? What conversations should we be having with our kids about interacting with strangers or even people within our own circles?

Does your idea of reading begin and end with text messages on your phone? Year after year, Native American students lag behind other groups when it comes to reading levels. The Literacy Project links higher levels of reading with increased income and lower levels of incarceration. Several programs are working to get more books in the hands of Native Americans. What books are on your summer reading list?

The infant mortality rate in Native America is 1.5 times higher than whites, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. In some areas, like South Dakota, state health statistics show Native babies are three times more likely to die before their first birthday. If our children are sacred, why is the mortality rate so much higher? Does the issue lie in prenatal health?