Native America Calling

Two political parties dominate the U.S. electoral system. Ever since the party system emerged in the 1800s, presidential elections have gone to either Democrats or Republicans. In the final installment of our series on political parties, we take a look at the role third parties play. The main alternatives to the top two are the Green Party, the Libertarian Party and the Constitution Party. None are on the ballot in all 50 states. Can Native voters find what they are looking for in a third party? Can a third party candidate make it to the White House?

Election season seems to be never-ending these days. And it’s hard to escape people—on social media, TV and even in person—telling you how important it is to cast your vote. If it’s so important, why does half of the voting-age public in the U.S. stay home on election day? Do you make the decision to not vote? One of our guests says voting is a product of colonialism. How important is voting (or not voting) to you?

As many as 5 out of every 1,000 children have some type of hearing loss, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Causes range from genetics to infections, and the consequences can last a lifetime. Parents new to the issue face a daunting list of options and treatments. In Native America, do families have all they need to raise a child who is deaf?

The presidential race keeps surprising us with each passing week as a flamboyant businessman with no political experience continues his march to the GOP nomination. Meanwhile, what’s the effect for Native Americans more than two years since the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Voting Rights Act? Also, the outgoing president of the United States meets with the incoming prime minister of Canada and both have high regard in Indian Country. We catch up on all the top news stories from Native America.

It’s unavoidable. Women in their 40s and 50s face a whole slew of physical changes ranging from hot flashes to mood swings. What should Native American women know about menopause and how can they prepare for it? What potential health complications should they discuss with their doctors?

All the world’s a stage—and some stages are used to showcase Native American stories and talent. Whether it’s drama or comedy, classic or avant garde, Native-centered theater is reaching more and more audiences. What makes theater “Native”? What kinds of plays are being written by Native playwrights? What are the audiences saying? Is it difficult to find Native actors?

Christianity in Native America has a complicated history. Early Christian missionaries discouraged traditional religious and spiritual practices within the tribes. But today many Native Americans adhere to a variety of Christian denominations including Catholic, Mormon, and Southern Baptist. They sometimes merge traditional spiritual practices with longstanding Christian beliefs. Can you practice both? Is there room for the crucifix in the sweat lodge?

Can you buy forgiveness for environmental damage? Carbon credits offer opportunities for companies and even individuals to balance out their greenhouse gas emissions by paying another entity that promises to lower emissions. Some tribes think selling carbon credits might be an economic opportunity as well as a way to protect resources. Whether or not you align with the conventional scientific thinking on global warming, carbon credits could be an economic boon for tribes. Are carbon credits something Indigenous people should be banking on?

“Hear Indigenous Voices: Uniting the Bold Voices of American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians.” That’s this year’s theme for National Native HIV/AIDS Awareness Day (on March 20). We’ll talk with advocates to hear how they are using their voices to prevent Native Americans from getting HIV. We’ll also hear about the latest ideas for supporting those who already it. Is it difficult to discuss HIV and AIDS in your Native community? Do we need to work on creating a space for open discussions?

The nearly two million acres in southeastern Utah is so important that five tribes are proposing an unprecedented collaboration with the federal government. The coalition wants President Barack Obama to establish the Bears Ears National Monument. A proposal by Utah’s representatives in Congress would preempt that effort. We will get an update on the effort to protect Bears Ears. We’ll also discuss the implications of national monument status.