Native America Calling

Genetically engineered salmon will be larger and grow faster than wild salmon. It could be a solution to help feed a hungry world. Or at least that’s what supporters say about the first genetically altered animal to receive FDA approval. But opponents call the salmon “Frankenfish.” The Yurok Tribe in California has banned the GMO salmon and all genetically altered food from its land. What are the chances you’ll be eating GMO salmon in the future? Do the benefits outweigh the risks?

Four Alaska men are free after a judge vacated their murder convictions. The settlement last month came after the men, known as the Fairbanks Four, spent 18 years in prison. Now that they’re out from behind bars, though, many questions remain. What forces put them in prison despite questionable evidence? How many other cases slipped through the cracks in which people—especially Alaska Natives—are wrongfully convicted? Who committed the murder they were originally convicted of? We will talk with the journalist who kept after the case after noticing discrepancies. We’ll also hear from the head of the Alaska Innocence Project that helped secure the settlement that set the men free.

We’re looking ahead to the new year, but first we want to remember what came before. Here’s your opportunity to recall some of the most inspiring, aggravating and entertaining moments of 2015. Our staff hand picked some of the most memorable moments of the year and distilled them into an hour of reflection and reminiscence.

On this last day of the year, we’ll take another look at the leaders, artists and other significant people who we lost. This is our day to reflect on the accomplishments and inspirations of those who will remain in our memories. It's a powerful hour of reflection with expert advice for everyone about ways to handle grief. Who would you like to remember in 2015?

An alleged sexual assault of a Choctaw teenager in a Dollar General store on the reservation, turned into a high-profile Supreme Court case. In Dollar General Corporation v. Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the petitioners argue tribal courts can't provide a fair and do not have jurisdiction. The tribe maintains it has jurisdiction to hear the civil case and has the power to impose penalties in tribal court. A decision by the Supreme Court could have a far-reaching effect on tribal sovereignty and the power of tribal courts. Should tribal courts have the power to hear civil suits against non-Native owned businesses?

President Obama signed a 1.8 trillion dollar spending bill, avoiding a shutdown. The Fairbanks Four convictions were thrown out. And a federal judge dismissed a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act. These stories and more are up for discussion as well as a look back at the best and worst Native headlines in 2015.

In Native America, the stars are more than sparkly lights in the night sky. They reveal our origin stories, hero stories or moral teachings. We’re telling star stories and discussing why the stars are important for those of us on Earth. Why are the stars important to you?

The holiday dinner is right around the corner. Our plates will be filled with some sort of succulent meat, numerous sides and at least one dessert. This holiday dinner may look perfect in your head, but sometimes it doesn’t turn out that way. Some folks are not aces in the kitchen and probably never get invited to bring food to the holiday potluck. In this episode, we’re going to help you in the kitchen. Do you have questions about that raspberry torte recipe? Are you wondering what kind of sauce compliments roast lamb?

It’s the season of giving so we are taking our annual look at people's personal experiences with giving and receiving. We hear from our listeners and from many of the people we've crossed paths with recently about memorable gifts--from white elephants to cherished keepsakes, from Bed, Bath & Beyond gift cards to family togetherness. We’re sharing stories gift giving stories, send yours to [email protected]

For some tribes, winter means it’s time to take out the string. Choreographed finger movements weave strings into intricate figures and designs—stars, animals, heroes and tricksters. Depending on the pattern, a person playing string games can hold an entire story in their hands. String figures are made all over the world and many tribes in the U.S. have their own stories behind them. How does your tribe use string figures? What’s your favorite string game?