Native America Calling

Nearly 200 nations agreed to cut greenhouse gas emissions at the COP 21 summit in Paris this month. They’re going to limit the global rise in temperatures. Nothing in the agreement is legally binding, but supporters applaud the step forward. The agreement also mentions contributions by Indigenous populations, although there are no specific protections. We will talk to members of the Indigenous delegation to the talks and hear their perspectives on how this agreement saves the world. Or at least tilts in the right direction.

The Red Lake Nation reservation is home to the largest number of Ojibwe language speakers in Minnesota. Professor and linguist Anton Treuer conducted oral histories with Red Lake elders. He was also given access to Red Lake Nation archival collections. He paints a compelling and vital account that includes formation of the first modern Indigenous democratic governance system in the U.S. "Warrior Nation: A History of the Red Lake Ojibwe" is the December Book of the Month.

After a wave of controversy on the set, Adam Sandler’s film “The Ridiculous 6” debuted on Netflix over the weekend (Dec. 11). In April, Native American actors walked out of production because they believed certain parts of the script were offensive. At the time, the argument took to social media with the hashtag #NotYourHollywoodIndian. Did the final product end up as bad as the hype?

This month marks 125 years since the massacre at Wounded Knee Creek. Estimates put the number of men, women and children killed at nearly 300. The U.S. government awarded 20 Medals of Honor to soldiers who participated in the massacre. For 25 years the Chief Bigfoot Band Memorial Ride retraces Chief Bigfoot’s steps, ending at the Wounded Knee massacre site. This year the ride will include a ceremony to end all massacres. Did you learn about the Wounded Knee massacre in your history class? How can communities heal such trauma from the past?

Going toe-to-toe with another person trying to punch you in the face is not everyone’s idea of a good time. But the sport of boxing is a way of life for some athletes in Native America. Modern day warriors compete in the ring for local, national and even international titles. Sometimes they just duke it out to earn the respect of their gym. How is boxing connected to your Native community? How is it connected to your life?

John Trudell was a complex and charismatic poet, musician, actor and activist. We take time to highlight the accomplishments of the man whose life touched so many others. His early years were devoted to activist causes, including the 19-month occupation of Alcatraz Island and a leadership post with AIM. He released 14 albums of music starting with A.K.A. Grafitti Man. He also published a collection of his poetry and appeared in several films. His rich life inspired many others. Does John Trudell's life and work bring any memories to mind?

Over the years Native America has had the chance to experience what Blackfeet and Suquamish author, attorney, activist and poet Gyasi Ross has had to say through news outlets and his book. This month we bring you the opportunity to hear Gyasi through his new album “Isskootsik (Before Here Was Here)” off of Cabin Games label. It’s a blend of spoken word poetry that opens up stories about life and lessons learned all set to a rhythmic hip-hop sound. People like Winona LaDuke and Marlon Brando are thrown into the mix of words on a couple of the tracks. We invite you to join us as we visit with our December Music Maker, Gyasi Ross.

Language, culture and identity are helping educators and advocates tackle social issues like substance abuse and depression. Organizations are turning to Native values like respect to address homelessness and caring for elders. Native movements are helping replace other figures that historically oppressed Native nations. Others are restoring traditional place names. What types of movements are reshaping your community? What are the secrets to inspiring Indigenous youth to better their surroundings?

Archived show from November 2010, featuring John Trudell. There are masses of young, dynamic Native people who are socially and tribally conscious. They are ready to take on the sometimes overwhelming task of fighting for indigenous rights. How do we activate, motivate, mobilize and energize our next generation of grassroots activists and advocates? How do we get them to engage in this work for the long haul? Also, what can they learn from tribal elders and the vast, complex history of American Indian activism of only one or two generations ago? Guests include activists John Trudell (Santee Sioux) and Sara Marie Ortiz (Acoma Pueblo).

From our archives, the April, 2008 Book for the Month featuring John Trudell. The mind is a terrible thing to waste but a mined mind is terrible to be silenced. As poetry month comes to an end, the words that express what the human spirit endures and goes through are set free in John Trudell’s (Santee Sioux) latest book “Lines from a Mined Mind.” The collection of writings – from nearly a quarter century of his life – has converged in one place to help shake loose the restraints of being and intelligence. How does thinking arm the human soul against the world around them? Can out thinking an enemy prove to be mightier than any hand held weapon?