Native America Calling

American cigarette smoking is on the decline, according to a new study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But, it’s not the same story in Native America. Native Americans and Alaska Natives are the heaviest smokers compared to all other ethnicities. When tobacco smoking is the leading cause of preventable disease and death, why are Native Americans still smoking so much?

The history of record is often told by those in dominate society, while other communities find their voices silenced. "An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States" tells 400 years of history from an Indigenous perspective. Join us for a conversation with the author, Roxanne Dunbar-Ortiz about the U.S. policies and events and that shaped Native America. What exactly is history told from an Indigenous point of view? Did your history classes include an Indigenous perspective?

Have you ever woken from a dream and wondered what it all meant? Dreams about flying, falling or even being chased can mean different things to different people. Sometimes our dreams can provide insight into our daily lives, and sometimes they are just puzzling. Native Voice One’s show Seers from the First People explores what dreams mean. Join us for a conversation with the hosts, who will analyze your dreams from their perspective.

The construction of dams is a contentious issue for some Native communities. The Garrison Dam in North Dakota, constructed in 1947, flooded one fourth of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation’s land base. In 2011, the Lower Elwah Klallam Tribe celebrated the removal of the dams on the Elwha River. A recent dam break in Brazil caused 11 deaths and another 12 people are missing. It also released over 60 million cubic meters of toxic mining waste into the Rio Dolce. The disaster affected several Indigenous communities including the Krenak tribe whose only source of drinking water is now contaminated. Should we take a second look at the dams in Native America?

The project “Rising Voices/Hótȟaŋiŋpi” examines the struggle to learn the Lakota language. It’s one of many programs all over the US focused on revitalizing individual Native languages. What does it take to really learn the tongue of your people? Are you worried the most basic tools of communication for your ancestors are disappearing? What challenges do communities and individuals face with acquiring and speaking Indigenous language?

A basketball bouncing on a gym’s hardwood floor fuels a sense of Native pride almost as much as the sound of a drum does. Basketball is a way of life in Native America. How did this sport make its way into the heart of Indian Country? What does it mean to the young and old players, the fans and the communities that support them? Do you have a basketball player in the family? Did you play? Join our conversation.

The good news is states are making strides in the fight against sex traffickers, according to a new Shared Hope International study. But in Native America the picture for victims remains bleak. South Dakota is benefitting from a crackdown on the worst offenders, but former U.S. attorney Brendan Johnson notes “Native Americans are a disproportionate percentage of victims.” How do reservation jurisdictional issues complicate sex trafficking prosecutions? In this hour, we’ll focus on what tribes, states and advocates are doing to keep Natives safe from traffickers.

Montana Democrat Denise Juneau (Mandan Hidatsa) sets her sights on Congress, tribes find the marijuana business is not so cut-and-dried, and students of color fight to improve their campuses. These are some of the big news items we’ll take a look at during the hour.

There’s a lot that comes with the Thanksgiving holiday including the story of pilgrims and Native Americans sharing a meal nearly 400 years ago. Over the years, many scholars and cultural advocates have weighed in on the validity of this story. This year the National Geographic Channel movie “Saints & Strangers” is reopening the dialogue on this story. We visit with some of the Native Actors to hear their thoughts on this project and the story of Thanksgiving.

The art of sewing, whether by hand or on a machine, is what clothes each of us. In Native America, sewing is used for basic purposes and it’s used to make traditional and religious attire. How have fashion and the use of color changed over time? How has technology influenced the art of sewing? What are some basic tips for people just learning how to sew? Join us for an encore presentation of our 2015 discussion on sewing in Native America. Phone lines will be closed today but you can still add your comments on this topic on our website and on Twitter @180099Native