Native America Calling

The World Health Organization fired up a debate when it warned about the connection between processed meat and cancer. But long before that, the American Heart Association and American Cancer Society both urged Americans to reduce their red meat consumption. Have we listened?

The U.S. Department of Agriculture says Americans consume more meat than is recommended. The consumer research firm, NPD Group, finds little change in meat consumption over the last two decades despite warnings by health officials. How important is meat to Native families? How can we change our dietary habits?

Voting is under way right now for about 100-thousand Native Hawaiians. The election is both historic and contentious.

For the first time since the U.S. government took control of the islands more than a century ago, Native Hawaiians have a chance to regain sovereignty similar to Native tribes on the mainland. But some Native Hawaiians believe the state-sanctioned process doesn’t go nearly far enough. There are concerns about the Hawaiian Roll Commission’s list of eligible voters and the process that led up to this vote. What’s at stake in the Hawaiian election this month?

First Nations journalist and musician Wab Kinew (Midewin) offers his take on Native culture and its ability to provide strength even in some of the darkest hours. Through his father’s life path and his own journey, his memoir, “The Reason You Walk,” introduces readers to what it means to be a resilient aboriginal person confronting the past while looking forward. Join us for our visit with our November Book of the Month author Wab Kinew.

Follow this conversation with the hashtag: #ReasonYouWalk

There are those among us who believe the end is near. They are preparing for the end of civilization, either because of economic collapse, war, natural disaster or even the zombie apocalypse. Some go as far as spending money and time gathering emergency supplies and food for when the time comes. Is this is a good idea? Should we all be prepping for some type of disaster, big or small? When harsh weather strikes or wildfires threaten your community, will you be prepared?

A man committed suicide in front of dozens of horrified onlookers at the Alaska Federation of Natives conference in Anchorage last month. The tragedy came even as the conference worked to address troubling suicide statistics in Native populations. Native American and Alaska Native men between 18 to 24 years old are much more likely to commit suicide than the rest of the population, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Are suicide prevention programs helping? Is there a model program or an amount of money that can save lives?

From the highest offices of government to your personal bank account, debt is a big part of your daily life. Congress deals with the country’s debt by raising the government’s limit just before the deadline. But most people have no such power over how they pay off their mortgages or student loans.

We’ll discuss different kinds of debt and how the people’s views have changed over the years. We’ll also talk about strategies to get out of debt and preparing your budget for the holiday spending season. When is taking on debt a good idea?

Canada swears in a new Prime Minister Wednesday, switching political directions after nine years of Conservative Party rule. An unprecedented rise in aboriginal turnout helped sweep Stephen Harper out of office and Justin Trudeau in. What prompted the electoral shift? What does the Trudeau government mean for us? What lessons can Native Americans learn from the Canadian elections?

Pope Francis apologized to Indigenous leaders in July and asked forgiveness, “for not only for the offenses of the church herself, but also for crimes committed against the native peoples during the so-called conquest of America.” President Obama in 2009 signed a Native American Apology Resolution that was tacked onto the defense appropriations bill. In 2008 the Canadian government apologized and created a Truth and Reconciliation Commission for the victims of the residential school system. What is the purpose of an official apology? Is it enough? Are apologies a step toward reconciliation? Should they come with concrete obligations?

Halloween is nearly here and many TV shows are unearthing seasonal episodes with spooks and ghouls. One popular plot line is the “Indian burial ground” trope that usually includes characters becoming cursed or haunted because they unwittingly desecrate a Native American burial ground. Join us as we examine shows and movies that rely on exaggerated or just plain wrong interpretations of Native culture. Where did the fascination with Indian burial grounds come from? What are some other myths that movies perpetuate?

Lyn Risling (Karuk/Yurok/Hupa) and Analisa Tripp (Karuk) are introducing the world to Native American California culture through the pages of a children’s book, “A is for Acorn: A California Indian ABC.” Each letter of the English alphabet is connected to an aspect of Native culture, like B for basket—featuring designs similar to many of the tribes that call California home. Animals, plants and other cultural objects also get the highlight in this playful look at the ABC’s. We invite you to join us as we visit the book’s creators on our October Book of the Month feature.