Monday, November 30, 2015 – November in the News
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 with our guests, Mark Trahant with Indian Country Today, Mary Hudetz with the Associated Press, and Rhonda Levaldo with Haskell Indian Nations University.

Tuesday, December 1, 2015 – Trafficked: In And Out of Native America
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.

Wednesday, December 2, 2015 – Basketball: The Heartbeat of Indian Country
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.

Thursday, December 3, 2015 – Learning Native Languages
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?

Friday, December 4, 2015 – Dams
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 Elwah Dam. 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?

Native America Calling is a national call-in program that invites guests and listeners to join a dialogue about current events, music, arts, entertainment and culture.

The program is hosted by Tara Gatewood (Isleta Pueblo) and airs live each weekday from 1-2 pm Eastern.

Join the conversation by calling 1-800-996-2848

Coming up the week of November 30 on Native America Calling