Monday, June 15, 2015 – Sacred Places Update

There are thousands of sacred Native American and Alaska Native cultural sites across the US. Oak Flat in Arizona and Mauna Kea in Hawaii are two significant sites that have recently received national attention. Our occasional series Sacred Places Update is an opportunity to share your thoughts and concerns about places that are sacred or significant to your tribe. Are there places in your community that are in danger of being destroyed? Or do you have a victory to report when it comes to preserving and honoring a sacred place? Are you planning on visiting a sacred place this summer?

You can send your sacred place update to:  comments@nativeamericacalling.com

Tuesday, June 16, 2015 – Climate Change and Health

The effects of climate change can already be felt throughout Native America, such as eroding coastlines or limits on subsistence hunting and fishing. But what is the impact of climate change on our health? The World Health Organization estimates an additional 250,000 people will die between 2030 and 2050 as a result of climate change. Drawing a connection between climate change and health is not simple, but the U.S. Global Change Research Program is currently developing an assessment of the climate change and health. Do you feel that climate change is threatening the health of your family or your community? Would you like to see tribal, state or federal governments take action to address climate change and health? Guests: Ann Marie Chischilly (Diné) – executive director of the Institute for Tribal Environmental Professionals, Larry Campbell (Swinomish) – Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community and Jamie Donatuto, environmental health analyst for the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015 – The Art Of Hawaii

The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation recently awarded 12 Native Hawaiians the 2015 Native Hawaiian Artists Fellowship for their work in visual and traditional arts, including dance and music. In today’s show, we put the spotlight on a few of those artists as we explore Native Hawaiian art.

Thursday, June 18, 2015 – Loved Ones On The Outside

There are currently over 2 million people incarcerated in the US. But how many more wives, children, fathers and friends are waiting outside? How does incarceration affect the loved ones of prisoners? There can be financial burdens, such as a mother or father supporting the whole family on one income. Emotions can also be difficult to manage. Family members experience grief, anger and other emotional effects when there’s an empty space at the dinner table. How does the incarceration of a parent affect children? What kind of support is available for families as they deal with the incarceration of a loved one?  Today’s show is part three of our series on Native Ameircans in the prison system.

Friday, June 19, 2015 – Old Time Round Dance Songs of Oklahoma

It’s time to take things to Oklahoma and the dance arena. This month, we welcome the vibrancy and smoothness of the old-time round dance songs from the southern plains with the album “Songs of Our Old People.” These songs are known for their distinct vocal patterns and precious beat. We invite you to learn more about the origins of the Oklahoma round dance style as we visit with one of the voices behind this album, Kenneth Cozad of the Kiowa and Comanche Nations, our June Music Makers on Native America Calling.

Follow this conversation with our hashtag: #rounddanceOKstyle

Native America Calling – Week of June 15