Native America Calling – week of March 31st

Monday, March 31, 2014 – The Budget

Earlier this month, President Obama released his FY 2015 proposed budget, which includes proposals for job creation and education. Politico called the budget proposal was called “a White House wishlist.” If much of the budget is expected to be opposed in Congress, what is the outlook for Native America? Some relevant proposals include: full funding for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Indian Health Service contract support costs and a 12 million dollar increase to the Tiwahe (Family) Initiative, which addresses poverty, violence and substance abuse in Indian Country. What do you think of the President’s proposed budget? Where is the need for funding the greatest right now in Native America? Guests include: Mark Trahant (Shoshone-Bannock) journalist and Atwood Chair at the University of Alaska.

Tuesday, April 1, 2014 – Fooling Around with Native Comedy

We celebrate the fun and whimsical nature about today’s holiday, April Fool’s Day. Across the country pranks and jokes are being played on friends and family. Are you one of the thousands that couldn’t wait to pull someone’s leg? How did it go? Are you seeking revenge from the doozy that was played on you last year? What does it take to pull off a good prank or joke? We’ve invited some Native comedians to tell why they like to fool around with laughter and we want you to join our shenanigans. Share your April Fool’s pride! Guests include Native comedians Marc Yaffee (Navajo) and Adam Stone (Native Hawaiian)

It’s time for another round of Current Events on Native America Calling! April is Financial Literacy month in the US. We’ll get some practical money advice fromDr.Per Cap. We’ll also hear about the Alaska Rural Health Conference, Cross Cultural Medicine/Data Into Action Workshops and a Food Sovereignty Summit. What events, gatherings or celebrations do you want to share this month? Call in during the broadcast or email us (comments@nativeamericacalling.com).

Children are resilient but that strength has limits. Children of all ages can be deeply impacted when they see or experience violence in their homes. According to a 2009 National Survey of Children’s Exposure to Violence, about 60 percent of kids are exposed to violence during their childhood, and those numbers can be higher in some Native communities. Without intervention, exposure to violence can interfere with a child’s healthy development. Join us as we take a closer at what happens when children witness violence, and what’s being done to address it.

The summer travel season is just around the corner and some people are planning trips to Native America. Does your tribe have special tourist attractions? Are you planning a trip to another Native Nation this year? Join us for a conversation with tribal tourism departments as they share where you can go to learn and explore other parts of Native America.