Week of August 17 on Native America Calling

Laguna Pueblo poet and potter Max Early gives readers the opportunity to learn about his Native community in his new book “Ears of Corn: Listen.” It is a window into the everyday as well as a guide to many special moments that take place in his tribal nation. Some of the poetry found in this collection features the language of Laguna Pueblo and the faces of community members of yesterday and today. We invite you to take a journey with us through Max’s creative process and his community stories this month in our latest celebration of Native literature.

Follow this conversation with our hashtag: #LAGUNApoet

On Aug. 5, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency accidentally triggered a major toxic spill of mine waste into a creek that flowed into the Animas River in Colorado. The EPA estimates that about 3 million gallons of mining waste water was released. The spill turned the Animas, and later the San Juan River, bright orange. With the rivers closed, farmers, families and businesses are all affected by this spill. Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye announced plans to take legal action against the EPA to recover money spent on cleaning up the spill. It is also estimated that there are 23,000 abandoned mines in Colorado. Who is responsible for cleaning up abandoned mines? Cultural practices and livelihoods are often tied to water. How can tribes, states and the federal government work together to protect our sacred waterways? Guests: Dr. Karletta Chief (Diné) – assistant professor in the department of soil, water, and environmental sciences at the University of Arizona.

What does it take to get back on your feet after a bout of homelessness? For some homeless Native Americans, the journey home is not as simple as finding an apartment and a job. They also need to reconnect with family and reestablish a place in their tribal communities. In today’s show, we discuss the issues homeless Natives face and we put the spotlight on programs and groups that work to try to bring homeless Natives home.

Recovering from drug addiction can be a challenging process. After admitting you have a problem, the next step is to stop using. Detoxification is the process of eliminating the drugs from your system. Withdrawal symptoms from detoxing can vary based on the drug being abused. Some opiate abusers are using a drug called Suboxone (Subutex), which contains an opiate, to treat opiate dependence. But is using an opiate to treat an opiate addiction the best solution? Have you or a loved one ever been through a detox program?

The incarceration rate in the United States has risen dramatically in recent decades and the number of women in state and federal prisons is also on the rise. Although men outnumber women in the U.S. prison system, the number of female inmates in recent years has increased at a higher rate than male inmates, according to The Sentencing Project. What issues do Native women face in prison? The Sentencing Project also reports that women serving time in state prisons are more likely to have children than men in state prisons. How does a mother’s incarceration affect a young person? What about Native communities that have women serving time behind bars?

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.