Monday, February 1, 2016 – The school-to-prison pipeline for Native youth
More and more studies are exposing educational practices that work against minority students’ success. Civil rights advocates say disparities in school punishment contribute to higher incarceration rates later in life for Native Americans, Blacks and Latinos.  They call it the school-to-prison pipeline. The Congress of American Indians says Native youth are 1.5 times more likely than white youth to be sent to the adult criminal system. Can the right school policies help cut the high rate of Natives going to prison?

Tuesday, February 2, 2016 – Art fraud
Fake Native American art is typically made with inferior materials and stolen designs. It can be hard for the untrained eye to detect, but it undercuts the livelihoods and legitimacy of true Native American artists. In October, the FBI charged three non-Natives with violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. The sellers allegedly passed off jewelry manufactured in the Philippines as Native American made. What questions should consumer ask sellers when purchasing jewelry?

Wednesday, February 03, 2016 – February Music Maker: Digawolf
The First Nations band, Digawolf, embraces the diverse cultural landscape of Canada’s Northwest Territories. The band blends tradition with new world alternative rock. The songs on their latest 10-track album, “Great Northern Man,” switch between English and the Tlicho language. Vocalist and lead guitarist Dzǫetsè aka Jesse James Gon from the Tlicho First Nation is our guest for the February Music Maker edition.

Thursday, February 4, 2016 – Indigenous at the Sundance Film Festival
Six indigenous film makers debuted works at the Sundance Film Festival that just wrapped up. They include an animated short film, a light-hearted feature about a man and his nephew, and a drama about a rootless woman who makes a life-changing choice. The notable festival also featured 11 Native Fellows who are part of programs to offer support for film makers.

Friday, February 5, 2016 – Clemency for Leonard Peltier?
The International Leonard Peltier Defense Committee is mounting another campaign to convince President Barack Obama to grant Peltier clemency before he leaves office. Peltier was convicted of murdering two FBI agents in 1977. He was denied parole in 2009. Amnesty International calls for his release, citing serious concerns about the fairness of the legal case against him. But others, including the federal government, maintain that he is guilty and must continue to pay his debt to society. February 6th is the International Day of Solidarity with Leonard Peltier. Should he be granted clemency?

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Week of February 1 on Native America Calling