Week of February 2, 2015 on Native America Calling

Monday, February 2, 2015 – Obama’s Community College Plan

President Obama proposed a plan last month to provide two years of community college free to students who earn good grades and graduate on time. Tribal colleges would be included in this plan. What would two years of free college mean for Native American and Alaska Native students? How useful is community college in building a successful career? Is it the best way for young people to move in to the middle class? Guests include: Dr. Leander “Russ” McDonald (Dakota/Arikara) president of United Tribes Technical College and Dr. Cheryl Crazy Bull (Sicangu Lakota) president of the American Indian College Fund.

Tuesday, February 3, 2015 – Current Events

Every first Tuesday of the month, we host a Current Events show. During the hour we will highlight events around Native America during the month of February including community fairs, powwows, fundraisers, conferences to museum exhibits. This month the exhibit Indigenous Beauty: Masterworks of American Indian Art from the Diker Collection opens at the Seattle Art Museum and the Institute of Museum and Library Services is offering grants for tribal libraries. The Bay-Area American Indian Two-Spirit 4th annual Two Spirit Powwow will be held in San Francisco. Do you have an event you would like to share? Call in and let us know what events you’re excited about in your community!

Wednesday, February 4, 2015 – Satire Or Offensive?

The recent terrorist attacks in France heated up debate about the line between what’s considered satire and what is simply offensive. Some say art and political satire are overstepping the line but others disagree. What about when it comes to Native America? There are many things to Native Nations considered sacred and off limits. What happens when the sacred gets the satirical spotlight? Join us and share where you draw the line between what is satire and what’s an attack on your beliefs. Guests include: Margaret Holt (Tuscarora) standards editor for the Chicago Tribune and Marty Two Bulls (Oglala Lakota) editorial cartoonist for Indian Country Today Media Network.

Thursday, February 5, 2015 – Interracial Relationships

Interracial relationships can be challenging, especially if you have strong ties to your culture, traditions and language. Conflicts and problems may arise from lack of understanding, stereotypes, or discrimination from both sides. When children are involved, things can get even more complicated. What makes an interracial relationship a healthy one? What is it like for a Native American to join a non-Native family? Guests include: Dr. Laurelle Myhra (Ojibwe), marriage and family therapist with the Native American Community Clinic, and Waneek Horn-Miller (Mohawk), Olympic athlete.

Friday, February 6, 2015 – Appreciate Your Mother Language

Our Native languages represent a connection to many aspects of our communities. In some cases, one has to know the language to understand tribal philosophy and government. In other cases, one has to speak the language to take part in cultural traditions, government practices, community functions or family gatherings. On today’s show, we celebrate our mother tongues and share the reasons why we are thankful for it. Guests include: McKeon Dempsey (Navajo), 2014-2015 Miss Navajo Nation.