Monday, February 9, 2015 – Affordable Care Act Update
Last year, the Affordable Care Act or Obamacare required that all Americans have health insurance coverage. While American Indians and Alaska Natives are exempt from the shared responsibility payment, there has been a push to sign up Natives for health insurance. This year’s deadline is approaching. Today we check in on whether people across Native America are signing up for insurance.   Our guests can answer your questions about health insurance. Have you signed up for insurance under Obamacare? Why or why not? Guests: Tinka Duran (Sicangu Lakota)program manager for the Health Insurance Marketplace Navigator program at The Great Plains Tribal Chairman’s Health Board.

Tuesday, February 10, 2015 – February Music Maker: Sister Says
Siblings Gillian and Robert Thompson (Haida and Tsimshian) make music a family affair. Once again, their soulful group Sister Says tempts audiences to take a deep look at life and love in their latest album “Heart Placement.” The Canadian duo out of Vancouver, British Columbia grew up with various musical influences and you can hear it in their new 12-track album full of pop, jazz rock and soul sounds. We invite you to join us for our February Music Maker – Sister Says.

Wednesday, February 11, 2015 – Detecting And Treating Cancer
Cancer is a scary diagnosis, but early detection and treatment can help improve the chances that you will survive and spend many more good years with your loved ones.  Some tribes are working with health experts to bring the latest information and research on cancer to their communities. Have you or a loved one survived cancer? When it comes to testing and treatment, what advice do you now share with others?

Thursday, February 12, 2015 – Transgender Native Americans
Before assimilation, two-spirit people, including those who identify as transgender, played very important roles in tribal communities. Transgender people now face discrimination. According to a study by the National Center for Transgender Equality, over half of transgender people have attempted suicide. In today’s show, we talk about the struggle to regain that historical acceptance and celebrate our Native people who call themselves transgender. We will also look at the roles of transgender people in their communities today.

Friday, February 13, 2015 – Shady Business
Have you ever come across a deal that just seemed too good to be true? According the Fraud Research Center, the estimated cost of financial fraud and scams are almost $50 billion each year. From phone calls about great financial deals to emails announcing you’ve won a foreign lottery, the ways to cheat people out of their money are endless. With the tax season in full swing, the IRS is warning the public about dishonest tax preparation tactics. What should we know about protecting ourselves against fraud? Do you have questions about scams, fraud and general shady financial businesses? Guests: Shawn Spruce (Laguna Pueblo) programs consultant for First Nations Development Institute and Marvin Ginn (Choctaw) executive director of Native Community Finance.

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.

Week of February 9, 2015 on Native America Calling