Week of July 20 on Native America Calling

The United States Board of Geographic Names was responsible for establishing and mapping names of geographic places in the late 1800s and early 1900s, a time when offensive names were widely used. Towns, mountains, passes, hills and rivers were given names like “N-word Creek,” “Squaw Valley” and “Jewtown.” Now, those names are unacceptable – in most places. Yet dozens of words and names that are offensive to Native Americans remain on signs and mile markers across the country. Some states have taken the initiative to change all offensive names. Are offensive historical names of geographical places hurting Native Americans today? What steps could be taken to change those names?

Tuesday, July 21, 2015 – Symbols of Hate

South Carolina officials recently removed the Confederate flag from the state capitol after years of debate over whether the flag symbolized pride in the heritage or hate. What was your reaction to that decision?  Do you think removing the Confederate flag from state buildings, and store shelves in multiple states, signals that the conversation has shifted? What about symbols that many Native Americans see as symbols of hate? This month a federal judge upheld a previous decision by the federal Trademark Trial and Appeal Board to cancel the trademark of the Washington Football Team’s current mascot. Do you see connections between the national conversation about the Confederate flag and Native-themed mascots? Why or why not?

Wednesday, July 22, 2015 – Rodeo Culture in Native America

We’re in the middle of Cowboy Christmas season. It’s the time of year when cowboys and cowgirls attend rodeo after rodeo for the next couple of weeks. In Native America, cowboys are gearing up for events put on by the Indian Junior Rodeo Association (IJRA), All Indian Rodeo Cowboys Association (AIRCA) and the Indian National Finals Rodeo (INFR), not to mention the countless county, tribal and state fair rodeos going on across the country. A rodeo may be happening in your town right now. What do you like most about your local rodeo? Who’s your favorite Native cowboy or cowgirl? What’s your favorite rodeo event?

Thursday, July 23, 2015 – Young Farmers and Ranchers

We all eat, but do you know where your food comes from? Many young people haven’t chosen to work in agriculture. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the average age of farmers right now is 57 years old. But there are hopeful signs that the status of farming and ranching is turning around. About 1 in 5 U.S farms and ranches is operated by someone with 10 years or less of experience, according the USDA. Would you be willing to dedicate yourself to a farm or ranch? What draws you to the industry? Join our conversation about the next generation of Native farmers and ranchers. Guests include Clayton Brascoupe (Mohawk), program director for the Traditional Native American Farmers Association (TNAFA), and Janie Hipp (Chickasaw), director of the Indigenous Food and Agriculture Initiative at the University of Arkansas School of Law

Friday, July 24, 2015 – Native in the Spotlight: Virgil Ortiz

Virgil Ortiz (Cochiti Pueblo) is known for his unique style of art. This Native artist uses as many art mediums as he can, from pottery to film, to articulate Native life and our connection to the past and future. This month we catch up with Ortiz to learn more about his latest projects and why he has turned to the art world to educate the world about the strength of our Native nations. We hope you can join us for our July Native in the Spotlight edition with Virgil Ortiz.

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