Week of May 18 on Native America Calling

In Washington state, a new law requires schools to teach students about tribal government, culture and history during social studies classes. It’s sometimes known as the sovereignty curriculum, and the Evergreen State is one of a handful of states that offer Native American curricula and the list includes Montana, Oklahoma, New Mexico and North Dakota. Proponents say learning about Native people at a young age encourages understanding and acceptance. Others say teaching historical complexities expose some of the worst chapters in American history. Where do you stand? Guests include: Michael Vendiola and Denny Hurtado of the Washington Office of Native Education, Mike Jetty and Mandy Smoker Broaddus of the Montana Office of Public Instruction.

Tuesday, May 19, 2015 – New Platforms for Native Media

The way we consume media is always changing. In the first three months of this year 31,000 Americans cancelled their cable subscription, according to a media research group. With the popularity of streaming platforms like Netflix and YouTube, an opportunity for new voices to reach the masses is greater than ever. Many Native Americans and Alaska Natives are taking advantage of all the opportunities to get their work to more Native audiences. On this show we’ll explore new ways to experience Native media. Would you like to see more Native media make it to your airwaves? Guests include:  Ian Skrodin (Choctaw) founder of Skins Plex and the LA Skins Fest.

Wednesday, May 20, 2015 – Chemicals in Food 

Earlier this month, Panera restaurant officials announced they would drop 150 artificial additives in their food by 2016. This announcement is one small piece in a growing movement to reduce the amount of chemicals in the food we consume. The national focus on artificial additives in food may be primarily on pre-packaged and restaurant food. In Native America, there’s also growing concern about the chemicals in our traditional food. Are you concerned about chemicals in your food? Have you cut back on consuming traditional foods because of the impact of toxins in our oceans and land? Are there long-term impacts these chemicals may have on our lives? Should tribes also get involved in banning chemicals that could find their way into our bodies through food? Guests include: Dianne C. Barton (Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) water quality coordinator for the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission.

Thursday, May 21, 2015 – Graduation: At Odds With Eagle Feathers

It’s graduation season and there are plenty of Native students celebrating their accomplishments across Native America. With all the excitement, there is often controversy when it comes to Natives wearing items connected to their culture – including eagle feathers. A ban on eagle feathers can be very upsetting and disrespectful to Native students and families who have high hopes of seeing a part of their culture represented during this milestone. Have you or a loved one been told you could not wear an eagle feather at graduation? Guests include: Courtney Jordan (Cherokee), federal Indian law and gaming attorney with Crowe and Dunlevy, and RJ Morin (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa/Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara) University of North Dakota student

Friday, May 22, 2015 – Alaska Native in the Spotlight Mike Williams Sr.

Yup’ik Elder Mike Williams Sr. has dedicated his life to making Alaska Native communities stronger. He led his own Native nation and has participated in more than a dozen Iditarod races. Williams also leads by example when it comes to sobriety. Right now many people are cracking open his new book “Racing Toward Recovery” to learn more about the challenges he’s overcome and the lessons he’s learned over the years. Williams is a strong advocate of the health of tribal nations. We invite you to join us as we visit with Mike Williams Sr., our May Alaska Native in the spotlight.