Monday, May 9, 2016 – Putting Pe’ Sla into trust
State and tribal governments are currently clashing over a sacred area known as Pe’ Sla or ‘The Heart of All That Is’. The Bureau of Indian Affairs approved putting the 2,000-acre parcel of South Dakota Black Hills land into trust. A coalition of the Shakopee Mdewakanton, Rosebud, Crow Creek, and Standing Rock Sioux tribes purchased it in 2012. Governor Dennis Daugaard, opposes the tribes’ effort. In addition he suggested the tribes had more important things to invest their money in, like caring for their elders. How does the trust designation help tribes? Will this set a precedent for other tribes buying back sacred land?
Tuesday, May 10, 2016 – Dakota Access Pipeline
The proposed 1,168-mile Dakota Access Pipeline already has approval from states and a majority of private landowners in its path. Supporters say it will bring hundreds of jobs and will boost the economy. But tribes and others oppose the plan. They’re worried about the possibility of a catastrophic leak endangering precious water resources and culturally significant land. Where’s the line between job-creation and environmental protection? Why do you support or oppose the Dakota Access Pipeline?
Wednesday, May 11, 2016 – Shining the light on skin cancer
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. How can you tell if a mole is cancerous? Do you put on sunscreen every day? We’ll speak with an expert about the best ways to prevent and detect skin cancer.
Thursday, May 12, 2016 – Protecting our babies
The infant mortality rate in Native America is 1.5 times higher than for whites, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health. In the Great Plains area, Native babies are three times more likely to die before their first birthday than white babies, according to the CDC and Northern Plains Tribal Epidemiology Center. If our children are sacred, why is the threat so great? Does the issue lie in prenatal health?
Friday, May 13, 2016 – Literacy: Reading between the lines
Does your idea of reading begin and end with text messages on your phone?
Year after year, Native American students lag behind other groups when it comes to reading levels. The Literacy Project links higher levels of reading with increased income and lower levels of incarceration. Several programs are working to get more books in the hands of Native Americans.
***
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.