Monday, September 9, 2014 – Internet and Phone Access
According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), only an estimated 10% of homes in Indian Country have access to broadband Internet. How difficult is it to get online in your community? Are some people still living without a phone? Some tribes have created their own telecommunications companies in order to deal with these issues. Programs like Lifeline, provide low income people with low cost or free phone service and Internet access in some areas. Should the federal government provide Internet and phone service to those who cannot afford it? Is access to communications tools a right or a privilege? Guests include: Loris Taylor (Hopi) president and CEO of Native Public Media and Neza Leal, media justice organizer for the Media Literacy Project.
Tuesday, September 9, 2014 – Cultural Sensitivity in the Classroom
Last month a Navajo student in Seminole, Texas was sent home from his first day of kindergarten because his hair violated the school dress code. The student was eventually allowed to attend class after the school was provided documentation of his tribal enrollment. When school policies conflict with spiritual and cultural beliefs, parents have to explain and defend their beliefs to school officials. Have your children or grandchildren had a similar experience? How did you respond? What do you think school districts should be doing to make sure they respect the traditions and beliefs of Native families?
Wednesday, September 10, 2014 – Native American Hip-Hop Music
The Native music scene in 2014 is vibrant and constantly expanding. Many musicians find their niche outside of the sounds traditionally associated with Native Americans like flutes, drums and rattles. Native musicians are making their mark in all genres, from country to rock and classical to the blues. Hip-hop traces its roots to the urban streets of the Bronx. But some young Native artists feel a deep connection to the hip-hop genre.So what is there to rap about in Native America? Plenty. From losing our heritage to good times with the family, there are stories to tell between the beats and choruses that make up Native hip-hop. Guests include Native hip-hop artists.
Thursday, September 11, 2014 – Climate Change Impact
In May, the Union of Concerned Scientists released a report titled “National Landmarks at Risk.” The document mentioned several national landmarks that are at risk because of climate change, including Santa Clara Pueblo, Mesa Verde National Park, and Kaloko-Honokohau and Pu’uhonua o Honaunau National Parks. Are you worried about the impact of climate change to your community? In July, the Department of Interior announced a plan to provide 10 million dollars to tribes impacted by climate change. How has your tribe been impacted by climate change? Have the impacts of climate change shaped how you practice your religion or whether you can carry out the traditions passed down from your ancestors?
Friday, September 12, 2014 – Fetal Alcohol Syndrome in Native America
The time before a baby’s birth is crucial for later health. If a mother drinks alcohol while pregnant, that can put the baby’s health in danger. Alcoholics and moderate drinkers run the risk of harming their babies every time they think about taking a drink, or going out on a binge, while they’re pregnant. Native Americans have some of the highest rates of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) in the country, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It’s a condition that potentially causes a wide range of problems. Children with FAS have mild to severe mental, physical, behavioral and learning problems. It’s 100 percent preventable, yet it’s still happening. Is this an issue in your community? Is it something people can talk openly about, along with possible solutions? Join us as we discuss what can be done to curb this health concern in our Native communities.
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.