Monday, June 17, 2013 – All Things Buffalo (listen)
The North American Buffalo is considered a sacred animal in many tribes. The buffalo was all but wiped out in the late 1800’s with the arrival of the train and the first settlers who headed west. Today many tribes with a spiritual connection to the buffalo are taking an active role in its preservation and maintaining herds for ceremonial use. How are tribes able to maintain these large animals during times of drought? What problems do tribes face when they take on the responsibility of managing a herd of buffalo? What does the buffalo mean to you? Guests include: Jim Stone, Executive Director of the Intertribal Buffalo Council.

Break Music: Andre Brassard (artist) Running Wild (song) Generations (album)

Tuesday, June 18, 2013 – The Affordable Care Act & Native America
The Affordable Care Act is a complex law that continues to be debated year. Today we put a critical eye on what it means for Native Americans and Alaska Natives. One item that's causing a stir is who will be considered Native as new parts of the law take effect in 2014. Some advocates are raising concerns that some Natives could lose their health coverage. We invite you to learn more about how this new law will affect our Native peoples both on and off the reservation. Are you concerned about how this law will affect you? Beyond the eligibility issue, what does this law mean to you? Guests include: Roxane Spruce Bly (Laguna Pueblo), a Native health advocate.

Break Music: Earl Ray (artist) Nanakmel Ha-Ki - The Bat's Cave (song) Traditional Songs Of The Salt River Pima (album)

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 – Artistic Expressions, Our Militarized Native Nations
Have you ever considered how our contemporary Native existence was shaped? What about our homelands? Has militarization been part of that experience? Several Native artists have taken on these questions and have created an exhibition they call “Air, Land, Seed.” This collection of Native art examines and challenges what they view as the militarization of our Indigenous homelands and Native mindsets. Concepts like forced relocation and being exiles on Indigenous soil are the center of several art pieces that will soon grace the walls of New Mexico’s 516 Arts in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Does their artistic statement echo what you see in your community or just the opposite? Guests include “Air, Land, Seed” Native Curators Nancy Marie Mithlo (Chiricahua Apache) and artist John Hitchcock (Comanche).

Break Music: Scatter Their Own (artist) Earth & Sky (song) Catch A Fire (album)

Thursday, June 20, 2013 – Sacred Places Update
This is the second installment of our occasional series on Sacred Places that are important to Native communities. We'll get an update on some places that are in conflict or danger. How do you connect to places that are scared to your tribe? Are you currently in a fight to preserve a sacred place in your area? Why is it important to protect our sacred places? Guests include: Suzan Harjo (Cheyenne & Hodulgee Muscogee) of the Morning Star Institute.

Break Music: Ruia (artist) Aue (song) Hawaiki (album)

Friday, June 21, 2013 – More Money More Problems?
Some tribes have seen financial success in recent years through casinos and good investments and are able to provide sizeable cash payments to young members. What would you do if you suddenly receive a financial windfall? Are young people prepared to manage that money? What about family and friends who need financial support? What advice would you give to someone who is about to receive a large payment from their tribe? This is Part Two of our Financial Literacy series. Guests include: Sarah Deewes, Senior Director of Research, Policy, & Asset Building Programs, First Nations Development Institute.

Special thanks to First Nations Development Institute for their support of the Financial Literacy Series.

Break Music: LightningCloud (album) Casino Money (song) LightningCloud (album)

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