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Every year the Yurok tribe holds a salmon festival to celebrate the gifts from the Klamath River in northern California. The historic low number of returning fish meant there was no actual salmon at their last festival. Whether it’s coho, sockeye or pink, salmon are important to a number of tribes in the Pacific Northwest and in Alaska. In this special encore presentation, we’ll talk with folks from different tribes about the cultural significance salmon offers and the potential threats to the natural resource.

(This is an encore show so we will not be taking calls during the hour.)

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Early in his artistic career, Jimmie Durham claimed Cherokee descent. He has become a major contemporary artist. Under mounting scrutiny he’s since backed off Native heritage claims although he continues to use Native imagery in his work. A new retrospective of his work is traveling through selected institutions in North America reviving criticism that he has not adequately addressed his Native connection. Cherokee officials and artists went so far as to publicly call him a ‘trickster.’ We’ll hear from some of those who want Durham to come clean.

An art piece by Jimmie Durham (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Guests:

America Meredith (enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation) – artist and editor of “First American Art Magazine”

Ashley Holland (enrolled citizen of the Cherokee Nation) – doctoral student at the University of Oklahoma in Native American art history, former assistant curator of Native American art at the Eiteljorg Museum of American Indians and Western Art

Jeffrey Gibson (Mississippi Band of Choctaw and half Cherokee) – artist

Break music: Mahk Jchi (song) Ulali (artist) Heartbeat: Voices of First Nations Women (album)

Break music: Save

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On this Memorial Day we take the hour to learn more about the life and legacy of the late Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow of the Crow Nation. His role in the U.S. Army and efforts towards Native American history earned him a Presidential Medal of Freedom. Born in 1913, the esteemed veteran, educator and cultural advocate witnessed many things in his life including the birth of his Native nation’s tribal college. His view on education and culture has inspired many to keep close to their traditions and community. We invite you to join us for our pre-recorded tribute to the life and legacy of Dr. Joseph Medicine Crow.

Break music: Counting Crow Hop (song) Young Spirit (artist) Akameyimoh Baby Boy (album)