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The action starts in 1860 when an order is given to the Calvary to retrieve something they feel is extraordinary. From there the narrative takes us into the story of Changing Woman and the beginning of the Hero Twins saga. Native Realities Press issue number one of the “Hero Twins” comic by Navajo illustrator Dale Deforest is out and we are bringing you closer to the adventure with our November book of the month. We hear how this graphic tale ties to Navajo tradition.

Break Music: Different Heroes (feat. Northern Voice) (song) A Tribe Called Red (artist) Nation II Nation (album)

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Native Americans save the least amount of money for retirement compared to all other groups. That’s the sobering statistic from the Social Security Office of Retirement and Disability Policy. Researchers say it’s because Native people face “substantial economic challenges.” Fortunately, Native elders have a network of tribal-run programs they can utilize during retirement that include Meals on Wheels and help with winter heating. We’ll talk about what it takes to retire and what challenges elders currently face when resources dwindle.

Guests:

Leilani Wilson Walkush (member of the Tlingit tribe) – senior consultant at Breakwater Investment Group 

Shawn Spruce (Laguna) – financial education consultant with First Nations Development Institute

Break Music: Working for the Man (song) Bluedog (artist) Red, White & Blues (album)

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More than a month after Hurricane Maria tore through Puerto Rico, some people are still without electricity and clean water. More than 50 people died because of the storm. Indigenous people from Puerto Rico are among those who are struggling to return to normal. Puerto Rican and Indigenous Taino people on the mainland are working to muster financial support and direct aid. We’ll check in on the slow progress to recover from the devastating hurricane.

Guests:

Roberto Borrero (Taíno Nation) – programs and communications coordinator for the International Indian Treaty Council

Rafael Torres (Taino) – spokesperson for the Manicato Taino cultural Center.

Joanne Nani Lewis (Taino) – Jaguar warrior of the Bohio of Atabei

 

Break Music: Taino-Arawak Welcome Song (song) Joan Henry (artist) Kanogisgi – Song-Carrier (album)

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In Canada, an apology, $2 billion, and a truth and reconciliation commission were all part of addressing the disastrous effects of residential schools. In the US, there are individuals and non profit groups working towards boarding school reconciliation, but nothing from a government level. The legacy of boarding schools is still something that many Native Nations are struggling to address. On this show, we’ll talk with the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition about their work.

Guests:

Christine McCleave (Turtle Mountain Chippewa) – executive officer for the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition

Jim LaBelle (Inupiaq) – retired professor from the University of Alaska Anchorage and boarding school survivor

Break Music: Generations (song) P. Town Boyz (artist) P. Town Boyz (album)

 

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It’s a creepy, crawly time of year and there are few creatures that spark fearful reactions as much as spiders. But the arachnid is also a critical part of many traditional origin stories. Spiders also have lessons to teach in many cultures. Spider Woman is critical to the Navajo creation story. For Lakota, it is Iktomi, a trickster who takes many forms and often plays the role of a fool. What do spiders represent in your community?

Guests:

Linda Hogan (Chickasaw) – activist, poet, author

Adam Teller (Navajo) – storyteller and Canyon de Chelly tour guide and business owner

Break Music: Eensie Weensie Spider (song) Radmilla Cody (artist) Precious Friends: Songs For Children (album)

 

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Kiowa poet and author N. Scott Momaday and his daughter, Jill, retrace his life and the footsteps of their ancestors in the documentary film Return to Rainy Mountain. N. Scott Momaday is the Pulitzer Prize winning author of such books as “House Made of Dawn,” “The Ancient Child,” and “The Way to Rainy Mountain.” Jill wrote, produced and directed the film, which is airing on PBS stations.

Break Music: Original Gourd Song Sung By The Old Warriors (song) Kiowa Tiapiah Society (artist) Kiowa Gourd Dance Vol. 1 (album)

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From national policy to tribal politics, we take time to regularly speak with journalists, newsmakers and others about the important issues of the day. We’ll devote the hour to catching up on major news events throughout Native America. Join us for our regular news round-up.

Guests:

Greg Sarris (Tribal member of the Graton Rancheria which includes the Southern Pomo and Coast Miwok People) – Chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria

Debra Utacia Krol (Xolon Salinan Tribe) – independent journalist

Mark Trahant (Shoshone-Bannock) – journalist

Lauren King (Muscogee (Creek) Nation) – attorney at Foster Pepper PLLC

Break Music: Red Path (song) Brulé (artist) We The People (album)

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Some people enjoy subjecting themselves to the gore and suspense of horror movies and books. It’s a genre where some Native American artists are also finding a niche. The monsters, blood and supernatural villains are creeping their way into Native film and literature. Some of the stories even reference Native traditions. As we head into Halloween, we hear from some Native horror creators and fans about what makes Native horror special.

Guests:

Jim Terry – artist and comic artist

Mike J. Marin (Navajo, Laguna Pueblo and Washo) – Writer/Director Mike J. Marin of Real Talk Junkies Films. “The Smudging” creator

 

 

Monsters of the World Unite (song) Arigon Starr (artist) Meet the Diva (album)

 

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Hunting and fishing are a necessity for many Alaska Natives. It’s also a part of their culture and identity. For the federal and state entities that manage subsistence hunting, the topic is made complicated by unique land issues and rights. In this program, we’ll discuss the constant battle Alaska Natives face to preserve their right to hunt and fish to sustain themselves and their families.

Guests:

Rosita Worl (Tlingit) – president of the Sealaska Heritage Institute

Qaiyaan Harcharek (Inupiaq) – subsistence research coordinator for the North Slope Borough

Gene Peltola Jr. (Yupik and Tlingit) – assistant regional director of the office of subsistence management under the U.S. Department of Interior

Emil Notti (Athabaskan) – founder of AFN

Break Music: Reindeer (song) Pamyua (artist) Caught In The Act (album)

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The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is embarking on a novel business partnership with a pharmaceutical company. The company pays the tribe to hold the patents for a profitable drug. In exchange, the tribe’s sovereign immunity prevents generic drug makers from getting at the drug’s formula. Some members of Congress are now drafting laws to prevent such agreements. The tribe is also suing business giants Microsoft and Amazon for patent infringement. It’s one of several instances in which tribes leverage sovereignty in business deals. Is this a new and innovative revenue-generating model? Or is the idea headed for a legal defeat? We’ll try and sort out the prospects.

Guests:

Elizabeth Winston – professor of law at The Catholic University of America at the Columbus School of Law

Matthew Compton – attorney at Prebeg, Faucett & Abbott PLLC

David Petite (Fond du Lac Chippewa Tribe) – inventor and founder of Native American Intellectual Property Enterprise Council

Break Music: Fancy Shawl Song (song) BlackStone (artist) Bring Your Feathers In! (album)