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There’s a possibility a judge could shut off the Dakota Access Pipeline over the lack of a proper environmental review. U.S. Interior Secretary Ryan Zinke recommends trimming the size of Bears Ears National Monument. The final fate of that land and other monuments is still up in the air. At the same time, the size of the Interior Department is also slated to shrink, with implications for Indian Country. Join us as we catch up on the news.

Guests:

Krista Allen (Navajo) – reporter and photographer at the Navajo Times

Dan Huculak (Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa) – WGZS Station Manager

Senator Martin Heinrich – United States Senator for New Mexico

Break music: Stomp Dance (song) George Hunter (artist) Haven (album)

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This year marks two 150th anniversaries. The places we know today as Canada and Alaska are marking their sesquicentennials with historical exhibits, concerts, and other events. But in both places, the historical milestone is difficult for Indigenous people. Is there a way to acknowledge the legacy of violence and oppression against Native people alongside the flag-waving celebrations?

Guests:

Quinn Meawasige (Ojibwe Anishinaabe from Serpent River First Nation along the north shore of Lake Huron which is a signatory of the Robinson Huron Treaty of 1850) – youth representative Union of Ontario Indians, student and activist

Drew Hayden Taylor (Curve Lake First Nation) – author, playwright, humorist

Break music: Smoke dance remix (song) Chief Rock (artist)

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With roots in the O’odham Nation, Raye Zaragoza steps into the Native music scene with her debut album “Fight For You.” Many of the lyrics on this album are a reflection of the times, including a song dedicated to those working to protect water and sacred places. Raye’s soulful voice gracefully drifts over the notes and lets listeners melt into her creativity. She’ll talk with us about why she feels music is a pathway to understanding.

Break music: Chase The Child (song) Raye Zaragoza (artist) Fight For You (album)

Here’s the video for Raye Zaragoza’s title song, Fight For You

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A unanimous Supreme Court recently struck down an obscure provision in trademark law. It’s a victory for free speech, but a major blow for those working to force a name change for the Washington DC NFL football team. The Court calls the provision unconstitutional. Team owners are celebrating in the end zone. The National Congress of the American Indian, meanwhile, calls the ruling, ‘disappointing’. We’ll explore the next strategies now that teams are free to retain financial incentives for keeping offensive mascots.

Guests:

Amanda Blackhorse (Diné) – plaintiff in Blackhorse v Pro Football

Rebecca Tushnet – professor of law at Georgetown University

Break music: Hand Game Song (song) Fawn Wood & Dallas Waskahat (artist) Blessings (album)

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The story of Native Americans and the connection to the land is one that extends back generations. It is also woven through Native language and traditions. So when this connection is threatened it is no surprise Native voices speak up. This is the case with Natives from different nations who are speaking out on the designation of Bears Ears as a National Monument. U.S. President Barack Obama made the designation before he left office and the current administration is challenging that. Our June Book of the Month takes the issue head on with Native voices and explores the reasons this area in Utah should be protected. We’ll visit with the book’s editor, Jacqueline Keeler (Dakota/ Diné), and other contributors.

Guests:

Jacqueline Keeler (Yankton Sioux) Dakota and Dine – writer and co-founder of Eradicating Offensive Native Mascotry

Regina Whiteskunk Lopez

Break music: Anasazi Sun (song) Injunuity (artist) Fight For Survival (album)

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Never touch a powwow dancer’s regalia or a singer’s drum without asking. Follow the emcee’s instructions to know when to stand. Stay off the arena floor unless invited. Those are some of the universal practices that will keep you in good standing if you go to a powwow. Whether you were born into a powwow family or are a new visitor to the dance circle, it’s important to know the protocols and appropriate behavior. We’ll talk with powwow veterans about the best ways to ensure everyone has a meaningful powwow experience.

Break music: King Eagle Side-Step (song) Pipestone (artist) Tribute To The Old Timers – Pow-Wow Songs Recorded Live At Prarie Island (album)

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Some Indigenous artists are pushing the envelope. Potters, painters and sculptors are creating works that stretch what’s considered traditional. We will take a look at how Native art is evolving and how artists are invoking tradition in new and innovative ways.

Guests:

Pat Pruitt (Pueblo of Laguna) – metal smith

Dyani White Hawk (Sičháŋǧu Lakota) – artist and curator

Jonathan Thunder (Red Lake Band of Ojibwe) – painter and an animator

Dr. Manuela Well-Off-Man – chief curator for IAIA Museum of Contemporary Native arts

Break music: Understanding (song) Larry Redhouse (artist) Spirit Progression (album)

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Accidents are the third leading cause of death for Native Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And Natives are 42 percent more likely to work in high risk occupations, according to the CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. There are plenty of things employers and individuals can do to prevent accidents and injuries from happening at home and in the workplace. We’ll hear from tribal safety specialists on how to create safe environments.

Guests:

Jarrod Moore (Navajo) – injury prevention program coordinator for the Albuquerque Area Southwest Tribal Epidemiology Center

Geoff Blackwell (Muscogee Creek) – chief strategy officer and general council for AMERIND Rick, former senior manager at the FCC

Derek Valdo (Acoma Pueblo) – chief executive officer for AMERIND Risk

Break music: Natural (song) Shelley Morningsong (artist) Out Of The Ashes (album)

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Two documentaries, funded in part by Vision Maker Media, explore unique experiences for members of the Navajo Nation. In the film “The Mayors of Shiprock,” young people from the Diné Youth Committee, meet weekly to explore ways to make changes in their community. “Metal Road,” follows three Navajos who work on the railroad as they change railroad tracks across the country. We’ll talk with Navajo filmmakers Ramona Emerson and Sarah Del Seronde about their films.

The Mayors of Shiprock and Metal Road Screenings

6/21 Crownpoint Navajo Technical University 1-4 pm

6/23 Kimo Theater Albuquerque New Mexico 7-9pm

6/24 Navajo Nation Museum, Window Rock AZ 2-4 pm

6/25 Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff AZ 6:30-8:30 pm

Casting call for Mud 6/23 Bow and Arrow Brewery 12-4 pm

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Guests:

Ramona Emerson (Diné) – writer and director of The Mayors of Shiprock

Sarah Del Seronde (Diné) – director of Metal Road

Shaandiin Tome (Navajo) – filmmaker and Sundance Native Filmmaker Lab Fellow

Break music: Sunrise (song) James Bilagody (artist) Sacred Stage (album)