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There are three dozen tribal colleges and universities around the country. None of them have a doctoral program. But that’s all set to change this fall when Navajo Technical University starts up an accredited advanced degree track in Diné culture and language sustainability. Administrators say it will bolster language preservation, but also lead to research aimed at tackling specific issues on the Navajo Nation. The new program also represents a major leap forward for Native higher education and could be a model for other tribal colleges that are looking to both increase their educational attainment and provide culturally-specific academic insights to help tribal citizens. Today on Native America Calling, we speak with Dr. Wafa Hozien, Navajo Technical University Administrator, and Dr. Colleen Bowman (Navajo), provost for Navajo Technical University.

Break 1 music: We Are Going to Dance Well (song) Greyeyes/Martin Sisters/Todi Neesh Zhee (artist) Epiphany – Diné Nishłi (album)

Break 2 music: Five Kiowa “49” Dance Songs (song) Bill Koomsa, Sr. & Kiowa Dance Group Singers (artist) Kiowa – Traditional Kiowa Songs (album)

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Lozen (Chiricahua Apache) was known as a fearless warrior, battle strategist, and healer in New Mexico and Arizona. Buffalo Calf Road Woman (Northern Cheyenne) fought next to her husband at the Battle of Little Bighorn and was even believed to have delivered the fatal blow to George Armstrong Custer. Today on Native America Calling, as we wrap up National Women’s History Month, we learn more about these two Native female warriors and others with Carol Murray ([Blackfeet] Pikuni), retired administrator for the Blackfeet Community College; Eryn Wise (Jicarilla Apache and Laguna Pueblo), land and body sovereignty advocate; and Sgt. First Class Keshon Smith (Ft. McDermitt Paiute and Shosone Indian Reservation), president of Native American Women Warriors (NAWW).

Break 1 Music: Strong Native Women (song) Karina Møller (artist) Simplify (album)

Break 2 music: Pimatisiwin (Life) (song) Young Spirit (artist) Save Me A Lead (album)

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A spate of preventable deaths from suicide, drugs, violence, and inadequate health care has prompted a regional First Nation body in Canada to declare a state of emergency. The Keewatin Tribal Council is calling for immediate government action to correct what 11 First Nations are calling a dire situation. Today on Native America Calling, we find out how the First Nations are coping with Keewatin Tribal Council Grand Chief Walter Wastesicoot (from York Factory First Nation) and George Neepin (Fox Lake Cree Nation), chief executive officer of the Keewatin Tribal Council.

Break 1 music: Intertribal (song) Cree Confederation (artist) Pakosiyimitan (album)

Break 2 music: Pimatisiwin (Life) (song) Young Spirit (artist) Save Me A Lead (album)

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The Yurok Tribe hired its own investigator to pursue unsolved cases of their citizens who are missing or murdered. Arizona is among the states establishing an MMIP task force that the new governor says will “ensure that not one more Indigenous man, woman, or child is a target of violence, abuse, or exploitation.” The actions are part of the attempts to address the slow momentum to investigate and solve cases with Native victims. Today on Native America Calling, we speak with Jessica Carter (Yurok), Yurok Tribal Court Director; Daisy Bluestar (Southern Ute), member of the MMIR Taskforce in Colorado; Skye Alloway (Forest County Potawatomi tribal member), co-chair of Wisconsin’s Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Task Force; and Annie Forsman-Adams (Suquamish), program director for the Washington State Native American Coalition Against Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault (Women Spirit Coalition).

Break 1 music: Red Dress (feat. Chantal Kreviazuk) (song) Amanda Rheaume (artist) Red Dress (feat. Chantal Kreviazuk) (single)

Break 2 music: Pimatisiwin (Life) (song) Young Spirit (artist) Save Me A Lead (album)

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Indigenous-owned businesses like The Rez Life, The NTVS, OXDX, and Section 35 help drive casual Native fashion by turning out jackets, shorts, and beanies stitched with Native art and shirts splashed with words and phrases like “Land Back”, “Resilient”, and “Skoden.” Streetwear is casual fashion that draws from the aesthetic elements of sportswear, hip-hop, punk, and skateboard – and mixes in community vibes and coolness. Indigenous fashion shows include the latest in streetwear and Indigenous celebrities like Amber Midthunder and the cast of Reservation Dogs drip Native streetwear and carry with them messages of cultural vibrancy, strength, and resistance everywhere they go. Today on Native America Calling, we speak with Ricko DeWilde (Athabascan), hunter and owner of HYDZ Gear; Justin Louis (member of the Samson Cree Nation), creative director and founder of Section 35; and Sean Rayland-Boubar (Anishinaabe from Sagkeeng First Nation), founder and owner of Red Rebel Armour.

Break 1 music: Indian Tacos (song) LZDRP$ (artist)

Break 2 music:  Our Grandparents’ Song (song) Talibah (artist) Navajo Songs For Children (album)

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The nation’s only live, call-in radio show devoted to Native issues and from a Native perspective is approaching its 28^th year on the air. There have been many changes over the years, but one constant vision: to amplify the Native voices who are most needed when it comes to Native issues. Today on a special edition of Native America Calling, we hear from some of the people who make this program possible that you may not have heard from before and look to the future.

Break 1 music: Standing Rock (feat. Nick Ørbæk J (song) Uyarakq (artist) Miseraq (album)

Break 2 music:  Our Grandparents’ Song (song) Talibah (artist) Navajo Songs For Children (album)