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Stray or feral dogs are a fixture in many Native communities. They often have to fend for themselves and suffer injuries and mistreatment. With no one responsible for spay and neutering, their populations can get out of hand. But groups like Save Rez Dogs in Canada and Crownpoint Animal House in New Mexico are dedicated to the health and wellbeing of these animals and encouraging positive animal management through community education and advocacy.

Guests:

Awanook Kingbird-Bratvold (Red Lake Band of Ojibwe) – founder of Awesiinyag Are Loved by The Anishinaabeg of Red Lake  Nation

Cindy Dayish (Navajo) – co-founder of Crowntown Animal House

Craig Edes (Gitxan from Gitanmaax First Nation) – co-founder of Save Rez Dogs

Break 2 music: Bring The Water (song) Digging Roots (artist) We Are (album)

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President Joe Biden proposes $111 billion to help solve persistent drinking water access problems, including for tribes. The Water & Tribes Initiative found the Navajo Nation and other tribes in the Colorado River Basin are up to 67 times more likely to lack running water compared to other Americans. Researchers recommend sustainable and comprehensive water projects with assistance from the federal agencies to address the long-standing problem. Biden’s plan offers hope but there’s no guarantee it will get through Congress.

Guests:

Bidtah Becker (Navajo) – attorney at Navajo Tribal Utility Authority and co-lead of the Water & Tribes Initiatives in the Colorado River Basin’s universal access to clean water effort

Heather Tanana (Navajo) – research professor and Stegner Center fellow at the University of Utah Law School

Jackie Schaeffer (Inupiaq from Kotzebue) – community development manager for community environment and health with Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium

Break 1 music: Traditional Side Step Song (song) Little Otter (artist) Side Step Songs (album)

Break 2 music: Bring The Water (song) Digging Roots (artist) We Are (album)

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The Eastern Band of Cherokee council legalized medical marijuana on tribal land. Pot is still illegal in the rest of the state. New Mexico recently became the 18th state to legalize recreational cannabis use. Tribes there are exploring options for production and sales of marijuana. Several other tribes and states are on the cusp of opening up marijuana markets. Possessing and using the drug remains a crime under federal law. We’ll get an update on the marijuana industry as tribal economic development.

Guests:

Bobbi Shongutsie (Eastern Shoshone) – with the organization Sogo-Beah-Nahtsu

Jeremy Wilson (Eastern Band of Cherokee and Navajo) – government affairs liaison and former tribal council member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians

Lance Gumbs (Shinnecock Nation) – tribal ambassador for the Shinnecock Nation

Break 1 music: East Winging It (feat. Black Bear) (song) Cris Derksen (artist) Cris Derksen: Orchestral Powwow (album)

Break 2 music: ShtaataaHop! (Crow Hop) (song) Bryden Gwiss (artist) The Forgotten T.R.U.T.H. (The.Real.Un.Told.History)

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Some of the new inductees into the National Native American Hall of Fame this year include entrepreneur Dave Anderson (Chippewa), former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell (Northern Cheyenne) and Emil Notti (Athabascan) the first president of the Alaska Federation of Natives. The award is an opportunity to educate the general public about notable Native Americans and their contributions. We’ll talk with the Hall of Fame founders about the importance of the award and what it takes to to make the list.

Guests:

James Parker Shield (Little Shell Chippewa) – founder and CEO of the National Native American Hall of Fame

Walter Lamar (Blackfeet/Wichita Tribe of Oklahoma) – president of the board of the National Native American Hall of Fame

Dave Anderson (Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe/Choctaw) – entrepreneur, writer and founder of Famous Dave’s BBQ

Break 1 music: Spring To Come (song) Digging Roots (artist) We Are (album)

Break 2 music: ShtaataaHop! (Crow Hop) (song) Bryden Gwiss (artist) The Forgotten T.R.U.T.H. (The.Real.Un.Told.History)

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Our mothers are the backbones of Native families and communities. They have the drive to nurture and heal. This year’s Mother’s Day was a particularly sweet one as many families are able to gather again as the COVID-19 threat subsides. We’re honoring Native mothers and thanking them for all they do.

Guests:

Brittany Schulman (Waccamaw Siouan) – director of leadership initiative at the Americans for Indian Opportunity

Kim Moore-Salas (Diné) – lactation consultant

Lindsay Tsosie (Navajo) – co-owner of HomegrowNM Trading Post, artist and muralist

Vanessa Bowen (Diné) – graphic and UX designer

Break 1 music: Mom (song) Murray Porter (artist) STAND UP! (album)

Break 2 music: ShtaataaHop! (Crow Hop) (song) Bryden Gwiss (artist) The Forgotten T.R.U.T.H. (The.Real.Un.Told.History)