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One year rain nearly flooded out the Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque. Another year the musician’s tent almost blew away in high winds. But disasters big and small failed to halt the event that attracts tens of thousands of participants and spectators every year. “But this … this is something else,” said GON founder Derek Mathews, speaking about the coronavirus bringing his and all other public gatherings across the globe to a screeching halt. The health emergency is cancelling big and small powwows for the foreseeable future leaving event organizers, dancers and vendors in uncertainty.

Guests:

Derek Mathews – founder and director of the Gathering of Nations Powwow

Ken LaDeaux (Sicangu Oglala) – president of the Denver March Powwow

Vince Beyl (Ojibwe) – powwow announcer

Whitney Rencountre (Crow Creek Sioux) – co-founder of the Social Distance Powwow, graphic artist and director of the Ateyapi youth program

Break 1 music: Straight (song) Ken Pooyak (artist) Northern Cree & Friends, Vol. 5: Long Winter Nights – Round Dance Live (album)

Break 2 music: Plains Vs Coast, Pt 1 (song) Fawn Wood (artist) Iskwewak (album)

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As the cases of COVID-19 surge past two million worldwide, people continue to have lingering questions about how the virus is spread, how to prevent it and who’s most at risk. In some places, Native Americans are infected at a disproportionate rate. In addition, Native Americans may be more vulnerable to the disease because of other disproportionate risk factors like obesity and diabetes. We will have medical professionals on hand to provide the very latest information about the effectiveness of face masks, hand sanitizer and social distancing. We’ll also get updates on what to look out for and what treatment options there are. Send your questions to comments@nativeamericacalling.com

Guests:

Dr. Mary Owen (Tlingit) – director of the Center of American Indian and Minority Health at the University of Minnesota Medical

CAPT Stephen “Miles” Rudd – medical officer in the Division of Patient Safety and Clinical Risk Management in the Office of Quality at the Indian Health Service

Break 1 music: We’re Gunna Dance (song) Niizhoo Sullivan (artist) Rez Kid Rhythm (album)

Break 2 music: Plains Vs Coast, Pt 1 (song) Fawn Wood (artist) Iskwewak (album)

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Cooking from home has become a necessity as people adhere to social distancing and self-quarantine to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. Capable cooks are posting pictures of fresh baked sour dough bread and delicious meals on social media. Others are showing their kitchen mistakes and asking questions about what to do with sprigs of dill, expired bags of baby carrots and leftover wild rice. We’ll get some culinary inspiration from Native chefs for those at home stretching their available ingredients as far as possible.

Guests:

Brit Reed (Choctaw) – Tulalip Tribe’s diabetes program culinary service provider and I-Collective member

Cam Stott  (Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians) – chef and owner of Jiibaakwaan Foods

Meagen Baldy (Hupa Valley Tribe)  district coordinator for the Klamath Trinity Resource Conservation District   

Break 1 music: Willie’s Ghost Riders (song) Gertie & the T.O. Boyz (album)d

Break 2 music: Canoe Song (song) Chenoa (artist) Spirit of Salishan (album)

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Tribal leaders are learning their strengths and weaknesses during the coronavirus crisis. Some are closing reservations boundaries, imposing curfews and even declaring medical martial law. The promise of federal help comes with another layer of bureaucracy and challenges for tribal leaders. We’ll hear from tribal leaders about the tough decisions they are making to make it through the health and economic challenges.

Guests:

Greg Sarris (Southern Pomo/Coast Miwok) – Chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria

Jonathan Nez: (Diné) –  President of the Navajo Nation

Carleton Bowekaty (Pueblo of Zuni ) – Lieutenant Governor of the Pueblo of Zuni

Jeff Grubbe (Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians)  – Chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

Break 1 music: Learned from the Late Ralph Kotay (song) Kenneth Cozad & Group (artist) Songs of Our Old People – Old-Time Round Dance Songs of Oklahoma (album)

Break 2 music: Canoe Song (song) Chenoa (artist) Spirit of Salishan (album)

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Social distancing and other restrictions mean people in recovery have an added barrier in their efforts to stay drug and alcohol free. Regular meetings with others and one-on-one face time are among the tools people rely on to avoid relapsing. In addition, some addictions put people in a higher risk category for developing serious COVID-19 complications. We’ll talk with Native specialists to hear how what solutions are helping prevent relapse during the prolonged emergency.

Guests:

Sharyl White Hawk (Lac Courte Oreilles Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians) –  addictions counselor for Kahunsi Onikan

Randall Sam (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe) – peer recovery specialist

Corin La Pointe-Aichison (Koyoukon Athabascan) –  associate attorney at Galenda Broadman

Break 1 music: Bird Song (song) Unknown (artist)

Break 2 music: Canoe Song (song) Chenoa (artist) Spirit of Salishan (album)

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Many people turn to prayer, traditional practices or messages of encouragement during times of personal or communal crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic limits people’s ability to connect in groups to heal. But there are still ways to find fellowship and access spiritual solace. We’ll get perspective from three people about what they are leaning on during this crisis. How are you managing? Send us an email to comments@nativeamericacalling.com with how you are getting through this challenging time.

Guests:

Chief Arvol Looking Horse (Lakota/Dakota/Nakota) -19th Generation Keeper of the White Buffalo Calf Pipe

Jillene Joseph (A’aninin) – executive director of the Native Wellness Institute

Reverend David Wilson(Choctaw Nation) Ordained minister for Oklahoma Indian Missionary Conference, in the United Methodist Church

Shannon Keller O’Loughlin (Choctaw Nation) –  executive director of the Association on American Indian Affairs

Break 1 music: Intertribal (song) Tha Tribe (artist) Woodland Groove (album)

Break 2 music: Native Superstars (song) Corey Allison (artist) Ecliptic Sessions (album)