Stay up to date this week with Native America Calling!

Here’s the latest schedule Your National Electronic Talking Circle. You can listen LIVE every day at 1pm Eastern.

Monday, September 21, 2020 – Domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic

Advocates fear the coronavirus pandemic increases the risk for Native American women experiencing domestic violence. Quarantines and stay-at-home orders might make it difficult for women to get away from abusers. There are few studies that provide evidence but a survey by the United Nations reports increased calls to help lines in several cities around the globe since the start of the pandemic. A limited survey of radiologists in the U.S. shows an increase in injuries attributed to domestic violence in 2020 compared to the previous three years. We explore the factors that could contribute to the domestic violence risk and some possible solutions for those experiencing it.

Tuesday, September 22, 2020 – Ice: the Arctic’s dwindling resource

Scientists have observed the disappearance of Arctic sea ice for decades. Indigenous people who live and hunt on and near the ice are forced to confront the changes in their environment and adapt where they can. A new study published in the journal, Nature Climate Change, predicts ice-free summers in the Arctic for the first time in recorded history far sooner than previous estimates. We’ll hear more about why the ice is melting and its effects on Indigenous people.

Wednesday, September 23, 2020 – Nut harvest time

Gathering, processing and cooking indigenous nuts like acorns and pine nuts is in full swing in late summer and early autumn. These small gifts of protein and flavor are important to Indigenous culture. Picking and preparing them in the traditional way creates stronger connections to culture and nature and promotes a deeper understanding of food and flavor. We’ll talk about nuts with Native food educators and culture keepers.

Thursday, September 24, 2020 – Book of the Month

“Becoming Miss Navajo” is a young readers’ book that shares the story of what it means to earn this esteemed title. The author writes the competition cannot be categorized as a beauty pageant. Instead she sees it as a way to revitalize Navajo cultural heritage. Begay-Kroupa tells her own personal journey and brings readers through the ins and outs of the yearly event. The book features photos that include parts of the competition that asks contestants to demonstrate cultural knowledge.

Friday, September 25, 2020 – Mesa Verde ancestors repatriated after 130 years

Tribal leaders in the Southwest are praising the successful return of items stolen from Mesa Verde almost 130 years ago. It’s the culmination of an agreement with Finland originally announced last year to repatriate ancestors and funerary items taken by a Finnish scholar in 1891. The incident helped spark establishment of the 1906 Antiquities Act and the establishment of Mesa Verde National Park. Leaders from the four tribes that have cultural affiliations with Mesa Verde worked with the U.S. State Department to return and reinter them this month. We’ll hear from tribal leaders about the significance of the items and what it took to have them returned.