Native America Calling

If you’re one of the 1.9 million people who still get a paper tax refund check from the federal government, you will need to make a change in the coming months. It’s the same for those who still count on Social Security checks in the mail rather than electronic direct deposit. A presidential executive order requires those and other transactions by the federal government to go completely electronic by September 30. The White House claims paperless transactions will save taxpayers as much as $657 million. At the same time, it poses a significant challenge for the high percentage of Native Americans who choose not to utilize conventional banks. GUESTS Cory Blankenship (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians), executive director of the Native American Finance Officers Association Josh Lucio (Zuni), marketing director for World Financial Group Nathan King (member of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin), vice president of Bay Bank

President Donald Trump is expected to reverse President Joe Biden’s designation of two national monuments in California supported by area tribes. The Department of Justice issued an opinion that it is in the president’s purview to do away with Chuckwalla National Monument and Sáttítla Highlands National Monument. There is additional pressure to at least reduce the side of Bears Ears National Monument and Grand Staircase Escalante as President Trump did during his first term. The changes to national monuments also come as Republicans in Congress propose selling millions of acres of federal land, some of which is important to nearby tribes. We’ll get a rundown of the likely land moves and how it affects people. We’ll also hear about the final piece in a land transfer to the Yurok Tribe that comprises the largest return of land to a tribe in California history. Nearly all of the Yurok’s traditional land — 90% — was taken during the time known as the California Gold Rush. GUESTS Joseph Mirelez (Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians), chairman of the Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians Davina Smith (Diné), co-chair of the Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition Matthew Campbell (Native Village of Gambell), deputy director of the Native American Rights Fund Tiana Williams-Claussen (Yurok), wildlife director for the Yurok Tribe

Two Native nations, the Washoe Tribe of Nebraska and the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, are suing the federal government over what they say is mismanagement of funds related to Indian Boarding Schools. They claim the U.S. Government is on the hook for $23.3 billion by failing to live up to the Treaty and Trust Responsibility. Meanwhile, boarding school survivor advocates are concerned that years of research and narratives shedding light on the Boarding School Era have vanished from federal government sources. We’ll discuss the importance of these recent updates. GUESTS Vice President Tasha Mousseau (Wichita and Affiliated Tribes) President J.C. Seneca (Seneca Nation) Lori Quigley (Seneca Nation), professor and department chair for the Ph.D. in Leadership and Policy program at Niagara University and educational consultant Samuel Torres (Mexica and Nahua), deputy CEO for the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition Amy Sazue (Sicangu and Oglala Lakota), executive director of Remembering the Children

The city of Anchorage plans to clear a large encampment of homeless people at a park in mid-June following years of complaints and public safety problems. The park has seen two fatal shootings and a large fire in recent months. The city’s move is one of dozens of encampment “abatements” around the country following a U.S. Supreme Court decision that allows such law enforcement actions. Some cities have multi-pronged strategies to help homeless residents further displaced when officials clear encampments. We’ll explore where solutions may lie in the balance between compassion and public safety. GUESTS Jim LaBelle (Iñupiaq), member of the Anchorage Native Community Council James Lovell (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians), chief community development officer for the Chief Seattle Club Rene’ Williams (Colville), director of strategic initiatives for the California Native Vote Project Reva Stewart (Diné), owner of Shush Diné Native Shop, founder of Stolen People, Stolen Benefits, and founder of Turtle Island Women Warriors

President Donald Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines to quell protests in Los Angeles has upped the ante when it comes to the response to direct action. Native Americans turned to civil disobedience during high profile protests at Standing Rock and following George Floyd’s death more recently, and during the formation of the American Indian Movement more than a half century ago. Will the equation for direct action include confrontations with the U.S. military from now on? We’ll discuss what Native activists see for the future of public protests. GUESTS Dr. Robert Warrior (Osage), Hall Distinguished Professor of American Literature and Culture at the University of Kansas Jacob Johns (Hopi and Akimel O'Odham/Gila River Pima), executive director of A Wisdom Keepers Delegation Joel Garcia (Huichol), artist and cultural organizer and director of Meztli Projects

In what is becoming an annual occurrence, numerous fires across at least three Canadian provinces are putting Indigenous nations residents at risk. The 3,000 citizens of the Mathias Colomb Cree Nation are affected by evacuations because of the fires. They are among the estimated 30,000 people forced to flee from some 200 wildfires. Many, like the Sandy Lake First Nation, had to be airlifted to safety. At one point, workers took refuge against the smoke and flames for several hours in a shipping container. Smoke from the fires are also degrading air quality in northern U.S. states. We’ll find out what is on the minds of Indigenous people affected by the fires and what long term solutions might be in store. GUESTS Tyson Wesley (Kashechewan Cree Nation), CEO of Creemergency Dr. Amy Cardinal Christianson (Métis), senior fire advisor for Indigenous Leadership Initiative and board member of the International Association of Wildland Fire Chief Willie Moore (Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation), Manitoba Assembly of First Nations Regional Chief Jimmy Côté, president of Creemergency Mayor Colleen Smook, city of Thompson

At least two tribal relocation efforts foreshadow what can go wrong when even small communities are forced to contend with the increasing threats posed by climate change. A report by the Washington Post, ProPublica, and Bethel radio station KYUK documents the ongoing difficulties which the residents of Newtok, Alaska confront after moving their village to escape the effects of the rising sea and thawing permafrost. We’ll hear about that report and the worries about future efforts to react to changing landscapes. GUESTS Bernice John (Yup’ik), president of the Newtok Native Corporation Chantel Comardelle (Jean Charles Choctaw Nation), tribal secretary for the Jean Charles Choctaw Nation Emily Schwing, freelance reporter based in Alaska

An exhibit at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History in Eugene, Oreg. assembles works by Native LGBTQ2 artists that express this moment in time. It is among the hundreds of events, including parades and panel discussions, to mark Pride Month. This year’s push for awareness will have to go on without acknowledgement by the federal government, which is foregoing any mention of Pride. And the annual report by the advocacy group, GLAAD, notes that while violent incidents against gay and lesbian people are down as a whole in the past year, attacks against trans citizens has significantly increased. We’ll check on the status of Native Pride. Plus, we'll get career highlights of the late actor Jonathan Joss (Comanche and White Mountain Apache) who died this week. GUESTS Felix Furby (Chinook and Grand Ronde), co-curator of the exhibit Transgressors Calvin Crosby (Cherokee), owner of the King’s English Bookshop and executive director of Brain Food Books Vincent Schilling (Akwesasne), editor and founder of NativeViewPoint.com and a certified Rotten Tomatoes critic

Today marks the 30th anniversary of Native America Calling’s first national radio broadcast. Started in the studios in Albuquerque public radio station, KUNM, NAC has been the daily voice for Native issues, politics, entertainment, and arts ever since. Tribal leaders, activists, educators, bureaucrats, aunties, presidents, and everyday people have all made their way onto the airwaves on NAC, all with one common thread: to talk about the things that are important to Native Americans from a Native point of view. We’ll mark the occasion by hearing from some of the voices associated with Native America Calling over the years. GUESTS Tara Gatewood (Isleta Pueblo and Diné), director of the Fund for Indigenous Journalists with the International Women’s Media Foundation George Tiger (Muscogee), former principal chief of the Muscogee Nation and the host of KOKL The Brew’s oldies rock-n-roll show Shelley McKosato Haupt (Sac and Fox), Harlan McKosato’s sister Jaclyn Sallee (Iñupiaq), president and CEO of Koahnic Broadcast Corporation

The increase in highly publicized deportations is unnerving both undocumented and documented migrants in the United States. Indigenous people from other countries, some who have visas or are awaiting decisions from immigration proceedings, are among those caught up in the Trump administration’s focus on mass deportations. Many of those who remain say they live in fear of being apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The New York Times reports immigration actions appear to have ramped up in May. The top deportation destination are Guatemala and Honduras, places where Indigenous people are fleeing violence and poverty. We’ll talk with people working with migrants about what is happening on the ground and what is different than actions in the past. GUESTS Juanita (Mam Nation), director of the International Mayan League Nola (Q’eqchi’), Maya Q'eqchi', Spanish, and English Interpreter Danny Chrisney (Maya Q’eqchi’ descent), managing attorney of Wilner O’Reilly Phoenix office Dr. David Martinez (Gila River Indian Community, Akimel O’odham), professor of American Indian studies and transborder studies and the director and founder of the Institute for Transborder Indigenous Nations at Arizona State University

Three Alaska Native tribes filed a lawsuit to stop a controversial gold mining operation east of Nome. The tribes say a permit just granted by the U.S. Corps of Engineers will allow the destruction of salmon habitat and other important environmental elements in a pristine estuary. The mining process involves extracting ore from material dredged from river and ocean beds. On the other side of the state, residents of Wrangell are concerned about a gold mine just over the border in Canada. A new report finds heavy metals in groundwater on the Alaska side. GUESTS Esther Aaltséen Reese (Tlingit), tribal administrator for the Wrangell Cooperative Association and president of the Southeast Alaska Indigenous Transboundary Commission Deilah Johnson (Iñupiaq), tribal resources director and council member for the Village of Solomon Stephanie Barclay, professor of law at Georgetown Law School Vanessa Nosie (San Carlos Apache), member of Apache Stronghold

David A. Robertson (Norway House Cree Nation) gives us 52 practical suggestions — one for each week of the year — to support and connect with Indigenous people. 52 Ways to Reconcile lists tasks as simple and enjoyable as making Bannock, to as challenging as taking personal action toward reconciliation. Matthew Fletcher (Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians) has devoted himself to the legal profession, becoming one of the most respected experts in Indian Law. In his spare time he has written and published a collection of fictional short stories, Stick Houses. He draws from his own observations and stories from his family to illustrate the lives of modern Native Americans. We’ll add Matthew Fletcher’s Stick Houses, and David A. Robertson’s 52 Ways to Reconcile to the Native Bookshelf.

President Donald Trump’s proposed spending plan, dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill,” would cut about $300 billion from the program that provides food to low-income residents. If it survives Congress intact, thousands of Native people will lose eligibility for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Tribes and conservation groups worry the Trump administration’s push for expanded logging of federal land poses a threat to Indigenous foods, like salmon. Nicole Livingston is one of a handful of students who graduated this semester from the only tribal college culinary arts program at Navajo Technical University. She’s off to an internship at the country’s most renown Indigenous restaurant: Owamni by the Sioux Chef. We’ll talk about these topics on The Menu, our regular feature on Indigenous food sovereignty hosted by Andi Murphy. GUESTS Kelli Case (Chickasaw), staff attorney at the Indigenous Food & Agriculture Initiative Brian Tatsukawa, culinary arts instructor at Navajo Technical University Nicole Livingston (Diné), culinary arts program graduate at Navajo Technical University Erik Holt (Nez Perce), chairman of the Nez Perce Tribe Fish and Wildlife Commission

Tornados and other severe storms that stretched across three states killed nearly 30 people this month. Before that, storms left at least 37 people dead and damaged hundreds of homes. Early warnings are key to saving lives during tornados and other damaging weather events. We’ll talk with people who are part of the process to spot severe weather and get the word out when minutes save lives. GUESTS Sequoyah Quinton (Cherokee), storm tracker with KOTV News Channel 6 Jeff Robbins (Cherokee), storm chaser with KTUL News Channel 8 Chris Nunley (Choctaw), professor at Mississippi State University, meteorologist, and emergency management coordinator for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma Brian Brashier, meteorologist and director of broadcast productions for the Chickasaw Nation

The 3,300-member Chinook Tribe in Washington State just scrapped their support of legislation for federal recognition tribal leaders had been working on for more than two years. The rejection comes after the key author of the bill added a series of onerous conditions at the last minute. A handful of other tribes around the country are working through the long, complicated process to secure recognition. Meanwhile, efforts to follow through on President Donald Trump’s promise of federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe is encountering criticism from other tribes who say the process ignores important considerations that most other tribes have to contend with. We’ll get status updates on tribes awaiting federal recognition. GUESTS Sam Robinson, vice chairman of the Chinook Indian Nation John Lowery, chairman of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina Robert Brevelle (Adai Caddo Indian Nation), Tribal Councilman At-Large

The Trump administration cut a quarter of the staff at Haskell Indian Nations University in February. A little over a month later a judge reinstated those positions. Even though the jobs at Haskell and other Bureau of Indian Education schools were restored, uncertainty over the future of those institutions prevails. Similar anxiety accompanies dozens of other important programs and institutions including libraries, museums, low-income heat assistance, and Medicaid. We’ll get updates from places feeling the effects of fast-changing federal support. GUESTS Shaun Griswold (Laguna, Zuni, and Jemez), correspondent at High Country News Danelle Springer (Comanche), legislative associate for American Indian Higher Education Consortium Aziza Smith (Eastern Shoshone), senior at Haskell Indian Nations University Roberta Turner, social services supervisor at Kenaitze Indian Tribe’s Na’ini Family and Social Services U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-AK)

More than 42,000 Native Americans served in the military during the Vietnam War, the vast majority as volunteers. They faced racist and stereotypical taunts from fellow service members. After their service, veterans suffered psychological and emotional trauma at a higher rate than other populations. As the nation marks 50 years since the fall of Saigon and the end of the war, we’ll hear from Native Vietnam veterans about what the conflict means to them now. This is an encore show so we won’t be taking live calls from listeners. GUESTS Frank Sewell (Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and Creek), Vietnam War veteran Harvey Pratt (Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes), artist and Vietnam War Marine veteran Rachelle Pablo (Diné), museum specialist for the National Native American Veterans Memorial at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian Francis Whitebird (Rosebud Sioux Tribe), Army Vietnam War veteran Allen Hoe (Native Hawaiian), attorney and Vietnam veteran

On the eve of the five-year commemoration of George Floyd’s death, the Trump administration is withdrawing Department of Justice (DOJ) oversight for police departments in Minneapolis, Phoenix, Louisville, and other cities where the DOJ previously found civil rights violations against Native Americans and other people of color. Floyd’s murder by a Minneapolis police officer prompted global calls for accountability for long standing inequities. Now, Native American racial justice advocates say any progress toward improving unbalanced treatment by law enforcement agencies is stalled, at best. We’ll assess the direction of racial equity in the criminal justice system over the five years since George Floyd’s high-profile death. GUESTS Mary LaGarde (White Earth Band of Ojibwe), executive director of Minneapolis Indian Center Yohuru Williams, distinguished university chair and professor of history and founding director of the Racial Justice Initiative at the University of St. Thomas Rev. Jim Bear Jacobs (Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians), program director for Racial Justice at the Minnesota Council of Churches

The federal government is poised to open up an extra 112 million acres of land to cover what Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins labels an “emergency”. Tribes concerned about sacred places, wildlife habitat, and conservation complain they were left out of the decision-making process to get here. And while there’s potentially opportunities for tribes that look to logging for economic development, many worry about how the expedited federal push will affect the market for timber. We’ll talk with experts from the timber industry about balancing production, land management, and economics. GUESTS John Awonohopay (Menominee), Menominee Tribal Enterprise sales manager Cody Desautel (Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation), president of the Intertribal Timber Council and the executive director of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation Tim Miller, director of forestry for the Grand Portage Tribe Forestry and Fire Management Department and treasurer of the Intertribal Timber Council

One out of every ten children in Oklahoma’s foster care system are Cherokee citizens. Cherokee leadership’s message for National Foster Care Awareness Month is that Native foster parents are vital to finding solutions that work best for Native children. The Cherokee Nation is among the many tribes working to build a strong system of support for foster children and foster parents. The effort comes as many Native child advocates warn of a potential increase in need as federal social service programs are disappearing. GUESTS Stephanie Benally (Navajo), Native American specialist for Utah Foster Care Sally Wilson (Cherokee Nation), senior director for Cherokee Nation Indian Child Welfare Gaynell Realbird (Shoshone Bannock and Blackfeet), board member for the Mountain Shadow Association David Simmons, director of government affairs and advocacy for the National Indian Child Welfare Association