12/20/00: Hopi Radio (Listen in RealAudio…)
With the New Year has come a new tribal radio station! Hopi Radio! On this day, the Hopis will broadcast for the first time in history, and Native America Calling will be there. Join us as we discuss the birth of a new station and welcome the Hopis to the AIROS family. How does a tribal station empower the community and affect the flow of information? Guests include Hopi Chairman Wayne Taylor and Doran Dalton, director of the Hopi Foundation. (Listen to other programs on media issues)

12/19/00: Darkness in El Dorado (Listen in RealAudio…)
A new book has alleged that anthropologists and reporters have greatly harmed the people of the Brazilian rain forest. The author of this controversial book has contended that researchers and journalists have been guilty of introducing and experimenting with diseases and staging confrontations. He has said that "Darkness in El Dorado" exposes the suffering of the Yanomami people in the name of science and journalism. Guests include author Patrick Tierney. (Listen to other programs on international issues.)

12/14/00: Native America, Capitalism or Socialism? (Listen in RealAudio…)
Native America has been torn between two distinct political realties - Capitalism vs. Socialism. On the one hand, traditional values have promoted capitalist ideals that reward individual achievement and proliferation of private property. While on the other hand, sharing your fortunes with the community has also been rewarded and considered a quality of leadership. But how have these two political concepts shaped today's Native America? Guests include Waylon Honga of the Hualapai Tribe of Arizona.

12/13/00: Taxing Non-Indians on the Rez (Listen in RealAudio…)
Should non-Indian businesses operating on reservations have been exempt from paying tribal taxes? A federal case that affirms Indian Nation's rights to tax within their boundaries has headed to the Supreme Court and its outcome will have an impact all of Indian Country. A non-Navajo businessman has challenged the Navajo Nation's right to tax businesses on the reservation. Who has taxation authority and jurisdiction on Native lands? Guests include attorney Marcelino Gomez from the Navajo Nation Department of Justice. (Listen to other programs on economics.) (Listen to other programs on legal issues)

12/12/00: Who Owns Crazy Horse? (Listen in RealAudio…)
Descendants of Crazy Horse have protested at corporate headquarters to stop J.C. Penney's, Liz Claiborne's and Hornell Brewing Company's unauthorized use of the Lakota warrior and spiritual leader's name to sell their products. Their efforts have been supported by interfaith investors who own stock in these companies and who also want the exploitation to stop. Guests include Bill Means and Dr. Phyllis Fredrick of the Crazy Horse Defense Fund. (Listen to other programs on legal issues)

12/11/00: Holiday Safety (Listen in RealAudio…)
The Holiday Season has come and so has the season of danger. Ironically most injuries and accidents have occurred during this time of celebration and reunion. Potential hazards have stemmed from the gifts we buy to Christmas tree decorations. How can we make this a safe and fun holiday season? Guests include Nancy Harjo, Project Director for AMERIND Risk Management Corporation and Rachel Wientraub of Public Interest Research Group and Toysafety.net.

12/7/00: Indecision 2000 (Cont.) (Listen in RealAudio…)
It has been over three weeks since the national election and we still do not have a president. How has this delay affected the country and Native America? Has it had any impact at all? Could the United States function without a president elect? What lessons have we learned for Election 2004? Take part in our very own NAC on-air recount. Guests include Paul DeMain, editor of News From Indian Country and campaign manager for Winona LaDuke. (Listen to other programs on election 2000.)

12/6/00: Mounds of Wisconsin (Listen in RealAudio…)
The archaeological record have indicated that most ancient societies in the upper Midwest built mounds between 800 b.c. and 1200 a.d. More mounds were built in Wisconsin than in any other region of North America. Most impressive are the effigy mounds, huge earthworks sculpted into the shapes of birds, mammals, and other forms, not found anywhere else in the world in such concentrations. Could these mounds actually be cosmological maps that model ancient belief systems? Guests include forensic anthropologist Leslie Eisenberg of the State Historical Society of Wisconsin. (Listen to other programs on environment.) (Listen to other programs on land issues)

12/5/00: The Corps of Discovery II (Listen in RealAudio…)
The National Park Service has appointed a Native American to head up the Lewis and Clark commemoration team. Park Ranger Gerard Baker, Mandan/Hidatsa, has been appointed superintendent of the Corps of Discovery II, which has organized the celebration of the bicentennial of the famous expedition. Can the Corps of Discovery help rewrite a truer picture of Native history? Can the National Parks also provide a forum to discuss the true history of the Americas? Guests include Gerard Baker and Barbara Suteer of the National Park Service.

12/4/00: Current Events (Listen in RealAudio…)
Slade Gorton has lost his Senate seat in the state of Washington. What will this mean for Indian Country? In Maine, tribal leaders have been held in contempt of court for standing up against the pollution of their rivers. In Johannesburg, South Africa, Native leaders have been helping to negotiate an international treaty that would phase out 12 of the planet's worst poisons. And Indian preference has obtained a vote of confidence in D.C. by Democratic lawmakers. (Listen to other programs on election 2000.) (Listen to other current event programs from 2000 and 2001.)

11/30/00: Native Owned Progressive Schools (Listen in RealAudio…)
Should Native American communities own and control their own schools? One reservation has been doing just that. The Southern Ute Indian Tribe has recently opened their own Montessori school which features the "Whole Child Learning Method." Can Native operated and owned schools that feature progressive curriculum create fertile learning environments? Guests include Diane Millich-Olguin of the Southern Ute Tribe. (Listen to other programs on education.)

11/29/00: The Roads of My Relations (Listen in RealAudio…)
Choctaw writer Devon A. Mihesuah has chronicled the lives of her Choctaw family spanning several generations. She has traced the footsteps of their forced relocation from their homeland in Mississippi to their present day home in Southeastern Oklahoma. Her stories have expressed the strength of a tribe whose identity and pride have survived the disruptions of colonialism. What lessons can we learn from the road of our ancestors? (Listen to other literature programs from 2000)

11/28/00: Indian Preference. Is It Fair? (Listen in RealAudio…)
The Indian Preference Act has been under attack! This federal hiring policy has been adopted to combat discrimination against Native people and encourage the hiring of tribal members. Now, lawmakers in Washington have said that The Indian Preference Act is race-based and unconstitutional. Should it have been repealed? Or has it been a Native affirmative action plan that needs to be strengthened? (Listen to other programs on civil rights.) (Listen to other programs on legal issues)

11/22/00: U.N. Indigenous Peoples Convention (Listen in RealAudio…)
People of color from throughout the world have gathered in Geneva, Switzerland to push forward for acceptance of a strong declaration of rights for the indigenous people of the world. But world superpowers, including the U.S., have been concerned that language in the U.N. declaration may give aboriginal communities too much power. Will this document ever move past draft form? (Listen to other programs on civil rights.) (Listen to other programs on race.) (Listen to other programs on human rights.) (Listen to other programs on international issues)

11/21/00: Honoring Nations (Listen in RealAudio…)
The Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development has aimed to understand the conditions under which sustained social and economic development has been achieved in Indian communities. Now in its second year, Honoring Nations has identified, celebrated and shared outstanding examples of tribal governance. Should your tribal nation have been honored? Guests include Andrew Lee of the Seneca Nation, executive director of the Honoring Nations program.

11/20/00: Leonard Peltier Update (Listen in RealAudio…)
The request for clemency for Leonard Peltier has arrived on President Bill Clinton's desk. Will he have signed it before he has left office? The Leonard Peltier Defense Committee has been asking people to contact the White House now as they have feared the next president might not be likely to give Peltier clemency. Tune in and find out more about the push for clemency and other recent developments in the Peltier case. Guests include Leonard's granddaughter Alex Peltier; Jane Day, an AIM member who was at Pine Ridge during the AIM occupation; and Gena Ghilia, a spokesperson for the Leonard Peltier Defense Committee. (Listen to other programs on civil rights.)

11/16/00: The New Small Pox Blankets (Listen in RealAudio…)
Sacred ceremonial items that have been returned to tribes from museums and universities under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act have been contaminated. That's right, pesticides have been used to preserve and protect these items and some have even been laced with arsenic. These contaminants have prevented tribal members from using these repatriated items in ceremonies, and in some cases have caused illness. Are these items the new small pox blankets? Guests include Leigh Kuwanyisiwma of the Hopi Tribe. [See the 2000 NCAI page]

11/15/00: Cashing In On Casinos (Listen in RealAudio…)
If you have looked around Indian Country you will have seen more and more tribes drawing up plans to open new casinos. Investors have been at their doors, ready and willing to pump money into tribal coffers. But will the big money continue? Or have we grown dangerously close to saturating the gaming market? (Listen to other programs on economics.) (Listen to other programs on gaming.)
[See the 2000 NCAI page]

11/14/00: Termination by Disintegration (Listen in RealAudio…)
Tribes all across Indian Country have faced the same tough question: should we lower our blood quantum to keep our membership from dropping? This has brought other questions to mind. For example, has the lowering blood quantum also lowered the integrity and authenticity of the tribe? Or has it simply allowed the tribe to keep from disintegrating into extinction? [See the 2000 NCAI page]

11/13/00: Indecision 2000 (Listen in RealAudio…)
Six days past the presidential election and America still didn't know who its President was to be. The nation's eyes have been on the state of Florida and their precious 25 electoral votes. Florida election officials have been expected to announce a winner this weekend. Will the loser accept defeat when the final numbers are in or will we see the election stalled and stained by court action and lawsuits. Guests include Native leaders from across Indian Country. (Listen to other programs on election 2000.) [See the 2000 NCAI page]

11/9/00: International Boxing - Native America vs. Finland (Listen in RealAudio…)
Native boxers have taken on the International Boxing Team of Finland at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort in Mt. Pleasant, MI. The 10-card bout was to feature some of the best Native boxers and potential 2004 Olympic hopefuls. The event was to be a project of the Native American Sports Council (NASC), which is a member of the Olympic Organizing Committee. The Council had been working to get the Native American Boxing Championships recognized by USA Boxing. Could our boxing events become an official national amateur event? Guests include Maurice Smith, acting executive director of NASC. (Listen to other programs on international issues)

11/8/00: Native Farm Aid (Listen in RealAudio…)
Native American farmers and ranchers have sued the United States Department of Agriculture alleging that they are being discriminated against. Hundreds of Native farmers have said that they have been overlooked when it comes to getting badly needed subsidies, market protections and better lease agreements. Can Native farming and ranching survive in the new millennium? Guests include Tex Hall of the Three Affiliated Tribes of North Dakota and Attorney Alex Dires. (Listen to other programs on economics.) (Listen to other programs on land issues)

11/7/00: Tribal Radio Personalities (Listen in RealAudio…)
At tribal radio stations, there have been many different on-air personalities. There have been DJ's, talk-show hosts, news people and others. Many stations within the AIROS network have featured very unique cultural programs. We visited with some of our network stations and get a glimpse of their local programs. What is the role of radio personalities at tribal stations? And what purpose do these local stations serve? Guests include the hosts from "Three Chicks and a Mic" from affiliate KGHR in Tuba City, Arizona. (Listen to other programs on media issues)

11/6/00: Government to Government Relationships (Listen in RealAudio…)
President Clinton has signed a revised executive order intended to strengthen the government-to-government relationship between U.S. federal agencies and tribes. The White House has said the new order will build upon prior directive, but tribes have remained skeptical. Tribal leaders say consultation has often been promised but rarely practiced. How well is the tribal consultation process working? Guests include Kevin Gover, Assistant Secretary of Interior - Bureau Indian Affairs.

11/2/00: U.N. World Conference Against Racism (Listen in RealAudio…)
The UN General Assembly has been preparing for a world conference on racism, racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance. The Task Force has been looking for effective remedies and recourse for victims of racism and is coming to Indian Country to Native perspectives. Guests include Debra Carr, Task Force Chair, UN World Conference Against Racism. (Listen to other programs on race.) (Listen to other programs on racism.) (Listen to other programs on international issues)

11/1/00: Current Events (Listen in RealAudio…)
A new film covering Chief Arvol Looking Horse's 10-year journey of peace, unity and cultural awareness to the current seventh generation has nearly been completed. Speaking of films, NAPT has several debuting on PBS-TV this month, we'll inform you on where and when to tune in. The third annual Native American Music Awards have come to Albuquerque. And November is National American Indian Heritage month. What do you have planned? Guests include Tim Giago. (Listen to other current event programs from 2000 and 2001.)

10/31/00: Native Ghost Stories (Listen in RealAudio…)
Boo! On this Halloween edition, we brought you true accounts of tales from beyond the physical and natural world. Mescalero/Otomi author Antonio Garcez has a new book coming out called "American Indian Ghost Stories of the Southwest." In it, he shares with us eyewitness ghost stories by Native Americans from the states of Arizona and New Mexico. Do you belief in spirits from the other side? Have you ever had a paranormal experience? Join us and share with us your story of the supernatural.(Listen to other literature programs from 2000)

10/30/00: Book of the Month: "Night Sky, Morning Star" (Listen in RealAudio…)
Cecelia Bluespruce has been a successful Native artist who has become trapped by shadows of her past. Her grown son, Jude, has wanted to learn about the father he has never known. Political activist Julian Morning Star, imprisoned twenty years for a crime he did not commit, was unaware that his son even existed. Troubled by dreams, lies and denial, Cecelia is guided toward acceptance of her own life by family and friends who have their own pasts to confront. Isleta Pueblo author Evelina Zuni Lucero joins us to talk about her book " Night Sky, Morning Star." (Listen to other literature programs from 2000)

10/26/00: Warrior Radio (Listen in RealAudio…)
Low-power FM radio stations have been at the center of a debate within the FCC. Some feel that the stations would have simply cluttered the airwaves, while others believe low-power FM will have given historically voiceless communities access to a vital information device - radio. Many cultural groups have believed a radio station of their own could help save their languages and cultures. Former NAC director Joe Leon has travelled to the island of Tahiti to help set up a radio station where the local people will broadcast in their own language for the first time ever. Find out more about LPFM Warrior Radio... (Listen to other programs on media issues)

10/24/00: Get Out the Vote 2000 (Listen in RealAudio…)
In the 20th Century, Native Americans did not participate in our national elections in great numbers. But Indian Nations have become increasingly engaged in the American political process as more tribes realize what is at stake. The Indian vote had been key in several swing states. Would a small segment of the population make an impact on Election 2000? Or would Native America not show up at the polls again? Guests include Susan Masten, President of NCAI and US Senator Daniel K. Inouye, Vice Chairman of the Committee on Indian Affairs. (Listen to other programs on civil rights.) (Listen to other programs on election 2000.)

10/23/00: Indian in the Spotlight: Cecelia Fire Thunder (Listen in RealAudio…)
It has not been traditional for Native men to batter Native women or children. This is the message that internationally-known motivational speaker, community organizer and health educator Cecelia Fire Thunder of the Lakota Nation has been vigorously trying to communicate to Native people. She has worked to heal the wounds of oppression, alcoholism and violence that have corrupted many of our Indian families. But how do we approach such sensitive and secretive issues as wife-beating, rape and child abuse?

10/19/00: AFN Convention 2000 (Listen in RealAudio…)
Every October, Alaska Natives from throughout the state have gathered in Anchorage for the annual Alaska Federation of Natives Convention. Tribal leaders, elders, youth and representatives from practically every village have convened to discuss matters of the environment, subsistence rights, oil development, cultural protection and other important issues. In addition, a variety of social events have also been on the agenda. Join us as we bring you live coverage of AFN in Anchorage.

10/18/00: Coming Out in Native America (Listen in RealAudio…)
Gay and lesbian couples around the country held their "Coming Out Day" during the previous week. It has been meant to raise the discrimination issues that gays and lesbians face in society. But what has it been like for Native Americans to openly declare their homosexuality within a traditional setting? Has homosexuality been accepted in Native American communities? Guests include Will Roscoe, author of several books about homosexuality in Native America.

10/17/00: Honduras Seeks Helping Hand (Listen in RealAudio…)
Native people of the Central American country of Honduras have been pleading for help from Native America. The Hondurans have been looking to rebuild and protect their land and cultural lifestyles after years of civil unrest, rampant poverty and recovery from Hurricane Mitch. Can Native America assist the developing indigenous movement of Honduras? Guests include Martha Dominguez of the U.S.-based Peace Action New Mexico and Miriam Miranda, a Garifuna woman and co-director of CONPAH, the Confederation of Autochthonous Peoples of Honduras. (Listen to other programs on international issues)

10/16/00: Mining Zuni Salt Lake (Listen in RealAudio…)
Zuni Salt Lake has been a unique resource to the Zuni people as well as the Hopi, Acoma, Laguna, Navajo and Apache tribes. Zuni salt is produced through an ancient process using water from underground. This salt only comes from these aquifers under special conditions. Although they don't oppose mining in general, the Pueblo have been fearful that the proposed Fence Lake Coal Mine will cause irreparable damage to this sacred water source and taint the salt minerals. Guests include Zuni Governor Malcolm Bowekety. (Listen to other programs on environment.)

10/12/00: Violence in the Home (Listen in RealAudio…)
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. It's a social disease that affects every cultural sect of American Society, including Native America. How has domestic violence threatened our cultural future? What can be done to stop violence in the home? Guests include domestic violence counselors Karen Artichoker and Wayne Weston. (Listen to other programs on human rights.)

10/11/00: Columbus Day (Listen in RealAudio…)
No other national holiday has drawn such heated debate as Columbus Day. Mainstream America has been celebrating the holiday to honor the opening of the New World and the colonization of the Western Hemisphere. But Native peoples of the Americas have seen Columbus Day as a remembrance of genocide. Should we forsake the Columbus Day holiday and create a Native American Remembrance Day? Guests include Russell Means and Glen Morris of the American Indian Movement. Check out photos from the Denver's Columbus Day Protest.

10/10/00: Reclaiming Sacred Mountains (Listen in RealAudio…)
Tribes across the United States have been fighting to reclaim Sacred Mountains. The Northern Wintu of California have been battling for Mount Shasta, Arizona tribes have been protecting Mount Graham and the Pueblos of New Mexico have laid claim to the Sandias. For these tribes protecting the mountains has been important to them both spiritually and biologically. What's at stake if tribes aren't able to stop the desecration of these ancient mountains? Guests include Pancho Bigby of the Ft. Belknap Natural Resources Department and Frank Chavez of the Sandia Pueblo. (Listen to other programs on land issues)

10/5/00: Preserving the Past (Listen in RealAudio…)
Native America has reached the 21st Century and a prodigious question is being presented to each and every tribe, tribal member and tribal advocate. What do we preserve from our past to carry with us into the future? Our ceremonies, language and tribal histories have certainly been priorities but what about values, relationships and attitudes? Can we remain closely connected to our past without compromising the future? Can we preserve a way of life that has existed on this planet for millennia? (Listen to other programs on history.)

10/4/00: Hawaiian Sovereignty (Listen in RealAudio…)
A bill to federally recognize Native Hawaiians has just passed the House, but the Hawaiian sovereignty movement is split on the issue. Some fear that federal recognition of Native Hawaiians will lead to a trust relationship with the U.S. They argue that Hawaii will turn into nothing more than an island reservation. Others say that federal recognition will actually protect a portion of their land base and provide much needed program dollars. Guests include Hawaiian sovereignty activist Dr. Kekuni Blaisedale. Find out more on the issue at www.nativehawiians.com.

10/3/00: Making It Rain and Snow (Listen in RealAudio…)
Climatologists have been predicting severe drought in much of the temperate regions of the world and especially in the American Plains and Southwest. But these regions have been taking matters into their own hands by bringing in the rainmakers - weather modification specialists. These expert scientists have been seeding clouds to increase rain and snowfall in dry areas. Can we solve our growing water crisis through weather modification? Guests include Scotty Savage of Weather Modification, Inc. (Listen to other programs on environment.)

10/2/00: Current Events (Listen in RealAudio…)
After several years of court battles, the nine-thousand-year-old skeletal remains of Kennewick Man have been returned to Northwest tribes. On the eastern seaboard of Canada, gunfire has been exchanged in the ongoing lobster battle between members of the Mikmaq Nation and non-native fishermen. The Blackfeet of Montana have announced a new wind power project that will capture the extreme winds from the Rockies onto the Great Plains, and we'll also honor an Apache elder for his work as an archeologist. All this plus we'll be taking your calls to let us know what's happening in your community. (Listen to other current event programs from 2000 and 2001.)

9/28/00: Declaration of Native Independence (Listen in RealAudio…)
Many non-federally recognized tribal communities have been working to gain their sovereign status and cultural independence. But what happens if a tribal community that is part of a confederation of tribes wants its own autonomy? The Covelo Round Valley reservation in Northern California has been dealing with this exact question. Can we have a sovereign tribe within a federation of tribes? Or does this endanger the entire alliance? Guests include Patricia Freeman of the Breakaway Band of Covelo Indians and Covelo Round Valley Tribal Administrator Michael Pena.

9/27/00: Book-of-the-Month: "The Roads of My Relations" (Listen in RealAudio…)
Choctaw writer Devon A. Mihesuah chronicles the lives of her family spanning several generations. She provides us with insight into her ancestors and traces the footsteps of their forced relocation from their homeland in Mississippi to their present day home in Southeastern Oklahoma. Her stories express the strength of a tribe whose identity and pride have survived the disruptions of colonialism. What lessons can we learn from the roads of our relations? (Listen to other literature programs from 2000)

9/26/00: NASA Technology Saving Tribal Languages (Listen in RealAudio…)
Tribal leaders have been looking to NASA for technology to help save Native languages. Indian educators have wanted to take advantage of NASA's advanced curriculum and tools to recreate successful language programs that have taught astronauts and cosmonauts different foreign dialects. But can this technology revive ancient dialects of Native America? Guests include Vernon Finley of the Salish-Kootenai Tribal College and Tony Vanchu of NASA's Johnson Space Center.

9/25/00: Creating Change Through Native Media (Listen in RealAudio…)
For decades most of the work to improve social conditions in Native communities has come from grassroots organizations and tribal social services. Media resources have had little or no effect on these campaigns. But today more Native people have been using media forums to send out strong, positive and direct messages. Can Native-owned media create healthy changes in Indian Country? Guests include Kevin Peniska, publisher of Well Nations Magazine and Navajo/Comanche spiritual counselor Patricia Davis. (Listen to other programs on civil rights.) (Listen to other programs on media issues)

9/21/00: Southwest Tribal Leaders Summit (Listen in RealAudio…)
Tribes of the Southwest such as the Navajo Nation, the Hopi Nation, the Zuni Nation and the Pueblos of New Mexico met during this week to determine their priority issues. Environmental protection, water rights, off-rez services for tribal members, and emerging technology have been some of the topics on the table. What will a united region do for tribal communities? Guests include President Kelsey Begaye of the Navajo Nation and Chairman Wayne Taylor of the Hopi Nation.

9/20/00: Aboriginal Olympics (Listen in RealAudio…)
The 2000 Olympics have kicked off and the games proved to be quite special considering that more Indigenous nations were represented and there was state-of-the-art design to the environment-friendly facilities. The Australian Aboriginal peoples have also found the Olympics in Sydney to be an effective forum to raise their cultural issues. Can the 2000 Olympiad help usher in a new era of Indigenous awareness and environmental responsibility? Guests include 1964 Olympic Gold Medalist Billy Mills (Oglala). Watch QuickTime videos online of Billy Mills dramatic triumph in the 10,000 meters run at the 1964 Oympics in Tokyo, Japan. You must have a QuickTime Player to view these clips. You can download a player at http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/. For more on the 2000 Olympics go to Official Site of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

9/19/00: Anti-Drug Campaign in Native America (Listen in RealAudio…)
The White House Office of National Drug Control Policy has invested over $3 million to reach Native-specific audiences with anti-drug messages. They have launched a national media campaign using radio and print ads. This campaign is in response to new statistics that show that drug use among Native youth has been rising despite overall reductions by U.S. youth in general. Guests include Jennifer Bishop with the National Youth & Anti-Drug Media Campaign.

9/14/00: Disenrollment for Dollars (Listen in RealAudio…)
The Las Vegas Paiute tribal council has disenrolled 14 people out of its 54-member tribe. The council has ruled that the people did not have sufficient records of their ancestral heritage. The disenrollees, however, have said that big development money, per capita payments and a greedy tribal council is why they were kicked out. How has wealth affected intertribal relations? Are we succumbing to greed and outside interests? (Listen to other programs on economics.)

9/13/00: Contamination of the North (Listen in RealAudio…)
Alaska has been listed as a state under environmental attack. Environmental groups have said that toxins from around the world have migrated to Alaska and the problem has been compounded by the pollution generated by the oil companies, military complexes and global warming. How does the environmental health of Alaska affect global conditions? Guests include Sterling Gologergen of Alaska Community Action on Toxics. (Listen to other programs on environment.)

9/12/00: New Life within the Horse Cultures (Listen in RealAudio…)
The Nez Perce of northern Idaho have been using horses for youth therapy and rehabilitation. These magical colts have ignited a new appreciation of their tribal culture for the youngsters. The Nez Perce have also celebrated a new breed of Appaloosa which has drawn worldwide attention. Do these animals have spiritual powers and the strength to heal? Guests include Bonnie Ewing of the Chief Joseph Foundation and Rudy Shabala of the Nez Perce Horse Registry.

9/11/00: The New Age of Civil War (Listen in RealAudio…)
Have we entered a new age of civil war? Conflicts involving Indigenous peoples have seemed to be escalating globally. From Indonesia and Papua New Guinea to Mexico and South America, Indigenous lands and cultures have been under attack over resources and cultural differences. What role have we in the United States play in these global conflicts? Guests include Ward Churchill, Professor of American Indian Studies of the University of Colorado at Boulder. (Listen to other programs on race.) (Listen to other programs on international issues)

9/6/00: Blueprint for an Indian Land Claim (Listen in RealAudio…)
Native attorneys specializing in land claims have been working on behalf of tribes for decades. Now, their tedious labor is paying off. Tribes in Texas, California, New York, Nevada and several other states are suing for land and monetary judgments based on legal interpretations of old treaties and laws. Do all tribes have legal claim to land and other retribution? Guests include Kevin Brady, chairman of the Yomba Shoshone. (Listen to other programs on land issues)

9/5/00: Current Events (Listen in RealAudio…)
Current Events from September 2000: Indian trust funds mismanagement case, an English-only law in Oklahoma, politicians wooing the Indian vote. Guests include Jim Gray, publisher of Oklahoma Indian Times newspaper. (Listen to other programs on economics.) (Listen to other programs on election 2000.) (Listen to other current event programs from 2000 and 2001.)

9/4/00: Crisis at Burnt Church (Listen in RealAudio…)
Anti-Indian organizations and the Ministry of Fisheries and Oceans are squaring off against Aboriginal fishermen in New Brunswick, Canada. The battle is over fishing rights and quotas. First Nations people fear this could lead to an armed conflict if the people are not allowed to subsist. It's happened before. Will it happen again? Guests include Karen Somerville, spokesperson for the Burnt Church Aboriginal community. Read an article from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation on the history of the conflict. (Listen to other programs on international issues)

8/31/00: Big Brother in Our Schools (Listen in RealAudio…)
How far do we have to go to keep our schools safe? We already have metal detectors, drug-sniffing dogs, and armed security. Why not add video cameras in every classroom, every hallway, and every bus to monitor every move? Do we have to conform to a virtual police state to keep violence from breaking out in one of America's most sacred institutions…the neighborhood school? (Listen to other programs on education.)

8/30/00: Book-of-the-Month: "Where the Pavement Ends" (Listen in RealAudio…)
Assiniboine author William Yellow Robe, Jr., began his career in the theater as an actor. Although his acting skills were respected, there were few roles for Native people. He began writing his own plays, creating roles not just for himself but other Native actors as well. One of the results of his work is "Where the Pavement Ends", a new book comprised of five of Yellow Robe's most poignant and powerful plays. (Listen to other literature programs from 2000)

8/29/00: Hemp Harvest Bust (Listen in RealAudio…)
For the past several years, Alex White Plume has been growing industrial hemp on the Oglala Lakota reservation in South Dakota, as an act of personal sovereignty. A harvest ceremony was scheduled to take place the week of August 28th but before it could take place DEA officers raided White Plume's farm and cut 4,000 hemp plants. Guests include Alex White Plume of the Lakota Nation and attorney Tom Bianco. (Listen to other programs on legal issues)

8/28/00: Campaign 2000: The Green Party (Listen in RealAudio…)
Winona LaDuke is an Anishinaabe activist, mother, journalist, author and vice presidential candidate in the 2000 presidential race. She's a lifelong grassroots activist and Harvard-trained economist who believes running for office is the way to make a difference. Who is Winona LaDuke and why is she running? She joins us live in Studio 49 to talk about the Green Party platform and her role on the ticket. (Listen to other programs on election 2000.)

8/24/00: The Arctic Caribou Trail (Listen in RealAudio…)
For the past 300 years, the birthing grounds of the great caribou herds of the arctic have remained untouched by man. Gwich'in people want to bring attention to the need to preserve the herds. Can the caribou survive in the 21st Century?

8/23/00: AIO Ambassadors Program (Listen in RealAudio…)
In 1993, Americans for Indian Opportunity (AIO) launched a leadership program designed to create a new generation of tribal leaders who incorporated traditional values into their decision making process. This intensive training program continues to change the lives of young Indian people in positive ways, who in turn create positive changes in their communities. Are you a young leader looking for culturally appropriate training? Guests include Laura Harris of the Comanche Tribe, director of the AIO Ambassadors Program.

8/21/00: Indian in the Spotlight: Irene Bedard (Listen in RealAudio…)
You've seen her on the big screen in Smoke Signals and Lakota Woman. You've heard her voice on your child's videotape of Pocahontas and you've probably noticed her appealing smile on the cover of numerous magazines. Because of her acting talent she has become a familiar figure in today's pop culture. Join us as we visit with our Indian in the Spotlight, Iñupiat/Cree actress Irene Bedard.

8/16/00: The Search for Extraterrestrial Intelligence (Listen in RealAudio…)
In August of 2000, the SETI institute started to get ready to construct a new telescope array to expand our search for extraterrestrial life. Is there extraterrestrial life out in the universe? Guests include Seth Shostak, senior researcher for the SETI Institute.

8/15/00: Wildfires of the West (Listen in RealAudio…)
Experts say that summer 2000 fires have burned more acreage than any other year in recent memory. What factors caused these deadly infernos? Guests include Darren Kipp of the Blackfeet Nation, producer of the documentary Fire Warriors. (Listen to other programs on environment.)

8/14/00: The Democratic National Convention (Listen in RealAudio…)
Thousands of people, including nearly one hundred Native American delegates, went to Los Angeles for the opening of the Democratic National Convention. What does the Democratic platform have to offer Native America? And why do 80 percent of Indian people vote for the Democratic ticket? Join us as we take you to the Democratic National Convention. Guests include Sue Masten, President of the National Congress of American Indians and Secretary of Energy Bill Richardson. (Listen to other programs on election 2000.)

8/10/00: The Dangers of Dioxins (Listen in RealAudio…)
Dioxins are one of the most dangerous compounds known to man. The scary thing is that we're finding dioxins everywhere in our daily lives. Alarming amounts of dioxins are found in the air, in the water, and even in our food. What can be done to stop the dangerous industrial emissions of dioxins into our environment? Guests include Bradley Angel of Green Action Network. (Listen to other programs on environment.)

8/9/00: Printing Redbacks (Listen in RealAudio…)
Expanding economic opportunities is the number one priority for many tribes, whether it's pursuing a casino resort, opening a bank, or developing natural resources. What if tribes started to print their own money, backed with energy and natural resources already on Indian land? Could printing our own "redbacks" finally secure our economic and political independence? Guests include participants from the Oweesta conference in Virginia. (Listen to other programs on economics.)

8/8/00: Influencing Politics with Gaming Dollars (Listen in RealAudio…)
Has gaming revenue evened the playing field between tribes and states? It appears that gambling money is giving tribes and Native people in general more opportunity to be players in political and economic games. Is gaming the "New Buffalo" that will finally give tribes equal status with states' sovereignty? Can tribes act as both political entities and interest groups, and still protect their right to self-govern? Guests include Jakob Coin. (Listen to other programs on economics.) (Listen to other programs on election 2000.)

8/3/00: Saving the Trinity River (Listen in RealAudio…)
In August 2000, the Hupa tribe of northern California went head to head with the state of California on restoring the waterflows to the Trinity River. The Trinity's flow has gone below 50% of normal levels, which has endangered the salmon resource of the river itself. How will this affect the Tribe's dependency on the Trinity and the salmon? Guests include Duane Sherman, Sr., Chairman of the Hupa Valley Tribe in northern California. (Listen to other programs on environment.)

8/2/00: Juvenile Justice (Listen in RealAudio…)
A recent report says that Native youths are increasingly committing crimes. The Coalition of Juvenile Justice says that Native youths are also getting arrested more, suffering more from depression and are abusing drugs and alcohol at record rates. What can we do to reverse this dangerous trend and ensure the survival of our future generations?

8/1/00:Current Events (Listen in RealAudio…)
Current Events from August 2000: GOP convention, Campaign 2000, trust fund mismanagement and more. Guests include Eloise Cobell, lead plaintiff on the individual trust fund mismanagement class action suit. (Listen to other programs on election 2000.) (Listen to other current event programs from 2000 and 2001.)

7/31/00: A Walk to Remember (Listen in RealAudio…)
A group of Native Americans went on a Spirit Journey around Lake Superior. The Walk brought attention to the destruction of the Great Lakes and the worlds fresh water supplies. The Walk was a vision by the late Ojibway Walt Bressette who spent his life in the protection of the Great Lakes and his people. Guests include Esther Nahgahnub and Frank Koehen who are co-organizing the Walk to Remember.

7/27/00: Shut Down the Defense Labs? (Listen in RealAudio…)
Defense proponents are looking to increase spending at the laboratories and claim it's necessary to maintain our nuclear deterrents. Activists, however, say the only true deterrent for nuclear war is to disarm the weapons. Should the U.S. cut back its nuclear arsenal? Or should we maintain our stockpiles in the name of global stability? Guests include Peggy Prince, director of Peace Action New Mexico.

7/26/00: Book-of-the-Month: "Salmon and His People" (Listen in RealAudio…)
Northwest tribes believe that one of the greatest tragedies of this century is the loss of Chinook salmon runs and traditional fishing sites on the Columbia River. Elders say the circle of life has been broken and are contemplating the consequences of breaking the circle. Nez Perce author Allen Pinkham and biologist Dan Landeen's new book combines traditional environmental knowledge with Western science in a compelling story to save the Salmon and His People. (Listen to other literature programs from 2000)

7/25/00: Zuni Enigma (Listen in RealAudio…)
Did a group of thirteenth century Japanese pilgrims come to the American Southwest and merge with the people of Zuni? Did these Asians influence the language and religion of the Zuni people? According to Dr. Nancy Yaw Davis, the answer to both questions is yes. She claims to have uncovered evidence that suggests the Zuni were visited by Japanese travelers some seven hundred years ago. Is it true? Guests include Nancy Yaw Davis, author of "The Zuni Enigma" and Malcolm Bowekety, member of the Zuni Nation. (Listen to other programs on history.)

7/24/00: The Language of Spirituality (Native Languages and Science) (Listen in RealAudio…)
Do you believe that answers to scientific phenomena are best interpreted through Native languages? A group of researchers say the cadence and phonetics of indigenous dialects seem to define quantum phenomena and other universal laws more elaborately and correctly. Join us as we listen to the Language of Spirituality, a meeting of minds between Native wisdom keepers and non-Native scholars and scientists. Guests include Leroy Little Bear of the Blood Indian Tribe of Canada.

7/20/00: The New BIA Regulations on Blood Quantum? (Listen in RealAudio…)
The Bureau of Indian Affairs considered new blood quantum guidelines that could lead to a new definition of who is Indian. Many Native communities may not be aware of the proposed rule. Did you hear about it? In this edition of NAC we asked you to share your views on the setting of standards for Native recognition, which determines how the government determines tribal sovereignty. Guests include Steven Quesenberry of the California Indian Legal Services.

7/18/00: Death by Degrees (Listen in RealAudio…)
Global warming isn't speculation. It's here right now and researchers are concerned that the current warming trend could lead to insurmountable disasters. Not only are scientists predicting erratic weather patterns but possible outbreaks of dormant viruses and bacteria. How do we protect ourselves from the current warming trend? Guests include Doctor Tony Broccoli a climate model expert for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and members of the Physicians for Social Responsibility, which published "Death By Degrees," a report on the warming crisis. (Listen to other programs on environment.)

7/17/00: Habitat for Native Humanity (Listen in RealAudio…)
Housing is a problem largely ignored on many reservations, but a man out of Seattle made building quality homes on Indian lands his primary mission. He organized a group called the Red Feather Foundation and they built a home on the Pine Ridge Reservation. They plan to help out more Native families in need. Can an average American make a difference in the lives of Native people? Guests include Robert Young, founder of the Red Feather Foundation.

7/13/00: Should Tribes Own Their Own Banks? (Listen in RealAudio…)
The North American Native Bankers Association (NANBA) convened in San Diego this July 2000 to help tribes create their own banks. The association felt that operating financial institutions is the next step in creating a truly sovereign Native America. But what does it take for Native America to create a banking industry? And can it be done without losing assets? Guests include J.D. Colbert, president of NANBA and Frank Riolo, NANBA chairman. (Listen to other programs on economics.)

7/12/00: The New Indian War (GOP Attack on Indian Sovereignty) (Listen in RealAudio…)
The conservative Washington State Republican Party launched a full-scale attack on tribal sovereignty by passing a resolution to abolish tribal governments. Skagit County delegate John Fleming was one of the main authors of the resolution and he demanded that all non-republican forms of government on Indian reservations be terminated. If the tribes fought back then "the Army, Navy, Marines and the National Guard will have to fight back, too." Are we seeing the beginning of a new and more lethal Indian War? Guests include US House Representative J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) and NCAI Vice President Ron Allen. (Listen to other programs on e