Native News Network

What is philanthropy? Is it simply the wealthy offering charity to the poor? Or, is the art of giving actually something inherent within our Native cultures? There is a movement across Native America to increase philanthropy and giving - whether of your money, your time or your energy. There are also efforts to forge stronger relationships between the non-Native philanthropic community and Native causes. Do you have enough to give to others? If so, who do you give to and why? Guests include Mike Roberts (Tlingit) Director/First Nations Development Institute.

For tribal peoples across Turtle Island tobacco is, and has always been, considered the food of the spirits. It is sacred to Native people as a medicine that is used in ceremonies and prayers to communicate with the Creator. However, tobacco kills thousands of people every day around the world, millions each year. Nicotine is perhaps the most addictive drug known to mankind. Can learning about traditional tobacco help reduce the smoking of commercial tobacco by Native people? Guests include Annette Squetimkin-Anquoe (Colville) Traditional Health Liaison/Seattle Indian Health Board.

Among the many things that are connected to the arrival of a New Year, sobriety is one that will be celebrated among many Alaska Native and American Indian people. From powwows to Iditarod races, indigenous peoples are sharing the strength and power of leading a sober life. What lessons and gifts does walking the path of sobriety bring? How does this movement reconnect tribal nations to traditional and healthy lifeways? Guests include Iditarod Sobriety Mushers Mike Williams, Sr. (Yup'ik) and Mike Williams, Jr. (Yup'ik).

The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation was formed three years ago with a vision of supporting American Indians, Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians by strengthening and supporting their diverse arts and cultures. Part of that vision included having the means to begin offering grants this year. Well, the time is here and the NACF has just awarded their first round of grants to Native artists and arts organizations around the country - 26 grants total. Do you ever stop to wonder where Native people would be without our art? Guests will include speakers from The Native Arts and Cultures Foundation.

As we round out the year and chilly weather abounds, we bring you some Native soul and reggae to warm up your holiday season. On his re-release of "Honor the People", Casper Loma-da-wa (Hopi/Dine') once again brings the rhythm and the grace to share the words of the people. With songs like "Ideal" and "Mighty Rebels" the vibe of positive movement and the lessons of life ring strong. The album has been repackaged by Native Music Rocks Records. What does the future hold for this Hopi reggae sensation?