Native News Network

Monday, October 25, 2010: Do You Vote?: The mid-term elections are just around the corner, but apathy still abounds in America, as most people here in the U.S. don't vote in the mid-terms. In fact, only 37 percent of eligible voters showed up at the polls in 2006. For Native people the turnout for state, tribal and national elections have been rising in the recent past, but our numbers appear to be smaller than the national average. What do you see in your tribal communities - do folks feel like all politicians are the same, or are they uninformed about the importance of voting? Our guest will be veteran journalist Conroy Chino (Acoma Pueblo).

Tuesday, October 26, 2010: Independent Media & Native Youth: With only six conglomerates owning most of the nation's media outlets, it's increasingly harder to find an authentic voice that's reflects the voice of communities rather than the voice of profiteers and political strategists. But as technology becomes more accessible Native youth are picking up cameras, camcorders and microphones to tell their stories. Are these new methods of storytelling providing youth with an outlet for exploring their communities and heritage? Guests TBA.

Wednesday, October 27, 2010: Book of the Month: The Turquoise Ledge: Leslie Marmon Silko (Laguna/Cherokee) combines memoir with family history in "The Turquoise Ledge,"her first extended work of nonfiction. In this memoir Silko weaves fascinating tales from both sides of her family's past, using the turquoise stones that she finds along the way to unite the strands of her stories. The result is a book filled with both cultural and personal revelations and a personal contemplation of the enormous spiritual power of the natural world. How did this book manifest from Silko's inner journey, and what's the next step for this award winning author?

Thursday, October 28, 2010: I Have a Dream...: Martin Luther King, Jr., delivered his celebrated "I Have a Dream" speech in August of 1963, at the Lincoln Memorial in WashingtonD.C. Since that time, many of Dr. King's hopes for America's black community have been realized. For many Native people, however, dreams of equality and justice have not materialized. Living conditions have become so bleak that many of us have resigned to being downtrodden, and forgotten how to dream of brighter days and a better future. Will that continue to be our legacy? Can you finish this sentence? "I have a dream that someday..."

Friday, October 29, 2010: Repatriating and Owning Our Own Music: Many of the teachings of our forefathers are nestled in our traditional songs. Over the years they've also made their way into scholastic institutions, museums and private collections. Today, there is an initiative set forth by ColumbiaUniversity to help bring these sounds back to the people they were intended for. What would it mean to you to bring these songs back to your tribal community? How are tribal people today breathing new life into them? Guests include Aaron Fox, Associate Professor of Music/Columbia University.