The film professionals who perform stunts do more than just fall down. They are highly skilled and physically fit experts who make movie stars look good. Native stunt actors also fill a sought-after niche and are able to contribute expertise that takes the action in films up a notch.

Thousands of Native American Catholics are entering the 40-day time of reflection and sacrifice known as Lent. Catholicism draws criticism for its connection to oppressive Spanish colonization and for the church’s role in boarding school abuses. At the same time the religion is a tradition—not to mention comfort—embraced by generations of observant Native Americans. On the holy day of Ash Wednesday, we’ll hear from Native Catholics about the intersection of their faith and their culture.

It would be hard to find a legal victory any more important than the ruling named after federal judge George Hugo Boldt in 1974. It was the turning point for the fight led by Nisqually activist Billy Frank, Jr., initially affirming the treaty fishing rights for 20 tribes in western Washington State. But it provided the basis for a far-reaching transformation of Indian Law and natural resource management.

The National Congress of American Indians’ newly-elected president Mark Macarro delivers his first address, highlighting the accomplishments and challenges of Native nations. His account comes at the start of a presidential election year. It’s also a time when tribes are seeing momentum for returned land as well as challenges to sovereignty from state and federal powers. We’ll hear an excerpt from the annual address and get some real world perspective on the State of Indian Nations.

It takes more than just the right tools to carve a totem. Unless they are made by members of one of the traditional totem-carving coastal Pacific tribes, they may appropriating the often sacred symbols and methods those tribes reserve. Totems on public display by cities, schools, museums, and sports teams are coming under new scrutiny.

A coalition of Alaska Native tribes and organizations are urging federal officials to continue protections for 28 million acres of land in Alaska. Their action comes as the federal Bureau of Land Management is considering whether to remove protections against mining and other development that have been in place since the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act (ANCSA) more than half a century ago. The lands are referred to as D-1 lands, referencing the section number in the ANCSA text. BLM is conducting an Environmental Impact Statement. The public comment period for that process ends soon.

Four Native designers took a major stride when their work was included in the Louis Vuitton Men's Fall-Winter Fashion Show in Paris in January. They contributed designs to Pharrell Williams’ new collection for the fashion powerhouse that displayed a strong western feel. Dee Jay Two Bears (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe/Lakota) has worked with Williams for years and coordinated the show. We’ll visit with some of the Native designers who brought Native artistry to a new level of fashion representation.

The Center for American Progress says about one in three U.S. adults have an incarceration, conviction, or arrest record. And research in 2023 by the MacArthur Foundation’s Safety and Justice Challenge finds Native Americans are incarcerated at a rate 38% higher than the national average. What should you do if you do if police pull you over? Are there steps you can take now to prepare or to prevent a bad situation from getting worse? We’ll speak with legal experts about educating yourself about the criminal justice system.

New language in the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is prompting museums to pull some Native items from public display. The rule went into effect in January that requires museums to consult with tribes more comprehensively when it comes to Native artifacts. That’s because, even though they may not be the human remains or sacred items that NAGPRA historically referenced, many items held by museums, universities, and other institutions could have been looted from Native sites or otherwise taken under suspicious circumstances.

Two of the newest National Book Awards winners reinterpret conventional views of their homelands through their unique, Indigenous lenses. Yale historian Dr. Ned Blackhawk (Western Shoshone) reexamines five centuries of U.S. history in his new book Rediscovery of America: Native Peoples and the Unmaking of U.S. History. He explores Native people’s overlooked role from the arrival of Spanish explorers to self-determination. And a collection of experimental and visual poems, from unincorporated territory [åmot], by Dr. Craig Santos Perez (Chamoru) recounts recollections of his homeland of Guam. Åmot is the medicine he invokes to heal colonial traumas. We’ll speak with both of the authors about these new works and the Indigenous histories they rediscover.

Navarre Scott Momaday (Kiowa) introduced the world to Ben Benally and Abel in his first novel “House Made of Dawn”. He also established himself as a literary force with a distinctly Native American voice, winning the 1969 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. He published some 20 other works of fiction, poetry, and essays, earning many more awards and accolades and will always be known as the artist who cleared a path for a new generation of Native writers. We’ll remember Momaday with some of those who he knew and inspired.

Sharp knives make for easier, quicker, and safer work in the kitchen and that’s why Nikki Tsabetsaye started offering her knife sharpening skills in her hometown in Zuni, N.M. These cold months, also known as “soup season,” bring out the coziest and hottest pots of Native soups and stews, swimming with traditional and wild ingredients, that make up a big part community identity and culture. And, three Native-owned food businesses are nominated for a major culinary award. That’s on The Menu, our regular food feature hosted by Andi Murphy.

Members of the Yurok Tribe told California lawmakers that state’s first year using an alert system specifically for missing Native people is making a difference. The Feather Alert system issues public messages similar to the widely used the Amber Alert process. Yurok officials say the new alerts are widely used by tribal members and other Native residents, increasing the chances of finding people who go missing. The California effort is one of the tools in the constant battle against human trafficking that disproportionately affects Native Americans and other people of color. Anyone who has information about a potential human trafficking situation or a person who may be experiencing human trafficking should contact the FBI, local law enforcement, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 (text: 233733)

One of the biggest changes for your tax return hasn’t happened yet. Congress is still mulling over a child tax credit that could very well send more money back to families and would apply retroactively to 2023 returns. Although more modest than the 2021 credit tied to pandemic relief, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities says Native American families will be among the groups that would benefit most. We’ll discuss child credits and help clear up the confusion that comes with every federal income tax season.

This month marks 30 years since the Zapatista Army of National Liberation attracted worldwide attention with their rebel uprising in Chiapas, Mexico, demanding, among other things, rights for Indigenous residents. The uprising is credited with spurring several beneficial changes in Mexico. At the same time, support for the rebel group has waned in the decades since. We’ll explore the Zapatista movement’s influence toward awareness of Indigenous rights in the three decades of their existence.

Kansas City’s NFL team either goes to the Super Bowl or plays its final game of the year on Sunday. The team has weathered sustained pressure that has seen other sports teams, like the Cleveland Guardians and the Washington Commanders, change their names and mascots. Activists have gone so far as to publicly appeal to Taylor Swift, girlfriend of Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce, to speak out against the controversial "tomahawk chop" performed by fans. We’ll assess the wins and … lack of wins … in the ongoing awareness campaign for respectful names and mascots.

There’s a driving demand for more renewable energy projects such as wind and solar. In the rush to build, important cultural resources are threatened. The news outlet ProPublica wrote about an instance in Washington state where an archaeological survey paid for by the wind developers failed to list potential cultural sites that were obvious to state regulators. Tribes in Arizona are at odds with a solar project that would put a power transmission line across traditional cultural places. We’ll look at the intersection of sustainable energy and sacred and important sites.

Artists like Fritz Scholder and T.C. Cannon are among the masters who inspired new generations of Native artists to express their stories and images through printmaking. The art form has a long history in Asian and European cultures, but is a relatively new tradition among Native practitioners. We’ll talk with Indigenous artists who find turn to prints as part of their creative process.

As dangerously bitter winter weather takes hold of the country, some efforts to help unsheltered Native Americans face closure. City officials forced an emergency shelter set up in Rapid City, S.D., to shut down. Successful shelters in Seattle and Minneapolis that cater to unsheltered Native residents face pressure by outside forces that intend to develop the sites for other uses. And Anchorage continues a troubling ongoing trend of homeless fatalities. We’ll look into some of the ongoing struggles to help unhoused relatives.

Diabetes drugs known as GLP-1 agonists, like Ozempic, are riding a wave of popularity right now. But the high cost and short supply because of their popularity as a weight loss remedy are putting the drugs out of reach for those who need them. Native Americans struggle with diabetes disproportionately. Now, is there a disparity when it comes to viable treatments?

Author, historian, and Haskell Indian Nations University professor Daniel Wildcat (Yuchi member of the Muscogee Nation of Oklahoma) believes in the power of Indigenous knowledge to counter big problems. His newest book On Indigenuity: Learning the Lessons of Mother Earth combines Western science, tribal knowledge, and his own personal observations as a way to create path away from climate change and other looming environmental threats.

The Upper Mattaponi Tribe has reached a major milestone toward solidifying its federally recognized status. Doors opened this month to Virginia’s first tribal court system, handling civil cases including child custody proceedings and misdemeanor criminal cases. We’ll hear about the milestone and put it in context of the legal system in Virginia. Plus, we'll remember the life and career of longtime journalist Gary Fife (Muscogee), who died this week.

Every January, runners commemorate the tragic day in 1879 when soldiers hunted down and killed Northern Cheyenne men, women, and children who attempted to escape unbearable conditions at Fort Robinson, Neb. The captive Cheyenne were fleeing imprisonment without food, water, or heat on top of pending demands by the U.S. Army they return to confinement in Oklahoma. We’ll explore the history of the event 145 years ago and the work in recent years to promote healing.

An aide to President Richard Nixon once paid Hank Adams a backhanded compliment, saying he could speak both Indian and “American”. As misguided as that praise is, it highlighted one of Adams’ gifts that helped him steer the armed standoff at Wounded Knee to a peaceful conclusion. Adams is probably best known for his dedicated fight for Native fishing rights in the Pacific Northwest that culminated in the Boldt Decision. We’ll remember the civil rights champion with some of the people who knew him best.

Marvel-villain-turned-superhero Echo is now streaming on Disney+, giving audiences their first series featuring a Native American comic character, who also happens be deaf with a partially prosthetic leg. Echo is a choice lead opportunity for Menominee and Mohican actress Alaqua Cox. It’s directed by Sydney Freeland (Navajo) and boasts a large Native supporting cast including Chaske Spencer, Devery Jacobs, Graham Greene, and Tantoo Cardinal. We’ll talk with the cast, crew, cultural consultants, and comic book fans about bringing this comic book story to life while also striving for accurate Indigenous representation.

The year 2023 saw substantially more ancestral remains returned to tribal nations than any time since the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) — and more repatriations are in the works. That’s the stunning assessment by the news outlet ProPublica. The progress in complying with federal law after years of resistance follows ProPublica’s own investigation into institutions’ failure to hand over remains and steady pressure by tribes and organizations like the Association on American Indian Affairs. We’ll find out about what it took to overcome decades of resistance by museums, universities, and other institutions and what else needs to be done.

Blackfeet actor Lily Gladstone made history as the first Native American to win a Golden Globe for best actress. She acknowledged the "allies" that supported her win for her role as Mollie in “Killers of the Flower Moon”. In her acceptance speech she spoke Blackfeet and dedicated the award to every "little rez kid, every little urban kid, every little Native kid out there who has a dream". We’ll talk to some of the people inspired by Gladstone’s words and some of the people who inspired her along her artistic journey.

For a lot of people, a car is the second biggest purchase they’ll make. A lot more goes into picking a car than just color and style. We’ll talk with Native car sellers, mechanics, and financers about how to assess what you need in a vehicle and get tips on making decisions based on practical considerations rather than emotional ones. And we’ll get a checklist to help decide when to fix the ride you have and when to ditch it for something newer.

The five members of the new Champions for Change class from the Center for Native American Youth have an inspiring resume already. They have demonstrated leadership in areas like health and wellness, performing arts, science, and policy research. We’ll hear from them and find out what drives their passion to make positive things happen.

Just as the rest of us are putting away holiday lights and sweeping up New Year’s confetti, a tradition like no other gearing up in the Inuit villages of Labrador and Newfoundland, Canada. Every January 6, the Nalujuit come out of the icy sea to visit Inuit children. They have terrifying faces and carry harpoons and other menacing staffs. They give out treats to children they deem good, but chase those who are bad. It’s a beloved Labrador Inuit tradition that’s also documented by an Inuk filmmaker.

A civil rights lawsuit brought by the Department of Justice forced a hotel owner in Rapid City, S.D. to issue a written apology and take other steps after publicly banning Native Americans as hotel guests, but another lawsuit claims the hotel is still turning away Native customers. A business owner in Arizona faced few consequences after a public tirade against Native Americans. Such disparaging actions and public comments aimed at Native Americans are a step backward in the work toward equality and civil discourse. The response to those actions can make a difference going forward. We’ll discuss what is required by individuals and institutions to make things right after publicly disrespecting Native people.

Some of the big news stories from the past year promise to spill over into the months ahead and beyond - from the fallout for #Native #Americans caught up in a massive Medicaid fraud scheme in Arizona to the causes and ramifications of the deadly fires that destroyed Lahaina, Hawaii. Those are two of the big events that Native journalists are following in 2024.

The New Year provides an opportunity to press the reset button and shed those intrusive negative thoughts. Improving our physical and mental health, prioritizing important relationships, and putting the worries of the world in the right context can all make a difference at home or at work. We’ll have helpful strategies and inspiration for everyone from expert self-starters to those working on a major motivation overhaul.

The aurora borealis is more than just a dazzling natural light show for those lucky enough to see it. The northern lights are also a cultural touchstone handed down over millennia. Some tribes understand the Northern Lights as a message from the ancestors. At the same time, Native astrophysicists are working to view the phenomenon with both modern scientific and traditional knowledge.

Crews have completed demolition of one dam on the lower portion of the Klamath River along the Oregon-California border. It's a major milestone in the area's tribes' efforts to restore salmon, traditionally the primary food source for tribes in the area. At least four Indigenous chefs released cookbooks in 2023, helping change the narrative and methods around traditional dishes. Those are two of the Indigenous food highlights we'll feature the latest helping of The Menu, our regular feature on Indigenous food and food sovereignty hosted by producer and resident foodie Andi Murphy.

How much do you know (and remember) about Native people and events from 2023? Now is the chance to test your knowledge of things you might have heard about by listening to Native America Calling over the past year. What name was Buffy Sainte-Marie given at birth? Which justices dissented in the U.S. Supreme Court’s historic decision on ICWA? Name a river in California where dams are being demolished to benefit salmon. Those are the types of trivia questions related to Native issues that callers can answer and have a chance to compete for one of three prizes.

What changes would you make if you were in position of authority? Now is your chance to say what you would change if you were president, chairman, or even king. Would you ban all gas-powered cars? Would you own up to all the promises from past treaties with tribes? Would you require all schools to teach at least one Indigenous language? We’ll get ideas from our audience and a few invited guests on what they would do if they had the power to change things.

Jerry Chris Elliott-High Eagle (Cherokee, Osage) joined NASA as a young engineer before astronauts ever made it to the moon. Eventually, among other things, he was a member of the team that devised real-time solutions to bring the crew of the hobbled Apollo 13 safely back to Earth, an accomplishment that earned him a Presidential Medal of Freedom. He’s a musician, writer, inventor, and social justice advocate. He was instrumental in establishing the first national Native American Awareness Week and was a founder of the science education organization, the American Indian Science and Engineering Society. We’ll hear from Elliott-High Eagle about what it takes to succeed in the face of adversity.

The increase in unprecedented damage from wildfires knows no boundaries and International Indigenous fire management experts see global participation as a solution. At the heart of their work is recognition that climate change is a major contributing factor.  They’re bringing traditional fire knowledge to a new generation who are inheriting some of the worst conditions for destructive wildfires in history. We’ll talk with some of those gathered for this year’s Indigenous Peoples Burning Workshop, in this encore episode of Native America Calling (no calls, please).

What music from 2023 is on repeat in your Native playlist? We’ll get recommendations from Native artists and others with their ears to the ground about this year’s new releases from veteran artists and up-and-comers, spanning genres, tribes, and styles.

The aurora borealis is more than just a dazzling natural light show for those lucky enough to see it. The northern lights are also a cultural touchstone handed down over millennia. Some tribes understand the Northern Lights as a message from the ancestors. At the same time Native astrophysicists are working to view the phenomenon with both modern scientific and traditional knowledge.

A federal appeals court ruling is prompting a review of some previous decisions in favor of tribes seeking redistricting or ballot access changes. The recent decision by the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals limits who can sue under the landmark Voting Rights Act. We’ll check on selected access and redistricting cases, including a redistricting case involving North Dakota tribes and a ballot drop-box initiative in Arizona, that indicate how Native voting access could change.

The Dadiwonsi Adult Language Program in North Carolina just welcomed its first graduates in the Cherokee Language. The program is part of an extensive network to develop new fluent Cherokee speakers on and around the Qualla Boundary. And a translation effort hopes to connect modern Cherokees with past culture keepers, Inoli and Will West Long.

This year we said goodbye to Reservation Dogs, but welcomed a trailblazing new Native character in the Marvel franchise. A talented actress brought a tragic tale of greed and murder on the Osage Nation to the big screen and a poignant coming of age story set on the Navajo Nation is a streaming darling. We’ll recall the highlights of the Native stories that connected with audiences in 2023.

This year’s published works included a fictional account of Sacajawea, a Pulitzer Prize-nominated historical analysis of northern Anishinaabe people, a creepy anthology, and a sequel to a best-selling story. We’ll hear from both readers and writers about the standout books by Native authors from 2023.

Indigenous leaders from around the world are assessing the results – and lack thereof – from the annual international conference to determine the direction of environmental policy. Climate activists are severely criticizing the key document that emerged from the meeting hosted by one of the world’s biggest oil producers for ignoring future petroleum phase-outs to fight climate change. We’ll take on the 28th Annual Conference of Parties from an Indigenous perspective.

From voting rights to drinking water access to respecting important Native land, Laurie Weahkee (Diné, Cochiti, and Zuni Pueblo) has been a force to improve policies that affect Native people. She was the long-time director of the Native Voters Alliance and has worked on political campaigns and local and national issues. She's our Native In The Spotlight.

The Biden Administration just announced more than $4.3 million in federal money for a handful of tribes to bolster meat processing. Officials say the Indigenous Animals Harvesting and Meat Processing Grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture are designed to improve connections to traditional food sources. It’s part of a larger $68 million federal appropriation just announced that includes cooperative land management to improve wildlife habitat and fire protection. We’ll find out how tribes will utilize money to improve food sovereignty.