An Island of Safety in a Sea of Uncertainty

In this week’s episode, we focus on continuing our focus on anti-racism and the alliances that Black and Indigenous people can make during these momentous times. Up first, Jana Schmieding interviews Black Pamunkey writer, producer, and performer, Azie Dungey, to discuss how Black liberation and Native justice movements are directly linked. Azie breaks down the origins of anti-Blackness in her tribal history and how the insidiousness of anti-Blackness manifests in her life today. Then we listen to a segment of IllumiNative’s recent virtual national town hall and how we focus efforts on building a multiracial movement for justice and equity. And Heather Rae provides an update on efforts focused on the renaming of an offensive street name in Santa Barbara, California, and why this type of narrative change is so important. Interviews with: Azie Dungey, Derrick Johnson, Ijeoma Oluo, Judith LeBlanc, Mayra Bangee, Fidel RodriguezProduced By: Jana Schmieding (Mniconjou Lakota), Crystal Echo Hawk (Pawnee)Executive Producer: Heather RaeSeries Producer: Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Hunkpapa Lakota)Associate Producer: Lincoln Cornshucker (Cherokee)Title Music: Samantha Crain (Choctaw) 

In this episode, series producer Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Lakota) talks with the editor of Indian Country Today, Mark Trahant (Shoshone-Bannock), about the recent developments surrounding the reckonings on controversial statues, and the struggles to keep up with inconsistent Covid-19 public guidelines. Producer Tara Gatewood brings us the latest from the frontlines of the Keystone XL pipeline protests and how those on the ground have had to shift their tactics due to Covid-19. We also check in with Navajo hip-hop artist, Def-i, to hear his newest single, "American Quarantine."Interviews with: Mark Trahant (Shoshone-Bannock), Matt Campbell (Village of Gamble), Angeline Cheek (Ft. Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes), Dallas Goldtooth (Diné/Mdewakanton Dakota)Produced By: Tara Gatewood (Isleta Pueblo/Diné), Crystal Echo Hawk (Pawnee)Executive Producer: Heather RaeSeries Producer: Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Hunkpapa Lakota)Associate Producer: Lincoln Cornshucker (Cherokee)

George Floyd’s murder has spurred a call for justice across the country. IlllumiNative stands with the Black Lives Matter movement to change the institutions of power that drive systemic racism. In this episode series producer Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Lakota), talks with the editor of Indian Country Today, Mark Trahant (Shoshone-Bannock), about how he sees the recent events as potentially the beginning of the end of the United States. He also connects our current situation to historical events of the past, including the Tulsa Race Massacre. We’ll also hear from contributor Allison Herrera (Xolon Salinan) who brings us the impact of protests and rioting on the Native community in Minneapolis and how the community is responding. Interviews with: Mark Trahant (Shoshone-Bannock)Produced By: Allison Herrera (Xolon Salinan), Crystal Echo Hawk (Pawnee)Executive Producer: Heather RaeSeries Producer: Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Hunkpapa Lakota)Associate Producer: Lincoln Cornshucker (Cherokee)

In this week’s episode we interview Shandiin Herrera to discuss Covid-19 fundraising efforts and voting advocacy. We also check in with the Cheyenne River Sioux tribe and the growing standoff between the South Dakota governor, Kristi Noem, and the tribe over road checkpoints. The week’s big news is also discussed with Indian Country Today Editor, Mark Trahant. Produced By:  Allison Herrera (Xolon Salinan), Jana Schmieding (Mniconjou Lakota), Crystal Echo Hawk (Pawnee)Series Producer: Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Hunkpapa Lakota)Associate Producer: Lincoln Cornshucker (Cherokee)Executive Producer: Heather RaeTitle Music: Samantha Crain (Choctaw) Social MediaTwitter: @sjcrainInstagram: sjcrainFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Samanthacrainmusic/

In this week’s episode, IllumiNative highlights the latest efforts to protect a sacred mountain, Mauna Kea. Protesters recently left the mountain after a long demonstration against building yet another telescope. We also share highlights from one of the panels featured recently during  IllumiNative’s Virtual Town Hall. This Town Hall explores how the crisis has further highlighted the invisibility, inequality, and health disparities that Native Americans and communities of color are facing during the pandemic. Produced By: Tara Gatewood (Isleta Pueblo/Diné), Crystal Echo Hawk (Pawnee)Series Producer: Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Hunkpapa Lakota)Associate Producer: Lincoln Cornshucker (Cherokee)Executive Producer: Heather RaeTitle Music: Samantha Crain (Choctaw) Additional Music: Hāwane Rios Rios Feat. Nahko, Song: Directions

Our second episode brings you stories from across the country and unpacks issues related to COVID-19 and Indian Country. IllumiNative Executive Director Crystal Echo Hawk speaks again with Indian Country Today Editor, Mark Trahant, about the importance of data collection and reporting. We’ll also hear from artists who are struggling to make ends meet due to canceled exhibitions and slowing sales as well as how marketplace organizers are adapting in the age of COVID-19. We check in with the Seattle-based and Native-owned retailer 8th Generation about how they have pivoted their operations to supply PPE to the Seattle Indian Health Board. Hear from one of the directors of the Adopt-An-Elder Program on the Navajo Nation and how they are adapting to new regulations while still supporting Navajo elders.Produced By: Allison Herrera (Xolon Salinan), Jana Schmieding (Mniconjou Lakota), Crystal Echo Hawk (Pawnee)Series Producer: Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Hunkpapa Lakota)Associate Producer: Lincoln Cornshucker (Cherokee)Executive Producer: Heather RaeTitle Music: Samantha Crain (Choctaw) 

IllumiNative’s inaugural podcast episode brings you stories from across America and unpacks issues related to Covid-19 and Indian Country – from the CARES Act and how it impacts tribes, to interviews with those on the frontlines of the Coronavirus pandemic. Host and IllumiNative Executive Director Crystal Echo Hawk interviews Indian Country Today Editor, Mark Trahant, about the issues facing Indian Country in the midst of Covid-19. Oglala Sioux Tribal President, Julian Bear Runner tells us about his forward-thinking actions before Covid-19 reached his nation. We’ll hear from members of Congress, including Congresswoman Deb Haaland, and connect with first responders on the frontlines at the Navajo Reservation who are putting their lives on the line to make sure there are enough Covid-19 tests for anyone who needs one.  Interviews with: President Julian Bear Runner (Oglala Sioux Tribe), Senator Tom Udall, Congresswoman Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo), Congressman Tom Cole (Chickasaw), Kevin Allis (Forest County Potawatomi Community) CEO of NCAI, Mark Trahant (Shoshone-Bannock), Mechem Frashier (Navajo), and Jessica Tsabetsaye (Zuni Pueblo). Produced By: Tara Gatewood (Isleta Pueblo/Diné), Allison Herrera (Xolon Salinan), Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Hunkpapa Lakota), Crystal Echo Hawk (Pawnee)Executive Producer: Heather Rae