GUESTS
Jennifer Himmelreich (Diné), senior consultant for the ATALM Tribal Library Council
Cassandra Osterloh (Cherokee), New Mexico State Library tribal libraries program coordinator
Laurel Goodluck (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Tsimshian), author and member of the Freedom to Read New Mexico coalition
This is in response to numerous book ban controversies in states like Texas and Florida that pit librarians and authors of books about certain LGBTQ2+, racial, and historical subjects against conservative Christians. Now, a bill that would ban similar books has been introduced to Congress.
We’ll also learn about continued efforts to keep all books (including those written by Indigenous writers) on public and school library shelves. A handful of states passed legislation that reduces the risk of books being banned in schools and public libraries.
On National Library Week, we'll get an update from tribal library advocates about the longevity of these much-needed programs and facilities.
Tribal libraries get numerous grants from the IMLS and, while library directors and advocates welcome reinstated IMLS funds, they are looking to strengthen funding and support for the long term.
This forced public libraries across the country (including tribal libraries) to scramble for alternative funding, cut programming, lay off employees, or close their doors.
The Trump administration settled a lawsuit this month challenging its year-long effort to dismantle the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) and agreed to honor past grants that were clawed back last year.
Erdrich is the author of many books that earned her multiple literary awards including the Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award.
www.nativeamericacalling.com/monday-april...
Two of them are slated to appear in forthcoming prize-winning collections “The Best American Short Stories 2026” and “The Best Short Stories 2026: The O. Henry Prize Winners”.
Louise and Aza join us on Native Bookshelf, our regular literary feature.
Some stories in “Python’s Kiss” made previous appearances in The New Yorker, Granta, and other literary publications.
In “Wedding Dresses”, the protagonist relives her past marriages and what led to pain and heartbreak. Each creative story is brilliantly told through Erdrich’s wide range of compelling characters and illustrated by Aza Erdrich Abe, Louise’s daughter and long-time book cover artist.
“Python’s Kiss” by Louise Erdrich (Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa) is a collection of short stories that are just as poignant and rich as her novels. In “Domain,” Erdrich imagines an afterlife run like a corporate business.
And Rachel Kallander, Arctic Encounter Summit founder and CEO, will join us for a review of this year’s convening of global leaders and stakeholders.
www.nativeamericacalling.com/friday-april...
We’ll speak to Moneymaker about her film work and hear from Unangax̂ tribal leader Crystal Dushkin about her efforts to revitalize her culture while bringing economic security to her community.
Her work has been showcased at United Nations Climate Conferences, prestigious film festivals, and previous Arctic Encounter Summits in Anchorage, Alaska.
Moneymaker, who is Samoan and was raised by an adoptive Iñupiaq father, pivoted her career after a successful run in pop music to highlight Indigenous stories on film.
Filmmaker Kelly Moneymaker is dedicated to documenting how Indigenous people across the world — especially in the Arctic — are adapting to a rapidly changing climate.
GUESTS
Aaron Leggett (Dena’ina Athabascan), Village of Eklutna
Vi Waghiyi (Yupik), Alaska Community Action on Toxics
Merle Apassingok (Yupik), Native Village of Gambell
Dr. Sara Olsvig (Inuit), Inuit Circumpolar Council
We'll also hear from Alaska Native elders and subsistence rights advocates from St. Lawrence Island about whaling and contamination from a former military site on the island.
We'll speak with the Eklutna's president Aaron Leggett, live from the Arctic Encounter Summit in Anchorage, an annual gathering of policymakers, diplomats, Indigenous leaders, and stakeholders.
The Chin'an Gaming Hall is still open even after a year of legal disputes and threats by the state to close its doors. The village is also at the forefront of climate advocacy in southcentral Alaska. They have been working to restore their river's namesake and salmon habitat.
There are no casinos or lotteries in Alaska. The state has some of the most restrictive gaming laws in the country, but the small Dena'ina Athabascan Village of Eklutna, located in Anchorage’s municipality, is pushing the envelope on tribal gaming rights in the state.
GUESTS
Asisaun Toovak (Iñupiaq), mayor of Utqiagvik, Alaska
Pearl Brower (Iñupiaq), president and CEO of Ukpeaġvik Iñupiat Corporation
Nagruk Harcharek (Iñupiaq), president of The Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat (VOICE)
www.nativeamericacalling.com/wednesday-ap...
We’ll get perspectives from Iñupiaq leaders about the future of economic development in the Arctic. We’re broadcasting live from the 2026 Arctic Encounter Summit in Anchorage, Alaska.
Some Iñupiaq communities welcome the potential for more oil drilling that promises to boost revenue and jobs for shareholders. Others worry about the environment and their ability to carry on subsistence lifestyles.
Millions of acres in the National Petroleum Reserve were opened for oil and gas leasing and the administration’s reversal of Biden-era protections has the potential to open up the pristine National Wildlife Refuge for leasing and drilling.
President Donald Trump is pushing for more oil drilling in Alaska’s Arctic, a decision directly impacting Iñupiaq communities.
The book, which launched in April, is a culmination of photos from his travels to Indigenous communities throughout the globe with a focus on Indigenous connections and stewardship of land.
www.nativeamericacalling.com/tuesday-apri...