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 Rae

Title Music: Samantha Crain (Choctaw) 

Social Media
Twitter: @sjcrain
Instagram: sjcrain
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Samanthacrainmusic/

An Island of Safety in a Sea of Uncertainty

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 Rae
Series Producer: Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Hunkpapa Lakota)
Associate Producer: Lincoln Cornshucker (Cherokee)

A Call to Action

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."

The Zombie Pipeline

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.

We Have Medicine for Each Other

For decades, the lack of representation and information about Native American peoples has perpetuated damaging myths and stereotypes. IllumiNative is an initiative, created and led by Natives, to challenge the negative narrative that surrounds Native communities and ensure accurate and authentic portrayals of Native communities are present in pop culture and media. 

IllumiNative seeks to change that. 

Our brand new podcast, IllumiNative On-Air, will showcase stories and news from all over Indian Country to support and illuminate contemporary Native voices, stories, and issues to audiences here on Turtle Island and beyond.

A Call to Action

IllumiNative On-Air

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