Native America Calling: Fresh Native creativity with a new play and new television show

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Friday, April 4, 2025

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Fresh Native creativity: ‘Fake It Until You Make It’ and ‘Navajo Highways’

In Larissa FastHorse’s (Sičháŋǧu Lakota) new play, a nonprofit works to accommodate “race shifters” — or people who are compelled to change the ethnicity they’re born with.

“Fake it Until You Make It” is a satirical look at the serious topic of Native identity, helped out by a talented cast and Indigenous-grounded writing. The production debuted at Arena Stage in the nation’s capital on April 3.

Arena Stage: Hear from Larissa Fasthorse of Fake It Until You Make It

Arena Stage: Fake It Until You Make It

Meanwhile, the new children’s TV puppet series, Navajo Highways, is making the rounds on screens across the Southwest.

Written and directed by Pete Sands (Diné), the show follows young Sadie from her urban home to her introduction to Navajo land, culture, language and food. With a nod to the popular PBS show, Sesame Street, it’s filled with characters Native audiences will find familiar. It’s slated for public distribution on FNX.

Official Trailer for "Navajo Highways"! Puppet fun for the whole family! Sunday/March 30, 2025, 2pm, join Host and Film Producer Linda L. Miller for the Series Screening of "Navajo Highways," Written and Directed by Pete Sands, including an After Talk for questions and answers. Free and Open to the Public! Location: The Park Church Elmira 208 W. Gray Street, Elmira, NY 14901 Free & Open to the Public Community Arts of Elmira presents "The Elmira Film Project" as a continuing program in the development of Elmira and the Finger Lakes Region as areas primed for filmmaking, in Creative Community Partnership with The Park Church Elmirara. #communityartsofelmira #theparkchurchelmira #filmmaking #filmshorts #storytelling #elmirascreationeconomy
Posted by Community Arts of Elmira on Monday, March 24, 2025

Guests on Native America Calling

Larissa FastHorse (Sičháŋǧu Lakota), playwright and creator of “Fake it Until You Make It” at Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. [PDF: Press Release]

Pete Sands (Diné), writer and director of “Navajo Highways”

Kimberly Kee (Diné), tribal early childhood specialist who plays Ms. Pete on “Navajo Highways”