Stay up to date on the coronavirus this week with Native America Calling! 

Here’s the schedule for week on Your National Electronic Talking Circle. You can listen LIVE every day at 1pm Eastern.

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Monday, May 4th, 2020 – Different places, different COVID-19 concerns

There is no one way to address the coronavirus threat. The state of Alaska has relatively few COVID-19 cases. But some vital modes of transportation are already shut down and Native villages are working on keeping potential virus exposures at bay. It’s a different story in urban centers that the U.S. Census says is home to nearly seven out of every 10 Native Americans. In Los Angeles, the Native population is large and diverse. Organizations like United American Indian Involvement is helping elders and others coping with a significant and growing health threat. We’ll hear the various ways leaders are tackling the coronavirus emergency to suit the needs of their people.

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Tuesday, May 5, 2020 – Uniting (in isolation) for MMIW awareness

Isolation because of the coronavirus doesn’t stop the need to raise awareness of a tragic statistic for Native people. May 5th is the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Native Women and Girls. Organizers are encouraging virtual walks, candles in windows, and twitter campaigns to keep the light on the disproportionate number of victimized Indigenous women and girls.

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Wednesday, May 6, 2020 – The Indigenous zombie movie “Blood Quantum”

The COVID-19 pandemic axed the much-anticipated U.S. theater release of the film, “Blood Quantum.” The good news is audiences can now see it online. The film is about a zombie outbreak near a Mi’gmaq reserve in Canada. It’s directed by First Nations filmmaker, Jeff Barnaby and has a host of Native stars, including Michael Greyeyes (Cree), Elle-Máijá Tailfeathers (Blackfoot and Sami), Forrest Goodluck (Diné/Mandan/Hidatsa /Tsimshian) and Gary Farmer (Cayuga/Tuscarora/Mohawk).

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Thursday, May 7, 2020 – New and expecting mothers confront COVID-19 fears

Expecting mothers face added anxiety because of the coronavirus pandemic. They may be separated from their newborn if they test positive for the virus or are showing symptoms. At the same time, just going to a hospital to give birth increases the chances of getting exposed to coronavirus. We’ll get medical advice on what precautions pregnant women can take and hear from those who facing difficult decisions during their pregnancies.

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Friday, May 8, 2020 – COVID 19 frauds and scams

The global COVID-19 pandemic generates fear and confusion for a lot of people. As always, scam artists are ready with new and creative ways to exploit people’s fears and steal their money. The Federal Trade Commission is coming down on marketers who falsely claim to have COVID-19 cures. The agency is also warning about phone calls from criminals pretending to be sick family members needing money. We’ll get reminders on how to protect yourself from the latest frauds and scams.

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