As the cases of COVID-19 surge past two million worldwide, people continue to have lingering questions about how the virus is spread, how to prevent it and who’s most at risk. In some places, Native Americans are infected at a disproportionate rate. In addition, Native Americans may be more vulnerable to the disease because of other disproportionate risk factors like obesity and diabetes. We will have medical professionals on hand to provide the very latest information about the effectiveness of face masks, hand sanitizer and social distancing. We’ll also get updates on what to look out for and what treatment options there are. Send your questions to comments@nativeamericacalling.com
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Tuesday, April, 21 2020 – The year without powwows?
One year rain nearly flooded out the Gathering of Nations Powwow in Albuquerque. Another year the musician’s tent almost blew away in high winds. But disasters big and small failed to halt the event that attracts tens of thousands of participants and spectators every year. “But this … this is something else,” said GON founder Derek Mathews, speaking about the coronavirus bringing his and all other public gatherings across the globe to a screeching halt. The health emergency is cancelling big and small powwows for the foreseeable future leaving event organizers, dancers and vendors in uncertainty.
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Wednesday, April 22, 2020 – Music Maker: Annie Humphrey
“Eat What You Kill” is the latest album by Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe recording artist Annie Humphrey. It features her poetic lyrics that speak of accountability and truth. When her powerful voice starts to pour out over her piano playing listeners can find themselves swept up into a swarm of emotions and stories. We’ll visit with Humphrey and talk about how important the music is to her life and upbringing.
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Thursday, April 23, 2020 – The realities of coronavirus aid distribution
Collectively, tribes will need about $50 billion to adequately address the COVID 19 pandemic and to make up for lost revenue. That’s an estimate from the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development. The current stimulus package provides $10 billion for tribes and the federal administrations that work with them. And already there are disagreements about how the money is distributed. We’ll hear more about the questions and concerns over the effort to provide coronavirus relief funds in the hands of those who need it.
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Friday, April 24, 2020 – April in the News
Native Americans remain among the most vulnerable to COVID-19 infections and it turns out a hastily-passed multi-billion dollar relief fund package has some administration and distribution problems. Meanwhile, amid all the worry and confusion, some tribes and individuals are finding innovative ways to save lives, reach out to one another and entertain themselves. We’ll get a sampling in our regular news round-up.
