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Debate: Do Citizens Have a Right to Protect Themselves from the Pandemic?
Two South Dakota Native American tribes have placed highway checkpoints near their reservations to screen visitors for signs of COVID-19. Officials have demanded that they remove the roadblocks from state highways, but the tribes argue that their residents are especially vulnerable to infection and need protection. Listen to learn more about the standoff between tribal leaders and the state government and then debate: Do citizens have a right to protect themselves from the pandemic?
Read MorePreserving the Cherokee Language
Oklahoma’s Cherokee Nation has prioritized those who speak the Cherokee language to receive the coronavirus vaccine. The language declined hundreds of years ago, when native populations were forced off their land, and today there are very few Cherokee speakers left. Mastery of the language is highly valued because it preserves native culture, and those who speak it can pass their knowledge to the next generation. Listen to hear a Cherokee sing a hymn in her native tongue, and learn why she changed her mind about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.
Read MoreThe Significance of Indigenous Peoples' Day
President Biden has declared Indigenous Peoples’ Day a federal holiday. The day is designated as a time to celebrate the contributions of Native Americans, past and present, and to remember the violence and displacement they have suffered. The newly established federal holiday shares the second Monday in October with Columbus Day, an arrangement that acknowledges the complexity of America’s past. Listen to hear an Indigenous professor explain what the holiday means to her and how she hopes it will influence how Native Americans are perceived.
Read MoreCompany Aims to Address Cultural Appropriation
The Minnetonka company has been making and selling moccasins, a type of footwear traditionally made and worn by Native Americans, for over 70 years. Indigenous tribes have never been acknowledged or compensated by the company, however. Recently, Minnetonka executives apologized for their acts of cultural appropriation, in which they exploited aspects of Indigenous culture without recognition, and are seeking ways to honor Native Americans in the future. Listen to hear an Indigenous activist describe how Minnetonka’s business damaged Native industry and why the company wants to do better.
Read MoreCURRENT EVENT | November 30, 2021
Each year, a pageant is held to crown the next Miss Navajo Nation. The winner is chosen for her deep knowledge of Navajo culture and traditions and a demonstrated ability to care for her community. This audio story features an interview with Miss Navajo Nation 2019, who served during the pandemic. Listen to hear her thoughts on competing for the title and keeping her community safe, and why she believes the Miss Navajo Nation pageant benefits young Indigenous women.
Story Length: 5:38
© 2021 National Public Radio, Inc. Used with the permission of NPR. All rights reserved.
10/10/2021
https://app.listenwise.com/students/events/2103-miss-navajo-nations-community-service
Classroom Discussion Themes