Indigenous Women as Matriarchs, Caretakers and now, Congresswomen

11/25/18 • 30 min

In precolonial Indigenous cultures, women occupied esteemed roles. Colonization changed a lot of that. Here, three Indigenous people from across the U.S. weigh in on the traditional roles of women in their respective Nations. They also share their thoughts on the recent historic election of the first two Native American women to Congress- Sharice Davids (Ho-Chunk) and Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo). Guests: Stephanie Dressen (Navajo), Christina M. Castro (Jemez/Taos/Xicana), and Brandon Stevens (Oneida).

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The Spunky Squaw Standstill: When Online Activism Falls Short, Do This

Indigenous organizers Yolonda Bluehorse, Jade Begay, and Nick Estes weigh in on the issue of "The Spunky Squaw" online boutique, which recently came on the radar of Indigenous social media users for its use of the dehumanizing "S-word." While the efforts to shut down the page haven't (yet) resulted in the intended outcome, this issue has galvanized Indigenous social media users and has also led to discussing larger topics of both the value and limitations of online activism. Here, our guests discuss solutions, and what can be done when it seems like online efforts to change minds and hearts, falls short.

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Decolonizing the Holidays and Honoring Winter Solstice Teachings

Many Indigenous people are actively working toward reconnecting to their original teachings while also decolonizing colonial practices that have conditioned our lives. On this episode, we talk decolonizing the holidays and reconnecting to more meaningful Indigenous winter solstice teachings. Featured Guests: Dr. PennElys Droz (Anishinaabe/Wyandot) and Ella Robertson (Sisseton Wahpeton Dakota)