The Fight to End Harmful Mascots

In this episode of the Sentinel, we celebrate the start of Women’s History Month this March by exploring the gender pay gap –  an issue that not only affects Native women, but also their families and communities as well. As the United States recently commemorated the 15th Anniversary of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, some news outlets have recently announced progress in narrowing the pay gap. However, deep and pervasive inequality still exists for Native women. In this episode, we discuss recent research stating their earnings at 51 cents on the dollar compared to white men. There is a critical need to address this statistic, so join us as we discuss this important subject that touches on issues of gender equity, economic well-being and security, family stability, caregiving, and more.

In this Special Episode of the Sentinel, we examine the root causes of government shutdowns. Congress has resorted to continuing resolutions and stop gap measures to fund the government. Surely this seems like ‘the new normal’. But what does this mean for Tribal Nations, citizens and the overall economic health and well being of tribal governments and citizens? 

NCAI staff expert Matt Vogel, Policy Lead on Budget and Appropriations, joins us to offer key insights from his work on this issue. We uncover what is truly at stake every time Indian Country faces a looming government shutdown. We are sure this episode will be of interest to all of our listeners.

In this episode of The Sentinel, we journey back in time to trace the origins of the Executive Council Winter Session (ECWS), one of NCAI’s three annual conferences. This policy-focused gathering of Tribal leaders happens at the start of each year and has its roots in the 1950s, during an era when Tribal Nations were fighting against the forces of Termination and threats to self-determination and self-governance. This episode provides insight into the issues that were discussed and resolved at the original meeting, and how many of them still ring true today. 

In the second half of this episode, we focus on the State of Indian Nations address, now an annual speech given by the NCAI President during ECWS. We will explore why leaders felt it was imperative that the NCAI President address the nation, just as the U.S. President offers an annual State of the Union address. Sentinel listeners will hear some key highlights and quotes from the first address in 2003, making it clear that many of the same challenges that Tribal Nations faced then have yet to be resolved.

In this episode of The Sentinel, we share an inspirational story from NCAI’s archives–the Treaty of Peace, Friendship and Mutual Assistance. Created by NCAI leaders in 1947 with the purpose of forging Tribal Nations together in unity and purpose, the Treaty is far from just a stagnant archival document–it carries a message that still resonates with us today. 

The looming threat of termination and emerging threats to self-governance in the 1940s form the backdrop of this story. Learn about the Treaty’s journey as it traveled across the country to gather signatures from Tribal leaders. Hear how notable leaders delivered inspirational messages to the audiences as they affixed their signatures to this historic document, pledging to  to work with, defend and mutually assist other Tribal Nations. 

Although the actual Treaty has yet been located, its spirit is alive and well. It serves to remind us of the purpose of NCAI and guides the organization's work defending sovereignty and self-determination today.

As 2023 comes to an end, The Sentinel looks ahead to next year and the 2024 US Presidential Election. Campaigning and debates will soon dominate the news in advance of voters heading to the polls in November. In this episode of The Sentinel, we examine the ongoing barriers that American Indian and Alaska Native citizens face while exercising the right to vote. We take a look back at NCAI’s historical advocacy in fighting against the disenfranchisement of Native voters, since the organization’s very start. 

The Sentinel welcomes Jacqueline DeLeón (Pueblo of Isleta), Staff Attorney from Native American Rights Fund. As lead of the Voting Rights practice group, and co-author of the 2020 report  Obstacles at Every Turn: Barriers to Political Participation by Native American Voters, Ms. DeLeón brings a wealth of knowledge to this subject. She offers key insights into the obstacles Native voters face and the work that partner organizations and individuals are doing to eliminate them. 

Lastly, Saundra Mitrovich (Tyme and Yahomee Maidu), NCAI’s Manager of External Engagement and Civic Engagement Lead, joins us for a conversation about the US Census and the remapping of voting districts. We learn more about NCAI’s participation in the CHARGE coalition and its recent report card, which grades all 50 states on their redistricting progress. She speaks with us about the Census and how undercounting in Native communities impacts the ability for Tribal Communities to achieve fair representation in the electoral process. 

The current drive towards independence from fossil fuels and to a clean energy economy presents distinct challenges to Tribal communities. Many of the minerals that are needed, such as lithium, cobalt, and copper, rest on or near Tribal Lands, putting both the resources of Tribal Nations and the well-being of their citizens at risk. In this episode of The Sentinel, we examine the issue of mining on native lands, and the consequences that it has for Tribal communities. 

We will take a look back at NCAI’s historical advocacy on this subject, and how the organization’s position and advocacy on behalf of Tribal Nations has evolved over time. The Sentinel also discusses the recent 2023 designations of two national monuments to safeguard sacred lands from future energy development.  Ashley Hemmers, Tribal Administrator of the Fort Mojave Tribe, joins The Sentinel to speak about the designation of AviKwaAme, also known as Spirit Mountain and how a coalition of Tribal Nations, residents and environmental groups advocated for this status. We also look at the more recent designation of the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni Grand Canyon National Monument, which protects this land in perpetuity from future uranium mining. 

Lastly, we hear from NCAI Policy Manager CC Wright (Klamath Tribes) to examine NCAI’s current advocacy on the issue, and to lay out the key issues that Tribal Nations are currently facing. She provides key insights from a recent report by the Department of the Interior on needed improvements to mining on public lands and also suggests ways to become involved and engaged in this issue.  

It's that time of year again—the season when students of all ages return to their classrooms, embarking on a fresh school year. In this episode of The Sentinel, we delve into the distinctive challenges faced by Native students pursuing higher education. Our focus begins with an exploration of NCAI's historical advocacy on behalf of Native students and Tribal Colleges and Universities. Then, we bring forth an amazing lineup of guests, each offering their unique perspective as Native students, educators, and advocates.

The Sentinel spoke with Tesia Zientek (Citizen Potawatomi Nation), President of the National Indian Education Association (NIEA) to shed light on the recent Supreme Court decision from 2023, which struck down affirmative action in higher education and its anticipated impact on Native applicants. We'll also gain insights from Dr. Kirby Brown (Cherokee Nation), Director of Native American and Indigenous Studies at the University of Oregon, as he discusses his institution's efforts in recruiting, retaining, and enhancing the educational experience for Native students. Additionally, Jantzen Hale (Navajo Nation) will share her perspective as a former participant in the College Horizons Program. Lastly, we are honored to have Connor Veneski (Cayuga Nation) join us as a new NCAI individual member and the first-ever graduate of a Tribal College and University to attend Harvard Law School. 

Negative and derogatory images of American Indian and Alaska Native people can be found everywhere–just turn on your TV on any given day to watch a movie, show or sports game, and chances are you will encounter an image, symbol or mascot that depicts Native people in a racist, and stereotypical manner. The media plays a crucial role in shaping people's understanding of the world, and in this episode of The Sentinel, we will examine this critical issue more deeply.

We begin by exploring the history of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) campaign to eliminate derogatory images in the media, education, and sports worlds. Our guests include Lily Joy Winder (Dine), a student and youth advocate whose "People, Not Mascots" grassroots campaign has brought national attention to this issue. We are also joined by Minnesota Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (White Earth Band Ojibwe), who will discuss the recent legislative victory in her state mandating the removal of harmful mascots and initiatives promoting respectful portrayals of Native people.

Furthermore, we will highlight the retirement of the "Crying Indian" advertisement, which aired in 1971 and contained stereotypical imagery and cultural appropriation. We will delve into why the ownership of the content was transferred to NCAI Fund, enabling permanent retirement of the ad.

In this second episode of “The Sentinel'', The National Congress of American Indians invites listeners to learn more about the issue of water rights. Discover what happened in NCAI history and what’s happening now to create a full picture of this far from resolved issue. 

To kick off the episode, we feature Ryan Seelau, NCAI Director of Policy and Legal to keep us informed of three recent Supreme Court decisions affecting Indian Country. One is a major  water rights case involving the Navajo Nation. Stay informed of this recent news and hear about how the Court has been ruling on cases lately, and what this might mean for future decisions. 

We then travel back to the mid-20th century to uncover how NCAI first confronted the question of water rights in the Colorado River, one of the most critical regions in the country. Learn about how NCAI created a strategy and carried out this advocacy just a few short years after its founding. 

Rounding out this subject is a recap of a panel held at the 2023 Mid Year Convention & Marketplace, “Water Scarcity and Conservation ''. Hear firsthand from participants about how this issue is affecting their Tribal Nations today, what solutions are working, and what remains to be done. We wrap up the episode with a recap of the 2023 Mid Year Convention and Marketplace including interviews with participants, and a special feature with NCAI Executive Director Larry Wright, Jr.,  about  recent developments and his vision for the future of NCAI. 

In the premiere episode of "The Sentinel," the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) invites you along on a journey through time, exploring the pivotal moments that have shaped the exercise of tribal sovereignty. First, travel back to NCAI's inception in 1944 and witness the ever-evolving needs of Tribal Nations in the face of mounting threats to tribal self-determination. Next, join us as we delve into the historical significance of the first NCAI Mid Year Conference held in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 1977. Hear firsthand from tribal leaders as they shed light on the profound importance of that first Mid Year convening, where Tribal Nations united to combat anti-Indian rhetoric and protect tribal sovereignty. Then, fast forward 46 years to the 2023 Mid Year Convention & Marketplace as NCAI assembles Tribal Nations on the homelands of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community in Minnesota, to address pressing issues surrounding environmental sustainability and climate resilience. 

Stay tuned as the episode closes with a powerful tribute to the life and legacy of Head Councilman Joe Garcia (Ohkay Owingeh), a former two-time NCAI President and champion of Indian Country.