Native Opinion Podcast an American Indian Perspective

Ever since Hamas attacked Israel, United States Federal  Government has sworn to Support Israel's stance of “it's right to defend itself by continuing to fund them. But the killing of over 20,000 Palestinians of all ages and genders makes us believe this is genocide. Indigenous people of Turtle Island know all too well what genocide is. We have been experiencing all forms of it for the past 300 years. In this episode of Native Opinion, we will draw sharp historic comparisons between the genocide that Israel is committing against Palestine and what the Indigenous Peoples of the North and Southern American Continents continue to endure. Resources: DECOLONIZE PALESTINE                    Indigenous peoples in Palestine

In this episode of Native Opinion, we do a deep dive into the fires which eliminated the town of Lahaina, in Maui, Hawaii. From the loss of life, to greedy venture capitalists looking to acquire more land from the Kanaka Hawaiian people who have already lost so much. We also look at the politics involved, and try to bring a perspective that was never shared by Main Stream news media outlets who only sought to elevate Kanaka loss and assess blame. *WARNING* This is a very emotional episode.This podcast episode is sponsored by Mohegan Trading Post, a Native American gift store. The holidays are coming! Check them out for great gift ideas!

In this Episode: The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, or “NAGPRA” Provides for the ownership or control of Native American cultural items (human remains and objects) excavated or discovered on Federal or tribal lands back to Federally recognized tribes. Among several aspects of the act, it directs Federal agencies and museums with possession or control over holdings or collections of Native American human remains and funerary objects to inventory them, identify their geographic and cultural affiliation, and notify the affected Indian tribes or Native Hawaiian organization to begin the established process of returning them to tribes. Some institutions and states have been slow, even resistant to comply with this law. We look deeper into the responsibilities of institutions to comply with this law. Also… A landmark law case before the Supreme Court Of The United States (SCOTUS) handed down a major decision in favor of Native American tribes and parents by keeping in place a 40 year federal law known as the Indian Child Welfare Act. (or ICWA) We deconstruct this lawsuit and look into the reasons behind this very important case for Indian Country. And finally… American healthcare has become corporatized, and there have been some very serious consequences as a result of what has become risky business for patients and even medical providers across the country. We provide some examples of these changes and ask very important questions. Contact The show! E-mail: hosts@nativeopinion.comCall Us: 860-800-5595

First, there was an acknowledgement by the Catholic Church about sins it committed against Indigenous people dating back to the 13th century. Then, in July of 2022, a mere Two Thousand, Thirty Four years since the church blessed and approved the genocide of Indigenous people to colonize North American continent and beyond, Pope Francis, who represents the entire Catholic church, issued an apology (sort of) to first nations indigenous peoples on Canadian soil. Now, in 2023, the Church Presumably has repudiated colonization concepts of the past which has created the countries of Canada and the United States. But given the colonial history, well known throughout our tribal communities, is THAT enough? Dont' we already know it was and is currently wrong? In this episode, we deconstruct this new attempt by the Catholic church to alleviate its own guilt.

The question of whether Indian Country and the United States should be viewed as separate entities or as one unified country has been a topic of debate for decades. Given the history of colonization, genocide, and ongoing oppression faced by Indigenous peoples in the United States, tribes have argued that they should be recognized as true sovereign nations, separate and distinct from the U.S.On the other hand, some argue that the idea of a "united" America is paramount and that recognizing that separate individual "Nations within a Nation" would be a threat to national unity and security. In this podcast, we will offer perspective on how the complex history and ongoing struggles faced by Indigenous peoples in the United States are largely ignored by elected politicians who (in some cases) come from within our tribal communities.Also...Recently, the Keep America Beautiful organization announced the release of all rights to its "Crying Indian" ad campaign made famous in the 1970s. We ask... why now?And...The first Native American to command a space mission has returned from a six month trip to the International Space Station. We welcome her, and the space X Dragon crew back to earth.The Native Opinion Podcast is Hosted by Michael Kickingbear (Mashantucket Pequot) and David Grey Owl (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians.) Learn more about the hosts here.Research and Website resources from this episode:One America? (1st Segment)Markwayne Mullin Goes Nuclear On Labor Leader In Fiery Hearing On Unions (VIDEO)Can UPS drivers make 100k?Ups Feeder Driver Salary (According to Zip Recruiter)What Does a UPS Feeder Driver Do?'Class War' Erupts at Hearing as Union Leader and GOP Senator Exchange Verbal BlowsTEAMSTER OFFICER SALARY REPORT (2019)Interview With Mark-Wayne Mullin (VIDEO: The Oklahoma News Report)Carol Tome, CEO, United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS) Total Compensation for Fiscal Year Ending in 2021: $27,620,893. (Source: AFLCIO)UPS CEO addresses dangerous heat inside trucks and contentious weekend deliveries as a driver strike threatens to upend millions of deliveriesMarkwayne Mullin to replace Jim Inhofe in U.S. Senate (VIDEO)Mullin's and Hern's net worth jump with sale of businessesNative News Today's Jason Salsman visits with US Congressman and Cherokee citizen Markwayne Mullin VIDEO (Produced by Mvskoke Media)Report: Markwayne Mullin earned $600,000-plus in outside income against House rulesKeep America Beautiful organization announced the release of all rights to its "Crying Indian"National Congress of American Indians Aquires Rights Retires “Crying Indian”National Congress of American Indians Press ReleaseExample of one of the "Crying Indian" ad spots. VIDEOWelcome home Commander Nicole Aunapu Mann, First Native American Woman in Space First Native American Woman in Space VIDEOFirst Native American woman to fly in space returns to Earth‘That was one heck of a ride,' said NASA astronaut Nicole Mann after landing into the Gulf of Mexico

Are Non-Natives still that afraid of Native people? Non-Native people still do all they can to destroy Native cultures and ways of life.

"A corrupt act or practice."

The theft is appaling.

"We have seen bans on education and bans on the truth before. It never ends well."

"The misery inflicted on people of color because of hatred has to end. Tribes in the West are trapped, locked in during a deadly storm because of no infrastructure, (roads), problems created by hatred. People dumped on streets during the coldest Christmas night in DC history, because of hate. Accountability has to take place."

"As we approach 2023 it is anybody's guess how this nation ends up. With the midterms out of the way, the Republican Party already has their new version of Trump in Representative-Elect Santos. He ran his entire campaign on a lie, and of course, there are right wing voters who are embracing him, and to be fair, some who want him gone."

This podcast is sponsored by The Mohegan Trading Post, selling Native American fine art, apparel, indigenous based foods, and craft supplies. Episode Description:Another "Christmas" holiday is here. How do you celebrate? How do Native People Celebrate? In this episode, we explore this question just a bit... Also, Climate change is contributing to severe droughts in the lower 48 states, but Glacial thaws in the state of Alaska has created large swaths of land once covered in ice and snow, and now thawed. The state of Alaska is now considering turning them into farmland. But is that what is really happeneing? Content Source list:Why We Need a War on Christmas: Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-o6lJ7Tr63Y&ab_channel=OurChangingClimate Jesus Steals the Winter Solestus: Source: https://www.youtube.com/@adrianbliss Ndn 12 Days of Christmas: Source: https://www.youtube.com/@josihair Watch Expert Explain Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLq9pRoLvE0&ab_channel=CNETHighlights How Developments In Nuclear Fusion Change Everything | Neil deGrasse Tyson Explains... Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4s2ynUAJ5ZU&ab_channel=StarTalkCBS NewsSource: https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/video/climate-change-sparks-alaska-farm-boom/?intcid=CNM-00-10abd1h

The lie about equality and equal rights is just that. They are just that, lies. When laws have to be created to create “equal rights and protections”, then there was never any intent to provide “equal rights and protections” for everyone without it being forced.

Americans celebrate a holiday they call Thanksgiving. It is a time where they share food and time with families, watch commercialized parades on TV, and then (some) finish their day by watching a professional football game. For indigenous people whose traditional territories are encroached upon each and every day, "Thanksgiving" is actually a day of Mourning. In this episode of Native Opinion, we take our listeners to the National Day of Mourning event hosted by the United American Indians Of New England. Listeners will hear indigenous perspectives on a wide variety of subjects at this event during the American lie of a holiday called "Thanksgiving." For myself, I do spend time with my family, and share a nice meal. However, I am NOT celebrating this day as a holiday. Instead, today is one of my national days of mourning. I am thinking about my Pequot ancestors who unwillingly gave their lives for this country. Not through a military war, but instead, they had their lives destroyed by this country through acts of genocide. Their deaths were literally celebrated by the first colonial settlers under the first established American colony in Massachusetts. That celebration in 1637 marked the first American thanksgiving.

It has always been said that rats will desert a sinking ship. Well, the nation is getting a good look at who the rats are and what ship is sinking. Native people have always been dragged on board sinking ships by the rats with no lifelines for Native people when things go wrong. Now, we are refusing to allow ourselves to be subjected.

"The question that begs to be asked is. Why?"

"Desperation will give way to crazy antics. The Republican party is full of antics and will pull out all the stops to see which version of crazy will top the next. What will they think of next!!!?"

Is the climate agenda all talk and not enough action? With storms becoming more intense and people suffering from the ravages, is there really a direction? We look at some of the tragic effects of hurricane Ian, Fiona, and Maria with critical thought surrounding how the United States is reacting to Climate Change.

"For decades, water was viewed as an infinite resource. Native people knew better, and water was a living relative we respected and cared for."

There has been an old belief among many voters for decades, generations, that old white men know what's best for the nation and are the best choices to keep them in public office as lawmakers. That old myth could not be more wrong, and the myth needs to die.

Everyday, there is so much information out there available for those who want to find it, but how much of that information is really reliable?

The destruction of flora and fauna because of the lack of concern for the planet cannot be calculated at this point. Because of the quest for as much money that can be made at the expense of Mother Earth, many indigenous peoples are experiencing the damages first-hand. Threats to livelihoods and homes have left many asking the question; is it too late to save the planet?

All it takes is one match to destroy an entire forest. We are that forest, and the ideologies of those who want us gone are the match.

WARNING! THIS EPISODE IS NOT SAFE FOR WORK OR SMALL CHILDREN!In this episode of Native Opinion, we provide our deconstruction of Pope Francis visit to Cree territory in Canada, and the apology he provided to the victims of residential schools under the direction of the Catholic Church and the Canadian federal government. Was his apology enough? How was it received? Does Indian country accept it? We provide our perspectives. Also, what is the United States PACT Act? Why did 41 republicans vote AGAINST this legislation that would help thousands of Veterans? We discuss. We thank our listeners for their support of our show and patience for the amount of time that has passed since our last episode. EPISODE TOTAL RUNNING TIME: 2 HOURS.

To kick people when they are at their lowest is a form of abuse that will not go unchallenged. To hoodwink a populace with damaging, flagrant deeds, will not go unanswered.

Climate Change causes droughts, with lake levels at an all-time low. In the United States, water is called a "resource," no different than some other capitalistic commodity. In this episode, we look at the challenges water faces, and what the effects of climate change are doing to it. We also discuss the misunderstood term "sustainability." We ask a specific question: "Does the United States really care about water?"

Navigating the political atmosphere at the national level right now with so many important issues that need to be addressed. In this episode, we focus on two. Saving lives and saving democracy. Both require levels of leadership that are questionable if it actually exists in Washington DC. The need for severe change is real, with decisions that require real consequences. We need people to have the courage to make the right solid decisions. But will they, or won't they?

The attempts, the successes, the lies, and the coverups. We are still here despite their attempts. In our main segment, we have a very serious discussion about gun violence in the United States. Who has failed the children and teachers who are the innocent victims? Who Is responsible? The Gun Manufacturers? Or the politicians who fail to implement meaningful, responsible, and restrictive gun legislation? Our answers may surprise you.

America calls it a "Natural Resource”, but water is more than that. Much more. Yet the need and desire of state and federal governments to control access is often a detriment to indigenous People. Is this episode we examine some of these problems. We look at how the effects of man-made climate change is depleting available water, and why water rights arguments from political opponents are challenging some tribes.

It is still all about the numbers. The push to stop legal abortion is all about preserving and securing a hold on the ideology of white supremacy. If one was to drill down and see what the push has been in the past it is all about preserving white majorities.

There has always been a pervasive greed and hatred toward Natives and other peoples of color in this country. The desire to not be inclusive is a part of the everyday behaviors of State and local governments. When it comes to the overall inequality people of color face in this country, the phrase; ”Let them eat grass.” comes to mind.

The more things change the more they stay the same. We have witnessed many changes in Indian Country since our show's beginning. What a journey it has been!

Why do many non-Natives feel we need oversight or mentoring? What is the matter with them? They just can't help themselves.

"Again, big oil is trying to conflate food prices with ethanol production. The biggest lies always sell."

Things were fine with the environment in this country, and water “management” was not a problem until the arrival of the colonizers. In this episode, we take a look at a long-standing and recently overturned federal rule which was used to limit tribal sovereignty.

"The US is quick to provide aid to other countries in crisis. Natives and other people of color face crisis' every day with little to no assistance from this government."

Tradition comes in many forms. For our indigenous communities, one way they are preserved are through our food systems. In this episode of our show, we present two examples of how tribes are using traditional food systems for the continuance of traditional ways. In our "Racism in America" segment, we focus on a hotel in South Dakota who refuses to allow Native folks to rent rooms, resulting in a federal law suit. Hosts: Michael Kickingbear (Mashantucket Pequot) David Greyowl (Echoda Cherokee)

"All we hear about climate change is what we all hear on the news. But who those changes affect are rarely if ever talked about."

It really feels like the desire of some folks to embarrass themselves and the country as a whole has finally reached the pinnacle of Lowes. In this episode, we run another story about the Port Neeches Grove High school in Texas, and their continued disgusting behavior of appropriating Native American culture through their athletics sports program, this time thier cheerleader squad performing at Walt Disney World.Also in this episode... a discussion of the national embarrassment known as the republican clown show that took place during the confirmation hearing of President Bidens Supreme Court pick, Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson.

TITLE DESCRIPTION: We can only dream and continue to fight.

They still don't understand or don't want to understand.

The theory of the census count favoring and skewing the census numbers to favor non- melaninated people has been proven by the census bureaus' own confession.

"Why?"

In relation to Native cultures non-Natives have no interest in the preservation of our cultures. There are many non-Natives who will more times than not do everything possible to either destroy our cultures or stand in the way of our pursuits of our cultures. At this stage of the game, it is no longer a guess as to why this happens. The actions speak loudly for themselves.

"The high prices of goods had already affected Native peoples adversely. Now even higher prices will make it even more difficult for many Native families who are already struggling."

In This Episode:1). Academics, artists, and allies have signed a petition to stop the infamous Theodore Roosevelt statue from being relocated from a storage facility to the ancestral homeland of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara (MHA) people in North Dakota.2). Nooksack Tribal leaders say UN's call for the U.S. to stop evictions of dis-enrolled citizens is filled with ‘misinformation'Plus listener feedback.

The return of Bison to the American plains is significant for many reasons.

"Why do non-Natives have to think about whether or not to give tribes and nations the rights to govern themselves?"

Realization is a real eye-opener and a motivator. When we as Native people realize outside forces will usually lie with their false promises of help and assistance, Native people will take action to move ahead and work around the obstacles.DISCLAIMER:This week's episode of Native Opinion will not be this episode will containing explicit language. Please consider using headphones when listening. Thank You.

"The powers that be would be believed more often if they just come right out and say they refuse to consult with Native people."

Will the curse ever be lifted?Natives continue to suffer because of colonialism despite the paltry, token amounts offered as appeasement.