In this week’s episode, we focus on continuing our focus on anti-racism and the alliances that Black and Indigenous people can make during these momentous times. Up first, Jana Schmieding interviews Black Pamunkey writer, producer, and performer, Azie Dungey, to discuss how Black liberation and Native justice movements are directly linked. Azie breaks down the origins of anti-Blackness in her tribal history and how the insidiousness of anti-Blackness manifests in her life today. Then we listen to a segment of IllumiNative’s recent virtual national town hall and how we focus efforts on building a multiracial movement for justice and equity. And Heather Rae provides an update on efforts focused on the renaming of an offensive street name in Santa Barbara, California, and why this type of narrative change is so important. 

Interviews with: Azie Dungey, Derrick Johnson, Ijeoma Oluo, Judith LeBlanc, Mayra Bangee, Fidel Rodriguez

Produced By: Jana Schmieding (Mniconjou Lakota), Crystal Echo Hawk (Pawnee)
Executive Producer: Heather Rae
Series Producer: Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Hunkpapa Lakota)
Associate Producer: Lincoln Cornshucker (Cherokee)
Title Music: Samantha Crain (Choctaw) 

In this episode, series producer Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Lakota) talks with the editor of Indian Country Today, Mark Trahant (Shoshone-Bannock), about the recent developments surrounding the reckonings on controversial statues, and the struggles to keep up with inconsistent Covid-19 public guidelines. Producer Tara Gatewood brings us the latest from the frontlines of the Keystone XL pipeline protests and how those on the ground have had to shift their tactics due to Covid-19. We also check in with Navajo hip-hop artist, Def-i, to hear his newest single, "American Quarantine."

Interviews with: Mark Trahant (Shoshone-Bannock), Matt Campbell (Village of Gamble), Angeline Cheek (Ft. Peck Assiniboine & Sioux Tribes), Dallas Goldtooth (Diné/Mdewakanton Dakota)

Produced By: Tara Gatewood (Isleta Pueblo/Diné), Crystal Echo Hawk (Pawnee)
Executive Producer: Heather Rae
Series Producer: Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Hunkpapa Lakota)
Associate Producer: Lincoln Cornshucker (Cherokee)

George Floyd’s murder has spurred a call for justice across the country. IlllumiNative stands with the Black Lives Matter movement to change the institutions of power that drive systemic racism. In this episode series producer Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Lakota), talks with the editor of Indian Country Today, Mark Trahant (Shoshone-Bannock), about how he sees the recent events as potentially the beginning of the end of the United States. He also connects our current situation to historical events of the past, including the Tulsa Race Massacre. We’ll also hear from contributor Allison Herrera (Xolon Salinan) who brings us the impact of protests and rioting on the Native community in Minneapolis and how the community is responding.

 

• Interviews with: Mark Trahant (Shoshone-Bannock)
• Produced By: Allison Herrera (Xolon Salinan), Crystal Echo Hawk (Pawnee)
• Executive Producer: Heather Rae
• Series Producer: Monica Braine (Assiniboine/Hunkpapa Lakota)
• Associate Producer: Lincoln Cornshucker (Cherokee)