November is National Native American Heritage Month and VPM is proud to showcase stories celebrating Native Americans. Native American Heritage Month recognizes the history, culture, contributions and achievements of Native Americans, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians and affiliated Island communities.
Here’s a look at what’s on VPM this month.
Wednesday, November 13 at 9:00 p.m. on VPM Radio 93.1 and 107.3 (Richmond), 89.1 (Northern Neck) and 90.1 (Southside)
The Undertow with Annie Parnell
We’ll be featuring a new album from the Anishinaabe post-rock band OMBIIGIZI (fun fact: a name which translates to “this is noisy”). We’ll also have music from Black Belt Eagle Scout and a recent record from up-and-coming Navajo musician Hataałii.
Thursday, November 14 at 7:00 p.m. on VPM Radio 93.1 and 107.3 (Richmond), 89.1 (Northern Neck) and 90.1 (Southside)
Jazz Weeknights with Annie Parnell
There will be music from Mali Obomsawin, Jim Pepper, Don Cherry and other Indigenous musicians and communities.
Thursday, November 14 at 8:30 p.m. on VPM PBS
Life in the Heart Land – Monacan Nation
The Monacan Indian Nation received federal recognition in 2018, but the Monacan people have lived in Virginia for thousands of years. In the 1920s, they were the target of eugenics movements that attempted to erase their identity. Today, they number around 2,500 members. Together with tribal governments in eastern Virginia, they are working to reclaim land and identity that has always been theirs.
Friday, November 15 at 10 p.m. on VPM Plus
Native America: Language is Life
Celebrate the power of Native languages and the inspirational people who are saving them. From secret recordings to Star Wars films dubbed in Navajo, follow the revolutionary steps transforming Native America.
Saturday, November 16 at 11 p.m. on VPM PLUS
Electric Indian
Henry Boucha was a celebrated National Hockey League player, a U.S. Olympic Silver Medalist, a United States Hockey Hall of Fame member and a proud Ojibwa Native American. The late Henry Boucha's story is one of struggle, tragedy and triumph. The Electric Indian follows his journey from high school hockey standout to Olympic medalist and from professional stardom to crushing defeat, providing an in-depth look at his life and how he overcame the obstacles he faced on and off the ice.
Sunday, November 17 at 4:30 p.m. on VPM PBS
Return: Native American Women Reclaim Foodways for Health & Spirit
This film is about empowering people to overcome their current circumstances through eating as their ancestors did – nutritiously and locally. Return features the charismatic Roxanne Swentzell from Santa Clara Pueblo in New Mexico, whose Pueblo Food Experience project is transforming lives in her community. Return demonstrates how returning to ancestral food sources can strengthen cultural ties to each other and to one's heritage.
Monday, November 18 at 8 p.m. on VPM Plus
Precipice
Located on one of the five-fingered bayous in Terrebonne Parish, Louisiana, Pointe-Au-Chien is a small fishing community with one of the most unique histories and cultures in the state. The tribe of nearly 800 has lived on this bayou for centuries and, to this day, speak in an "Indian-French" dialect unique to this area. Today, their fight for equality continues when the Terrebonne Parish School Board decided to shut down their only elementary school as a cost-saving measure. The Precipice traces the town's recovery and follows the tribe's federal recognition process as they file their final petition.
Monday, November 25 at 10 p.m. on VPM
Electric Indian
Henry Boucha was a celebrated National Hockey League player, a U.S. Olympic Silver Medalist, a United States Hockey Hall of Fame member and a proud Ojibwa Native American. The late Henry Boucha's story is one of struggle, tragedy and triumph. The Electric Indian follows his journey from high school hockey standout to Olympic medalist and from professional stardom to crushing defeat, providing an in-depth look at his life and how he overcame the obstacles he faced on and off the ice.
