Western New York's only radio show specifically addressing Native issues. Host, John Kane, has been a voice for Native sovereignty for several decades and now is on air broadcasting on the 50,000 watts of power from WWKB 1520AM. KB broadcasts from Buffalo but reaches up and down the eastern seaboard making LTN one of the biggest live conversations on Native issues anywhere. Join host John Kane every Sunday night from 9 till 11 on "A New Voice. A New Choice. KB1520". The studio line is 716-803-1520.
This week is all about the Seneca "deal" but before we get too far into it, we are joined by Tim Morris of the "Gathering at the Heart of Niagara" (GATHON) and the event's host for the Hand Drum and Smoke Dance competitions, Sheldon Sundown. GATHON runs June 22 & 23 from 10 am to 6 pm each day at Goat Island in Niagara Falls. The rest of the hour is spent explaining the events that led up to the Seneca Nation becoming the third Native gaming operator to "deal" with the Governor. Ross John, Matt Hill and Ed Schindler join me for the rest of the show to break it all down.
Ross, Matt, Ed and I break down the Seneca "deal" or at least what we know about it. We go through my debacle with Niagara Falls mayor, Paul Dyster from WBEN last Friday and try to understand why the Seneca Nation ceded to the Governor to make such a deal. As always, a show that shouldn't be missed.
After almost a decade of begrudged "tolerance" without respect or any official acceptence for the desire of Native students to express themselves with the wearing of an eagle feather at graduation, Gowanda Central School crashes head-on into the issue this year. Frank John, a previous graduate from GCS who donned an eagle feather, defying the "rules" in 2007 and his sister, Markie John, who faces the issue this year with her graduation, join us in studio with GCS Superintendent, Charles Rinaldi to discuss his written response to the issue, my hardline reaction to the super's letter and the reality and fallout from the issue. Ross John, Matt Hill and Ed Schindler join us in studio and in on the conversation as well.
Final thoughts and comments are offered up on the "eagle feather" issue. Let the conversations continue and change be affected! Ross, Ed and I address the governor's latest shots at the Seneca people with his proposed bill to authorize more "State" gaming. We address what the State is and isn't entitled to, how they have breached the State/Seneca gaming compact and just how bad "Prince Andrew"/"Mighty Mouse"/"Pinky the Brain" has managed the gaming issues, State-Native relations and the hole he has dug himself into.
Robert D'Alimonte joins me in studio with some of the Tuscarora Migration Team. Waylon Wilson, Taylor Hummel, Milo Jacobs, Jacob Henry and Jodi Patterson all sat in for the show. They explained their 70 day, 1300 mile journey from the Tuscarora homelands in, what is now, the Carolinas to the lands of the Haudenosaunee. Their hike, run, bike and kayak adventure is worth the listen.
Robert and the Tuscarora Migration crew stay with us for the second hour as callers join us and we talk more about their trip and what's next. I also talk about the week to come starting with a trip to Albany for some radio and TV appearances. Join this fun crew of young people with great plans and attitudes toward their community and people.
Governor Andrew Cuomo checks Oneida and Saint Regis off his "to do" list as he props himself up as the modern day "Indian fighter" and tries to turn the heat up on the Senecas. Join Ross John, Matt Hill and myself as we explain why one "deal" sells out everyone, the other is almost meaningless and why there will be no Seneca deal.
It has been 16 years since Senecas have spilled out onto the NYS Thruway. The images from '92 and '97 are pulled from file footage from the mainstream media every chance they get. After two blockades of the international bridge in Mohawk territory many have asked when will the Senecas act. Well word is that details of a plan to close the NYS Thruway where it crosses Seneca lands are in the works. Listen in as Matt, Ross and I explain what is different this time; how a Thruway closure this time has different causes, a different message and perhaps a broader participation.
Author/ scholar/activist, Ward Churchill joins Ross John and myself to promote his visit to Buffalo this week and to weigh in on sovereignty, assimilation, our battles with NYS and the Feds, and the UNDRIP.
Ross John and I hammer the "historic" Oneida/NYS deal, Ray Halbritter and Andrew Cuomo. Halbritter's sell-out/bail out at the expense of the Oneida people is explained and set in contrast to the State conflict with the Senecas.
