Wildfires in Los Angeles have killed at least 24 people and destroyed thousands of homes. The traditional homelands of the Tongva and Chumash people, among others, is now home to the largest urban Native American population in the U.S. United American Indian Involvement, Inc. and Pukúu Cultural Community Services (Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians) are providing support for displaced locals. Tribes across the country are sending firefighting crews, supplies and cash. Amid the chaos, incoming President Donald Trump falsely blamed water management policies in Northern California for inoperable fire hydrants in Los Angeles. Conservative commentators extended that complaint to include the decision to remove Klamath River dams in favor of salmon restoration. We’ll talk with those affected by the fires and learn more about the political rhetoric arising from it.
To join the discussion, call 1-800-996-2848
GUESTS
Courage Escamilla (Tarahumara and Lakota), activist
Johnnie Jae (Otoe-Missouria and Choctaw), founder of Grim Native
Bodie Shaw (Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs), deputy regional director for the Northwest Region of the Bureau of Indian Affairs
Don Gentry (Klamath Tribes), natural resources specialist and former chairman of the Klamath Tribes
Pamela Villaseñor (member of the Fernandeño Tataviam Band of Mission Indians), executive director of Pukúu Cultural Community Services
