Juniper Hour: Cultural Connections: Honoring Indigenous Voices and Community Celebrations

In this episode, we open with a lively conversation featuring Tia Wood, a talented songwriter and Indigenous musician who shares her cultural insights and heartfelt perspectives on MMIR (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives). Together, we reflect on the deeper meaning behind this movement and the power of awareness in creating change. I also share highlights from Moab’s Indigenous Peoples Day on October 13 — including a webinar I presented for Utah State organizations on working with Indigenous youth, and a local fundraiser supporting Native American students, where the Mayor of Moab read the official Indigenous Peoples Day proclamation. We continue with updates from Hispanic Heritage Month, celebrated at the middle school with host Jeremy Spaulding, and from the HMK Elementary Student Club, where students created moccasin ornaments and Christmas gifts for their Indigenous families. We wrap up with the Cultural Fires event, featuring a drum-making workshop with Jacob Crane, traditional dancing, and cultural exchange — a beautiful close to a season of celebration, learning, and connection. Stay tuned until the end for a few upcoming community events you won’t want to miss!