Thursday, March 19, 2026 – Native American Muslims, a distinct minority, reflect on Ramadan and religious intolerance

Muslims around the world are marking the end of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic calendar. It’s a time of prayer, fasting, and spiritual rejuvenation. Among those participating is a handful of Native Americans who have a unique relationship with Islam. We’ll speak with some Native Muslims about their faith and how they confront renewed animosity toward their beliefs as rhetoric from elected leaders and others increases.

We’ll also get Indigenous perspectives on increasing tensions between the United States and Cuba. President Donald Trump threatens to take over the country. A U.S. blockade is exacerbating Cuba’s long-standing energy crisis, shutting citizens off from many of the basics of daily life.

GUESTS

Megan Kalk (Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe), Muslim convert

Jamila Southwind (Keeseekoose First Nation), Muslim, mother, and former translator

Raymond Matt (Crow Creek Sioux and Salish and Kootenai), Muslim Revert and father

José Barreiro (Taíno), journalist, former editor of Akwesasne Notes, and scholar emeritus at the Smithsonian Institution

 

Break 1 Music: Round Dance (song) Black Lodge (artist) Enter the Circle – Pow-Wow Songs (album)

Break 2 Music: Lowlands (song) Blue Moon Marquee (artist) Scream, Holler, and Howl (album)