Native Circles
This podcast features Native American and Indigenous voices, stories, and experiences for everyone to learn, not only in North America but also throughout the world. The founders of Native Circles are Dr. Farina King (Diné) and Sarah Newcomb (Tsimshian), who were inspired to start this podcast to educate wider publics about the interconnections and significance of Native American, Alaska Native, and Indigenous experiences and matters. The primary co-hosts of the podcast are Dr. King, Dr. Davina Two Bears, and Eva Bighorse. Dr. King is the Horizon Chair of Native American Ecology and Culture and an associate professor of Native American Studies at the University of Oklahoma. Newcomb works as a freelance editor, writer, and blogger with degrees in English and a focus in Non-Fiction Creative Writing. Dr. Two Bears (Diné) is a Presidential Postdoctoral Fellow in the School for Human Evolution and Social Change at Arizona State University. Bighorse (Cayuga and Diné) is an Indigenous human development advocate with expertise in tribal healthcare relations. Brian D. King is an assistant editor for the podcast with experiences in journalism and writing. Learn more about the podcast and episodes on the official website of "Native Circles" at https://nativecirclespodcast.com/.
Native Circles
Shaina A. Nez and "COVID-19 Memory Dreamscapes"
In this episode, co-editor Dr. Farina King of COVID-19 in Indian Country: Native American Memories and Experiences of the Pandemic speaks with contributing author Dr. Shaina A. Nez about her chapter, “COVID-19 Memory Dreamscapes.” A Diné writer from Lukachukai, Arizona, Shaina reflects on the meanings of her dreams and memories during the pandemic while navigating the hardships of single motherhood and a child custody battle. Drawing from her deep connection to land and family, she explores how her dreamscapes became a source of guidance and resilience. Shaina, who holds an MFA in creative nonfiction from the Institute of American Indian Arts and a doctorate in Justice Studies from Arizona State University, shares how writing helped her reclaim her voice during a time of uncertainty and upheaval. This episode features a powerful conversation on memory, survival, and Indigenous storytelling.
According to Diné clans, Shaina is ‘Áshįįhi born for Táchii’nii, with Ta’neeszahnii as her maternal grandfather’s clan and Kin łichii’nii as her paternal grandfather’s clan. She is the author of various publications, and her research also focuses on the experiences of emerging BIWOC authors in MFA creative nonfiction programs. She formerly taught creative writing at Diné College and continues to explore themes of memory, identity, and Indigenous storytelling in her work. Her writing often delves into personal and collective narratives, highlighting the resilience of Native communities.
Resources:
Special edition of Diné Poetics available on the Poetry Magazine website
Pre-order Beyond the Glittering World: An Anthology of Indigenous Feminisms and Futurisms (forthcoming November 2025 to be published by Torrey House Press), eds. Kinsale Drake, Stacie Shannon Denetsosie, Darcie Little Badger, et. al.
Shaina A. Nez, "This Land, Our Love," Green Linden Press (2022)
"10 Questions for Shaina A. Nez," The Massachusetts Review, March 5, 2021
Order COVID-19 in Indian Country: Native American Memories and Experiences of the Pandemic (Palgrave Macmillan, 2024) edited by Farina King and Wade Davies that includes Shaina A. Nez's chapter "COVID-19 Memory Dreamscapes"
