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2020-04-01
"All roads within the Blackfeet Reservation are closed to regular public to non-essential traffic. Non-essential shall mean travel not necessary for health, safety, and welfare of persons."
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2020-04-08
"“A coalition of more than 300 social, indigenous, peasant, union, and community organizations from multiple Latin American countries have launched a “’Call of the
Original Peoples, Afro-descendants and Popular Organizations of Latin America’”, to make demands for immediate structural changes in the face of the global pandemic crisis…Indigenous, ethnic and social movement organizations recognize the urgency of correcting the economic course of our countries. The economic inertia of the neoliberal regimes that for more than 30 years have defined the path of our countries, has definitely entered a crisis. The dismantling of the public health system, without the installation of adequate services to respond to the current COVID-19 pandemic, has shown that the course followed places life on this planet at risk. Some governments in the region, instead of protective measures, have opted for authoritarian measures, militarization, economic cuts, and massive layoffs. They highlight how this crisis has exposed the brutality of patriarchal violence against women and sexual diversities, further increasing the exclusion of “’indigenous and Afro-descendant peoples exposed to facing the pandemic in conditions of extreme vulnerability.’”"
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2020-04-06
“We are living moments we never believed our generation would live. We are facing a pandemic similar to that of many centuries ago, where so many people died, millions of people. Right now, millions of people are not dying, but there is no record yet…We must recognize that we are not prepared, as a humanity, to face this coronavirus. Not even the most perfect health system has the capacity to face it, like countries up north, for example. But not only because we do not have the capacity to face it, but because we have been creating patterns and life system that make us more vulnerable as a humanity. It is a pattern and a model of life that is disrespectful towards nature. As human beings, we think we are above other living beings. Now a virus has arrived that keeps us confined to our homes, and the only thing we say we can do at a planetary level is: stay home….As a response and as a safeguard for our communities, since March 17 we began to create COVID-19 Service Centers within our communities. In other words, networks began to be created within the community to organize the community’s response to COVID-19.”
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2020-05-12
”In this pandemic, indigenous peoples are recovering their ancestral heritage and sharing it generously with humanity. Although, in principle, it must be explicitly said that there is no cure for COVID-19, there are some natural remedies, herbs, that can help alleviate symptoms, and even reinforce the immune system, recovery, and recovery process after infection. This is where this knowledge helps, and it is possible to responsibly recommend the use of indigenous herbalism (which is the precursor base of modern chemical medicine).”
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2020-04-27
"Since their initial contacts with outsiders beginning in the 1940s, the Yanomami have lived through wave after wave of deadly viral epidemics, notably the measles and flu."
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2020-05-06
United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. holds webinar focused on helping tribal youth overcome obstacles during these tough times by drawing from cultural knowledge.
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2020-05-24
Free Covid Testing--Rocky Boy Health Center offers service in partnership with the Montana Governor's Office, Chippewa Cree Tribe, and the Montana National Guard
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2020-05-01
Public notice to tribal members uses popular memes to encourage people to remain six feet apart.
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2020-05-07
Grants offered for business assistance, housing, food programs, financial relief, public health programs, and local food production.
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2020-04-09
“The Crow Tribe of Indians has confirmed the first COVID-19 case. The individual who has tested positive with the Novel Coronavirus is in self-isolation and there are Public Health Nurses monitoring the individuals past contacts…We must stay strong, of one mind, vigilant, and proactive. We, the Crow people must continue precautionary social distancing measures as we weather the storm and show our resilience as Indigenous people once again. When this virus is contained, I hope we’re remembered by how the Apsaalooke Nation responded to the Novel Coronavirus.”
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2020-05-11
“Jean Stowell, head of the organization's U.S. COVID-19 Response Team, told CBS News that Doctors Without Borders has dispatched a team of nine to the hard-hit Navajo Nation in the southwest U.S. because of the crisis unfolding there. The team consists of two physicians, three nurse/midwives, a water sanitation specialist, two logisticians and a health promoter who specializes in community health education. ‘There are many situations in which we do not intervene in the United States, but this has a particular risk profile,’ Stowell said. ‘Situationally, the Native American communities are at a much higher risk for complications from COVID-19 and also from community spread because they don't have access to the variety of things that make it possible to self-isolate… You can't expect people to isolate if they have to drive 100 miles to get food and water.’ Navajo Nation, home to roughly 170,000 people, now has more coronavirus cases per capita than any state in America. Due to a shortage in nursing and specialized medical staff, the most critical patients have to be airlifted to hospitals outside of the reservation. On top of that, Navajo people carry a high rate of diabetes and hypertension, rendering them more susceptible to infection. And as of early May, the region has a higher coronavirus death rate than that of 46 states.”
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2020-05-13
“The Cherokee Indian Hospital Authority has been mass testing asymptomatic residents and visitors to territories held by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. In restricting EBCI borders and closing businesses, Principal Chief Richard Sneed preempted most counties and Gov. Roy Cooper.”
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2020-05-04
“For many domestic companies, the coronavirus has exacerbated troubles they were already having manufacturing in China, after the U.S. levied large import tariffs last year on Chinese-made goods. The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians sees there might just be an opportunity for its industrial base in light of new developments. ‘While Mexico - the only low-cost border country with a free trade deal with the U.S. - is expected to be the big winner, our status as a sovereign nation located within the U.S. presents a distinct advantage,’ said John Hendrix, director of economic development for the Mississippi-based tribe. Tax rates, labor and logistics play major roles in determining where manufacturing occurs, remarked Hendrix. ‘The Tribe has the total package – favorable tax structure, an abundant trainable workforce, and proximity to market.’”
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2020-05-30
“Getting to food has long been a challenge for Pine Ridge residents. For a lot of people, the nearest grocery store is a two-hour drive away. Many rely on food stamps or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, a federal initiative that provides boxes of food (historically lacking in healthy options) to low-income families. Diabetes rates run very high. The coronavirus crisis — one case has been reported on the reservation — has only made access to food harder, as shelves of the few groceries empty out, shipments of food boxes are delayed because of supply chain disruptions, and hunting and gathering are restricted by government regulations and environmental conditions. But the Oglala Sioux, like many other Native Americans across the country, are relying on the practices — seed saving, canning, dehydrating — that their forebears developed to survive harsh conditions, with limited supplies.”
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2020-05-21
“As construction related to the Keystone XL pipeline begins in South Dakota, the checkpoints add tension to an already-rocky relationship between the Republican governor and tribes that have been outspoken opponents of the pipeline. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, which has set up coronavirus checkpoints, does not allow vehicles from oil companies to pass through their land. The proposed pipeline route skirts tribal land, but construction companies could use the highways for transporting supplies.”
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2020-05-07
Tribal offices are urged to screen all incoming visitors and public entering the offices. "If any visitor or member of the public answers yes to any of the visitor screening form questions you are advised to politely and professionally inform them that they are not to enter any further into the office and are to be immediately referred to our local Tribal Health Department for guidance on further safety measures or appropriate recommendations as needed."
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2020-05-01
"All individuals who travel outside the Fort Belknap Reservation to areas with positive COVID19 cases, are required to report to tribal health immediately for further instructions regarding the MANDATORY 14-day COVID19 quarantine."
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2020-04-23
In addition to suspending the issuing of burning permits, reservation residents are to obstain from lighting fire works, burning trash, lighting camp fires, and smoking cigarettes outside of closed vehicles or in designated areas. "Ceremonial fires must be attended at all times with notification to the BIA fire [department]."
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2020-05-17
The Cherokee Nation is canceling the 2020 Remember the Removal Bike Ride in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Remember the Removal Bike Ride is a youth leadership program that retraces the Northern Route of the Trail of Tears.
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2020-05-18
"Poarch Band of Creek Indians, Muskogee Technology - https://muskotech.com/index.html; Manufacturing
& fabrication of protective equipment, including sneeze guards. "
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2020-03-12
“As our people become more and more inundated with news and updates on the Covid19 virus, I’m sure many of you are concerned of the unknown and what’s next. As far as it relates to our tribal nation, Tribal Council and staff have been addressing this situation for some time… Added to our concerns in this time of uncertainty is the fact that our tribal service delivery areas are spread out over 15 counties in 3 states. We have several unique areas spread across these areas. All need the unique attention they deserve. Our staff is working with all 3 state health organizations and all counties that our service delivery areas are in…While we are doing everything we can to help at this time, your understanding is asked for in knowing that we just may not be able to prevent occurrences from happening. Again, we will remain committed to protecting our people the absolute best that we can.”
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2020-05-02
“The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, like all the other tribes across the na-tion, has been affected by the corona-virus. Social distancing restrictions has caused many changes within the community including the temporary closing of the Winnavegas Casino, the main resource for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. Inevitably, this also forced the tribe to temporary furlough certain tribally funded positions…Unfortunately, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, a government agency, is not eligible for the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) “a loan designed to pro-vide a direct incentive for small busi-nesses to keep their workers on payroll” (sba.gov). Staying optimistic and proac-tive, the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska has been taking steps to take care of the tribal members, community and its employees to the best of its ability…The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska is waiting for a distribution from the US Department of Treasury. The Coronavi-rus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was passed by Congress and signed by President Trump which included an $8 billion allocation for all tribes to fund COVID-19 prevention, preparedness and response.”
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2020-05-07
“Churchill County has developed a plan for random, voluntary community-based COVID testing using its three commission districts…The County’s Social Services Department will staff a call center and citizens may request drive-through testing beginning on May 7. Drive-through testing will be held Tuesdays and Thursdays by appointment only at the Churchill County Fairgrounds… The goal is to test a total of 42 citizens from each district per testing date on a first-call, first-scheduled basis. This will result in 252 tests per week or 1% of our population being tested weekly.”
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2020-05-14
“The Goshute Business Council approved an economic support program under the allowable allocation of funds guideline from the United States Treasury Department, the provision of economic support in connection with the COVID-19 public health emergency.”
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2020-04-29
“April 29, 2020 the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska has instituted an Order for Protection of Public Health and Safety involving the use of Face Masks or Cloth Face Coverings. Vice-Chairman John Snowball who advocated and supports wearing a facemask in the community stated, ‘No Mask No Service. I think it will be well received by our community and I would feel a lot safer with this measure in place.’”
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2020-05-22
Good Medicine Comedy streams live May 22 at 10 pm CST. This is a fundraiser benefiting Tribal communities impacted by COVID-19. Proceeds benefit the National Congress of American Indians COVID-19 Response Fund.
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2020-04-20
Elder/Youth Talking Circle, held online via lifesize videoconferencing
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2020-03-27
“Throughout this difficult time, the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska will continue to be a cornerstone of support in our communities.”
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2020-05-08
Anthony Sampson (Chairman), Don Pelt (Emergency Response Coordinator), and others address the plan to mitigate challenges and plan for the tribe’s future. “Because we cannot see it, we cannot predict what will happen” but there is a plan in place to look out for the best interest of the tribal community.
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2020-04-02
“In Guatemala, the first infected with Covid 19 was revealed on March 13. Until recently March 26, the government had only carried out 564 tests for the virus and the situation was: 25 infected, and of them, one deceased and 5 cured. The government says that it has already contained the virus, epidemiologists say no and that perhaps the worst may be yet to come…”
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2020-05-16
" As we emerge from this pandemic, we must be guided by the examples and teachings of Indigenous Peoples practicing reciprocal obligations of responsibility to do everything possible to ensure that Nature can continue to thrive.”
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2020-04-21
"A Māori Touchstone Group would be formed to advise the government on its Covid-19 Māori response, and the ministry would partner with iwi to develop Covid-19 response strategies, and conduct surveillance and monitoring of Māori across district health boards (DHB)." As we emerge from this pandemic, we must be guided by the examples and teachings of Indigenous Peoples practicing reciprocal obligations of responsibility to do everything possible to ensure that Nature can continue to thrive.”
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2020-04-17
"One-hundred-and-twenty Māori community health workers will be deployed in Auckland and further North in an effort to ramp up testing and support for whānau."
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2020-04-13
"Staff at Te Kura Kaupapa Māori o Te Waiu o Ngāti Porou, from tiny Ruatōria on the East Coast, are supplying protective gear to frontline health workers fighting Covid-19 in their rohe."
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2019-03-31
“This COVID-19 has threatened all of us, but has bigger threat on our elders,” Jenny Yazzie Buckinghorse wrote. “It also has potential threat on our front line medical personnel, law enforcement, store clerks...etc. Many of them are our own people – sisters/brothers, aunt/uncle, mother/father, and grandmother/grandfather.”
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2020-04-14
“Piestewa was 23 years old and a mother of two young children. She was Hopi and Mexican-American and the first Native American female killed in combat when her convoy was ambushed. For her actions, she was awarded the Purple Heart and Prisoner of War Medal… The annual sunrise service for Lori Piestewa and fallen heroes scheduled for March 23, which normally takes place at the base of Piestewa Peak, was cancelled because of the COVID-19 virus. However, some community members still hiked to the top of the peak in memory of Piestewa.”
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2020-04-14
“By giving students some additional options to connect and take courses, we hope to bring some measure of relief and let them know that our institutional commitment to Native Americans means that none of them is left behind,” said Chad Hamill, vice president for NAU’s Office of Native American Initiatives.
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2020-05-12
"May 6 – 10 has been proclaimed “Navajo Nation Nurses Appreciation Week” by Navajo President Jonathan Nez in order to honor and pay tribute to all nurses and health care workers for their contributions and hard work to save lives across the Navajo Nation."
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2020-05-12
“The $170 donated by Choctaw leaders in 1847 — or “Black ’47,” as the Irish who survived the rampant starvation, disease and exposure remembered it — would today have amounted to over $5,000, historians estimate. At that time, the Choctaw were still grappling with their own grief and loss, caused by the abuses of a colonial government a decade earlier, and they appear to have seen their own suffering reflected in a people over 4,000 miles away. The donation has since inspired three visits between heads of state in both nations, the construction of an iconic stainless steel sculpture in Ireland’s County Cork, a poetry collaboration between Choctaw author LeAnne Howe and Irish poet Doireann Ní Ghríofa, dance performances of welcome, music that aspires to merge Irish “trad” with Indigenous rhythms and a scholarship.”
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2020-05-12
"The caravan then brought the final third of supplies to the Navajo Nation Emergency Medical Service strike team situated at the Tuba City Fair Grounds. The crew has been actively sorting and distributing donated food and water. "
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2020-05-25
Article describing the cultural and financial impact of the cancelling of powwows across Canada. While the impacts are significant there is also the feeling that cancellations are necessary and that life and powwows will go on in the future.
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2020-05-19
"MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Big mining companies that rely on indigenous workforces or operate near remote communities have acted fast to curb the spread of the coronavirus and avoid a public health crisis that could damage their reputations."
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2019-05-13
"The Covid-19 outbreak now could possibly force New Zealand to relinquish the traditional Maori greeting – the hongi – wherein two people touch and press their noses together."
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2020-04-30
"The higher rates of chronic conditions among Māori raise the probability of serious COVID-related complications. These conditions in turn are exacerbated by inadequate access to health care and prescription drugs."
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2020-05-12
"New Zealand’s ban on large funerals and tangi has been described as 'inhumane' by the opposition leader, and 'disappointing' and 'cruel' by indigenous funeral directors."
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2020-04-23
"When our COVID-19 lockdowns end, we can’t afford to stop caring about collective well-being. New Zealand is well positioned to show the world how this could be done, including through the New Zealand Treasury’s Living Standards Framework – but only if we listen more to Māori and other diverse voices."
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2020-04-22
"The threat of COVID-19 in the Amazon to indigenous peoples and the peoples in isolation is a very real threat of possible ethnocide,"
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2020-04-24
"Now the government needs to turn its attention to the risks Indigenous people face in urban and rural areas."
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2020-04-17
"SYDNEY - Australia will start rapid coronavirus testing for more than 80 remote indigenous settlements. The 45-minute test will help authorities to monitor the spread of COVID-19 more efficiently in isolated areas where results can currently take up to 10 days."
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2020-05-02
"SYDNEY - Locked down in COVID-19 biosecurity zones, thousands of kilometers from Australia's big cities, aboriginal artists are performing online to global audiences for the first time. Musicians from northeast Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory are joining the worldwide trend of artists in lockdown performing from home."