Items

• 
  2022-05-06

  Northern Arizona tribe extends closure prompted by pandemic

  This is a news story by the Associated Press. The Havasupai Tribe, a tribe located in Northern Arizona, has closed its reservation through the 2022 tourism season. The reservation has been known for its large waterfalls. Other repairs are needed in the reservation too, including trailheads, camp grounds, and lodges.
• 
  12/09/2020

  Chontay Littlewolf Oral History, 2020/11/22

  Chontay Littlewolf was raised in the Chippewa Valley in Wisconsin; she currently resides in Fargo, North Dakota. In this interview Chontay shares her experience living in North Dakota during the Covid-19 pandemic, as well as her experience as an essential worker at Starbucks during the Covid-19 pandemic. Chontay gives her perspective on how the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted her communities which include her friends, family, neighbors, and Native American tribe (Ho-Chunk Nation). Chontay also discusses her thoughts on how the Covid-19 pandemic could have been handled better by everyone, ranging from individuals to governmental leaders. Chontay reflects on mental health, physical health, the economy, media and the actions of the government in this interview.
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  2021-03-21

  Section 11004 of H.R.1319 - American Rescue Plan Act of 2021

  Section 11004 of H.R.1319 - American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 reads: SEC. 11004. COVID–19 RESPONSE RESOURCES FOR THE PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF NATIVE AMERICAN LANGUAGES. (a) Section 816 of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 2992d) is amended by adding at the end the following: “(f) In addition to amounts otherwise available, there is appropriated for fiscal year 2021, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, $20,000,000 to remain available until expended, to carry out section 803C(g) of this Act.”. (b) Section 803C of the Native American Programs Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 2991b–3) is amended by adding at the end the following: “(g) Emergency Grants For Native American Language Preservation And Maintenance.—Not later than 180 days after the effective date of this subsection, the Secretary shall award grants to entities eligible to receive assistance under subsection (a)(1) to ensure the survival and continuing vitality of Native American languages during and after the public health emergency declared by the Secretary pursuant to section 319 of the Public Health Service Act (42 U.S.C. 247d) with respect to the COVID–19 pandemic.”.
• 
  2021-04-07

  Indian Health Services COVID-19 Infections by Service Area through 04/07/2021

  Indian Health Services is an agency of the United States federal government that oversees and administers healthcare to that nation's Native American populations and tribal reservations. This webpage from the Indian Health Services has three sections that address general Coronavirus (COVID-19) information and links, COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution and Administration by IHS Area, and COVID-19 Cases by IHS Area. it also includes a hyperlink to an interactive map for up-to-date COVID-19 Cases by IHS Area: https://maps.ihs.gov/portal/apps/StoryMapBasic/index.html
• 
  2021-03-21

  San Carlos (AZ) to hold a drive-through COVID-19 vaccine clini6c

  March 22, 2021 - by News Director Contributed Article SAN CARLOS – The San Carlos Apache Healthcare Corporation is proud to present a COVID-19 vaccine drive-through clinic for SCAT members and their family and friends of the surrounding communities of Globe, Miami, Superior, Hayden, Winkleman, Kearny, Pima, Thatcher, Safford, and Morenci. Our SCAHC Vaccination team will be administering the Pfizer and Moderna vaccine at the San Carlos High School, on Saturday, March 27, from 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. No appointment is necessary. For the Pfizer vaccine, those receiving it must be 16 years of age or older (must have a parent/legal guardian consent if under 18) For the Moderna vaccine, those receiving it must be 18 years of age or older. Please remember to bring your state ID. There is no charge for the vaccine.
• 
  2021-03-20

  Deb Haaland Sworn in as the First Native American Cabinet Head

  Photos of Deb Haaland proudly wearing the ribbon skirt I designed for her brings me so many emotions that are difficult to describe.It is such an honor to see an Indigenous woman be sworn in as the first Native American Cabinet head. Deb Haaland is such a gracious, humble, and compassionate leader who exemplifies all the teachings that are pretty universal for Indigenous Peoples. The teachings of love, kindness, humility, honesty, truthfulness and courage can be felt every time someone meets Deb or each time we see her speak. Today not just as a ribbon skirt maker but as an Indigenous woman….I feel SO SEEN. I know that feeling echoes tremendously with relatives all across Turtle Island. I am so proud to have been a part of this historic moment in some way. Thank you and shoutout to my friends Margaret Gonzalez and Shane Balkowitsch for asking me to make her a ribbonskirt. ✨✨✨✨✨✨ The ribbon skirt reminds us of the matriarchal power we carry as Indigenous women. They carry stories of survival, resilience, adaption, and sacredness. As survivors of genocide we wear our ribbon skirts to stay grounded in our teachings, to stay connected to the earth and our ancestors. ✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽✊🏽 Wearing it in this day and age is an act of self empowerment and reclamation of who we are and that gives us the opportunity to proudly make bold statements in front of others who sometimes refuse to see us. It allows us to be our authentic selves unapologetically. This is extremely important to me because when I was a little girl, the hate and racism I experienced as a First Nations person left me feeling shame. As the daughter of a Residential school survivor and a Sixties scoop survivor, sewing ribbon skirts has brought so much healing to my life. Expressing myself in a cultural and creative way that allows me to feel the strength of my ancestors has given me the space I needed to shed that shame I carried. Sewing is my love language. Extremely honored ~ Agnes Woodward @agneswoodward #ribbonskirts #ribbonskirt #IndigenouswomenEmpowered #DebHaaland #MatriarchalPower
• 
  2021-03-05

  In Native America, the National COVID-19 emergency has hit us hard

  This article describes the incredible losses the Native gaming industry has sustained due to the pandemic.
• 
  2020-12-09

  Covid-19 Statistics for Western Washington Native Tribes (Olympic Peninsula)

  This is a collection of all of the western Washington Native American tribe’s Covid-19 information. Unlike other parts of the country, western Washington tribes have a low Covid-19 rate.
• 
  2020-09-24

  The subordination of Native Americans through underreporting Covid data

  The article reports that Native Americans have been historically unacknowledged in census data and other demographic studies. The author claims there has been a long suppression of Native American mortality rates and medical reports to systematically deprive them of medical access. According to the author, “American Indians and Alaska Natives are 3.5 times more likely to be diagnosed with COVID-19." This shows us that some of the communities hit hardest by the pandemic are some that are receiving the least amount of support.
• 
  2020-12-07

  Utilizing American History to Understand Present Day Events

  For my HIS 103 final project, I wrote an essay about how Americans utilize media platforms to draw connections between American history and current events. The similarities that contemporary Americans create reveal that while much has changed legally, our country continues to remain divided on the same topics.
• 
  2020-06-13

  Lovelace Hospital's Secret Coronavirus Policy

  Lovelace Women’s Hospital in Albuquerque, New Mexico implemented a secretive policy that racially profiled Native American mothers. As expecting mothers who “looked” Native were admitted into the hospital, staff would compare their area codes to a list of zip codes belonging to Native lands such as Reservations or Pueblos. After being identified as “a person under investigation for COVID-19”, mothers were often misled or were forced into signing a wavier that gave permission for hospital staff to remove the newborns from their parents after birth. The families were only reunited once the pending coronavirus test results came back negative. Test results took up to three days to come in, thus leaving the mothers in fear and uncertainty about the wellbeing of their child. Lovelace, Native American, mothers, healthcare, newborns, separation, New Mexico indepth, ProPublica, racial profiling, New Mexico
• 
  2020-05-28

  "Join Us For Virtual Moccasin-Making Class! All Supplies Provided!"

  "Throughout this pandemic and a way to promote positive mental health, the Iowa Tribe Native Connections staff would like to offer Native Youth ages 10-24 in the counties of Payne, Lincoln, and Logan, a cultural experience through a virtual Moccasin-Making class, for FREE!"
• 
  2020-07-06

  "COVID-19 Letter from the chief"

  "We are living in an unprecedented time, facing unprecedented challenges. Situations, details change daily, sometimes even hourly. I think it’s important that you know that our tribe is stable. We have always been a tribe known for paying its bills, taking care of our people, limiting our debt. Let me assure you that is still the Easter Shawnee Tribe, even in these turbulent times. Let me also assure you, your Business Committee, your Business Managers, your tribal employees and your Chief are working tirelessly to address these current challenges. Let me further assure you that with every decision we make, we are acutely concerned with how that decision impacts our tribal citizens. You, each one of you, you are our number one concern."
• 
  04/22/2020

  Stephanie Hebert Oral History, 2020/04/22

  This is an interview about the Social Distance Powwow group that was started during the COVID-19 Pandemic. The interviewee, Stephanie Herbert, gives information about the Native Powwows and how the Native People are coping during the Coronavirus Pandemic. They cannot gather together and dance in Powwows, so Stephanie and her cohorts have tried to find a workaround for that. They started a Facebook group to help foster connection with others from around the world, which immediately gathered thousands of followers.
• 
  2020-03-24

  "Ponca Tribal Closure"

  "Based on the Ponca Resolution 19-03192020 for Declaring a State of Emergency Related to COVID-19 passed by the Ponca Tribal Business Committee on March 19th, 2020, All buildings will be closed until April 6th except Finance, Social Development Center, and The White Eagle Health Center. Most programs have already been working from home at this time. The safety of our employees and tribal members are taken seriously and admin leave is granted for all employees on leave."
• 
  2020-04

  Choctaw Nation Paper

  My dad sent me this paper from his tribe. I was worried that the tribe had been affected like some other tribes. But the papers really just had basic information about Covid-19 and hand-washing. It was a relief to see.
• 
  2020-06-12

  "Care Boxes For Native American Households"

  "The Housing Department COVID-19 Project is issuing applications for Care Boxes for Tribal Members. Heads of Households only should apply for each address if you live in one of the following counties:..."
• 
  2020-03-31

  Menominee Tribal Council Announces First Case on Reservation, Non-Native Living in Community

  “The individual is reported as a non-native and resides in within Menominee County, which shares the same boundaries of Menominee Indian Reservation. The individual is a resident of Menominee County. Given this individual is a non-native, this case is reported by Shawano-Menominee County public health and to Wisconsin DHS. This person is not in the care of Menominee Tribal Clinic or Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin… The protection and security of our Menominee Tribal members and surrounding community member is important to our Tribe.”
• 
  2020-05-28

  Oneida Nation Extends Declaration of Public Health State of Emergency Until June 11

  “March 12, 2020 the Chairman declared a Public Health State of Emergency, the Oneida Business Committee took actions to take steps to protect the health and welfare of the members, employees and the community, including instituting expenditure restrictions to preserve resources for the provision of governmental services to members most at risk, closure of the Nation’s gaming operations, and insuring that employees will continued to be paid during the Public Health State of Emergency as long as the Nation’s resources will allow.”
• 
  2020-06-01

  Absentee Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma Unveils Multiphase Recovery Plan

  “Due to continued concerns around the Covid-19 pandemic, the Absentee Shawnee Tribe is taking necessary steps to limit exposure and risk to Tribal Members and Tribal Employees. During our phases of re-opening/recovering services for the tribe, departments will be working in several different capacities and on differing schedules.”
• 
  2020-05-25

  The Sioux man 'empowering' Standing Rock with solar power

  "Cody Two Bears, who is behind North Dakota's first 300-kilowatt solar farm, is bringing power to Standing Rock."
• 
  2020-05-06

  Healing Indigenous Lives Initiative: Culture as Prevention Webinar

  United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc. holds webinar focused on helping tribal youth overcome obstacles during these tough times by drawing from cultural knowledge.
• 
  2020-05-13

  What the Eastern Cherokee Can Teach the U.S. About Public Health

  “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.”
• 
  2020-05-04

  Mississippi Choctaw Tribe Sees Opportunities in Manufacturing in Response to Covid-19

  “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.’”
• 
  2020-05-30

  How Native Americans Are Fighting a Food Crisis

  “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.”
• 
  2020-05-21

  Tensions Over the Keystone XL Pipeline Heat Up During Pandemic as Tribes Insist on Coronavirus Checkpoints

  “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.”
• 
  2020-05-07

  Tribe Requires Use of Covid-19 Screening Form

  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."
• 
  2020-04-14

  Community member hikes Piestewa Peak after annual memorial sunrise service is cancelled

  “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.”
• 
  2020-04-14

  Northern Arizona University creates Wi-Fi hotspots on Navajo and Hopi reservations to help students continue classes

  “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.
• 
  2020-05-20

  Blackfeet Tribe tests over 500 for COVID-19

  The Blackfeet Tribe reached a landmark last week as personnel from the Southern Piegan Health Center and the Tribal Health Improvement Program set up a drive-through coronavirus testing station at the old Eagle Shields.
• 
  2020-05-19

  Crow Agency assembles emergency response team amidst COVID-19 Pandemic

  "- When it comes to containing the coronavirus, communities all around the world are having to take unique steps that work for them. And that's true as well for Montana's native tribes."
• 
  2020-03-31

  Crow tribe puts up road-side checkpoints to curb travel to reservation

  "BILLINGS — Officials with the Crow tribe set up five road-side safety checkpoints over the weekend to stop non-tribal members from fleeing the COVID-19 pandemic to stay on the Crow reservation, tribal officials said in a Facebook video Monday."
• 
  2020-05-19

  Sobriety sweeps online powwow page

  "In recent days, members of the popular Facebook group Social Distance Powwow have inundated the site with uplifting messages about sober living"
• 
  05/15/2020

  "Coronavirus in Indian Country: Tribal and Urban Organizations "

  “In the fight against COVID-19, tribal nations face many of the same health, education, and economic public policy challenges as non-Native state and local governments. However, they are further hindered by an obstacle course of red tape and administrative misapplications from the federal government that prevents tribes from fully utilizing their sovereign authority and hamper their pandemic defense and recovery strategies. This is an area that some U.S. representatives feel deserves the full attention of Congress and the Administration. The House Natural Resources Committee Democrats hosted a virtual roundtable discussion in which members of The House of Representatives listened to leading experts from Indian Country about how federal relief support could be improved to provide tribes with the resources and flexibility they need to provide for their people.” #IndigenousStories
• 
  05/17/2020

  Changing Federalism in the Time of Coronavirus

  A discussion of how the state of federalism in the US has changed and how this has become evident by the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.
• 
  2020-04-17

  Tribes Sue Over Distribution of Coronavirus Relief Funding

  "Several Native American tribes sued the federal government Friday, seeking to keep federal coronavirus relief for tribes out of the hands of for-profit Alaska Native corporations."
• 
  2020-04-09

  Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians Offers Update on COVID-19

  Explains the measures that have been taken to protect tribal citizens "from this deadly virus," including adjustments made to funeral services. "Let's choose faith over fear."
• 
  2020-03-27

  Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation Chairman Addresses Decision to Declare State of Emergency

  Tribal Chairman Anthony Roberts on the State of Emergency, COVID-19, and securing the Nation's long-term welfare. "We took these steps because it was the right thing to do."
• 
  2020-05-06

  California's United Indian Health Services Offers Antibody Testing for COVID-19

  Lab expansion provides new opportunity to offer blood tests to both Native and non-Native patients with a 99.1% accuracy rate.
• 
  2020-03-23

  Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation Establishes Mass Communication System to Inform Tribal Citizens

  “The emergency communications system is only one of the ways the Nation is informing its citizens. We are also using our Facebook page, news media and the website to keep everyone up to date.”
• 
  2020-04-07

  Susanville Powwow Committee Exercises Caution and Reschedules for Last Week of May

  “Out of an abundance of caution and the Stay at Home order issued by the Governor of California due to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Susanville Indian Rancheria Powwow Committee has decided to tentatively reschedule the 2020 Powwow originally scheduled for May 29, 30, 31, 2020 in Susanville, California to August 21, 22, 23, 2020…We are hopeful that the Stay at home order is lifted by August and we can gather together to Honor our Elders and Veterans.”
• 
  05/01/2020

  Michigan Tribe Encourages Elders to Continue Exercising at Home By Loaning Out Equipment

  "For any senior or diabetic Native Way user who would like to exercise at home during the COVID-19 closure, we have therabands and body bars along with instruction sheets that may be borrowed." #IndigenousStories
• 
  2020-04-28

  Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians Offers Advice on Self-Care During Pandemic

  Finding balance between the physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health to remain healthy during the pandemic.
• 
  2020-03-12

  Help Is A Phone Call Away: Sherwood Valley Band of Pomo Provide Shelter In Place Services

  Indian Health Services offers prescription delivery and other services to elders and tribal members with special needs.
• 
  2020-04-01

  Hannahville Indian Community Extends Casino Closure

  “Unfortunately, as the pandemic continues, it is apparent that the Casino will NOT OPEN in early April as initially planned. By order of the Tribal Council the Island Resort and Casino will remain closed until further notice…Our highest concern is to continue to provide services to our tribal membership and to continue processing payroll to all our employees.”
• 
  2020-05-01

  Bay Mills Indian Community Hosts Mental Health Power Hour

  "We recognize that we are living in stressful times." Weekly Zoom meetings brings tribal citizens together during shelter in place order. Advertised topics: Stress, Youth Issues, and Adapting to Change.
• 
  2020-04-24

  Tolowa Dee-Ni' Nation Offers COVID-19 Emergency Housing Assistance

  “Emergency Assistance is now available to assist Tribal Member families who have had a loss of income due to lay-off, reduced hours, or other reasons, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and are having trouble paying their rent or mortgage. For eligible households, up to $750 is available to help pay your rent or mortgage for the month of May 2020.”
• 
  2020-03-23

  Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Announces Stimulus Program

  “Pursuant to the Tribe’s March 17, 2020 State of Emergency Declaration and consistent with Governor Whitmer’s Executive Order 2020-21: temporary requirement to suspend activities that are not required to sustain or protect life, the Tribal Council has taken steps to protect the health, safety and welfare of Tribal Members, employees and guests by establishing a critical infrastructure list of Tribal employees and modifying the critical infrastructure list for Casino employees, modifying business hours and closing all Tribal Government Buildings to the public. Tribal leadership will continue to work hard to meet the needs of each Tribal Member during these difficult times.”
• 
  2020-04-07

  California Tribe Suggests a CARES Act Funding Model to Better Serve the Smaller Tribes of the State

  “Yocha Dehe respectfully submits Congress directed a different approach in the delivery of funding to tribal governments…A funding formula that rests on population and land base would leave out California tribes, which tend to be smaller with fewer federal land holdings, but whose economies are large, and which are now crushed by the pandemic…tribal economies have little to do with population and land size, and as the data confirms, California’s tribal economies are larger than those in any other state.”
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  2020-05-08

  Jazz & Heritage Relief Fund for Mardi Gras Indians, New Orleans, LA

  The Jazz & Heritage Music Relief Fund is a statewide relief fund to support members of the Louisiana music performance community who have lost income amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This particular fund aims at providing financial assistance to Masking Mardi Gras Indian Groups/ Black Masking Indian Groups.