Items

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  04/25/2021

  Tamara Harris Oral History, 2021/04/25

  Tamara Harris was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and raised in Black River Falls, Wisconsin and is now a retired teacher of the Chippewa Falls Middle School living in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin. In this interview, Tamara describes how the Covid-19 pandemic has affected her daily life, relationships with long-distance family, and participation with the community. Tamara also describes how attitudes have changed during the pandemic and how she has dealt with these changes. Tamara has 7 adult children, 9 grandchildren, as well as many other family members spread throughout the Midwest.
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  2021-04-02

  Strength and Innovation of Indigenous Communities During the Pandemic

  This article demonstrates that despite the inequities faced by Native Americans and indigenous populations they have been innovative in combatting the pandemic and shown strength in the face of fear, illness, and uncertainty.
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  2021-04-01

  The ‘slow-motion’ genocide’ of the Chinook Indian Nation

  The pandemic has exacerbated the Chinook’s lack of the kind of social safety net recognized tribes possess. While the COVID-19 mortality rate of Indigenous people is almost 2.5 times that of white people, unrecognized tribes have not received any of the $8 billion in government aid passed by Congress last spring. Nor have they received priority for tests or vaccines. Instead, they have to rely on neighboring tribes like the Grand Ronde and the Shoalwater Bay Tribe to vaccinate their elder knowledge-keepers. Chinook tribal members sometimes refer to the lack of recognition as slow-motion genocide. “Explain how it’s not genocide,” Johnson said to me. “Someone explain to me how it’s not.”
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  2020-05-04

  New Mexico Invokes Riot Law to Control Virus Near Navajo Nation

  This article discusses the use of a rarely used Riot Law Act to help diminish the tension between the Navajo reservation and the small towns bordering the reservation in Gallup, New Mexico. The upsurge in cases on the reservation resulted in accusations that the Navajo brought the virus into Gallup and its suburbs. The tribe has fired back that Gallup citizens are refusing to follow social distancing mandates and as a result, Gallup has one of the highest case rates in the nation. This report relates to the JOTPY archive as it an example of the friction COVID-19 has created between the local government and tribal reservations.
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  2020-06-01

  “Foxwoods Donations Will Help Feed Many During Global Crisis”

  “Foxwoods’ efforts during the COVID-19 crisis are part of a long-standing relationship with United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. Due to current global conditions, the food bank has seen a significant increase in demand, but a decrease in contributions. Foxwoods hopes the effort will aid the demand and inspire others who are in position to do so to help out their community.”
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  2020-05-29

  Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Council Extends Social Distancing Order

  “The Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Council recognizes continued public health conditions caused by the COVID-19 virus, a communicable disease, require the development of “new normal” conditions until there is a vaccine and/or other measures to bring the disease under control. Additionally, it recognizes an orderly transition from self-isolation requirements to this new normal is in the best interests of the community as it will allow the Tribe to pivot more efficiently for increases in the number of infections based on the re-opening of operations… This order is granted under the Tribal Council’s inherent authority as a native sovereign nation, as well as the authority identified in its Public Health State of Emergency delegation on March 15, 2020, Resolution #044-20, and Chapter 26-A of Stockbridge-Munsee Tribal Law, Communicable Disease, Vaccination, and Quarantine Ordinance.” Order expires June 13, 2020.
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  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.’”
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  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.”
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  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."
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  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.
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  2020-04-28

  Hopi Tribe Announces 20 Positive Cases; Navajo Nation Mourns Loss of Former Miss Western Navajo Nation to COVID-19

  “KUYI Hopi Public Radio reported that the Hopi Tribe held a digital town hall with Hopi Health Care and Indian Health Service officials where they said out of the 39 positive test results from Hopi Health Care Center, more than 20 were confirmed cases of Hopi Tribal members…As of April 27, the confirmed positive cases on the Navajo Nation reached 1,769. Fifty-nine people have died, one of whom was former Miss Western Navajo Nation 2015-2016 Valentina Blackhorse, who was from Kayenta, Arizona.”
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  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."
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  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."
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  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.”
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  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
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  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.”
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  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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  2020-04-29

  Tribes Were Supposed To Get $8 Billion In COVID-19 Aid, but Received $0

  "Tribal governments were supposed to get $8 billion in direct emergecy relief from the CARES Act, the $2 trillion COVID-19 stimulus bill that became law on March 27. More than a month later, they haven't gotten any of it." #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-29

  Stand with the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe Amid Threats of Disestablishment

  Following the March 27, 2020 decision by the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs, under the Trump Administration, to remove over 300 acres of Mashpee Wampanoag reservation lands from federal trust, Indigenous and non-Indigenous advocates helped launch a #StandWithMashpee campaign as the tribe also struggles to deal with battling the spread of the coronovirus. #IndigenousStories
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  2020-05-01

  Coushatta Tribe Invites Tribal Members for U.S. Census Virtual Engagement Weekend

  "It is being NAMED and KNOWN and COUNTED as all the citizens of this Nation" is the message that goes out to the community from the Coushatta Tribal office in a drive to encourage participation in the U.S. Census, which determines government funding and services for the next decade. #IndigenousStories
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  2020-03-22

  Chairman of the Pala Band of Mission Indians Encourages Community Not to Spread Rumors and Misinformation

  “The County of San Diego has reported today, April 22, 2020, that there is one confirmed positive case of COVID-19 in the area covered by Pala’s zip code, 92059. By law, the County is not able to provide any identifying information about who this individual is, where they live, or their current health status (i.e. hospitalized, quarantined at home, etc.)…The dots on that map are not associated with any specific address; rather, they are placed in the geographic center of the area the zip code covers. Therefore, the dot on the map for Pala is not indicating where the confirmed positive individual lives…I encourage you not to spread rumors or misinformation about this case or make any attempt to discover who the confirmed positive individual may be. This is private information that none of us has, and spreading rumors only serves to stir up fear and panic.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-01

  Narragansett Tribe Closes Tribal Parks and Beaches

  “Narragansett Indian Tribal DEM Environmental Police and Narragansett Tribal Police Department will continue to monitor Tribal Parks, Camping, Beaches, and Tribal Lands for compliance. If people are blatantly ignoring the new rules and they choose to congregate at Tribal parks and beaches they may be cited if actions and behavior are not corrected.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-03-26

  Catawba Nation Adjusts Services in Response to Pandemic

  While seniors will continue to receive meals and some services will continue to be partially offered, Catawba tribal citizens are informed about how COVID-19 has impacted daily tribal operations. Seniors will be closely watched, with a phone tree to check on them “since they are hardest hit by this virus.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-01

  Tribal Election Process Changes Due to Declaration of Emergency

  Tribal elections held by mail ballot only. “This resolution affects only the current election as it is a temporary emergency amendment.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-01

  Practicing Culture From Home

  “The unfortunate side effect of Culture Activity closures is just this, a hiccup in the passing down of knowledge from one Tribal Member to another. Fortunately you can, as always, practice your culture from home and even learn more about it.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-01

  Havasu Lake Tribe Relies on Science For Clues in Operating in a Safe and Sustainable Way

  Chemehuevi Indian Tribe Chairman, Charles F. Wood, addresses his community about the sacrifice of having to shut down tribal operations. “It may be lonely, boring and depressing to remain at home but it is safe and we thank you for your sacrifice.” He also looks ahead, “while it is hoped that the worst of the COVID-19 coronavirus has passed, I must emphasize the need to protect ourselves from the lingering possibility of a second outbreak.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-01

  "Our Survival is Dependent on our Discipline to Comply": Colorado River Tribe Mandates "Stay-At_Home" Order

  “All Tribal communities face this plight and we do so with an unyielding will to persevere. Our survival is dependent on our discipline to comply with protocol and precautionary health advice. Our ability to help one another has remained strong and has brought Native American people to this day and age. We will continue helping one another through our compliance to the actions taken by tribal, state and federal leaders and also utilizing the sanitary health advice by the medical and scientific professionals of this world.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-03

  California Valley Miwok Tribe Chairwoman Issues Statement In Response to Passage of Federal Stimulus Package

  The California Valley Miwok Tribe’s Chairwoman Silvia Burley issued a statement in response to the $2 trillion coronavirus stimulus bill passed by Congress: “Our Tribe, like many others throughout the United States, will not see a penny from the federal stimulus package despite our members’ dire need and right to these funds. An ongoing dispute with the Bureau of Indian Affairs over our Tribe’s right to self-govern has placed our Tribal members’ health and safety, including that of my mother – the last full blood Miwok Indian, at immediate risk.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-01

  25th Tunica-Biloxi Pow Wow Postponed Until Further Notice

  "The Pow Wow is an opportunity for our Tribe as well as other Native Americans to come together as a community and celebrate our heritage. Out of concern for the health and well-being of our members and all who plan to attend, we will reschedule when we feel that it is safe to do so." #IndigenousStories
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  2020-03-23

  Iowa Tribe Appeals to Businesses to Help Keep the Community Safe

  States essential categories of businesses that can continue operating. "Until further notice anyone who doesn't work in the specific areas deemed essential categories will NOT be allowed in tribal buildings...Wash hands every 20 minutes, unless farming/fieldwork." #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-03

  Northern California Tribe Provides Stimulus Funds to Tribal Citizens to Assist During Pandemic

  "We understand the importance of the time we are in as a nation, we are all in this together, and we will get through this. Now more than ever is our time to come together and do the best we can for our people." #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-06

  Yavapai-Apache Nation Tribal Council Ensures that No Tribal Citizen Loses Home During Pandemic

  Resolution passed to suspend evictions under housing programs managed by tribal housing to "avoid the risk of residents losing their homes in this difficult time." #IndigenousStories
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  2020-03-17

  Nez Perce Tribe Holds Coronavirus Meeting To Help Prepare Community for Health Crisis

  Officials from local, state, federal and Nez Perce Tribal government come together for proactive coronavirus planning meeting to "ensure the Nez Perce Tribe is as prepared as can be." #IndigenousStories
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  2020-03-31

  Federal aid on way to Montana Tribes

  An image of a front-page article from the Billings [Montana] Gazette reporting that tribes in Montana are set to receive almost eight million dollars in housing funds and a slice of a ten billion dollar stimulus package to help with the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds will be distributed to help tribal governments, enterprises, and businesses recover.
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  2020-04-08

  Governor Stephen Roe Lewis Addresses the Gila River Indian Community Giving Update on New Cases in Community

  Tribal leadership launches social media campaign in collaboration with Gila River Health Care staff to inform community on status of Covid-19. Addresses the status of the positive cases and reassures community that there are also an "overwhelming number of negative" cases of people who were tested, which means "we are getting a handle on what is actually going on and that is key to our success in beating this." For questions, the community is encouraged to call a reservation Coronavirus Hotline. #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-03

  Hopi Tribe Issues Executive Stay-At-Home Order to Citizens

  “As matters progress with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic, additional advisories and Orders may follow,” said Hopi Chairman Timothy Nuvangyaoma, “but we are implementing what precautions and restrictions that we feel are currently warranted to ensure the public health and welfare of our people. It is important to remember, as has been said before, ‘a virus does not move, people move it’, so we encourage the Hopi public to take charge of their own health and welfare and be cautious in their daily interactions with others during this time.” #IndigenousStories