Items

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  2021-02-28T10:55

  No shots for you!

  This picture shows what I get when I try to schedule a COVID-19 vaccination through the Arizona Department of Health Services website. I'm basically out of luck for the time being. It is good that a vaccine is available now and the end of the pandemic is in sight, but the process is frustrating. While I understand that our state agency had to develop their website in a short time, they've known for months that vaccines were on the way. Their site is needlessly complex, buggy, and non-informative. I initially got hung up on a page that required me to enter my health insurance information; it took several tries and a few phone calls to figure out exactly what I needed to enter in each of the fields. Once I get through, I can't find an open appointment. There is no indication on the webpage, but it seems that the system returns no open appointments for me because I am not yet eligible. My mother who is more than 75 years old has managed to get an appointment and get her first shot. I'm concerned that many other people, particularly the elderly who need the vaccination more than others, will not get access to them because they will not be able to navigate through the website. I have read a number of media reports about this. It seems like poor planning to set up a process that relies on individuals to use the internet without offering an alternative.
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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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  2020-04-30

  Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne Shows Solidarity for Frontline Healthcare Workers During a Staged Procession

  “During these difficult times, the community of Akwesasne has pulled together. There is a strong spirit of unity and perseverance in the people of Akwesasne and there is no denying that. The actions of our local first responders have lifted up the minds and hearts of not only our local healthcare workers, but also the elders and community members who are cared for daily by Akwesasne's finest.” #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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  2020-04-08

  Indigenous Peoples of the Philippines: Particular Challenges In Facing COVID-19

  “Indigenous Peoples are no strangers to disease and disaster. Through generations, Indigenous Peoples have established responses and coping mechanisms – grounded in traditional knowledge, customs and practices – to different circumstances affecting their communities. These are all founded on one fundamental principle: to ensure that the community survives. A common response across Indigenous communities is that of closing-off the community to all – this means no one can enter the community until deemed safe. Such community closures are done for different reasons. In the Cordillera, Philippines such practice is regularly observed during the agricultural cycle. Before or after the fields are ready for planting and harvesting, the community declares ubaya/tengaw which basically means everyone stays at home, no hard labor is to be done by anyone. This is a time for the community and the earth to rest and typically lasts a day or two.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-17

  "As COVID-19 Starts in Nicaragua, Settler Violence Continues"

  “The year 2020 has not begun favorably for the Indigenous Peoples on the Nicaraguan Caribbean coast. Amidst the impending coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, settler colonists (called colonos) violently attack Indigenous people and invade their rainforest lands. Ten Miskitu and Mayangna leaders and land defenders have been killed since early January.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-16

  "Indigenous Peoples Turning to Traditional Knowledge On COVID-19 Response"

  “Through online, webinars and social networking, Indigenous leaders are sharing traditional knowledge - and the latest biomedical and epidemiological information - to protect their communities from harm…Tribal communities all over the world are showing leadership in acting swiftly to protect their communities, even where some individual freedoms are curtailed.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-03-19

  Indigenous People of Thailand Revive Traditional Practice of "Kroh Yee" (Village Closure) to Fight COVID-19

  “Karen people in a number of highland communities begin to shut-down their villages one by one, not to allow entering nor getting out at all times. These village shut-downs were announced in conjunction with the revival of the ancient ritual called, “Kroh Yee” (or village closure). It was found that this ritual was used seventy years ago when there was an outbreak of cholera. Local knowledge holders believe that there would be enough food for annual consumption if a pandemic occurs and the village needs to be blockaded, but the town’s people may run away to the forest for their survival.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-30

  Indigenous Health Professionals: COVID-19 Fireside Chat

  Webinar discussion between Indigenous health professionals who are grounded in their cultures and share their views on how best to respond to the pandemic in Indigenous communities. #IndigenousStories *Participants from Canada, Australia and the United States.
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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

  Pala Band and Cupa Center Announces the Postponement of the 2020 Annual Kupa Cemetery Warner’s Gathering

  “In an effort to protect the health and safety of the community and our elders and to further prevent the spread of novel coronavirus (COVID-19), the Pala Band of Mission Indians and the Cupa Cultural Center announced the Postponement of the 2020 Annual Kupa Cemetery Warner’s Gathering.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-03-13

  Pit River Tribe Decides to Close Offices

  “After careful consideration, the Pit River Tribal Chairperson has made the decision to close our site office to the public due to the increasing concerns related to the COVID-19 virus. This includes cancelling all in person meetings and not allowing anyone besides employees inside any of our buildings..” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-16

  Quechan Tribe Cancels Full Traditional Funeral Rites Until Further Notice

  "Due to a confirmed case in our community...funerals may take place under the big house ramada up to an hour before cremation." #IndigenousStories
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  2020-03-27

  Quechan Tribe Reassures that Drinking Water Isn't Contaminated with Virus

  “Per the US Environmental Protection Agency's regulations for public water systems, our trained and certified operators carefully test each month the water produced by our two wells. The test results confirm that our water is safe to drink and to use for cooking, washing, and so on. The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has not been detected in drinking water supplies, and based on current scientific evidence, the risk to water supplies is low.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-27

  San Manuel Band of Mission Indians Extends Casino Closure to May 31st

  “As the coronavirus pandemic and response to it continues to affect just about every aspect of our world, we remain committed to the principle that the health and safety of our community is the most important priority.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-16

  Santa Rosa Band of Cahuilla Indians Issues Detailed Instructions for Tribal Citizens

  In a 15 point statement, the tribal council instructs its citizens on how to stay safe and healthy during the pandemic. #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-22

  Chief of Penobscot Nation Offers Condolences for the Loss of Three Tribal Citizens

  “I understand the frustration; we are all feeling it, but it is important that we stay focused and continue to follow the community restrictions to protect the health and safety of our community, especially our most vulnerable elders and those with health issues. It is only through our own combined efforts that we will succeed in protecting our community. Although no one knows when this pandemic will end, we know it will end; and we are already making plans about what safety practices we will continue to follow when we lift the Tribal workplace and community restrictions.” #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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  2020-04-30

  Central Oregon Community College May Transition Indigenous Summer Program to Online Platform

  Summer Training to Revive Indigenous Vision and Empowerment for Native American high school students set to run during August 2020. "Due to the COVID-19 situation, dates may change or STRIVE may move online." #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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  2020-04-06

  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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  2020-03-15

  Navajo and Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund Established

  Thousands of donors contribute to relief fund set up with the goal of raising $1 million to assist the Navajo and Hopi Nations during the pandemic. #IndigenousStories
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  2020-03-24

  Louisiana Tribe Joins Forces with Pharmaceutical Company to Increase Covid-19 Tests

  “As the First People of this land we carry the genetic memory of the devastation pandemics cause, but in this present moment of crisis we are one tribe,” said David Sickey, Tribal Chairman of the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana. “COVID-19 does not discriminate. The virus doesn’t care what ethnicity we are or what our political ideology is. We are facing an invisible enemy that we must unite to defeat. The CoV-2 Rapid Test brings visibility to this faceless foe so that our heroes on the frontlines, the doctors, nurses and first responders, know where to take the fight and how to treat our fellow citizens who have contracted the virus. Fear is stoked by the unknown. With these tests we can reduce the fear factor for people across the United States.” #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-12

  Maya Village Leaders in Belize Enforce Curfew and Limit Visitors

  Amid uncertainty about the impact COVID-19 would have on the Maya villages of the Toledo District of Belize, several villages enacted their own curfews. These signs were posted as one enters the Queche Maya Village of Laguna. #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-07

  First Confirmed Covid-19 Death of Zuni Tribal Member

  "Our hearts go out to the family and everyone who is impacted by the tragic loss of a tribal member." --Zuni Governor Panteah #IndigenousStories
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  2020-03-27

  Threat to Tribal Sovereignty: Bureau of Indian Affairs Moves to Disestablish Mashpee Wampanoag Reservation Amid Pandemic

  In an emotional message, Chairman Cromwell addresses his dismay that amid the record confirmed cases of the coronavirus that he was informed that his tribe's reservation was being disestablished and the land taken out of trust. "Not since the termination era of the mid-twentieth century has a Secretary taken action to disestablish a reservation." #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-06

  United Nations Statement on COVID-19 Guidance for Indigenous Peoples

  Recommends that "states should take into account Indigenous peoples’ distinctive concepts of health, including their traditional medicine, consult and consider the free prior and informed consent of indigenous peoples in the development of preventive measures on COVID-19." Recommendations also include measures for voluntary isolation from outsiders. #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-14

  American Indian Organizations Call for Congress to Extend Census Operations Due to the Impact of Covid-19

  The impact of the U.S. Census Bureau's suspension of field operations in Indian Country due to the pandemic will have profound implications for future funding. As a result, tribal leaders issue a joint statement to Congress asking for the extension of census data collection. #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-06

  The National Congress of American Indians' Response to CARES Act

  With the passage of the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act, attention is drawn to the advocates across Indian Country who "worked tirelessly to ensure that the bill included these and other resources to enable tribal nations and commmunities to respond to and recover from the effects of the novel coronavirus pandemic." #IndigenousStories
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  2020-03-18

  Call for More Attention to Covid-19 Impact on American Indian Communities

  "In the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) global pandemic, tribal nations – comprised of some of the most vulnerable communities in the United States – have been left out of the conversation. As the COVID-19 pandemic has now reached all 50 states, tribal governments also face heightened challenges to protect their citizens, and have inadequate federal funding and resources to do so." #IndigenousStories
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  2020-03-15

  Native Alaskans Call for Response to 2020 Census to Ensure They Are Counted Amid Covid-19 Crisis

  "While Census field operations are on hold until at least April 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it's even more important for Alaskans to respond to the Census from home...For the first time, you can choose to complete the census online, by phone, or by mail." #IndigenousStories
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  2020-04-22

  Finally Getting to that 1,000-piece Jigsaw Puzzle of the Battle of Trafalgar

  Now that we are well into our second month of social distancing and isolation at home, we need to look for new ways to amuse ourselves during down-times. I'm getting tired of television programming and streamed videos. In our household, we've found that working on a jigsaw puzzle is a good way to relax for a few minutes between work, chores and other activities. I got this puzzle for Christmas a year or two ago, and it was forgotten in a closet until I discovered it and put it to use the other day.
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  2020-03-31

  Florida Seminole Learning Center Goes Online

  "For those sheltering at home and practicing social distancing, there is only so much internet browsing and television watching one can do before cabin fever really sets in. Luckily, the Native Learning Center is ready to step in to expand minds through podcasts and webinare on multiple subjects." #IndigenousStories
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  2020-03-31

  Tribal Leaders Worried about Being Left Out of Conversation in Washington, D.C. on COVID-funding

  "Even before the COVID-19 public health crisis began to grip the globe, Indian Country faced significant challenges from underfunding in health care, education, broadband and internet access, economic development, housing, human services and more." As a result, tribal leaders held a March 20 teleconference to discuss their next move. #IndigenousStories
• 
  04/14/2020

  Kids' Coronavirus Driveway Art

  With the stay-at-home order and school closures in effect, we see more children and youth playing outside. A popular activity in our neighborhood in South Tempe is to make chalk drawings on driveways. At this house, the kids chalked out their message to stay home and stay safe (along with an Easter egg).
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  2020-03-29

  Email Updates from Michigan Avenue Primary Care

  The Michigan Avenue Primary Care clinic in Chicago has been providing weekly updates to patients via email regarding operating procedures to prevent the spread of the virus and how it is offering COVID-19 testing.
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  2020-04-06

  Gone Fishin'

  Fishing continues at the lake at Kiwanis Park in Tempe, Arizona about midday on Monday, April 6, 2020.
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  2020-03-27

  FREE Online Arizona History Content for Kids of All Ages

  The Arizona Historical Society sent an email highlighting its online exhibits and other resources, particularly targeting children and youth.
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  2020-03-27

  "There is a light and it never goes out": Royal Albert Hall offers on-line programs during shutdown

  The same day that news outlets reported that the UK Prime Minister and Health Minister are infected with the Coronavirus, Royal Albert Hall sent out an email to announce its on-line programming.
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  2020-03-26

  Golfing Lives On

  Residents of Tempe, Arizona continue to enjoy golfing at the Ken McDonald municipal golf course during the pandemic.
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  2020-03-15

  "In June, a campus without students is peaceful. In March, it is eerie and sad."

  In an email to faculty, students, staff and alumni, the President announces the closure of Washington and Lee University in Lexington, Virginia for the rest of the academic year.
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  2020-03-26

  "We'll Help You Stay Connected" - Retailer Shifts Marketing to Sell Electronics

  Best Buy stores sent an email advertisement highlighting electronic and computing equipment for people to remotely connect with friends and family, as well as to work and study from home.
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  2020-03-25

  Library Book Quarantine

  City of Scottsdale libraries are closed to the public, but patrons can return books at a drive-up window. When returned, library staff put the books in quarantine for three days before they are handled again.
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  2020-03-23

  Arizona Boy Scouts Close Down Until May 31

  Email to Scout leaders, Scouts and families