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Denise BateS
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2020-06-01Oneida Nation Broadcasts Updates and Extend Condolences to Tribal Citizens Who Lost Their Lives Due to Covid-19
“People need to continue wearing their masks…We would also like to express our heartfelt condolences because in the past few days, we have lost at least six of our own.” -
2020-05-20“Entering a New Phase in the Fight”: Lac du Flambeau Tribe’s First Coronavirus Case on Reservation
“Despite tremendous efforts and sacrifices made by many people in our community, there now is one confirmed coronavirus case involving a resident of Lac du Flambeau… We are in the process of testing people who came in close contact with the person who tested positive. So far, the rapid testing has been negative and they are asymptomatic or not showing symptoms of being sick. All close contacts will be in isolation for 14 days, following the protocols and monitoring for symptoms.” -
2020-05-22Ho-Chunk Nation Plans to Reopen Gaming Facilities
“The Ho-Chunk Nation anticipated reopening the facilities on or around April 4, 2020, but reevaluated and changed that timeline.” -
2020-06-03“These Last Few Months We Have All Felt Frustrated, Sad, Scared, and Angry”: Forest County Potawatomi Chairman Encourages the Community to Get Through the Crisis Together
Outlines plans for event postponements and reopenings. He also addresses the violence across the country, encouraging people to speak up using their “heads” and not their “fists.” -
2020-03-31Menominee 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.” -
2020-05-28Oneida 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.” -
2020-05-30Bad River Band of Chippewa Call for Community Feedback for Project to Purchase Tiny Homes Used as Self-Isolation Locations
“The Bad River Tribe intends to apply for the HUD ICDBG-CARES Grant to further prepare, prevent for, and respond to COVID-19 in our community. The purpose of this notice is to seek and consider feedback/comments from the community prior to finalizing the project proposal which is due June 1, 2020. The proposed project will include purchasing tiny homes to serve as isolation locations since the Tribe has high rates of overcrowding in homes. By creating spaces for COVID-19 positive community members to stay, the risk of spreading to family members and the community will be lowered.” Geographic Location is Ashland, Wisconsin -
2020-06-10“Indian Country Voices Its Solidarity With Black Lives Matter”
“In the aftermath of George Floyd’s death at the hands of Minneapolis police officers, Americans, young and old, in big cities and small towns, and of all colors have shown solidarity with the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. Joining in to show support and solidarity have been American Indians and Alaska Natives throughout Indian Country.” -
2020-06-05“On Tribal Lands, a Time to Make Art for Solace and Survival”
“As the pandemic wreaks havoc on millions of lives, it has had a devastating impact on the livelihoods of Native American artists and artisans, who are collectively responding with a creative resolve born from centuries of adversity.” -
2020-06-02Why colored paper in a doorway is a key part of Maine tribes’ Coronavirus response
“Since the coronavirus pandemic began, Passamaquoddy Tribe elder Sarah Stanley’s world has shrunk to her home and a house across the street where three of her grandchildren live on the Pleasant Point reservation. It’s about as far as she feels safe going. Stanley, 60, has chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, putting her in the high-risk category for the virus. Despite family being close, Stanley said she feels isolated most of the time and does not feel safe going out even with a mask and gloves. If she needs something, Stanley posts a colored sheet of paper in her doorway: yellow for supplies, red for illness, or blue if she needs someone to talk with. At 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. every day, workers will drive by her home to check if a color is posted and they get what she needs.” Passamaquoddy Tribe -
2020-06-02Oldest Shinnecock Man Turns 103 Old, Family Insists on Celebrating Despite Pandemic
“Lubin Walter Hunter, the oldest living member of the Shinnecock Indian Nation and oldest living male veteran in the Town of Southampton, according to a Southampton Village proclamation, turned 103 last week. In fact, Hunter may just be the eldest Native American veteran in New York, his family said. In the midst of the novel coronavirus pandemic, his family did not want to pass up the opportunity to celebrate his accomplished life and longevity, organizing a drive-by parade with his friends and community members. Hunter sat regally in a chair, draped with a blanket, at the end of his driveway, surrounded by his children and grandchildren — who wore masks and gloves to protect him from COVID-19. He stoically took in the well wishes one by one as the procession passed by.” -
2020-04-30
Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma Addresses Tribal Elders
“Tribal Elder, During this time, I find myself filled with emotion as I watch the COVID-19 coronavirus overtake thousands of people across the nation including Indian Country. Our ancestors endured challenges like this and still survived. We, the proud people of the Cheyenne and Arapaho, will face this challenge together if we take all precautions and stay safe. We have set forth a plan for this health crisis unlike anything most of us have seen in our lifetime. This administration stands by our principle since day one that ‘Tomorrow Starts Today.’” -
2020-05-30
Citizen Potawatomi Nation Schedules a “Tentative” and “Fluid” Wellness Center Reopening
“The Citizen Potawatomi Nation has been working tirelessly to develop a plan to re-open the FireLake Wellness Center and other tribal services. We are continuing to work on the safest and most productive ways to open our facility while maintaining the social distancing guidelines and COVID-19 safety precautions.” Phased re-openings advertised. -
2020-05-23
Caddo Tribal Chairman Addresses Community About the Status of CARES Act Funding
“The CARES Act funding may be utilized for documented needs that fall between the dates of March 1 - Dec. 31, 2020. The Caddo Nation Council has deemed a $1,000 cap per household, for each enrolled Caddo Nation head of household. The topic of allowing each individual tribal member to receive a "stimulus" or "per capita" payment had been mentioned but based on the CARES Act distribution guidelines, through the U.S. Treasury Department, the tribe would be liable to repayment of the funds to the U.S. Treasury Department based on negligent use should this method be considered.” -
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.” -
2020-05-14Red Cliff Tribal Council Rejects Wisconsin’s Move to Reopen Businesses and Exercises Sovereign Right to Extend Tribal Stay at Home Resolution
“While we support economic prosperity for all during normal times, the Red Cliff Tribal Council does not consider these to be normal times with the coronavirus pandemic still putting lives at risk across the country. In following the advice of our medical professionals, we issued our own Tribal Stay at Home resolution.” -
2020-05-15Sokaogon Chippewa Mole Lake Band Community Notice
“Everyone Plays An Important Role in Keeping Our Community Healthy and Safe.” -
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.” -
2020-06-02United South and Eastern Tribes Issue Statement on Unrest in the U.S.
“America is suffering and her people are hurting, angry, and concerned about our fragility and our collective future as a nation. We have reached a tipping point that has long been bubbling under the surface. For the last several days, we have watched the explosion of centuries-old frustrations and tensions, rooted in injustice, erupt in protest and chaos in communities across this country. Unbelievably, this current crisis is unfolding on top of the months-long stress resulting from a once-in-a-generation worldwide pandemic. This pandemic has challenged us all both personally and professionally, taxed us to the point of physical and mental exhaustion, and has exposed disparities and inequities that have long existed within this country. -
2020-06-11Comanche Nation Chairman Issues Statement on Funeral Home Closure
“The recent mandate for quarantine of our own Funeral Home is warranted. The Comanche Nation is following the Center for Disease Control (CDC) protocol and practices. The Nation has been proactive in all situations that calls for safety of every Comanche Nation member. This event is no different, and should be looked upon as 100% safety first… We are all saddened by numberous issues that the entire world has no control over. We will always honor our loved ones that have gone home. We will one day overcome this virus and normalcy will return. Until that day we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this situation has caused.” -
2020-04-15Indigenous Peoples from Different Corners of Bangladesh Suffer From Severe Starvation Due to Pandemic
“Indigenous peoples from different corners of Bangladesh are suffering from severe starvation due to the coronavirus pandemic. Engaged in low-income occupations and working at family houses, as house guards or drivers, most have lost their jobs. Moreover, public and non-governmental development programmes have been limited and many villages are no longer receiving any relief.” -
2020-04-20Remote Australian Indigenous Communities Going Without Essentials Amid Lockdown
“Aboriginal people from remote communities in lockdown are risking prosecution under biosecurity laws to go into regional centres to buy food and essentials, because their community stores can’t source enough supplies. A group of 13 Aboriginal organisations from across the Northern Territory is calling on the national cabinet to do more to guarantee food security for remote communities.” -
2020-05-30“The Top U.S. Coronavirus Hot Spots Are All Indian Lands”
“If Native American tribes were counted as states, the five most infected states in the country would all be native tribes, with New York dropping to No. 6, according to a compilation by the American Indian Studies Center at U.C.L.A.” -
2020-05-209 Ways Indigenous Rights Are At Risk During the COVID-19 Crisis
“The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted and exacerbated existing inequalities and human rights abuses that affect Indigenous Peoples around the world. At the same time, governments are taking advantage of the attention that is directed to virus response in order to proceed with projects and policies that further violate Indigenous rights.” Examples provided include: deepening health disparities, lack of access to information, violence against Indigenous peoples takes advantage of global attention on COVID-19, extractive industries greenlighted to continue operations despite threats to health and safety, government responses to COVID-19 exacerbate bad policing, exacerbation of poverty, increased food insecurity, increased land grabs, and mistreatment of migrants. -
2020-05-27Mississippi Band of Choctaws Criminalize Violation of Quarantine to Help Curb Infection
“The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has amended its Tribal Code to criminalize the act of defying COVID-19 quarantine orders or knowingly exposing fellow citizens in an effort to curb rising statistics on the Reservation. As of Tuesday, there were 307 cases among the Native American community in Neshoba County, representing 57 percent of the total cases here. The Tribe announced late last week that its leaders had amended two existing codes and crafted one new law in an effort to slow the spread. First, the Tribe amended Tribal Code Section 3-3-32 — which made it a crime to knowingly expose someone to tuberculosis — to include COVID-19. That crime carries a penalty of up to six months in jail and/or a fine of up to $500.” -
2020-05-26Elizabeth Warren and Deb Haaland Criticize Federal Responses to Pandemic in Indian Country as “COVID-19 Ravages Native Americans”
“For generations, the federal government has failed to honor its promises to Native American people. Now, covid-19 is ravaging Native communities, killing young people and elders alike, and devastating tribal economies. We are fighting in Congress to ensure that sovereign Native nations have the resources needed to protect the health and well-being of their citizens during this pandemic. The novel coronavirus’s terrible impact in Indian Country underscores that the federal government must live up to its unique legal and moral obligations to Native nations and act as a partner to help build security and resiliency for the future.” -
2020-05-258 Gardening Tips from Indigenous Food Growers
“Many Americans are now experiencing an erratic food supply for the first time. Among COVID-19's disruptions are bare supermarket shelves and items available yesterday but nowhere to be found today. As you seek ways to replace them, you can look to Native gardens for ideas and inspiration. ‘Working in a garden develops your relationship to the land,’ says Aubrey Skye, a Hunkpapa Lakota gardener. ‘Our ancestors understood that. Look at the old pictures. It's etched on their faces. When you understand it as well, a sense of scarcity and insecurity transforms into a feeling of abundance and control—something we all need these days.’ For several years, Skye ran a CDC-sponsored gardening program on Standing Rock, a reservation that straddles North and South Dakota. He created hundreds of productive plots, large and small, for fellow tribal members.” Standing Rock, SD -
2020-05-21Shinnecock Tribe’s Lance Gumbs Represents Tribal Nations During New York Assembly Joint Hearing on COVID-19 Impact
“On Monday, the New York assembly and senate held a Zoom legislative hearing to gather testimony on the impacted communities. Shinnecock Nation Vice President Lance Gumbs was called to speak about the effect of COVID-19 on his tribe, located 90 miles from Manhattan on Long Island. Shinnecock Nation was the only tribe among the eight federally recognized tribes in New York represented during the hearing…‘At Shinnecock, we have avoided that result only through stringent measures we put in place to protect our people. We cannot survive any curve, we must exclude it entirely,’ Gumbs testified.” -
2020-03-08Lumbee Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin Jr. Gives COVID-19 Update
“Lumbee Tribal Chairman Harvey Godwin, Jr. gives a briefing on recent updates about COVID-19. Dr. Chamaine Brooks-Locklear also gives some important facts and safety tips about the virus. Chairman Godwin encourages the Lumbee People to support each other as well as protect our elderly.” -
2020-04-21
Chief of Ramapough Lenape Nation of New Jersey Address Tribe
“The illness which permeates the atmosphere, impacting our health, may be part of the illness visited upon our Mother. Even in small ways, we can act to support her healing through our actions. May this be a time to renew our spirits. May we reflect on how to become better people- let us live with purpose, may we take the time to listen and understand. As we are spending more time together, let this be time to renew our connections. Be good to one another, let us live with love for one another. Be encouraged, let us emerge from this difficulty renewed in our traditions, that bring us joy.” -
2020-05-29Defending Treaty Rights in the time of COVID-19
The International Indian Treaty Council hosts webinar on “Indigenous Peoples’ initiatives to defend the inherent and sovereign rights affirmed in Nation-to-Nation Treaties during the time of COVID-19.” -
2020-03-18Lower Muskogee Creek Tribe of Georgia Declares State of Emergency as State Recognized Tribe
“Restriction of Tribal Events: The meeting on March 21st, Tribal Council Meeting for March, and Seminars are immediately postponed until further notice. This also includes all events that will have more than 10 people in attendance in the Tribal Administration Building or on Tribal Property until further notice. Restriction of Operation: The Tribal Administration Building is closed for the next two weeks for the safety of the staff and the Tribal Membership. The situation will be monitored and further closure may occur.” -
2020-04-22
Public Service Announcement from Shoshone Business Council Vice-chair Karen Snyder
“Thank you for joining us today and thank you for staying home. I speak to you today on behalf of the Shoshone Business Council and for those of you who don’t know me, I am Karen Snyder and currently serve as the Vice Chair for the Eastern Shoshone Tribe. First and foremost, the Eastern Shoshone Tribe sends our condolences to the families of those affected by the recent deaths on the Wind River Reservation due to the COVID 19. We extend our hearts and sincere prayers to the Wheeler Family and the Northern Arapaho Tribe. As you all know, these are challenging times and there is no playbook on how to deal with a global pandemic combined with a shutdown of the economy. Our goal today is to talk about some of the measures the Shoshone Business Council has taken and let our membership and all residents of our communities know we are very concerned and absolutely do not have all of the answers. One message that we want to send loud and clear to all of the listeners today is that COVID 19 did not start on the Wind River Reservation-- our tribal members were exposed through an exposure outside of our borders. Please do not place blame or point fingers, as that is the type of divisive behavior that creates barriers. I am a firm believer in unity, collaboration and open, candid discussions and that is how we flatten the curve and work to overcome this crisis.” -
2020-05-29Stockbridge-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. -
2020-05-21Indigenous Peoples Finding Solutions in Own Communities in Response to COVID-19
"Indigenous communities are resilient, and, empowered with ancestral knowledge, organized communities, Indigenous languages, and their own forms of communication and media, they are taking action." -
2020-05-19Amid COVID-19 Crisis, Duterte Regime Seeks to Discredit Indigenous Humanitarian Organizers in the Philippines
"In 2019, Cultural Survival's Keepers of the Earth Fund provided a small grant to the Cordillera Peoples Alliance. This grant helped CPA and its collaboration with the Kaling Peoples of Kalinga province to launch the “Let the Chico River Flow Free” campaign, which aimed to educate Indigenous communities on their rights to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC), particularly as it related to a series of hydropower projects carried out by the Philippine government that threatened the environment and livelihood of the Kalinga Peoples." -
2020-05-13A’uwẽ-Xavante Leaders Denounce Bogus Consultations Regarding 3 Hydroelectric Dams, Demand halt to Commercial Transport on Federal Highways during COVID
"The lives and cultures of A’uwẽ-Xavante and Boe-Bororo depend on the river’s vitality as well as on the flora and fauna that are also sustained by a healthy river. For this reason, the leaders demand their right to autonomy and independence in constructing the consultation process" -
2020-05-08The Resilience and Resistance of the Nahuat Pipil Peoples of El Salvador
"in most cases Indigenous Peoples find or create ways to continue their languages, their culture, spirituality, worldview, and to successfully achieve autonomy by standing up to the state. This is due to the existence of a system of communally held lands which permits them to put together a way of life." -
2020-05-26After a Recent Victory, Indigenous Peoples Face Many Legal Battles in Brazil
"Their victories include the subsequent demarcation of nearly half of their lands; enactment of Law 11,645 of 2008 which mandates inclusion of Indigenous culture and history in the national educational curriculum; acknowledgment of Indigenous Peoples’ rights to primary education in their native languages; and the growing awareness of Indigenous rights " -
2020-04-05The Coronavirus Pandemic Is Causing Kenya’s Maasai To Change Its Ancient Habits
"As people across the world struggle to adapt their way of life to the unfolding COVID-19, the Maasai people of east Africa are already having to change ancient customs to minimize the impact of the disease." -
2020-05-14In Amazon city, indigenous chief felled by COVID-19 buried with dance and singing
""Thanks to Chief Kokama, we have a place here where we can maintain our culture, our sacred songs and dances, and make our manioc flour and our arts and crafts," said nurse Vanda, as she is known in her community."We will continue fighting to make his dream come true." -
2020-05-20Traditional healers help doctors reach patients in Sierra Leone
"In a country where most people visit healers, some are stepping in to bridge the trust gap between the old and the new." -
2020-04-28Tribes along India-Myanmar border dream of a 'united Nagaland'
"Dozens of Naga tribes yearn to reunite the 3 million living in India with their 400,000 estranged cousins in Myanmar" -
2020-05-27Coronavirus pandemic exposes inequality in Ecuador's Guayaquil
"Ecuador Indigenous community fears extinction from coronavirus (1:48)" -
2020-05-23Peru extends nationwide lockdown until end of June
"A person dressed as a Kusillo, a traditional Andean harlequin, reminds people to wear a face masks, gloves and maintain physical distance as a preventive measure against the novel coronavirus in Puno, Peru, on May 15, 2020 [Carlos Mamani/AFP]" -
2020-05-19Coronavirus threatens remote Indigenous communities in the Amazon
Pan American Health Organization warns the virus is spreading rapidly in Amazon areas between Brazil, Colombia, Peru. -
2020-05-22Indigenous leaders: Help us stop oil companies drilling in Amazon
"Communities in Peru and Ecuador warn their territory may be exploited as governments reboot coronavirus hit economies." -
2020-05-17I needed to do something': How Indigenous people are building solidarity.
"One elder, his uncle, encouraged him to check in on indigenous people he knew. “That’s one of your medicines,” Rivas says his uncle told him. “You’re good at that.” Another, his friend Pualani Case, who is Hawaiian, reminded him that indigenous people practice solidarity." -
2020-05-18COVID-19 places Iran’s nomadic pastoralists at a crossroads
"Nomadic pastoralists in Iran play an important role in national food security and sovereignty.1 Since the arrival of COVID-19, they have been deeply concerned about the impact that the pandemic is likely to have on them. Their recently established national platform, the Union of Indigenous Nomadic Tribes of Iran (UNINOMAD),2 is taking action. UNINOMAD outlined its members’ concerns and proposed solutions in a letter sent to key national authorities on 10 March. We will outline the main points of the letter and reflect on what the overall situation might mean for nomadic pastoralism in Iran." -
2020-03-27Qashqai Wedding; Unique Ceremony of Iranian Nomadic People
"One of the happiest and most indigenous celebrations in Iran is the Qashqa’i wedding. The people of this tribe do their best to hold a glorious ceremony."