Greetings, relatives:
We start in Montana where ICT celebrated the opening of a new Montana bureau. The bureau at the University of Montana in Missoula is the first in a series of planned expansions for the news organization. The new bureau is being opened in partnership with the university’s School of Journalism.
In New York City, ICT was at this year’s United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues. The Permanent Forum is in its 22nd session. A new report and Indigenous leaders call for a look at health in Indigenous communities holistically.
In Minnesota, longtime environmental activist Winona LaDuke, White Earth Nation, resigned as executive director of the nonprofit environmental justice group she founded, Honor the Earth. She resigned less than a week after a jury ordered the organization to pay $750,000 in a sexual harassment lawsuit.
ICT was in Las Vegas earlier this month to cover the Reservation Economic Summit. Each year, the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development hosts the popular event that attracts hundreds of business leaders.
Be sure to watch our daily newscast, “ICT Newscast with Aliyah Chavez.” Replays of each show can be found there.
Here are ICT stories you should read up on and share in your network.
NEWS
Back to the future? Sharp cuts proposed for Indian Health Service: Republican proposal calls for spending cuts across all federal agencies. The sequestration of unspent COVID-19 funds could exceed several billion dollars.
Montana tribe, county await legislative action on police reimbursement: Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes is the only tribal government in Montana that opted into a federal law that allows neighboring jurisdictions to police its reservation.
Indigeneity as a determinant of health: New report and Indigenous leaders call for the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues and General Assembly to look at health in Indigenous communities holistically, including the need to acknowledge the importance of planetary health when it comes to Indigenous peoples health.
Winona LaDuke resigns from Honor the Earth: Longtime environmental activist steps down after $750k court judgment in sexual harassment lawsuit.
Endangered Florida panthers star in new documentary: Film explores threats to the wildcats and solutions for their survival.
Centering Indigenous knowledge in environmental justice: The EPA recently awarded $177 million to fund 17 centers across the country to focus on environmental justice work. Working with tribes and other community partners, two of the new centers in the Pacific Northwest seek to amplify the voices of communities particularly vulnerable to the impact of climate change.
Montana Legislature votes against Native tuition waiver expansion: The bill asked to expand the state’s tribal tuition waiver to include descendants of tribes nationwide.
‘Our youth are hungry for their culture’: Coast Salish youths revive land management and harvest practices on ancestral prairie.
ICT opens news bureau in Montana: The bureau at the University of Montana in Missoula is the first in a series of planned expansions for the news organization.
Unlocking Indigenous energy: Canada’s First Nations Major Projects Coalition focuses on clean energy projects that operate using Indigenous values.
Sitting Bull portrait sells at auction to private bidder: The rare 1890 painting by a New York artist and activist was sold by an heir to the original buyer.
Another legal challenge to Indian gaming: Maverick Gaming LLC v United States is using similar arguments as the Brackeen case — and the same law firm.
Indigenous scientists honored in France for horse research: A multicultural research team used both tribal and Western perspectives to challenge the dominant narrative that horses came from colonizers.
Alaska tribes, legislators ask for greater say on Canadian mining: ‘Canadian mines have a history of up and just leaving polluted mines unchecked for years.’
LEST WE FORGET: The Rev. John Eastman: Presbyterian minister combined religious and Indigenous values until his death in 1921.
Lessons from her matriarchs: Seminole Tribe of Florida citizen S.R. Tommie talks business at the popular Reservation Economic Summit in Las Vegas.
Another Indigenous woman’s remains found at Winnipeg landfill: Notorious Brady Landfill shut down after months of protests over victims of serial killer.
Self-determination the solution to Western education failures: ‘Too many students simply have not been served well by the school system.’
Writing laws to favor the climate or fossil fuels? Who decides U.S. energy policy? House lays out its plan that’s a sharp contrast with the Biden administration.
Montana county seeks reimbursement for policing Flathead reservation: Lake County officials say the county, which contains about two-thirds of the reservation, intends to withdraw law enforcement services if not reimbursed by the state.
RES attendee struck and killed by suspected DUI driver: A First Nations man was in Las Vegas for the Reservation Economic Summit when he was hit by a vehicle.
First Nations chief challenges Winnipeg police to do ‘proper investigation’: Police say Indigenous woman found in landfill was not murdered, but questions remain unanswered.
Indigeneity’s data dilemma: The federal standard used to count Indigenous peoples uses two main elements: Race and ethnicity, but does that work for a people with a political classification?
Tribes file suit to prevent massive Alaska gold mining project: Two Alaska Native corporations see the Donlin Gold mine as much-needed infrastructure while some shareholders say it’s a direct threat to a traditional way of life.
Montana’s Indian Education curriculum requirement amended, moves forward: The bill, which is also at the center of a lawsuit, is a state constitutional requirement.
ENTERTAINMENT
NDN Girls Book Club promotes Indigenous literature, empowers Native girls: Phoenix event will bring together young writers to share their work and ideas.
Envisioning Indigenous futures: Meagan Byrne wants to create a world where Indigenous gamers can envision a post-Colonial future.
NDN Collective launches ‘Land Back’ podcast: New media initiative chronicles ‘Red power movement of our generation.’
Jingle dress children’s book shows dance is prayer: Author found solace during pandemic by watching healing dances online.
Abenaki filmmaker receives MacDowell Medal: Alanis Obomsawin is being recognized for her work with First Nations people.
First Nations artist shows her cards: In Canada, a First Nations artist is adding Indigenous culture and heritage to designs on playing cards.
Emerging Indigenous leaders celebrated: National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development hosts annual Native American 40 Under 40 showcase in Las Vegas.
A serving of ‘Rubaboo’ brings crowds to Canada theaters: A new play by Métis performer/writer Andrea Menard is launching a nationwide tour.
‘Sioux Chef’ Sean Sherman named to Time magazine’s Top 100: Indigenous food activist and award-winning chef promotes Native food culture.
INDIGENOUS A&E: New films, art show winners, and farewell to an acclaimed artist.
SPORTS
Four Indigenous players vie for the Stanley Cup: National Hockey League playoffs begin April 17 with the finals set to begin June 8.
USA women beat Canada for hockey gold: Indigenous player Abby Roque gets her first international gold after a string of silver medals.
Ojibwe sisters are hockey champs again: The Sandy sisters are back-to-back Minnesota Class A state hockey champions at Warroad High School.
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS NEWS
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Health care, skinks, and two new judges.
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Will the UN step up to help in Tanzania?
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Simmering tensions, growing recognition and Cambodian artisans.
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Noongar artists, Māori leaders and special praise for the Vatican.
WATCH: ICT NEWSCASTS
Voices pay tribute to ancestors: The Doctrine of Discovery has been repudiated by the Vatican. What does this mean for Indigenous people? A runner honors his ancestors. Plus, an artist uses her voice to protect Mother Earth.
True sovereignty means food sovereignty: Sovereignty, agriculture and land rights. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recognizes Indigenous farmers. Heather Dawn Thompson heads its tribal relations office. Learn how anthropology inspires Diné Chef Freddie Bitsoie. We talk voting rights and legal battles with Lakota lawyer Nicole Ducheneaux. And Tall Paul shares efforts to support youth.
Focus on agricultural sovereignty: A team of journalists reports from the Reservation Economic Summit to see changemakers in action. Land is the focus through Indigenous foods and cannabis farming. And in California, Attorney Dick Trudell reflects on tribal sovereignty and education.
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