Lawmakers sprung into action on Jan. 2 in Montana for the start of the state’s four-month legislative session. Western Native Voice, a non-partisan social justice organization, advocates on behalf of the state’s Indigenous population, which is around 7 percent. Tajin Perez, the deputy director of the organization, joins us to share some of his organization’s goals.

In the mid 1980s, Jennie Thlunaut, the last master Chilkat weaver for the Tlingit people died. Her final apprentice was Clarissa Rizal. Patty Talahongva spoke to Rizal’s daughter Lily Hope about being a teacher of a whole new generation of weavers.

South Dakota and Oklahoma are just a few states around the county where ICT wants to beef up coverage of Native communities. Earlier this month, ICT announced a significant partnership with media company Lee Enterprises for some new reporters at the Rapid City Journal and the Tulsa World. ICT Editor Jourdan Bennett-Begaye helps us break it all down.

A slice of our Indigenous world:

  • There are new efforts underway, on the federal level, to clean up old and abandoned wells. 
  • In California, one tribal nation is celebrating a huge landback victory.
  • After 4 years, a decision has been made for three Mi’kmaw citizens charged with fishing illegally in their traditional waters. APTN‘s Angel Moore reports. 
  • A Native-run tech organization is accusing a software company of cultural appropriation.

Thank you for watching!

Today’s newscast was created with work from:

Shirley Sneve, Ponca/Sicangu Lakota, is vice president of broadcasting for Indian Country Today. Follow her on Twitter @rosebudshirley She’s based in Nebraska and Minnesota.

Aliyah Chavez, Kewa Pueblo, is the anchor and managing editor of the ICT newscast. On Twitter: @aliyahjchavez.

R. Vincent Moniz, Jr., NuÉta & Oglala, is the senior producer of the ICT newscast. Have a great story? Pitch it to vincent@ictnews.org.

McKenzie Allen-Charmley, Dena’ina Athabaskan, is a producer of the ICT newscast. On Twitter: @mallencharmley.

Paris Wise, Zia and Laguna Pueblo, is a producer for the ICT Newscast. Instagram and Twitter: @parisiswise. Email: paris@ictnews.org.

Drea Yazzie, Diné, is a producer/editor for the ICT newscast. On Twitter: @quindreayazzie Yazzie is based in Phoenix.

Maxwell Montour, Pottawatomi, is a newscast editor for Indian Country Today. On Instagram: max.montour Montour is based in Phoenix.

Pacey Smith Garcia, Ute, is a Production Assistant for the ICT newscast. On Twitter: @paceyjournalist

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