Greetings, relatives:
We start in New Mexico where the annual Santa Fe Indian Market took place this month. ICT was there to document the popular event. Our story on Jennifer Tafoya’s Best of Show win was one of our most-read stories this month. All our coverage can be found here.
Another popular event took place in the Pacific Northwest. Organizers estimated 11,000 people gathered at Muckleshoot to share songs and dances for days after 120 canoe families landed at Alki Beach in Seattle. ICT was at the shores when canoes made their way in.
August was also a month of loss.
Ada Deer, a “force of nature” and a legendary figure whose life and accomplishments are woven into the social and political fabric of Indian Country, died on Aug. 15.
Robbie Robertson was from the Six Nations of the Grand River in Canada and a fixture in the rock industry for decades, playing alongside other rock legends. He died Aug. 9 at age 80.
Sk’aliCh’elh-tenaut, a 7,000-pound orca, died in captivity on Aug. 18. The Miami Seaquarium — where the Pacific Northwest orca had lived since her capture in 1970 — announced in March it would retire her from performing and allow her to be returned to the Salish Sea.
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
Leading the nation’s lawyers: Mary Smith, Cherokee Nation, takes office as president of the American Bar Association.
A ‘defining moment’ in Native storytelling: Latest episode of ‘Reservation Dogs’ tackles brutality of boarding school life.
California tribes mostly spared by tropical storm: ‘There were, of course, unexpected times, but not in the realm of where it caused a lot of havoc.’
Traditional elm bark lodges return to Minnesota: Indigenous communities join forces to build traditional lodges in Minnesota and Ontario.
Red Lake Nation moves to reclaim lake shore: Tribe seeks return to tribal borders negotiated in 1889 Treaty.
Judge grants delay in rule-making on federal recognition re-petitions: Department of Interior: ‘There was not a sufficient basis for imposing a deadline at all, much less a deadline requiring the Department to act within six weeks.’
‘Force of nature’ Ada Deer dies at 88: The Menominee woman fought against federal termination policy and led her tribe’s restoration effort.
Chef Anthony Warrior: Reconnecting with tradition: Acclaimed Nebraska chef is reaching out to share the benefits of Indigenous foods.
Lifelong Blackfeet educator, dedicated public servant, dies: Earl Barlow was dedicated to improving Indigenous communities in Montana through education and public service.
Winnebago sisters campaign for change in Iowa: Two sisters in Sioux City, Iowa, and a third Native woman are seeking election to city and school boards that have seen few, if any, Native women as members.
Hollywood’s ‘unprecedented moment’: Author and historian Liza Black and actor and writer DeLanna Studi shared their thoughts on Hollywood strike at ICT Newsmaker event.
LEST WE FORGET: Ohiyesa II: The son of Dr. Charles Eastman led a quiet life in the shadow of his illustrious parents.
Neighboring islands unite to help during Maui fires: A number of nonprofit organizations and neighbors are offering assistance to people evacuated or displaced by the wildfires in Lahaina.
Onondaga artist’s exhibition merges pop culture, Native knowledge: The New York exhibition, ‘Native Americana,’ showcases the work of Frank Buffalo Hyde.
Out with the old, in with the new: Members of the Native American Journalists Association vote to change the name of the organization.
Study: Native appropriation prevalent, hurtful: Study surveyed 600 Native people, finding most oppose appropriation of their culture and identities and feel angry and sad when they encounter it.
Tribe building trade zone to make money, jobs: The Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska is building a foreign trade zone to make money and create jobs for tribal citizens.
Indigenous culture bearers sue San Antonio over creation site: City officials block access for Native American Church ceremony along the river.
Rez dogs – and cats – find friends in ‘reservation vet’ program: Student initiatives work to provide veterinary services for tribal communities.
International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples: Organizations from around the world took to social media on Tuesday, Aug. 9 to share support.
Keller George left lasting impact on Indian Country: The former Oneida Indian Nation leader leaves behind an Indigenous business and policy legacy. He died at age 85.
Tribes and Native organizations respond to extreme weather: With record breaking heat throughout the country, tribal communities are working to ensure citizens are safe and protected.
Judge demands agency speed up federal recognition rule: The Department of Interior ‘failed to convey any sense of urgency about issuing the rule,’ judge says.
Sacred bees are vital to Mayan culture: Melipona bees have medicinal, spiritual meaning to the Mayan people. The insects are threatened by pesticides and deforestation.
WASHINGTON DC BUREAU
Two words that changed the Farm Bill: This omnibus bill is one of the most important for federally-recognized tribes, but for eight decades they were essentially left out.
Treasury visits Chickahominy Indian Tribe: US Treasurer Chief Lynn Malerba and Deputy Secretary of the Treasury Wally Adeyemo made their first visit to an Indigenous nation in Virginia, the department has conducted more than 700 meetings with tribal officials since President Joe Biden took office.
PACIFIC NORTHWEST BUREAU
Former WNBA star sentenced in domestic violence case: A federal judge sentenced Shoni Schimmel to two years of probation on Friday.
Sad farewell to Tokitae after life in captivity: Miami Seaquarium orca dies of possible renal failure as plans were being made for her return to her native Pacific Northwest.
Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians establishes embassy: The embassy will be a central hub and a base for political action for its members: 57 Pacific Northwest tribes.
Grand Ronde agreement with state could launch litigation: The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde can now issue hunting and fishing licenses to its citizens under a historic agreement with the state, despite opposition from other tribes who object to the agreement’s inclusion of Willamette Falls.
Canoe Journey 2023: ‘This is a reawakening’: Organizers estimated 11,000 people gathered at Muckleshoot to share songs and dances for days after 120 canoe families landed at Alki Beach in Seattle.
Roots of forestry run deep in the Yakama Nation: Future foresters are learning to manage the forests that have served generations of Yakama people.
ALASKA BUREAU
Transportation Secretary announces help for Indian Country: Bipartisan Infrastructure Law brings billions for roads, bridges, airports and more.
Barbie goes to fish camp: ‘I want people, especially young people, to see themselves represented.’
MOUNTAIN BUREAU
Canadian smoke impacting US tribes: Smoke from Canada’s southern provinces has drifted south, affecting air quality of tribes in northern states.
Giving a platform to Indigenous water protectors: The fifth Mni Ki Wakan Summit united Indigenous water protectors from across the globe.
Veteran Warriors Ride: Honoring Indigenous veterans: Hundreds of veterans ride from Sturgis to Rapid City for food and community.
Riding for remembrance, riding for change: The 2023 annual Medicine Wheel ride brings awareness to missing and murdered Indigenous people.
Slain man’s vandalized memorial leads to reform efforts: Vandalization of slain Lakota man’s roadside memorial leads to community efforts to protect future memorials.
Fires burn across Montana’s Flathead reservation: Fire teams, including Hotshot crews, have the three fires partially contained, but continue to watch weather patterns as they work to extinguish the flames.
Cooking with culture, Oyul Fusion: Two Lakota and Laotian sisters are launching a new food business to combine cultural foods and flavors.
Festival eliminates cost barriers for youth: Youth Festival held during Oglala Nation Wacipi and Rodeo meant to reduce costs for youth.
American Bar Association awards John Echohawk: The legendary Pawnee attorney wins Thurgood Marshall Award.
ENTERTAINMENT
‘He who walks through the battle smoke’: For Native hip-hop artist Kunu Bearchum, his music serves as an outlet for cultural connection and social justice.
It’s electrifyin’! ‘Bear Grease’ shines: The Indigenous take on ‘Grease’ excites crowd at Santa Fe Indian Market.
Indigenous rocker Robbie Robertson dies at 80: Robertson was from the Six Nations of the Grand River in Canada and a fixture in the rock industry for decades, playing alongside other rock legends.
Rising Lakota musician ‘Hittin’ Home Runs’: Up-and-coming young artist Stella Standingbear sweeps Indigenous Hip Hop Awards.
INDIGENOUS A&E: Indian Market art, music and film take over Santa Fe.
Indigenous artists talk ahead of Santa Fe Indian Market: ‘It’s nice to see a collective of everyone together, artists alone and then Native artists.’
ICT Notebook: Sights, sounds from Santa Fe Indian Market: One of the summer highlights for many Native creatives is the annual Santa Fe Indian Market in New Mexico. However, it’s not the only hot ticket around.
‘I was raised through music’: Antoine Edwards, also known as AntoineX, is a Native hip-hop and R&B artist based out of Nebraska’s largest city.
Pueblo woman’s dinosaur captures Best of Show: Some of the best Native art is in New Mexico this week for the Sante Fe Indian Market.
Indigenous fashion celebrated at Santa Fe Indian Market gala: ‘We’re representing our Indigenous culture through our fashion.’
Indian Market puts spotlight on Native fashion: Artists, designers, actors and musicians converge on Santa Fe for one of the year’s biggest events.
Barbie gets a Navajo makeover: Award-winning weaver Barbara Teller Ornelas draws accolades for her custom Diné dolls.
INDIGENOUS A&E: ‘Nudie’ suits, a new Indigenous store and more accolades for ‘Sioux Chef.’
Things to do during Santa Fe Indian Market week(end): The popular event begins Friday, but the market isn’t the only thing happening that weekend in New Mexico.
SPORTS
En garde: Hopi teen carves his mark: Fencing has yet to catch on in Indigenous communities. Connor Poleyumptewa competes across the country in the sport.
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS NEWS
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Victories, violations and ongoing battles.
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Pipelines, protests and job creation.
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Outrage builds over political arrests and criminal justice.
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Wetlands, rap songs and helping others.
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Victories over land control, oil and mining.
WATCH: ICT NEWSCASTS
Families gear up for new school year: A pueblo educator has tips for back to school. Northeastern tribes celebrate culture and resilience. And a glimpse of Santa Fe’s Indian Market.
Canoe journey brings connections to the past: Eastern tribes honor the waters of the ancestors. A tribal judge reflects on legal issues. IllumiNative marks five years of activism.
From petroglyphs to pixels: A history of Indigenous media: We have a special edition. We look at the history of Indigenous media. Indigenous journalists face unique challenges. What’s it like today for newspaper reporters and editors, broadcasters, and those of us who practice our craft in this digital space?
Book offers history through children’s eyes: ‘A Council of Dolls’ recounts history through a unique perspective. Changemakers are recognized by the Obama Foundation. Raising crops and farmers. Dream of Wild Health serves youth in Minnesota.
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