Greetings, relatives:
We start with a report showing alarming rates of Native people incarcerated. A new report shows that Native people are incarcerated at rates up to seven times higher than White people in the United States. The report was released through the MacArthur Foundation and highlights the disparities based on race and ethnicity.
The Super Bowl is set for February in Phoenix, but Indigenous news related to the big game has already surfaced. We profiled Phoenix-based artist Lucinda Hinojos, who was selected as the NFL’s “marquee artist” with works featured on game tickets, a large mural and other displays. Jared Yazzie, Diné, is the creative director, and founder of Tempe, Arizona-based OXDX Clothing. He has collaborated with the Super Bowl for merchandise.
Some historic firsts on the Navajo Nation. Buu Van Nygren is the youngest person to serve as the Navajo Nation president and Richelle Montoya is the first female vice president. Not long after, the first woman was elected Speaker of the Navajo Council.
We look at what’s ahead in 2023 as it promises to be a monumental year for Indian Country. ICT will be watching ICWA, Congress, climate change and the return of the first Indigenous female astronaut.
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
Natives incarcerated at alarming rates, report shows: Native American people are incarcerated at rates up to seven times higher than White people in the United States.
Miccosukee musician and environmentalist Lee Tiger dies at 72: From the Grammys to environmental activism, Lee Tiger was seen as an “advocate and ambassador” for the Miccosukee people.
Pebble Mine takes ‘one-two punch’ as EPA weighs permit: Acquisition of easements cuts off areas needed for ore-transport road.
First woman elected Speaker of the Navajo Nation: From Miss Navajo Nation to policy analyst, to the Nez-Lizer administration’s public information officer, 37-year-old Crystalyne Curley takes on one of the most influential roles in Navajo politics.
Deb Haaland’s Road to Healing tour stops in Arizona: The Gila River Indian Community in southern Arizona, near Phoenix, was the latest stop for the Interior secretary.
Arizona boarding schools survivors and descendants speak up: Interior Secretary Deb Haaland and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland stopped in the Gila River Indian Community.
What’s ahead in 2023: ICT will be watching ICWA, Congress, climate change and the return of the first Indigenous female astronaut in the coming year.
Sexual misconduct case against Pawnee artist moves to trial: Walter “Bunky” Echo-Hawk is charged with lewd behavior with a minor and possession of child pornography.
‘Sad day for XIT’: Pioneering Native rock musician dies unexpectedly: Bassist Mac Suazo inspired generations of young Native musicians.
Indigenous people on the ‘front lines’ of climate solutions: Connecting the dots: Sacred lands, resilience and better business practices.
Organic and sustainable, Temalpakh Farm fuels community: Growing enterprise by the Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians goes beyond the casino.
Natives incarcerated at alarming rates, report shows: Native American people are incarcerated at rates up to seven times higher than White people in the United States.
ICT Newscast team expands, news partnership announced: A new partnership with Lee Enterprises will bring even more Indigenous coverage in South Dakota and Oklahoma.
Tribal teachings on opioids: Culture, community ‘decided to hold me up instead of putting me down.’
Whaling captain, champion for Iñupiat people, Oliver Leavitt dies: ‘Oliver’s lifetime of service to his country, his people and most importantly, his family will never be forgotten.’
Navajo Nation swears in historic president, vice president: Buu Van Nygren is the youngest person to serve as the Navajo Nation president; Richelle Montoya, is the first female VP.
Two years later, legislators remember government insurrection: The Jan. 6 siege on the Capitol still echoes in the halls of U.S. government as Congress is at a standstill following a week of failed votes for a House speaker.
Indigenous Congress members frustrated with speaker vote: Reps. Tom Cole and Sharice Davids, Mary Peltola don’t agree on who should be speaker but they do agree this ad nauseam voting needs to end.
Brazil’s new president prioritizes Indigenous communities: The previous Brazilian president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva defeated incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in October.
California tribes work to give mountain lion P-22 a proper burial: Aging feline captivated the community and contributed to science as the face of the endangered lion population.
Indigenous House members disagree on speaker nominee: The newly elected Choctaw Congress member is one of the 20 Republican House members who voted against Kevin McCarthy.
Looking back (and ahead) at sovereignty, Wounded Knee: 1973 was a year of transition. Richard Nixon’s White House had officially ended the policy of termination and was proclaiming self-determination. But termination would not go quietly.
Donated quilts for Native families provide kinship: More than 100 quilts have been donated to Native Health’s Home Visiting Program for families living away from the reservation.
Rare Sitting Bull portrait by woman artist set for auction: The fictionalized story of activist Caroline Weldon and Sitting Bull was featured in the film ‘Woman Walks Ahead.’
ENTERTAINMENT
Indigenous films featured at 2023 Sundance Film Festival: ‘One of the strongest years in recent memory’ for Native films.
Seneca artist wins Americans for the Arts fellowship: Visual artist and curator G. Peter Jemison awarded $70,000.
INDIGENOUS A&E: Rapping for missing kids, experimental dance and virtual reality.
Honoring the father: Artist son pays tribute to activist John Trudell: Wovoka Trudell debuts exhibit of portraits he created over the years.
Indigenous artist featured at Super Bowl for first time: Lucinda ‘La Morena’ Hinojos is tapped as the NFL’s ‘marquee artist’ this year with works featured on game tickets, a large mural and other displays.
INDIGENOUS A&E: Residential schools, a Ponca chief and Aboriginal art.
‘Nalujuk Night’: Inuit legend becomes scary film: The Nalujuit emerge every Jan. 6 to reward nice children and punish the naughty.
SPORTS
Five Indigenous mushers set to compete in 2023 Iditarod despite rising costs: First climate change and now financial worries are forcing some competitors to stay off the trail this year.
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS NEWS
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Learning from Native people to protect the environment.
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Opposition grows to destructive mining operations.
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Newfound power, a new Inuit film, and new ways to teach language.
GLOBAL INDIGENOUS: Threats, honors and recognition.
WATCH: ICT NEWSCASTS
Finding roots at home: A Sicangu Lakota citizen leads a land grant university – a first for South Dakota State. We learn why hemp is being called the intelligent plant. And an Indigenous costume designer takes the stage.
Indigenous people leading the way: Coming up, we speak with the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas’ newly elected second chief. And we introduce you to the winner of the 2022 Joy Harjo prize. Plus, the director of Language for the Citizen Potawatomi Nation joins us.
A look back at the 2022 election: ICT Newscast takes a look back at our election night coverage with FNX, including tribal, state and national elections. Native Republicans speak out in Oklahoma and what makes Alaska special.
The work to heal Indian Country: A Seneca artist is honored for his community work. An update on imprisoned activist Leonard Peltier. Plus, a historical novel looks at the Oklahoma oil boom, And Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland hears from boarding school survivors.
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