Here’s a look at what’s happening today:
ICT’s Mary Annette Pember talks boarding schools
Mary Annette Pember, national correspondent for Indian Country Today, spoke with NPR’s Mary Louise Kelly on Thursday about the U.S. Indigenous boarding schools that served as models for the Canadian system.
Listen here:
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Arizona regulators set target date for legal sports betting
PHOENIX (AP) — Arizona gambling regulators said Wednesday they hope to have new licenses for sports gambling issued by the start of the 2021 National Football League season in September.
The announcement of the target date for new sports betting came just over two weeks after federal officials approved changes to the state’s tribal gaming compacts. That U.S. Department of Interior decision was needed for the new sports gambling law signed by Republican Gov. Doug Ducey in April to go into effect.
(Related: Sports betting: The new, shiny toy)
The Arizona Department of Gaming can issue 10 licenses for sports books to major sport franchises, such as the Arizona Cardinals, Arizona Diamondbacks, Arizona Coyotes and Phoenix Suns. Others eligible for sports gambling licenses include pro golfing and NASCAR events.
Tribes will be allowed to run sports betting operations at their casinos. Tribes and professional teams will also be allowed to run sports books near their respective venues.
To read more, click here.
EXPLAINER: The suspension of Arctic refuge drilling leases
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Decades-long political and legal battles over drilling in America’s largest wildlife refuge took another turn when the Biden administration suspended oil and gas leases in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
The move this week was a blow to oil and gas proponents, who came as close as they ever have to starting a drilling program after the refuge was expanded 40 years ago to include the oil-rich coastal plain. The refuge was nearly opened to drilling in 1995 until President Clinton vetoed a bill sent to him by Congress.
Here is a look at the administration’s decision and how it got there.
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Las Vegas feels tribal presence
Native nations doing business in Las Vegas. That’s soon expected to be the reality.
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians announced plans in May to acquire the Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas. After closing its deals, San Manuel will become the second tribal nation to do major business in the entertainment capital of the world.
The Mohegan Tribe operates the Mohegan Sun Casino at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. It opened in March 2021 and is a casino resort located east of the Strip.
San Manuel is no stranger to the area, having contributed money to the law school and college of hospitality at the University of Nevada Las Vegas. It also has partnerships with football’s Las Vegas Raiders and hockey’s Vegas Golden Knights.
To read more, click here.
Judge declines to force fireworks at Mount Rushmore
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) — A federal judge on Wednesday rebuffed South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem’s efforts to order the National Park Service to grant the state permission to shoot fireworks from Mount Rushmore National Memorial to celebrate Independence Day this year.
Noem sued the U.S. Department of Interior in an effort to reverse its denial of the state’s permit for the pyrotechnic display. The Republican governor successfully pushed last year for a return of the event after a decade-long hiatus. But the National Park Service denied it this year, citing safety concerns and objections from local tribal nations.
Noem’s lawsuit also reignited legal skirmishing between her and the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, which opposed the event on the grounds that the Black Hills, which contain Mount Rushmore, are sacred to the Lakota people.
To read more, click here.
From social media:
The latest:
- Treaties offer new aid in environmental fights:Century-old treaties are increasingly being used to fight climate change and environmental issues for everyone, not just tribes.
- Ted George: ‘A heart filled with compassion’:The education advocate was Port Gamble S’Klallam’s oldest elder before his passing in May.
- Canadian minister: Pope needs to apologize to Indigenous: The Kamloops Indian Residential School was Canada’s largest such facility and was operated by the Roman Catholic Church between 1890 and 1969.
- Alaska stands by decision on Donlin Gold mine: Yup’ik people of the area are divided on the issue.
- Watch: Standing Bear: A journey of purpose:A new high school in Nebraska will be named Standing Bear High school. Larry Wright Jr., chairman of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, explains this history.
What we’re reading:
- Cherokee named to White House Council on Native American Affairs.
- Ottawa says it’s not liable for cultural damage caused by Kamloops residential school.
- RTDNA Canada: APTN News to receive President’s Award.
We want your tips, but we also want your feedback. What should we be covering that we’re not? What are we getting wrong? Please let us know. Email dwalker@indiancountrytoday.com.
