Greetings, relatives.
A lot of news out there. Thanks for stopping by ICT’s digital platform.
Each day we do our best to gather the latest news for you.
Okay, here’s what you need to know today:
Production for Netflix’s new basketball show called “Rez Ball” is underway in New Mexico and the Navajo Nation.
The story follows the Chuska Warriors, a Native high school basketball team in New Mexico.
On Monday, Netflix released a photo and a cast list. The show is being directed by Sydney Freeland. Of “Reservation Dogs” fame, Sterlin Harjo joins Freeland as screenwriters.
“I could not be more enthusiastic about REZ BALL,” Freehand said in a statement. “I am so grateful to Netflix, Wise, Springhill, Chernin and Lake Ellyn for their help bringing this story to life. This is a story that is so deep and close to me, and to be able to showcase our part of America with the world in such an authentic way is deeply gratifying.
“We set out to make a film from an authentic point of view, and our incredible cast has brought Sterlin’s and my words to life in that way. Our actors, culled from over 5,000 submissions, embody the spirit and energy of what ‘Rez Ball’ is, and I can’t wait to share it with the world.”
Cast: Jessica Matten (Dark Winds, Tribal, Frontier), Julia Jones (The Mandalorian), Amber Midthunder (Prey), Kiowa Gordon, Dallas Goldtooth (Reservation Dogs, Fall Out), Cody Lightning, Ernest Tsosie and introducing Kauchani Bratt, along with newcomers Devin Sampson-Craig, River Rayne Thomas, Jojo Jackson, Avery Hale, Hunter Redhorse Arthur, Henry Wilson Jr, Jaren K. Robledo, Damian Henry Castellane, Kusem Goodwind, and Zoey Reyes — ICT
The Earl Old Person Memorial highway bill was signed into law Tuesday by Montana Gov. Greg Gianforte. This puts into law a plan to take a portion of Highway 89 and rename it in honor of the late Blackfeet chief. The chief’s son, Earl Old Person Jr., made the journey up to the Capitol for the signing ceremony where he was joined by Sen. Susan Webber and Rep. Tyson Running Wolf who are the Blackfeet legislators this session.
“It was so special cuz I know my dad’s with me because on the way down I talked with him,” Old Person Jr. said in an interview with MTFP and ICT after the signing. “I made sure I let Tyson and the governor know that he’s here in spirit. And he’s so appreciative of all that they do because he knows how hard this work is. He [the chief] knows what all of these people go through, and they do it on a daily basis, and just the positivity. Yeah. I mean, I feel that, you know, with him, this is what he represented.” -JoVonne Wagner, ICT and Montana Free Press. Read our previous story on the highway project.
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As a young Diné girl, Kinsale Drake had difficulty finding books that reflected her experiences and culture.
Through writing and poetry, she was able to highlight her own life as an Indigenous woman and issues relevant to her community. She received several awards for her work and has been featured in various publications, including Poetry Online, Best New Poets and TIME.
Still, she noticed the lack of representation in mainstream literature and sought to create a space where Native girls could come together, read books by Indigenous authors and discuss stories that resonate with them.
Now, after several years of work, the NDN Girls Book Club is set to officially launch in person at the Nurture House bookstore in Phoenix on Saturday, April 22, bringing together young Native writers who can share their work and learn from one another. READ MORE. — Grace Benally, Special to ICT
Four Indigenous players have a chance to hoist the coveted Stanley Cup this year.
Zach Whitecloud, Dakota Sioux, of the Vegas Golden Knights, and Brandon Montour, Mohawk, of the Florida Panthers, will join Métis players Connor Dewar and Calen Addison with the Minnesota Wild in the National Hockey League playoffs beginning Monday, April 17.
The Knights are the odds-on favorite among the clubs as they finished atop the Western Conference. Minnesota finished sixth in the East and will match up against the Dallas Stars.
The Panthers clawed their way into the playoffs as an Eastern Conference wild card, but it’s safe to say they’re already in playoff mode, with the 29-year-old Montour from the Six Nations of the Grand River leading the way. READ MORE.— Miles Morrisseau, ICT
The greatest rivalry in women’s international ice hockey has been settled — for now — at the IIHF World Women’s Ice Hockey Championship, with Team USA taking gold with a decisive 6-3 victory over Canada.
Abby Roque, Ojibway from Wanahpitae First Nation, was a key part of the victory and was able to bring home her first gold medal since joining the national U.S. team. It marks the 10th national championship gold medal for the Americans and the first in four years against rival Canada.
Roque, who grew up in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, has been on the women’s hockey team since 2020, and took home silver in the 2022 Olympics after the U.S. lost to the Canadians. She also had to settle for silver at the world championships in 2021 and 2022. READ MORE. — Miles Morrisseau, ICT
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On the Tuesday edition of the ICT Newscast, an Indigenous woman is making history as North Dakota’s new poet laureate. Fashion designer Kayla Looking Horse-Smith tells us about her new line. An award-winning journalist joins us to talk about Native news in Idaho.
Watch:
People across the Navajo Nation were hit with severe winter storms in January, resulting in heavy snow, flooding and mud that blocked and destroyed roads and isolated families from resources.
Because of the impact of those severe winter storms, the Navajo Nation will receive federal emergency aid to help the tribe recover.
President Joe Biden declared a major disaster in the Navajo Nation on April 11 in response to the severe winter storms and flooding the Navajo Nation experienced from Jan. 14 to Jan. 17.
This declaration makes federal disaster assistance available to supplement the tribe’s recovery efforts in the areas affected by the storms and flooding. READ MORE. — AZ Mirror
Madison Hammond, San Felipe Pueblo and Black, plays soccer for Angel City Football Club of the National Women’s Soccer League.
IllumiNative released a mini-documentary on Hammond called “Katishtya Girl.”
Watch:
- Ancient village site is reborn again: A $3.7M grant to the Native American Youth and Family Center will replace baseball fields with food gardens and cultural sites.
- Largest global gathering of Indigenous leaders at the United Nations: What you need to know: The in-person summit offers leaders a rare opportunity to collaborate on stopping threats to Indigenous lands and lives.
- Historic Sioux Sanatorium building comes down: The hospital became part of the Indian Health Service in 1955, continuing IHS control until the tribes took over in 2019.
- Judge throws out salmon lawsuit: Lawsuit accused Alaska of mismanaging Yukon, Kuskokwim salmon fisheries.
- Will the new treaty help protect Pacific salmon?: In March, conservationists worldwide celebrated the historic agreement, which governs the ocean waters where salmon spend most of their lives.
- Residential school survivor is Canada’s newest millionaire.
- Native American students right to wear regalia at graduation protected by Colorado bill.
- Saving the Nokota horses: Linton rancher running out of time, land and money.
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. dalton@ictnews.org.
