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RAPID CITY, S.D. – The Oglala Sioux Tribe is now one of a handful of Native nations in the United States to call for a ceasefire in Gaza after a resolution was presented to the council by the Oglala Lakota Chapter of the International Indigenous Youth Council.
The resolution, which passed 14-to-1, calls for state and federal representatives to advocate for fuel, water, food and supplies to be allowed into Gaza, to cease military aid to the Israeli government and for an immediate cease-fire.
“It was kind of nerve-wracking because of the lack of education on what’s going on over there. We didn’t know where our tribal leaders would be at,” said Mato White Plume, Oglala Lakota and a member of the Youth Council. “But they supported us using our voices and speaking out, which let us know that they understand.”
Oglala Lakota Youth Council representatives and community members delivered several speeches in support of the resolution, many comparing the treatment of Palestinian people to that of Lakota people by European settlers. READ MORE — Amelia Schafer, ICT + Rapid City Journal
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The latest: Osage costumes in spotlight, skateboards inspire new weaver line, woven reeds and black pots
COSTUME DESIGN: Oscar outfits star in exhibit
It’s one thing to see costumes in the Oscar-nominated and -winning films, but it’s a real thrill to see them in person. On display through April 20 in Los Angeles, an exhibit at the ASU Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandise Museum showcases achievement in costume design from several of the films released over the last year.
The “Art of Costume Design in Film” features all five nominees for Best Costume at this year’s Academy Awards, including “Killers of the Flower Moon,” “Oppenheimer,” “Barbie” and the winner “Poor Things.”
“Killers of the Flower Moon” costume designer Jacqueline West, a four-time Academy Award nominee, added Osage art consultant Julie O’Keefe of Tulsa to her costume department to bring the period to life and locate artisans to make elements of the film’s wardrobe. READ MORE — Sandra Hale Schulman, Special to ICT
State lawmakers on Thursday, March 21 rejected a bill to crack down on sober living homes that had already unanimously passed the Senate, opting instead to back a different proposal that is opposed by Democrats.
Following hours of testimony and debate, the House Health and Human Services Committee advanced Senate Bill 1361 on a party-line 6-4 vote. On a 3-7 vote, the panel defeated Senate Bill 1655.
Both bills were introduced to address the sober living home scandal that was laid bare almost a year ago when state prosecutors and health agency officials announced a sprawling Medicaid fraud scheme that targeted Indigenous Arizonans.
The fraudulent healthcare facilities have remained unchecked for years across the Phoenix area, targeting Indigenous people who are enrolled in Arizona’s Medicaid program, resulting in many becoming displaced within the city or losing their lives. READ MORE — AZ Mirror
RAPID CITY, S.D. – A tribal council member representing the Medicine Root District on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation appeared Friday at the federal courthouse in Rapid City to face rape charges.
A federal grand jury charged Howard Rooks on March 21 with aggravated sexual abuse and sexual abuse. Rooks allegedly assaulted a 13-year-old girl on Aug. 13, 2023. Both charges carry the potential of a life sentence.
Rooks pleaded not guilty when he appeared in custody before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann. Assistant Federal Public Defender David Barari accompanied him. Barari stood in for Jenn Albertson, the assistant federal public defender appointed to the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox asked the judge to keep Rooks detained as his case is pending. She said there would be no way to ensure the community’s safety and the victim’s safety if Rooks is released in Kyle, and several children live at one of the locations the defense suggested for his release. The other location lacks electricity. READ MORE — Rapid City Journal
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WATCH
In a highly anticipated ruling Wednesday, the Montana Supreme Court affirmed a lower court’s finding that four laws passed by the 2021 Legislature violate the fundamental rights of voters outlined in the Montana Constitution.
The court’s 125-page opinion closes out an appeal filed in November 2022 by Republican Secretary of State Christi Jacobsen seeking the reinstatement of laws struck down by a district court judge in Billings. Those laws ended same-day voter registration, enacted new vote identification requirements, prohibited paid third-party ballot collection and barred county election officials from distributing mail-in ballots to minors who would be eligible to vote by Election Day.
The Supreme Court’s decision upheld Yellowstone County District Court Judge Michael Moses’ determination that all four laws were unconstitutional.
Jacobsen expressed her disappointment with the ruling Wednesday in a statement emailed to Montana Free Press by spokesperson Richie Melby. READ MORE — Montana Free Press
What’s trending on social media:
- Navajo word for beautiful at center of controversy: Fashion designer’s use of Navajo word ‘nizhoni’ and images of Native people has raised concerns about cultural appropriation and artificial intelligence
- Kristi Noem calls for audit of tribes: The South Dakota governor’s request to the Biden administration comes only weeks after she alleged tribal governments are benefitting from cartel presence on Native land, a comment condemned by tribes
- Bringing back the thunder: Indigenous spring solstice tradition evokes renewal and reflection
- Mexico will likely elect a woman as its next president, but money to govern is already being spent
- Biden says his glitzy fundraiser with Obama and Clinton projects party unity heading into November
- EPA sets strict emissions standards for heavy-duty trucks and buses in bid to fight climate change
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.
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