In South Dakota, Barry H. Dunn, Sicangu Lakota, has become the president of South Dakota State University. He is the fourth alum to take up mantle of president of the university. He is also believed to be the first enrolled citizen of a federally recognized tribe to lead a land-grant university. 

The Department of Homeland Security will be having a group of tribal leaders advise them on international borders that cross Native land. Harold Pierite Sr. is one of these leaders that has been assigned to the Tribal Homeland Security Advisory Council. He also serves as police chief for the Tunica-Biloxi in Louisiana. 

The 118th Congress has finally assembled after a tenuous race for speaker of the House. Kevin McCarthy was elected after 14 ballots. ICT regular contributor Holly Cook Mcarro helps breakdown all of what’s happening in Congress and how this will affect Indian Country. 

A slice of our Indigenous world:

  • The Navajo Nation has inaugurated their new president Buu Van Nygren. ICT’s Pauly Denetclaw was there Tuesday for the historic event.  
  • In December, the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation purchased 15 acres in Las Vegas for $12 million. 
  • Lawmakers in Washington D.C. signed the Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony Act into law. This law aims to help protect sacred objects. 
  • Tunica-Biloxi is celebrating a land back victory with the return of 42 acres that contain several burial mounds. 
  • Brazil welcomes a new Environment minister. Marina Silva was appointed to the position by President Luis Ignacio De Silva.   

Thank you for watching!

Today’s newscast was created with work from:

Shirley Sneve, Ponca/Sicangu Lakota, is vice president of broadcasting for Indian Country Today. Follow her on Twitter @rosebudshirley She’s based in Nebraska and Minnesota.

Aliyah Chavez, Kewa Pueblo, is the anchor and managing editor of the ICT newscast. On Twitter: @aliyahjchavez.

R. Vincent Moniz, Jr., NuÉta & Oglala, is the senior producer of the ICT newscast. Have a great story? Pitch it to vincent@ictnews.org.

McKenzie Allen-Charmley, Dena’ina Athabaskan, is a producer of the ICT newscast. On Twitter: @mallencharmley.

Paris Wise, Zia and Laguna Pueblo, is a producer for the ICT Newscast. Instagram and Twitter: @parisiswise. Email: paris@ictnews.org.

Patty Talahongva, Hopi, works for Indian Country Today. Follow her on Twitter: @WiteSpider.

Drea Yazzie, Diné, is a producer/editor for the ICT newscast. On Twitter: @quindreayazzie Yazzie is based in Phoenix.

Maxwell Montour, Pottawatomi, is a newscast editor for Indian Country Today. On Instagram: max.montour Montour is based in Phoenix.

Pacey Smith Garcia, Ute, is a Production Assistant for the ICT newscast. On Twitter: @paceyjournalist

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