The country’s first Alaska Native Congress member has just completed her first 100 days in office. ICT’s McKenzie Allen-Charmley has this interview with Rep. Mary Peltola.

A report from CareQuest Institute for Oral Health, the Society of American Indian Dentists and the National Indian Health Board’s Tribal Oral Health Initiative says there are a number of factors that influence oral health for Native Americans. That includes things like structural racism — and a lack of necessities, such as access to water, healthy food and adequate housing. ICT’s Shirley Sneve has this interview with Mescalero Apache dentist Felicia Frizzell.

The 1973 occupation of Wounded Knee made household names out of men like Carter Camp, Dennis Banks and Russell Means. But women also played powerful roles in the occupation. They were honored during the 50th anniversary commemorations of the key event in American Indian Movement history. ICT’s Shirley Sneve and Stewart Huntington were there.

Denver March Powwow is the unofficial start of the season. ICT’s Stewart Huntington was there.

  • Swarthmore College is grappling with its history of looting a Native American burial site. An apology was issued for displaying Lenape artifacts and remains that were unearthed a century ago. In 1899, 30 remains were taken by Spencer Trotter, a Swarthmore professor.
  • Tribal leaders in Canada are reaching across the medicine line to learn more about keeping Indigenous communities safe. Calls for Native-led policing grew more urgent after the 2021 mass stabbings on the James Smith Cree Nation that killed 11 people. Leaders from the Prince Albert Grand Council met with the Navajo Police Department in Chinle, Arizona to investigate positive methods to police First Nations communities.
  • In Colorado, there’s a soon-to-be housing initiative for Native people. A 187-unit housing and health facility for those who are transitioning out of homelessness in Denver. Despite only being 1 point 4 percent of the region’s population, Native Americans and Alaska Natives make up more than 6 percent of the homeless population. Units will be open to all applicants earning between 30 to 60 percent below the area’s median income.
  • Scientists have partnered with the Rosebud Sioux Tribe to take on the challenges of climate change within its territory. The South Dakota tribal nation has created its first-ever Climate Adaptation Plan. The tribe worked with the North Central Climate Adaptation Center on threats and changes to its environment. It includes in the ranching industry as well as severe weather. 

Today’s newscast was created with work from:


Shirley Sneve, Ponca/Sicangu Lakota, is vice president of broadcasting for the ICT Newscast. Follow her on Twitter @rosebudshirley. She is based in Nebraska and Minnesota.

Aliyah Chavez, Kewa Pueblo, is the anchor of the ICT Newscast. On Twitter: @aliyahjchavez.

R. Vincent Moniz, Jr., NuÉta, 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.

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

Virginia Rigney, Chickasaw descendant, is a video production editor for the ICT newscast.

Stewart Huntington is an producer/reporter for the ICT Newscast. Ping him at stewart@ictnews.org with great story ideas.

Pacey Smith Garcia, Ute, is a production assistant for the ICT newscast. On Twitter: @paceyjournalist
Daniel Herrera Carbajal is an intern for the ICT Newscast. On Twitter: @daniulherrrera

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