A slice of our Indigenous world

In the late 1700s, the Tunica-Biloxi people first settled in what became the Mississippi Valley. Despite being in the area for centuries, they didn’t get federal recognition until 1981. Today there are about 1,500 citizens.

For years, tribal leaders tried to get ownership of the Marksville Historic State Park, a place that is home to burial sites. Chairman Marshall Pierite tells us, in September, their efforts came to fruition.

Robin Wall Kimmerer is among this prestigious class of MacArthur Fellow this year. She is Citizen Potawatomi and the author of “Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants.” Sandra Schulman spoke to her about her award and her work.

SaNoah Larocque was crowned Miss North Dakota USA earlier this year. She is a Harvard University graduate. She tells us what it was like to then compete in the Miss USA Pageant. Despite not winning that title, Larocque will continue her reign as Miss North Dakota until May.

The Phoenix Suns are wearing a unique jersey this season that honors the 22 tribal nations in Arizona. ICT’s Patty Talahongva and Max Montour got an exclusive look when the players saw the jerseys for the first time in October. 

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

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

Kaitlin Onawa Boysel, Cherokee, is a producer/reporter for Indian Country Today. On Instagram: @KaitlinBoysel Boysel is based in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

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.

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

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