In the late 1700’s, 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. Chairman Marshall Pierite tells us about a recent land acquisition for his tribal nation.

Robin Wall Kimmerer is among this prestigious class of MacArthur Fellows 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 compete in the Miss USA Pageant.

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. 

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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