Two members of the U.S. Congress representing New Mexico introduced legislation on Wednesday to prevent further development of the sacred site Chaco Canyon. The effort is the latest in a years-long fight to protect one of America’s 24 UNESCO world heritage sites from future mineral development. Mark Mitchel is the chairman of the All Pueblo Council of Governors.

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows that the third leading cause of death for Indigenous women is homicide. That’s coupled with existing data from the U.S. Department of Justice citing that Indigenous women are more likely to experience violence, than any other group. This data is the backdrop behind organizers across the country, who are gearing up for National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People on Friday. Angel Charley is the executive director for the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women.

Verna Volker says she hated running as a child growing up on the Navajo Nation. In 2009, with hopes of getting fit and committing to her health, she started training for her first half-marathon. Thousands of miles later, she now has a passion for running, and uses it to raise awareness about important causes like Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. She founded Native Women Running. 

  • In 2017, the U.S. Senate named May 5 as a day to raise awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives. Since then, we’ve seen some government and law enforcement moves to counter the crisis. ICT’s Stewart Huntington has this report.
  • The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held an online listening session for potential updates to the amendments to Respect Traditional Indigenous Skill and Talent Act. In 1935, a federal law called the Indian Arts and Crafts Act was created to protect Native artists. It was last updated in 2010.
  • The Gathering of Nations Powwow continues the tradition of honoring the Horse Nation with the Horse & Rider Regalia Parade. Roselynn Yazzie has this story from New Mexico. 

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 Athabascan, is a producer of the ICT Newscast. On Instagram: @mallencharmley.

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

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

Virginia Rigney, Chickasaw, is a video editor for the ICT Newscast.

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

RipLey-Simone Kennebrew is an intern for the ICT Newscast. On Twitter: @ripleysimoneken

Daniel Herrera Carbajal is an intern for the ICT Newscast. On Twitter: @daniulherrrera