The ICT Newscast for Friday, August 28, 2026, covers a lawsuit against the government, the annual Shakopee powwow, a comedic history book and delicious burritos. Watch the full ICT Newscast on YouTube for this episode and more.
Tribes Sue Government Over Mojave Groundwater Pipeline Plan
The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe and Chemehuevi Indian Tribe, joined by the Native American Land Conservancy and National Parks Conservation Association, are suing the U.S. Department of the Interior over a pipeline plan to pump billions of gallons of groundwater from an aquifer beneath the Mojave National Preserve. A federal court blocked the project in 2022, but last month the Bureau of Land Management approved a new right-of-way grant letting Cadiz Inc. convert a natural gas pipeline to carry the water instead.
Shakopee Powwow Brings Back Moccasin Game
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community hosted its annual powwow August 14–16, once again featuring the traditional moccasin game. The tribe revived the moccasin game tournament to help pass the tradition on to youth, a group often left out of the practice in the past. Coordinator Sunka Ska said that inclusivity matters, since today’s young people will one day be responsible for carrying the tradition forward.
Non-profit Helps Youth Powwow Dancers
Woodland Heart, a Menominee-led nonprofit, helps young people get involved in woodland-style powwow dancing. ICT caught up with those involved at the annual Shakopee powwow. Through its “Let’s Dance” initiative, the organization teaches youth how to make and source their own regalia. It also connects them with elders for guidance and even provides transportation to events.
New Native History Book Combines History and Comedy
Cowlitz Indian Tribe comedian and writer Joey Clift’s new book promises to cover everything high school history classes left out about Native American history and culture. Illustrated by Diné artist Julie Fiveash in a style that blends textbook and notebook, Clift walks readers through common misconceptions, odd questions, and even odder assumptions. Clift touches on everything from Pocahontas and sports mascots to ancestry claims and the LandBack movement. The book includes satirical flowcharts, quizzes and interactive elements, along with a collection of resources for allies. It’s being pitched as a gift for history buffs, teachers and comedy fans alike.
The Group Behind Free Burritos at Santa Fe Indian Market
Volunteers from the Forge Project and Santa Fe’s iconic restaurant The Pantry delivered free water, Gatorade and 1,000 breakfast burritos to vendor booths during this year’s 104th Santa Fe Indian Market. The giveaway also serves as a fundraiser for the organization’s fellowship program. Vendors, who traveled from across the country, say the burritos are a definite highlight of the market and were greatly appreciated by the community.
View previous ICT broadcasts here every week for the latest news from around Indian Country.
