Native American Issues / Public News Service

In addition to legislative seats, North Dakota will see Native American candidates running for county-level seats and school boards this year. (Adobe Stock)

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Building Access for ND's Tribal Voters Focuses on Communication, Data

Ahead of North Dakota's June 14 primary, a civic engagement group is crunching numbers and maintaining talks with county and state election leaders …

While some tribal governments, including the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Telephone Authority, have been able to accelerate internet accessibility, service affordability is still a barrier for tribal members. (Adobe Stock)

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Closing Tribal Connection Gap: SD Reservations Get Internet Funds

Native American communities say the pandemic severely limited their ability to communicate with the rest of the world and each other, largely because …

The totem pole made about a dozen stops in Idaho, Oregon and Washington over the past three weeks. (House of Tears Carvers)

Totem Pole Takes Journey for Salmon, Struggling Puget Sound Orca

A totem pole from Washington state promoting a free-flowing Snake River has nearly completed its 2,500-mile journey around the Northwest. The Spirit …

More than 200 organizations submitted a letter last month urging the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to halt new construction on Line 5, which runs under the Straits of Mackinac. (Wikimedia Commons)

MI Water Advocate: Pipeline Reroute Puts Tribal Fishing Rights at Risk

CORRECTION: Enbridge is proposing a rerouting of its existing Line 5. An earlier version incorrectly stated the project involved an expansion…

The planned reroute of Line 5 around the Bad River reservation will cost Enbridge, Inc. about $450 million, according to the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. (Adobe Stock)

WI Tribal Advocates: Pipeline Threatens Agricultural Traditions

Enbridge is seeking to reroute a portion of its Line 5 around the Bad River Band's territory in northern Wisconsin. The rerouting falls within the …

U.S. Interior Secretary Deb Haaland has launched the "Honoring Chaco Initiative" to address meaningful cultural landscape management and protection for the ancient New Mexico site. (Monica Sanchez/Natural Resources Democrats/Flickr)

NM's Chaco Supporters Rally for Protections from Drilling

At a rally today in Santa Fe, thousands of comments about a proposed withdrawal of new oil and gas drilling leases near New Mexico's Chaco Culture …

A storytelling project in the desert Southwest demonstrated the resiliency of local food production versus reliance on the industrial food system. (Courtesy Michelle Carreon)

Desert Southwest Shows Resilience in Feeding Families Amid COVID-19

When a nonprofit food center in the desert Southwest began a project to chronicle challenges of land and water access combined with climate change…

A new bill in Congress would rename Walker Ridge as "Moluk Luyok," which means Condor Ridge in the native Patwin language. The area would become part of Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monument. (Chris Lloyd/Bureau of Land Mgmt.)

Tribes, Lawmakers Press to Expand Berryessa Snow Mtn. Monument

Local lawmakers and Native American leaders are speaking out in favor of a new bill to add almost 4,000 acres to Berryessa Snow Mountain National Monu…

Venting, flaring and leaks waste $275 million worth of natural gas per year in New Mexico, depriving the state of more than $40 million in royalties and tax revenue, according to the Environmental Defense Fund. (nasa.gov)

NM's Methane Rules Designed to Reduce Air Pollution, Improve Health

New Mexico is home to some of the worst methane pollution in the country, but new rules aimed at oil and gas operators could be a turning point for …

Native Americans make up about 1% of Arizona State University's 40,000 students on its Tempe campus. (Pixabay)

Arizona State Recognized for Recruiting Native Faculty, Students

An article in the Chronicle of Higher Education showed progress has been made at Arizona State University (ASU) in recruiting Native American faculty …

The Penobscot River is one of the ancestral rivers in which the Penobscot Nation has fought to keep water rights. (kellyvandellen/Adobe Stock)

Native Community Development Group Works to Boost Wabanaki Economies

Indigenous Mainers are working on a plan to boost tourism for the state's five Wabanaki Nations. The Wabanaki Cultural Tourism Initiative has …

The rate of Native Americans voting in Montana has been rising in recent elections. (FranciscoJavier/Adobe Stock)

Native Americans in MT Seek Getting Civically Engaged

It can feel daunting to know where to start for people who want to get involved in their communities, and being civically engagement can mean …

Tempe-based SRP line crews have hooked up more than 20 Navajo Nation homes with electricity over the past two weeks. (SRP)

Volunteers Bring Power to Navajo Homes for First Time

The lights were turned on this week for 20 families in the Navajo Nation, as volunteer power company workers continue to connect previously dark …

Maine's Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point has been facing high levels of toxic chemicals in their drinking water for decades. (Wabanaki Alliance)

Groups Rally for Clean Drinking Water for Passamaquoddy Tribe

Groups rallying at the State House on Monday called on lawmakers and Gov. Janet Mills to pass and sign a bill to address the high levels of toxic …

A new Colorado private-land conservation plan aims to align and integrate with other statewide plans that have climate action components that support water, wildlife, recreation and agriculture. (Adobe Stock)

Colorado Private Landowners Key to Climate Resiliency

More frequent and exponentially larger wildfires and prolonged drought already are impacting Colorado's agricultural lands and regional economies…

A program in Minnesota provides community health clinics with self-monitoring blood pressure cuffs to hand out to at-risk patients. They're also given access to a dietitian and passes to the local YMCA with fitness guidance. (Adobe Stock)

MN Program Helps Underserved Patients Keep 'Silent Killer' at Bay

Minnesota is often credited for having an overall healthy population, but disparities exist for certain racial groups. A prevention effort now taking …

Some 67% of New Mexicans think oil and gas development on national public lands should be stopped or strictly limited rather than expanded, according to the 2022 Conservation in the West poll. (BLM/Flickr)

Public Lands Face New Threats from Climate Change, Drilling

The use of public lands is back in the spotlight as the war in Ukraine enters its second month and gas prices remain high. The American Petroleum …

In 2021, three endangered grizzly bears were killed through the USDA's Wildlife Services program. Of more than 400,000 wild animals killed, at least 2,700 were killed unintentionally. (Adobe Stock)

USDA’s Wildlife Services Killed More Than 400,000 Native Wildlife in 2021

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's latest report on its wildlife killing program, which aims to reduce the loss of livestock to carnivores…

Kelp abundance has dropped by 80% from its peak in Puget Sound. (Gina Lusardi/Adobe Stock)

WA Kelp Decline Bad News Culturally, Environmentally for Northwest

Kelp forests in Puget Sound play an integral role environmentally and culturally, but they're in steep decline. There are more than 20 species of …

The 2020 census overlooked 0.24% of the U.S. population, compared with 0.01% in 2010. (Antwon McCullen/Adobe Stock)

Report: Census Undercounted BIPOC Communities, Young Children

A new analysis of the 2020 census finds that Latino, Black and Native American populations were statistically significantly undercounted. …

Enbridge says its Line 5 pipeline currently transports more than a half-million barrels of oil daily. (Adobe Stock)

Line 5 Drilling Method Raises Environmental Concerns

Enbridge's plan to relocate a portion of its Line 5 pipeline in northern Wisconsin could involve a drilling method even the company admits will like…

Wisconsin has 11 federally recognized tribes, which are collectively represented by the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council. (Adobe Stock)

WI "State of the Tribes" Address Covers Environmental, Voting Issues

From environmental issues to voting rights, Wisconsin's 2022 State of the Tribes address tackled a number of issues the state faces this year…

Chief Kirk Francis of the Penobscot Nation was among those who testified in support of a bill to restore tribal sovereignty to the Wabanaki Nations in Maine. (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service/Flickr)

Wabanaki Nations, Allies: Restore Sovereignty to Maine Tribes

More than 100 Mainers attended a Tuesday hearing on a bill to restore tribal sovereignty to Maine's four Wabanaki Nations. Advocates of LD 1626 say …

In the past 10 years, Minnesota's population growth was largely driven by population increases in BIPOC communities. But advocates say the redistricting process still limits their ability to produce political candidates of their choice. (Adobe Stock)

BIPOC Voices: Good and Bad in New MN Political Maps

After a lengthy process, Minnesota has new maps for congressional and legislative districts. A coalition had pushed for maps that better reflect the …

The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes were involved in creating a wildlife crossing over U.S. Highway 93 in Montana. (Montana Department of Transportation)

Tribes Could Get Boost to Protect Wildlife Migration Routes

Migration routes for wildlife across the country are in peril, but tribes could get more support from Congress to protect these corridors. The …

In states like South Dakota, Native American tribes have been trying to restore populations of endangered species like the black-footed ferret. (Adobe Stock)

Giving Tribes More Support to Maintain Wildlife Habitat

Native American tribes manage millions of acres of wildlife habitat but face inequities in securing conservation funds. A bill in Congress would …

Pete Sands and two of his puppet creations, Sadie and Ash. The puppets will be the stars of "Navajo Highways," a TV show to teach children about the Navajo language and culture. (Pete Sands)

Puppets Aim to Teach Navajo Children Tribe's Language, Culture

It was a little bit "Muppet Show," a little bit "Sesame Street" and a lot of community pride that brought about the idea for a TV series to teach Nava…

About 7,000 people live on the Crow Nation reservation in southern Montana. (Montanabw/Adobe Stock)

Project to Train People to Represent Montanans in Tribal Courts

A program is looking for Montanans to represent people in courts on tribal reservations, who often lack access to legal assistance when they need it…

Those pushing for fair political maps for North Dakota's Native American reservations say these communities often have a hard time electing candidates who align with their interests. (Photo courtesy of ndstudies.gov)

ND Faces Redistricting Lawsuit Filed by Native American Tribes

Two of North Dakota's Native American tribes hope new legal action will compel the state to reconsider political boundaries approved last year…

New Mexico is trying to buck the trend in at least 19 states, according to the Brennan Center for Justice, by expanding rather than limiting voter access. (unitedstatesofcare.org)

Landmark 'New Mexico Voting Rights Act' Stalls in Senate

Amid support and criticism, a marathon public hearing and debate over a bill to bolster voting access ended in the New Mexico Roundhouse Friday …

Around 24% of rural Americans use a post office box, making it a little harder for them to get free COVID tests sent to them directly. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal, Rural Communities Face Barriers for Free COVID Tests

Households across America are receiving free COVID tests sent by mail after the federal government rolled out the option last month. But in states …

Oregon Gov. Kate Brown gave her 2022 State of the State address, opening up a legislative session scheduled to adjourn on March 7. (Gov. Kate Brown)

With Legislative Kickoff in OR, Native American Youth Plot Priorities

Gov. Kate Brown's State of the State address kicked off Oregon's short legislative session, and organizations advocating for diverse communities are …

Many environmental groups support a monument at Avi Kwa' Ame because the area is prime habitat for many species, including the desert tortoise. (Stan Shebs/Wikimedia Commons)

Clark County Commission to Consider Supporting New Nat'l. Monument

Tomorrow, the Clark County Commission considers a resolution to support creation of a new national monument at Spirit Mountain, outside of …

A woman named Amelia was living outside in Tacoma before she moved to a hotel that was turned into a homeless shelter. (Frank Hopper/YES! Media)

Native Perspective Could Shift Views on Homelessness

By Frank Hopper for Yes! Media.Broadcast version by Eric Tegethoff for Washington News Service reporting for the YES! Media/Public News Service …

The three law schools in Washington state are located in Seattle and Spokane. (zimmytws/Adobe Stock)

Course Invites Latino, Native American Students to WA Law Schools

Washington state law schools are aiming to recruit more Latino and Native American students through a program at a central Washington university…

Some Native Americans living on Montana reservations travel more than 100 miles to polling locations. (Western Native Voice)

After Historic Struggle, Barriers Remain for Native American Voters

The road to voting rights for Native Americans has been long, but advocates for indigenous people hope to build on the momentum they've seen in …

Hunting elk has spiritual and cultural significance for Crow Indians, yet for more than a century, the State of Wyoming refused to recognize Crow Tribe treaty hunting rights. (Adobe Stock)

Wyoming Defies U.S. Supreme Court Over Crow Tribal Hunting Rights

Wyoming will appeal a recent district court decision affirming Crow tribal hunting rights granted under treaties signed in the 19th century, rights …

The Wisconsin Dept. of Natural Resources issued a draft Environmental Impact Statement on Enbridge's Line 5 project on Dec. 16, and will continue to gather public input on the proposal through March 4, 2022. (Adobe Stock)

WI Tribes Raise New Concerns Over Enbridge 'Line 5' Reroute

Wisconsin tribal organizations are raising new concerns about a proposed reroute of Enbridge's Line 5 oil pipeline. The Great Lakes Indian Fish and …

A sign warns of radioactivity near an abandoned uranium mine in the Horseshoe Mesa area near the Grand Canyon. (Deep Desert Photo/Adobe Stock)<br /> — A sign warns of radioactivity near an abandoned uranium mine in the Horseshoe Mesa area near the Grand Canyon. (Deep Desert Photo/Adobe Stock)

Tribes Urge Congress to Make Grand Canyon Mining Ban Permanent

Members of native tribes living in or near the Grand Canyon are calling on Congress to make a provisional ban on uranium mining near the park permanen…

The Oregon Legislature adopted its maps on Sept. 27. (OregonLegislature.gov)

OR Voting Maps Could Weaken Indigenous Communities' Electoral Power

Indigenous communities in Oregon are raising concerns about the voting maps drawn and approved in Oregon. Brian Smith is a political consultant and …

For more than 2,000 years, Pueblo peoples occupied the Chaco region of the southwestern United States. (NewMexico.org)

Advocates Want Better Protection From Drilling at Greater Chaco

Conservationists are calling on President Joe Biden to make permanent recent steps to protect Chaco Culture National Historical Park from further dest…

The Fort Hall Reservation is located in southeast Idaho and spans three different legislative districts under the new map. (legislature.idaho.gov)

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Sue Over ID Voting Map

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are adding to a slew of legal challenges to Idaho's legislative voting maps. The Idaho Commission for Reapportionment …

Hair is a sacred symbol for Lakota tribal members, and should only be cut by a Native American woman or a child's grandfather in ceremony. (Adobe Stock)

Lakota Racial Justice and Religious Freedom Case Headed for Trial

ROSEBUD, Neb. -- A lawsuit accusing a Nebraska school district of violating a Lakota family's First Amendment rights and unlawful racial …

Native American advocates say many elected officials don't understand the social structure on tribal lands, and can apply voting rules that make it harder for indigenous populations to cast ballots. (ruslanita/Adobe Stock)

Native Americans Voice Concerns Over AZ Redistricting Maps

TUCSON, Ariz. - As Arizona's Independent Redistricting Commission prepares to issue its final voting-district maps, Native American groups are …

According to the 2020 Census, Native Americans make up about 1% of Wisconsin's overall population. But in the previous (2010) Census, Native Americans were undercounted by almost 5%. (Adobe Stock)

WI Tribal Communities Work to Dismantle Barriers to Voting

MADISON, Wis. -- Wisconsin will be a major battleground in the 2022 midterms, and tribal voting-rights groups are working now to ensure Native …

There are seven reservations in Montana spread out across the state. (Census.gov/Wikimedia Commons)

Push for Indigenous Representation as MT Redistricting Enters Next Phase

HELENA, Mont. -- Redistricting in Montana has moved on to a new phase, with the state's commission now tasked with drawing lines at the state level…

A student at Owyhee Consolidated School studies in the parking lot in order to use the building's Wi-Fi signal. (Lynn Manning John)

$65 Billion in Infrastructure Bill to Tackle Rural Broadband

OWYHEE, Nev. -- There's a light at the end of the tunnel for rural Nevadans struggling with slow, spotty internet service as the Biden …

New Mexico and Colorado are considered leaders among states trying to curb air pollution from oil fields. (blogs.edf.org)

EPA Concludes Public Hearings on New Methane Rules

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. -- People who live on the Navajo Nation near the San Juan Basin are closely following work by the Environmental Protection Agency (…

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