December 02, 2024
Opinion. Unless the lame duck Congress acts, the Special Diabetes Program for Indians (SDPI) is due to expire on December 31, 2024 and funding will cease.
Currents
In this episode of Native Bidaské, Levi Rickert, editor of Native News Online, sits down with OJ Semans Sr., the Executive Director of Four Directions and Legislative Affairs for the Coalition of Large Tribes (C.O.L.T). The conversation dives into critical issues impacting Native communities, including Native voter turnout and voter suppression efforts in the 2024 election, particularly in key states like Montana, Wisconsin, and Nevada. Semans highlights how Native communities mobilized to increase voter participation and share strategies for engaging with and influencing the second-term Trump administration. Semans also delivers a powerful critique of Senator Tillis' attempts to block legislation protecting the Wounded Knee Massacre site and removing military honors from soldiers involved in the atrocity. Throughout the discussion, Semans underscores the importance of amplifying Native voices, the diversity of political views within tribal communities, and the ongoing fight to protect tribal sovereignty and voting rights. This engaging conversation provides a Native-led perspective on pressing issues facing Indian Country today. Tune in to Native Bidaské LIVE this Friday, December 6th at 12 EST on Native News Online's Facebook or YouTube channel. 🌟 Support Native Stories: https://nativenewsonline.net/donate Stay updated on Native News: https://nativenewsonline.net/subscribe-to-native-news-today
From Our Partners
The Indian Arts and Crafts Board (IACB), an agency in the U.S. Department of the Interior, was created by Congress to promote the economic development of American Indian and Alaska Natives (Indian) through the expansion of the Indian arts and crafts market. As part of its promotional services, the IACB maintains the Source Directory of American Indian and Alaska Native Owned and Operated Arts and Crafts Businesses , a great resource for people looking to buy authentic Indian art or Indian artists interested in a free business listing.
Opinion
Between 2000 and 2013, the consumption of ultra-processed products grew by more than 25% and fast food consumption grew almost 40% in Latin America. More than a decade on, from this rapid change in the region’s foodscape, we are seeing the alarming impact this has had on the health and well-being of the region. Indigenous communities have been particularly hard hit as their traditional food systems have been overshadowed by relentless marketing for processed foods and government-led policies and programs that popularize these foods in everyday life.
Guest Opinion. As Indian Country looks toward the arrival of a second Trump administration, it is critical to reflect on what this leadership might mean for tribal nations. Drawing on the policies and actions of the first Trump administration, Native communities may find both opportunities and significant challenges ahead. The landscape of federal-tribal relations under this administration is likely to be complex, necessitating vigilance and strategic advocacy to ensure tribal sovereignty and priorities are upheld.
Sovereignty
For five enlightening days, a group of spirited Chickasaw elders immersed themselves in rich cultural heritage and explored significant historic sites in Alabama, Mississippi and Tennessee that bear witness to their ancestors’ enduring legacy.
On Friday, November 22, 2024, three federally recognized California Tribal Nations—Tolowa Dee-ni' Nation, Pulikla Tribe of Yurok People, and Cher-Ae Heights Indian Community of the Trinidad Rancheria—signed an inter-tribal treaty of stewardship and responsibility. This historic agreement solidifies their collaboration in managing, protecting, and restoring the Yurok-Tolowa Dee-ni' Indigenous Marine Stewardship Area (IMSA).
Education
The Institute for American Indian Education (IAIE) is set to celebrate its 20th anniversary on Dec. 6. The celebration takes place at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center from 3 to 6 p.m. in Chaco I and Chaco II rooms. Appetizers and non-alcoholic beverages will be served.
ALLENDALE, Mich. — Mike Medawis, language coordinator at Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi, told an audience of students and faculty at Grand Valley State University (GVSU) that tribal languages are in a state of emergency. He added if we do not act they may become extinct.
Arts & Entertainment
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Vanderbilt University honored artist Dustin Mater with a formal ceremony Nov. 12, officially unveiling 12 portraits of Chickasaw and Cherokee students who attended the highly respected university.
The National Football League (NFL) and Nike have partnered with the Native American Athletic Foundation (NAAF) to host the 2025 Native American All-Star Football Game at the Ford Center at The Star, the world headquarters of the Dallas Cowboys.
Health
Environment
Gila River Indian Community Governor Stephen Roe Lewis was named on Tuesday to the 2024 Time100 Climate 2024. The list features the 100 most influential leaders driving business to real climate action from around the globe.
The Navajo Nation is set to address longstanding chemical and petroleum contamination across its lands, targeting abandoned business sites and a significant former tribal enterprise in a mountainous region.