Overview:
The weekend may be over, but the news affecting Indian Country doesn’t stop. Each Monday, Native News Online brings you “Articles You May Have Missed”—a quick look at the important stories from across Indian Country that deserve your attention.
Happy Labor Day
Most Americans are off work today to commemorate Labor Day. A federal holiday since 1894, Labor Day honors the contributions and achievements of American workers. It is observed on the first Monday of every September and was established by the labor movement in the late 19th century.
Here are some articles you may have missed this weekend:
Georgina Lightning, Groundbreaking Cree Filmmaker and Actress, Walks On at 63
Groundbreaking Cree filmmaker and actress Georgina (Georgie) Lightning died on Saturday. As a filmmaker, the multi-talented Lightning was a writer, director and producer, in addition to being an actress with a strong presence on screen. Her death was confirmed by her daughter, Crystle Lightning, on Sunday. Georgina Lightning was 63.
“I have lost my mother, my sons Kohkum, my matriarch, my role model, my confidant,” Crystle posted on her Facebook page.
Lightning was at the Indian Relay at the Enoch Rodeo Grounds on the Enoch Nation this weekend filming. She was reportedly hit by a horse that was off track while she was in the media area.
Tribes In NM Centered Within Uranium Lease Ban on State Trust Lands
Tribes in New Mexico are at the heart of an executive order issued on Friday that bans new uranium mine leases on millions of acres of state trust land.
Stephanie Garcia Richard issued the decree from her elected post as the New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands, an office responsible in part for approving leases and other industrial work like energy development on more than 13 million acres of state controlled lands.
Instead of new uranium mines, Garcia Richard wants her office to focus on environmental clean up of abandoned mines that dot the state.
The Wilma Mankiller and Gloria Steinem Friendship
Gloria Steinem, a leading feminist and journalist who started Ms. magazine, “passed away peacefully at her home in New York City, surrounded by the many who loved her” on Wednesday, according to a post on her official Instagram page. She was 92.
In 1973, Steinem co-founded the Ms. Foundation for Women. She invited Wilma Mankiller, 12 years before she became the first woman principal chief of the Cherokee Nation, to serve on its board. The two iconic figures became close friends.
When Mankiller was stricken with stage-four pancreatic cancer, Steinem flew to Oklahoma to be with Mankiller until she walked on in April 2010.
