fbpx
facebook app symbol  twitter  linkedin  instagram 1
 
Rep. Haaland Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. at ABQ Involved Service Project. Courtesy Photo

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Yesterday marked the 25th anniversary of the day of service that celebrates the life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 

It is recognized as “a day on, not a day off,” according to Rep. Deb Haaland (NM-01), Laguna Pueblo.    

Haaland began her day on the national holiday by attending the New Mexico Black History Month Organizing Committee’s Commemorative Breakfast in Albuquerque, N.M, where they honor the legacy of Dr. King. Later in the day, she and some of her staff went to a local nonprofit, ABQ Involved, to work on a renovation project at SAFE House Shelter and Family Empowerment, a shelter for women and families escaping domestic violence.

“Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. believed in the power of community to overcome our toughest challenges. This holiday is meant to be a day ‘on’ not a day ‘off.’ SAFE House provides a critical service to women and families escaping the cycle violence – in the spirit of Dr. King we came together to help them renovate their space,” said Rep. Deb Haaland.

More Stories Like This

Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. Briefs
US Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Native News Weekly (June 15, 2025): D.C. Briefs
Photographs of the Homecoming of the Three Fires Powwow

Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions

At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.

The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.

Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.

This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.

We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.

Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.

Levi headshotThe stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.

Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.

Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher

 
 
About The Author
Native News Online Staff
Author: Native News Online StaffEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Native News Online is one of the most-read publications covering Indian Country and the news that matters to American Indians, Alaska Natives and other Indigenous people. Reach out to us at [email protected].