Podcast: Play in new window | Download | Embed
The National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center (NIWRC) is applauding the recent U.S. Supreme Court’s decision in United States v. Rahimi to uphold the federal statute that prohibits individuals subject to a domestic violence restraining order from possessing a firearm.
The resource center filed an amicus brief last year urging the Court to uphold the protections to keep those with restraining orders from accessing guns.
NIWRC Executive Director Lucy Simpson in a statement said survivors are often in the most danger when they attempt to leave an abuser or when they receive an order of protection, so prohibiting the possession of a firearm for those subject to a domestic violence protection order is a critical safeguard.
And she says work needs to be done to fully address gaps in protections for survivors, including the closing of the loophole which allows dating partners subject to protection orders to possess firearms.
Statistics show American Indian and Alaska Native women experience the highest rates of violence in the country, with four out of five women experiencing violence in their lifetime.
According to the resource center, firearms are the most common cause of intimate partner violence homicide injury for American Indian and Alaska Native people.
The court ruled 8-1 in the case.
Courtesy Seminole Hard Rock Hotel
The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) kicked off its 50th Convention and Tradeshow Monday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Fla.
More than 600 people from across the country are registered for the four-day event.
Tribal leaders and tribal housing officials are among attendees.
Among discussions, the reauthorization of the Native American Housing Assistance and Self Determination Act of 1996 (NAHASDA).
The law governs development, operation, and maintenance of homes for the 574 federally recognized Tribes.
NAIHC Executive Director Douglas Marconi, Sr. says it’s important for Congress to understand how critical funding is for much needed homes in Native communities.
He says looking back at 50 years of housing in Indian Country, there are great strides, but communities have growing needs and Indian housing has always been underfunded.
On Tuesday, Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin, Jr. will highlight his tribe’s investment in housing initiatives, including housing for elders.
He’s expected to also address the reauthorization of NAHASDA.
NAHASDA grants provide affordable housing that benefit low-income families living on Indian reservations and Alaska Native communities.
Reauthorization of the law has been delayed since 2013 and the bill faces funding cuts.
The Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development under the Committee on Appropriations is expected to review the bill this summer.
Tribal leaders are advocating for its reauthorization and are seeking increased funding.
(Courtesy Erin Braaten / Dancing Aspens Photography)
Native people from around the country are honoring the birth of a rare white bison calf in Yellowstone National Park this week.
As the Mountain West News Bureau’s Hanna Merzbach reports, many see it a blessing — and a warning.
The white bison calf made international headlines when it was spotted in Yellowstone earlier this month.
While not confirmed by park staff – tribal members say it’s the first documented *wild bison of its kind. Other white bison have been born in captivity to parents with cow DNA.
This birth fulfills a prophecy for many tribes.
Lakota Chief Arvol Looking Horse has compared it to the second coming of Jesus Christ. But he also has said it’s a sign that more needs to be done to protect the animals and the Earth.
Looking Horse will lead a gathering Wednesday in West Yellowstone – honoring and naming the rare bison.
This comes as Yellowstone National Park proposes big changes in how it manages the species.
There’s currently about 5,000 bison in the park – and that number could go up to 6,000.
Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily and stay up-to-date on the 2024 Native Vote. Sign up for our daily newsletter today.
