News For All Americans
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A federal court ruled against Okla. Gov. Kevin Stitt in his efforts to renegotiate tribal casino compacts. It’s the latest in a series of legal victories for the state’s tribes (Official White House Photo by Shealah Craighead).
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Land secured by the Esselen Tribe of Monterey County includes old growth redwood and oak forests and rivers with endangered steelhead runs (Photo: from esselentribe.org)
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Kiowa Chairman Matt Komalty faces an impeachment hearing stemming from several allegations including mishandling federal coronavirus relief funds (Photo: screenshot from Chairman Komalty video address)
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A group U.S. senators and tribal officials want more transparency from the CDC on COVID-19 data.
by Christine Trudeau
The United National Indian Tribal Youth, organization, or UNITY, is going virtual for their annual conference this year because of the ongoing pandemic. UNITY Executive Director Mary Kim Titla says as Native youth continue to play a vital role in tribal communities combating COVID-19, it’s important for them to take time to connect with peers at workshops, share talents, and build on self-care techniques to help navigate stress and anxiety amid lock-downs and isolation.
“What the virtual conference has to offer is a message of hope and empowerment – just connecting with each other I think that’s really important during this pandemic that we connect with each other and inspire each other,” Titla said.
Those with limited Wi-Fi access can still participate by telephone or receive content via thumb-drive. The next live conference is July NINTH, and features rapper Taboo.
This story is a collaboration with National Native News and the Solutions Journalism Network
by Christine Trudeau
The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes of the Flathead Reservation collaborated with local musicians to launch a COVID-19 youth safety awareness campaign. So far, following the release of their second hip-hop song, they’re seeing a successful response in their community’s youth. The series, with a targeted social media campaign, is aimed at 12 to 18-year-olds. In a written release, CSKT officials say the song series was “driven by concerns that youth may not be responding to COVID-19 prevention guidelines.”
CSKT Tribal Councilwoman Charmel Gillin says the result of the first and second songs is one she is proud of.
“They have come right into this serious messaging that’s relevant and important for the future of our tribe and they have really taken the helm, and I’m so proud of them,” she said.
The first song “C-19,” released last month by Kiid Truth, focuses on Covid-19 prevention measures, from hand washing, social distancing, and wearing a mask. CSKT had masks made that Kiid Truth is still handing out and incorporated a TikTok dance challenge with the song into promoting awareness. Gillin says the second song, “Protect Your People” by the Salish and Blackfeet hip-hop artist, Shadow Devereaux, known as Foreshadow, was directed more towards cultural ties with elders and incorporates the Salish language and prayers.
“The responses I’ve seen on the TikTok videos and the things that the kids are coming back with seem to indicate that they’re responding appropriately so I think it’s been a really successful attempt,” Gillin said.
Gillin hopes tribes across the country are inspired by their youth campaign efforts to help other young people develop leadership in their communities as they prepare for adulthood.
This story is a collaboration with National Native News and the Solutions Journalism Network
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A New Mexico judge determined the state has not made enough progress toward equitable public education yet (Photo: Don Harder via Flickr C/C).
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Reduced gaming revenues contributed to the Ho-Chunk Nation’s decision to permanently lay off tribal employees (Photo: Corey Coyle via Wikimedia Commons)
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Several tribes are joining a lawsuit against the Trump Administration’s rules that roll back clean water regulations.
