A report released by Harvard has looked into the US Department of the Treasury’s formula for distributing first-round CARES Act funds to Indian Country. The Harvard researchers found that the Treasury indicated that its formula was intended to allocate relief funds based on tribes’ populations, but instead, the Treasury employed a population data series that produces arbitrary and capricious “over-” and “under-representations” of tribes’ enrolled citizens.
CNN reported on Navajo Nation has surpassed both New York and New Jersey for the highest COVID-19 infection rate per capita in the U.S., while another 90 cases were confirmed on Sunday bringing the total number of cases to 4,002. Meanwhile, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer issued a proclamation declaring May 17 – 23, 2020 as “Navajo Nation Emergency Medical Services Week” to honor all emergency medical services teams.
The Colorado River Indian Tribes has been notified of five new positive cases of coronavirus, bringing the tribal total to 19 positive cases of COVID-19.
Cherokee Nation Businesses has released plans to reopen casinos with added safety precautions and physical distancing regulations. Meanwhile, one of California’s largest tribal casinos reopened Monday to a large crowd, despite California Governor Gavin Newsom’s plea for casinos to remain closed until the state enters their next stage of reopening.
The NUNA team is keeping a close eye on the reopening of Casinos across Indian Country. We’ve added a new section below dedicated to tribal casinos and the related media coverage surrounding their reopens. NUNA is actively tracking both media coverage and overall messaging surrounding tribal casinos as they reopen with varying levels of new health and safety regulations.
Keep reading for a full news update.
CARES Act:
Report: ‘Grossly Inaccurate’ Data Used To Divvy Up Relief Funds For Tribes
Indian Country Today, Joaqlin Estus, May 18
The U.S. Treasury Department relied on “grossly inaccurate” data in deciding how to divvy up billions of dollars in COVID-19 relief money for tribes, says a new Harvard study.
‘Arbitrary And Capricious’: Study Casts Doubt On Trump Administration’s COVID-19 Payments To Tribes
Indianz.com, Acee Agoyo, May 18
As tribes continue to fight for the $8 billion in coronavirus relief they were promised more than seven weeks ago, new research is casting doubt on the accuracy and fairness of the Trump administration’s handling of the fund.
Chuck Hoskin: Essential Relief Dollars Finally Come To Indian Country
Indianz.com, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., May 18
After much debate, media scrutiny and a national lawsuit, the U.S. Treasury Department is finally distributing CARES Act coronavirus relief funds to tribal governments, but it is far from payment in full, as promised.
COVID-19:
Navajo Nation surpasses New York state for the highest COVID-19 infection rate in the US
CNN, Hollie Silverman, May 18
The Navajo Nation has surpassed New York and New Jersey for the highest per-capita coronavirus infection rate in the US — another sign of Covid-19’s disproportionate impact on minority communities.
Five New Positive Cases Of Coronavirus For The Colorado River Indian Tribes
Parker Pioneer, May 18
The Colorado River Indian Tribes has been notified of five new positive cases of coronavirus resulting from individuals who were tested at the Parker Indian Health Center. These individuals are residents of the Colorado River Indian Reservation. This brings the total to 19 positive cases for the Colorado River Indian Tribes out of 43 cases for La Paz County.
Cherokee Nation Businesses Releases Plan Outlining Commitment To Safely Reopen Casinos
Indianz.com, May 18
Cherokee Nation Businesses announced today its planned approach to providing a safe environment for guests and employees at its entertainment properties: “Responsible Hospitality.” This carefully developed set of strategies demonstrates Cherokee Nation Businesses’ unwavering commitment to team member and guest safety above all else.
Nez-Lizer declare “Navajo Nation Emergency Medical Services Week”
Indianz.com, May 18
Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer issued a proclamation declaring May 17 – 23, 2020 as “Navajo Nation Emergency Medical Services Week” to honor all emergency medical services teams including first responders, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, emergency medical dispatchers, fire fighters, police officers, emergency physicians, emergency nurses, emergency trauma technicians, educators and administrators, and volunteer members.
Intertribal Ag Council: The Generosity Of Agriculture
Indianz.com, Kerry Hoffschneider, May 18
The generosity of agriculture and the potential for farmers, ranchers and all people to act in more selfless fashions can be found amongst the chaos of the times if one looks for it closely enough, said Zach Ducheneaux, Executive Director of the Intertribal Ag Council (IAC).
Comparing impacts Of Past Pandemics To COVID-19 On Native American Reservations
KFYRTV, Julie Martin, May 18
Native Americans have been impacted by a variety of diseases and epidemics over the centuries that have resulted in thousands of deaths and the extinction of some tribes.
Pictographs dating back to the 18th century depict exposure to the smallpox when thousands of Native Americans died from the disease.
Navajo Nation Sunday COVID-19 Update: Cases Surpass 4,000
Native News Online, Levi Rickert, May 17
On Sunday night, the Navajo Nation reported an additional 90 new cases of COVID-19 cases, which brings the total of cases on the country’s largest Indian reservation to 4,002 since the test results were first announced two months ago on March 17.
Casino Openings:
California Casino Reopens To Big Crowd
Indian Country Today, Elliot Spagat, May 18
One of California’s largest tribal casinos reopened Monday to a large crowd as customers had their temperatures taken at the door and were ordered to wear facial coverings.
Readers React: As casinos roll the dice with reopening, should patrons return?
The San Diego Union-Tribune, May 18
Viejas Casino, Sycuan Casino and Valley View Casino all intend to reopen next week and reject rules that ban large gatherings.
Four more western Washington casinos reopen Monday
Q13 NEWS, May 18
Four more western Washington casinos are reopening Monday after two months of closure and despite concerns from the governor’s office. The move comes after Angel of the Winds Casino reopened last week in Snohomish County, along with two other casinos in eastern Washington.
Emerald Queen, owned and operated by the Puyallup Tribe, says it will limit the number of visitors to 30 percent capacity, though it’s unclear how many people represent 30 percent. Everyone will have their temperature taken before they enter, and the hotel will remain closed for now.
Cherokee Nation Businesses Releases Plan Outlining Commitment To Safely Reopen Casinos
Indianz.com, May 18
Cherokee Nation Businesses announced today its planned approach to providing a safe environment for guests and employees at its entertainment properties: “Responsible Hospitality.” This carefully developed set of strategies demonstrates Cherokee Nation Businesses’ unwavering commitment to team member and guest safety above all else.
California Casinos Asked by Gov. Gavin Newsom to Reconsider Reopening Plans
Casino.org, Devin O’Connor, May 17
California casinos owned by Native American tribes are planning to reopen their gaming spaces in the coming weeks, something Governor Gavin Newsom (D) is requesting they postpone.
Mississippi casinos to reopen before Memorial Day weekend
The San Diego Union-Tribune, May 14
The Mississippi Gaming Commission says casinos in the state can start reopening May 2
Will Covid-19 Create Smoke-Free Casinos?
Indian Country Today, May 13
Clinton Isham is an independent consultant working on an initiative to turn tribally-owned and operated casinos smoke-free. He is from the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewas Indians in Wisconsin.
Lines form as Valley casinos begin reopening doors Friday, see what changes are being made
KNXV, May 12
The familiar sounds of the casinos are returning as some locations in Arizona opened their doors on Friday, nearly two months after shutting down to encourage social distancing during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Other:
New Mexico Offers Grants To Boost Youth Outdoor Access
Indian Country Today, May 18
New Mexico’s Outdoor Recreation Division for the first time is offering what it calls equity grants to local governments, tribes and nonprofit organizations to get more young people outside.
Chicago: This Is Still Indian Land
Indian Country Today, May 18
Before Illinois became a state, several tribes called it home. However, the federal government removed them from the area and put them on reservations in other states. Today there are no federally recognized tribes in Illinois.
A Thousand Miles From Crow Country
Indian Country Today, Alex Miller, May 18
The metal beige cabinets are giants, silently holding secrets within their spacious compartments. They are 12 feet tall, and stretch 10 yards long in the dull fluorescent light of the collections room. Stories have been told for decades on the Crow Reservation about what is hidden within these metal titans. The secrets have been hidden for more than a hundred years.