Leaders of the Metropolitan Urban Indian Directors (MUID) released a statement in response to the death of George Floyd on Monday, May 25th 2020. MUID calls Floyd’s death “an unmitigated and horrific tragedy that has brought shame onto our community,” noting that the American Indian Movement was founded in Minneapolis in response to police violence in the 1960’s.
“The eyes of the world are now upon us,” wrote the MUID leaders. “How we come together to permanently rectify this situation and prevent it from happening again is now paramount. However, we must first acknowledge that this unspeakable act of evil is not new, that in fact it is a recurring problem suggestive of a deeper systemic sickness.”
Over the weekend, Robert Lilligren, Chair of MUID and the President and CEO of the Native American Community Center, spoke during a news conference held by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to address the George Floyd protests. Watch the video here.
“I’ll remind us all that we are here today, my Native relatives, against all odds,” said Lilligren. “And we are here as the answer to our ancestors’ prayers, and our ancestors would want us to be here, to survive tonight, to go home. Stay safe, take care of yourselves, take care of your families, take care of your communities, so we can bring the Indigenous voice, the Indigenous lands that will build a fairer and more equitable Minnesota.”
The American Indian Movement (AIM) has been guarding Native housing and more than a dozen Native-owned businesses and organizations against looting and riots in Minneapolis. Meanwhile, a fire has destroyed Migizi Communications, a Native youth center that provided media arts training to hundreds of youths a year.
Over the weekend, The New York Times published an opinion piece highlighting the fact that the top U.S. coronavirus hot spots are all “Indian lands,” and that “if Native American tribes were counted as states, the five most infected states in the country would all be native tribes, with New York dropping to No. 6.”
Navajo Nation has reported 105 new cases of COVID-19 and an additional 10 more deaths, and new information provided by the Navajo Nation shows how the death toll of COVID-19 is actually 231 and has been previously under-reported. Meanwhile, a syndrome associated with the coronavirus that affects children has affected an infant in McKinley County within Navajo Nation. NPR’s “Weekend Edition Sunday” covered the impacts of losing community members and elders has had on Navajo Nation.
The Detroit News reports that Michigan will receive $10.8 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Provider Relief Fund to support the state’s tribal response to COVID-19, while the Department of Health and Human Services is delivering more than $22 million from the Provider Relief Fund to support the tribal response to the coronavirus in Minnesota.
Cherokee Nation officials announced a $332 million spending plan to use the tribe’s first portion of an $8 billion set aside in CARES Act funding from the U.S. Treasury earmarked to help tribal governments recover from the impact of COVID-19.
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has amended its Tribal Code to criminalize the act of defying COVID-19 quarantine orders or knowingly exposing fellow citizens in an effort to curb rising statistics on the Reservation.
Keep reading for a full news update.
Statements On Nationwide Protests:
NCAI Condemns The Behavior Of The Officers Involved In The Death Of George Floyd
NCAI, May 29
MUID Statement Regarding The Police Killing Of George Floyd
MUID, May 27
llumiNative, Native Organizing Alliance, and NDN Collective’s Joint Statement On The Murder of George Floyd
IllumiNative, May 30
Nationwide Protests:
‘We Have To Protect Our Community: Native Americans Launch Patrols As Protests Threaten Indigenous Buildings
The Independent, Andrew Buncombe, May 31
Native Americans in Minneapolis have launched night patrols to protect their community, after a number of indigenous business were damaged or destroyed amid several days of protests and destruction.
In Minneapolis It’s AIM That Serves And Protects
Indian Country Today, Eddie Chuculate, May 31
The Native community here isn’t looking to the police to serve and protect during the rioting and unrest in their city. They’re turning to AIM. The American Indian Movement was founded here more than 50 years ago in response to police brutality and is headquartered in an area of south Minneapolis known for its Native-owned businesses, housing and community centers.
Modern-Day AIM Makes Its Presence Felt
Indian Country Today, Eddie Chuculate, May 31
The American Indian Movement often is associated with events of the past, like the 1970s occupations of Wounded Knee and Alcatraz Island. But the recent unrest here has shown the group remains a powerful force, with members guarding Native housing and more than a dozen Native-owned businesses and organizations against looting and riots.
Fire During Minneapolis Riots Guts Native Youth Nonprofit
Indian Country Today, Eddie Chuculate, May 29
A third night of rioting in protest of George Floyd’s death claimed the home of a Native American nonprofit that provides media arts training to hundreds of youths a year, as a fire early Friday ripped through Migizi Communications.
Minneapolis Youth Center Catches Fire In Riot
Native News Online, Darren Thompson, May 29
Migizi Communication, a 40-year-old American Indian youth organization, was set on fire early Friday morning in Minneapolis as the city continues to be ravaged by protests that have turned into rioting.
‘They’re Killing Us’: Urban Indian Community Caught At Center Of Police Brutality Firestorm
Indianz.com, Kevin Abourezk, May 29
In the years after the Indian Relocation Act of 1956, Native people left their reservation communities and found new homes in cities across America. Many of them – Ojibwe, Chippewa, Lakota – landed in Minneapolis. They went in search of jobs, education and hope. Many found racism and violence, often at the hands of police.
American Indian Leadership In Minneapolis Call For Peace And Harmony In City Angry Over Death Of George Floyd
Native News Online, May 28
Protests and riots extended into the third day in Minneapolis as a reaction to the unnecessary death of George Floyd, a 46-year-old African American man who died Monday as the result of excessive police force by officers of the Minneapolis Police Department (MPD). Four officers were fired on Tuesday as the result of their involvement in the deadly incident.
CARES Act Funding:
CN Announces $332m Plan For CARES Act Funds
Cherokee Phoenix, May 29
On May 28, Cherokee Nation officials announced a $332 million spending plan to use the tribe’s first portion of an $8 billion set aside in CARES Act funding from the U.S. Treasury earmarked to help tribal governments recover from the impact of COVID-19.
‘Absolutely Maddening’: Trump Administration Falters On Coronavirus Relief Promised To Tribes
Indianz.com, Acee Agoyo, May 29
It was a federal judge’s mistake but it forced the Trump administration into disclosing the troubles tribes are facing as they seek the COVID-19 funds they were promised two months ago. In a court filing on Tuesday, the Department of the Treasury admitted that its efforts to distribute $3.2 billion in coronavirus relief weren’t going so well. As of noon that day, the vast majority of tribes hadn’t been able to submit the information needed to secure shares of the much-needed funds, just hours before the deadline was set to close.
COVID-19:
Navajo Nation Loses Elders And Tradition To COVID-19
NPR, May 31
In Navajo culture to speak of death is taboo. But since the tribe’s coronavirus infection rate has become the highest in the country, they can’t help but talk about it.
Saturday Navajo Nation COVID-19 Update: 1,814 Recoveries, 105 New Cases Of COVID-19, & 10 More Deaths Reported
Native News Online, May 31
The Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported 105 new cases of COVID-19 for the Navajo Nation and 10 more deaths. The total number of deaths has reached 241 as of Saturday.
Kewa Pueblo (New Mexico)
Indianz.com, May 31
Kewa Pueblo, also known as Santo Domingo Pueblo, reported another increase in coronavirus cases within the tribal community in New Mexico. According to Kewa Pueblo Health Corporation, there have been 53 COVID-19 cases as of May 29, 2020. Of those, nearly half — 24 people — have recovered.
Ohkay Owingeh (New Mexico)
Indianz.com, May 31
Another round of coronavirus testing at Ohkay Owingeh has turned up no positive cases of COVID-19, tribal leaders announced on May 29, 2020. A total of 507 tests were administered at the Ohkay Hotel Casino on May 21 and May 22. Tests were available to tribal citizens and other residents of northern New Mexico.
Positive Cases Continue To Increase In Winnebago
Indianz.com, May 31
The Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare System, which is comprised of the Winnebago Public Health Department (WPHD) and Twelve Clans Unity Hospital (TCUH), have confirmed fourteen more cases of COVID-19 in Winnebago. The Winnebago Reservation now has had a total of thirty-nine positive cases of COVID-19. Of those thirty-nine, eight individuals have recovered.
DHS Allocates $22M For Tribal Response To COVID-19
Brainerd Dispatch, May 31
The Department of Health and Human Services is delivering $22,167,546 from the Provider Relief Fund to support the tribal response to the coronavirus in Minnesota.
Michigan Granted $10.8 Million For Tribal Hospitals, Health Centers
The Detroit News, Sarah Rahal, May 30
Michigan will receive $10.8 million from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Provider Relief Fund to support the state’s tribal response to COVID-19.
The Top U.S. Coronavirus Hot Spots Are All Indian Lands [Opinion]
The New York Times, Nicholas Kristof, May 30
The Navajo Nation is a vast, awe-inspiring land of desert crags and canyons, the largest reservation in the country, but today it reverberates with grief and fear.
The Navajo have had more people infected with the coronavirus per capita than any state in the country. Decades of neglect, exploitation and discrimination mean that even before this pandemic, Navajo here had a shorter life expectancy (72) than people in Guatemala (74) — and now Covid-19 is hitting Native Americans with particular force.
First Coronavirus-Related Syndrome Affecting Children Reported In Mckinley County
Navajo Times, Donovan Quintero, May 30
A syndrome associated with the coronavirus that affects children has affected an infant in McKinley County. Called, Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children, or MIS-C, the infant was diagnosed with a fever, cough, and rash, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.
New Reconciled Data Show Navajo Nation Has Had 231 COVID-19 Deaths
Native News Online, Levi Rickert, May 30
New information provided by the Navajo Nation on Friday night revealed the total number of COVID-19 deaths have been under reported. On Thursday, the COVID-19 related death toll stood at 167. After cross-referencing and reconciling, the number of deaths on the Navajo Nation, on Friday the the death toll rose dramatically to 231.
Navajo Nation: ‘The Curve Flattened’
Indian Country Today, Bree Florence, May 29
After weeks of grim news as the pandemic tore through the Navajo Nation, the curve of positive COVID-19 cases has begun to flatten, President Jonathan Nez said Thursday. The rate of hospitalizations peaked April 25, Nez reported during a town hall on Facebook Live, nearly a month ahead of the mid-May date projected to be the peak by the Navajo Area Indian Health Service projection rate.
Tribe Criminalizes Violation Of Quarantine To Help Curb Infection
The Neshoba Democrat, May 27
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has amended its Tribal Code to criminalize the act of defying COVID-19 quarantine orders or knowingly exposing fellow citizens in an effort to curb rising statistics on the Reservation.
Casinos:
As Tribes Move To Reopen Casinos, Governors Push Back
Native News Online, May 29
As American Indian tribes around the country move to reopen tribal-owned casinos, governors in several states have pushed back with pleas and legal threats. The push-and-pull has been most visible in California, which is home to 70 Native-owned gaming facilities that generate an estimated $8 billion in annual revenues and employ more than 60,000 people.
Connecticut Eases Restrictions On Worship Services; Casinos Reopening
Indian Country Today, Susan Haigh, May 29
The state’s two federally recognized tribes are planning “soft” reopenings on Saturday for invited patrons and a partial reopening for the general public on Monday, despite opposition from the governor. Lamont expressed disappointment the two sovereign nations, the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes, were opening their resort casinos sooner than he’d like, but credited both with taking certain steps to limit customer traffic from the greater region.
Other:
Through Kid’s Eyes: Virus Outbreak Brings Worry, Joy
Indian Country Today, Martha Irvine, May 31
These are children of the pandemic. In the far-north Canadian town of Iqaluit, one boy has been glued to the news to learn everything he can about the coronavirus. A girl in Australia sees a vibrant future, tinged with sadness for the lives lost. A Rwandan boy is afraid the military will violently crack down on its citizens when his country lifts the lockdown.
Alaska Airline Shutdown: ‘How Are We Gonna Get Our Food, Our Mail, Our Medical Needs?’
Indian Country Today, Meghan Sullivan, May 30
Ravn Air halted all service with only a few hours’ notice, leaving people in the more than 115 Alaska communities it served with little to no time to make other arrangements. The airline halted all service with only a few hours’ notice, leaving people in the more than 115 Alaska communities it served with little to no time to make other arrangements. Nearly all of them are accessible only by plane or boat.
Mark Ruffalo On ‘The Healing Power From Our Relatives’
Indian Country Today, Vincent Schilling, May 30
‘I Know This Much Is True’ is a six-part HBO series that touches on family histories and the topic of missing and murdered Native women. In a conversation with Mark Ruffalo, the awarding-winning actor discusses his understanding of Dominick and Thomas and talks about his appreciation of Indian Country and why he directs his efforts to stand as an Indian Country ally.
Paiute Tribes Invite Notah Begay III Foundation To Bring Golf, Youth Wellness Programs
Native News Online, May 29
For nine Tribes with rural homelands nestled in California’s High Sierra, creating youth programs to promote health through sports and physical activity has long been a challenge. Rural mountain and high desert communities have slim school budgets, limited facilities and coaches, inadequate internet, and a lack of funding for wellness and recreation programs.
Q&A: Musician Ed Koban Talks Nama Podcast, Guitar
Native News Online, May 29
The National Native American Music Association (NAMA) just launched a new podcast hosted by Ed Koban, an accomplished Niagara Falls-based recording artist who has performed alongside the likes of Foghat, Three Dog Night, Molly Hatchet, Indigenous and Rusted Root.
Navajo Poet Awarded $50,000 Fellowship
Indian Country Today, Meghan Sullivan, May 28
Laura Tohe of the Navajo Nation is among 23 recipients of the Academy of American Poets’ 2020 Poet Laureate Fellowship, a distinction that comes with a $50,000 grant for civic poetry programs. Tohe, who is Sleepy-Rock People clan and born for the Bitter Water People clan, grew up at the base of the Chuska Mountains in Crystal, New Mexico, and currently lives in Phoenix.