Good morning, NUNAverse:
Congress passed legislation yesterday that will allow retired General Lloyd Austin – who retired within the last seven years and therefore requires the waiver passed by Congress – to serve as President Joe Biden’s Secretary of Defense. The Senate voted earlier this morning to confirm General Austin by a vote of 93 to 2, making him the first Black secretary of defense in U.S. history.
President Biden signed an executive order yesterday that will require airplane passengers to wear face coverings during interstate travel. Airlines and their employees have been seeking such a federal mask mandate almost since the pandemic began, as they’ve struggled to deal with score of passengers who refuse to follow the airlines’ own mask-wearing rules.
Following the announcement of Representative Deb Haaland as President Biden’s nominee to be Secretary of the Interior, Georgene Louis (Acoma Pueblo) announced she would run to fill Haaland’s vacating seat. Louis is a five-term New Mexico State Representative, and joins three other Democrats who have filed for candidacy, including Rep. Melanie Stansbury and Senator Antoinette Sedillo Lopez, and Albuquerque attorney Randi McGinn. Louis is the only Native candidate.
A bill to expand sports gambling in Washington state beyond Indian casinos and into privately owned card rooms has been introduced in the state Legislature for the second consecutive year. A similar proposal failed last year, but supporters say the new effort has bipartisan support and could provide revenues to help the state’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
New Hampshire communities would be authorized to rename locations or geographic features in the Abenaki language under a bill aimed at promoting the state’s Native heritage. The bill would require the New Hampshire Commission on Native American Affairs to assist communities in determining appropriate names.
Keep reading for a full news update.
Politics:
No Mask, No Fly: Biden Signs Order Requiring Face Coverings On Planes
NPR, David Schaper, January 21
Mask up or you won’t be allowed to board a plane, train or bus. President Biden signed an executive order Thursday, requiring passengers to wear face coverings during interstate travel.
Here Are The 10 Executive Orders Biden’s Signing To Combat The COVID Pandemic
CNBC, Will Feur, January 21
On his first full day in office, President Joe Biden announced 10 executive orders to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, mandating masks on public transportation and directing agencies to use wartime powers to require U.S. companies to make N95 masks, swabs and other equipment.
Congress Clears Path For First Black Defense Secretary
NBC News, January 21
The Democratic-controlled Congress easily passed legislation Thursday required to confirm retired Gen. Lloyd Austin as President Joe Biden’s secretary of defense, brushing aside concerns that his retirement occurred inside the seven-year window that safeguards civilian leadership of the military.
Georgene Louis Hopes To Continue Deb Haaland’s Legacy In Congress
Native News Online, Jenna Kunze, January 21
Georgene Louis is a member of the Acoma Pueblo, a single mother, an ultra marathon runner, a lawyer, and, for some, a flicker of hope for Indigenous people and beyond.
At the heels of Rep. Deb Haaland’s nomination to Interior Secretary — a historic pick by President Joe Biden that would make Haaland the first Native American to be named to a Cabinet post in U.S. history — Louis, a five-term New Mexico state representative, announced she would run to fill Haaland’s vacating seat on Jan. 4. Louis said that the expected loss of the Congresswoman’s voice in the House inspired her to run.
‘Your Land’? Some Native Americans Question Inaugural Song
AP News, Felicia Fonseca, January 21
On the first day of Joe Biden’s presidency, Native Americans had reason to celebrate. But amid the revelry, some Native Americans saw a glitch in Wednesday’s swearing-in ceremony. The only mention of Indigenous people came in the benediction delivered by the Rev. Silvester Beaman. And then there was the mishmash of songs sung by Jennifer Lopez that included lyrics from “This Land is Your Land.” The folk tune is popular around campfires and in grade schools, but it also calls to mind the nation’s long history of land disputes involving tribes.
COVID-19:
On The Olympic Peninsula, The Quinault Indian Nation Beats Back A Pandemic
Crosscut, Manola Secaira, January 21
Katie Ralston’s first exposure to the coronavirus came in early August 2020. Paranoia was high throughout the state, especially in urban centers, but cases in her area of the Olympic Peninsula had stayed relatively low for the first few months of the pandemic.
Law:
Executive Order On Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government
The White House, January 21
Equal opportunity is the bedrock of American democracy, and our diversity is one of our country’s greatest strengths. But for too many, the American Dream remains out of reach. It is therefore the policy of my Administration that the Federal Government should pursue a comprehensive approach to advancing equity for all, including people of color and others who have been historically underserved, marginalized, and adversely affected by persistent poverty and inequality. Because advancing equity requires a systematic approach to embedding fairness in decision-making processes, executive departments and agencies (agencies) must recognize and work to redress inequities in their policies and programs that serve as barriers to equal opportunity.
Day One: President Biden Signs Executive Order To Halt Keystone XL Pipeline
Native News Online, January 21
Wasting no time getting to work on his first day as leader of the United States, President Joe Biden signed 17 executive orders that reversed his predecessor’s policies. Among the 17 executive orders important to Indian Country, the president canceled the presidential permit needed to finish the Keystone XL pipeline, which was a project endorsed by Trump in his first days in office.
Bill To Expand Sports Gambling Introduced In Legislature
AP News, Nicholas Geranios, January 21
A bill to expand sports gambling in Washington state beyond Indian casinos and into privately-owned card rooms has been introduced in the state Legislature for the second consecutive year. The Senate bill seeks to expand sports betting to include the state’s licensed card rooms and horse race tracks and is once again being pushed by Nevada-based Maverick Gaming. Last session, lawmakers approved sports gambling for Native American tribes, but that has yet to take effect as government compacts are still being negotiated. Lawmakers at the same time rebuffed a bill seeking to open sports gambling to non-tribal competition.
Bill Promotes Native American History Through NH Place Names
AP News, Holly Ramer, January 20
New Hampshire communities would be authorized to rename locations or geographic features in the Abenaki language under a bill aimed at promoting the state’s Native American heritage. The bill would require the New Hampshire Commission on Native American Affairs to assist communities in determining appropriate names. Kathleen Blake, chairperson of the commission, said the group is pleased the bill has been proposed and appreciates being included. But members have concerns about the language, and the committee agreed to hold onto the proposal to get more input and consider changes.
Native Mascots:
Native Mascots Issue On PBS American Portrait’ Series
Indian Country Today, Vincent Schilling, January 21
A new four-part documentary series titled “PBS American Portrait” highlights the myriad traditions and ways of life of cultures and races across America. One of the highlighted stories featured Yolonda Blue Horse, who joins Keller High School students to change the Indian mascot that has been recognized by the school since the 1940s. The series, which premiered on Jan. 5, was produced by RadicalMedia as part of PBS’s 50th anniversary signature programming initiative.
Wednesday COVID-19 Update: 94 New Cases; 11 More Deaths
Native News Online, January 21
The Navajo Department of Health reported 94 new Covid-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and 11 more deaths. The total number of deaths remains 933 as of Wednesday. Reports indicate that 13,748 individuals have recovered from Covid-19, and 225,099 Covid-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive Covid-19 cases is now 26,612.
COVID-19:
Wednesday COVID-19 Update: 94 New Cases; 11 More Deaths
Native News Online, January 21
The Navajo Department of Health reported 94 new Covid-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and 11 more deaths. The total number of deaths remains 933 as of Wednesday. Reports indicate that 13,748 individuals have recovered from Covid-19, and 225,099 Covid-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive Covid-19 cases is now 26,612.
Other:
Biden To Review Trump’s Changes To National Monuments
AP News, Brady McCombs, January 21
President Joe Biden said Wednesday he plans to review the Trump administration’s downsizing of two sprawling national monuments in the American Southwest, including one on lands considered sacred to Native Americans who joined environmental groups in suing when the boundaries were redrawn in 2017. The move is part of Biden’s expansive plan to tackle climate change and reverse the Trump administration’s “harmful policies,” according to fact sheet issued by the administration on Biden’s inauguration day.
Lawrence Agrees To Return Sacred Prayer Rock To Kaw Nation
AP News, January 20
The Lawrence City Council has unanimously approved a measure to return a Native American tribe’s prayer rock that was transformed more than 90 years ago into a monument honoring Kansas settlers. The council voted 5-0 Tuesday to return the rock to the Kaw Nation. The move came after the tribe sent a letter to the city last month requesting the rock’s return.