A federal judge in Northern California temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s order to wrap up the Census by the end of September. Judge Lucy H. Koh of the United States District Court in Northern California halted the winding down of enumeration efforts at least until a mid-September hearing in a lawsuit that seeks to scrap the expedited schedule altogether.
Local tribes and national conservation groups, including the National Parks Conservation Association, are lobbying to establish a fourth national monument in southern Nevada that would preserve Indigenous cultural sites and critical environmental habitat. The proposed Avi Kwa Ame National Monument would protect nearly 600 square miles) east of the Mojave Desert.
Nielson Powless (Oneida) became the first Native to compete in the Tour de France this year, placing fourth in stage 4 of the grueling race last week.
The city of Columbus, Ohio is considering what to do with their statue of Christopher Columbus that was removed and placed in storage in early July. City leaders called on the community to submit proposals by September 4 for what should be done with the statue, and the proposals are currently being reviewed.
Census 2020:
Federal Judge Blocks, For Now, Further Winding Down Of The 2020 Census
New York Times, Michael Wines, September 6
The tortuous course of the 2020 census, first slowed by the coronavirus pandemic and then placed on a fast track by the Trump administration, took yet another twist on Friday when a federal judge temporarily blocked the administration’s order to wrap up the count a month ahead of schedule.
COVID-19:
Navajo Nation COVID-19 Update: Cases Reach 9,900
Native News Online, September 6
On Sunday, the Navajo Department of Health, in coordination with the Navajo Epidemiology Center and the Navajo Area Indian Health Service, reported nine new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and one more death. The total number of deaths is now 523 as of Sunday. Reports indicate that 7,148 individuals have recovered from COVID-19 and 97,110 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 9,900.
Nationwide Protests:
In Pennsylvania Public Schools, An ‘Epidemic’ Of Native American Mascots And Nicknames
Philadelphia Inquirer, Jeff Gammage and Maddie Hanna, September 8
Four years ago, at least 67 public schools in Pennsylvania embraced Native American nicknames and mascots — Red Raiders, Little Indians, Big Reds, Indians, Redskins.
Columbus To Find New Home For Christopher Columbus Statue
WMTV, Vanessa Reza, September 6
The City of Columbus is considering what to do with its controversial statue of Christopher Columbus, the explorer the city is named after. The statue was removed from its pedestal and placed into temporary storage early July, following a petition started by resident Abigail Adams. The petition argued that the statue did not provide any context for Columbus’ now controversial actions after landing in the Americas.
Other:
Black, Native American And Fighting For Recognition In Indian Country
New York Times, Jack Healy, September 8
Ron Graham never had to prove to anyone that he was Black. But he has spent more than 30 years haunting tribal offices and genealogical archives, fighting for recognition that he is also a citizen of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation.
National Monument Proposed For Southern Nevada Tribal Lands
AP News, September 6
Local tribes and national conservation groups are lobbying to establish a fourth national monument in southern Nevada that would preserve Indigenous cultural sites and critical environmental habitat. The proposed Avi Kwa Ame National Monument would protect nearly 600 square miles (1,553 square kilometers) east of the Mojave Desert in southern Clark County. The Wilderness Society, the National Parks Conservation Association and local tribes are working together to achieve the land designation
Cherokee Nation Names Its 2020 Cherokee National Treasures
Native News Online, September 6
Four Cherokee Nation citizens were honored as “Cherokee National Treasures” this weekend during the 68th Cherokee National Holiday celebration. The Cherokee National Treasure distinction is an honor given by the tribe to individuals who are keeping the art, language and culture alive through their crafts and work. This year’s recipients are David Crawler, of Tahlequah, Okla.; Crosslin Smith, of Vian, Okla.; Traci Rabbit, of Pryor, Okla.; and Dorothy Sullivan, of Norman, Okla.
Oneida Cyclist Is First Native In Tour De France
Indian Country Today, September 6
The first Native American to compete in the Tour de France celebrated his 24th birthday in style. Neilson Powless, Oneida, marked the occasion last week by placing fourth in stage 4 of the grueling race. The Roseville, California, cyclist is riding with the American professional team Education First Pro Cycling.
A Disease That Ravages Indian Country And America
Indianz.com, Tim Giago, September 6
Diabetes is a disease that became epidemic on many Indian reservations. For instance, on the Gila River Reservation in Arizona it was determined that 50 percent of the population had diabetes. In the year 2020 this is not just a disease that impacts the Indian people. It is spreading rapidly around the country.