Two Virginia counties are trying to build a small water pumping station on a small peninsula jutting into the James River, but a determined Native coalition is battling against the project, arguing that it would destroy Rassawek, the ancient capital of the Monacan tribe. The National Trust for Historic Preservation recently announced that Rassawek’s peninsula is one of the country’s 11 most endangered historic sites.
Indian Country Today reports that the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is asking that their local Bureau of Indian Affairs head be removed and a new superintendent be assigned to the Cherokee, North Carolina, agency. The tribal council passed a resolution requesting that BIA Cherokee Agency Superintendent William McKee Jr., a member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, be reassigned by a vote of 10-0, with two representatives absent.
The CEO of Pebble Limited – the company behind the proposed copper and gold mine near a prime Alaska fishery – has resigned after covertly filmed videos showed him talking about elected and regulatory officials and unreleased plans for the huge project. In the videos, the mine developers describe their plans for a much bigger and longer-lasting mine than they’ve presented in the permitting process. They also claim their political connections are working to their benefit.
Principal Chief David Hill of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation was named to TIME Magazine’s 17th annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Hill was selected because his tribal nation took the McGirt v. Oklahoma case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which they won in a 5-4 ruling on July 9.
Keep reading for a full news update.
COVID-19:
Northern Cheyenne Chief Anthony Prairiebear Dies From Covid-19
Native News Online, September 23
The Northern Cheyenne Tribe is mourning the loss of one of their chiefs, Anthony “Tony” Prairebear, who died on Sept. 16 from Covid-19. Prairiebear, whose Indian name was Maa’heonee’veke’ese HolyBird, was 62. Prairiebear was a descendant of chiefs and also held a position on the Council of the 44 Chiefs with the Northern Cheyenne Nation.
2020 Elections:
Native Americans In Montana Face Voting Challenges
NBC Montana, Margaret Pfohl, September 22
In Montana, Native Americans have always faced challenges, especially when it comes to voting. In the face of legal hurdles, organizers are working to help Native Americans make their vote count this upcoming election.
Other:
Eastern Cherokee Want BIA Official Removed
Indian Country Today, Joseph Martin, September 24
The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians government is asking that its local Bureau of Indian Affairs head be removed and a new superintendent be assigned to the Cherokee, North Carolina, agency.
Native American Capital Among 11 Most Endangered Historic Sites
National Geographic, Andrew Lawler, September 24
If two Virginia counties have their way, a low-lying stub of forest jutting into the James River will host a small water pumping station to meet the needs of their growing populations.
Muscogee (Creek) Nation Chief David Hill Named To TIME 100 Most Influential People Of 2020 List
Native News Online, September 23
TIME magazine on Tuesday revealed its annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world. Among those named in the 17th annual list is Principal Chief David Hill of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. Hill was selected because his tribal nation took the McGirt v. Oklahoma case all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court, which they won in a 5-4 ruling on July 9.
McSally, Heinrich Call On U.S. Army To Investigate Fort Hood Deaths
Mcsally.senate.gov, Martha McSally, September 23
U.S. Senators Martha Mcsally (R-az) And Martin Heinrich (D-nm) this week sent a letter to Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy requesting a thorough investigation into the multiple deaths at Fort Hood this year. The letter comes in the wake of the tragic deaths of Private Carlton Chee and Army Specialist Miguel Yazzie, who were both members of the Navajo Nation.
Pebble Mine CEO Resigns After Recorded Comments Released
Indian Country Today, September 23
The head of a proposed copper and gold mine near a prime Alaska salmon fishery has resigned after covertly filmed videos showed developers describing their plans for a much bigger and longer-lasting mine than they’ve presented in the permitting process. They also claim their political ties are working to their benefit.
Google Maps Recognizes Boundaries of Oklahoma Reservations Following McGirt Ruling
Native News Online, September 23
Google Maps took notice of the McGirt v. Oklahoma decision on July 9, in which the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Congress never “disestablished” the 1866 boundaries of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, whose territory encompasses three million acres and includes most of the city of Tulsa.