Yesterday afternoon President Trump tweeted that he was ending negotiations for a new COVID-19 stimulus bill with Democrats in Congress until after the election. Later in the evening, the President also tweeted that if Congress were to send him a stand-alone bill for Airline Payroll Support and Paycheck Protection for Small Businesses, or for a second round of stimulus check he would sign them immediately.

Oklahoma Secretary of State Michael Rogers is stepping down from Governor Kevin Stitt’s cabinet, but will continue working as a special adviser to the governor. Rogers had also been serving as the Secretary of Native American Affairs after Lisa Billy resigned last year following a disagreement with Governor Stitt over tribal gambling compacts.

Last week, the University of Montana announced their newly created American Indian Governance and Policy Institute. The institute will be housed within the Payne Family Native American Center on the school’s campus, and will aim to provide tribes in the state with the Montana University System’s research and services for data- and evidence-informed tribal policymaking.

Playwright Larissa FastHorse (Sicangu Lakota Nation) was recently named as a recipient of the MacArthur Foundation “genius” award, which comes with a no-strings-attached grant of $625,000 disbursed over five years. Her plays employ comedy and satire to explore topics such as racism, genocide and violent colonial expansion, foster care, youth activism and federal recognition. 

Keep reading for a full news update. 

COVID-19:

Navajo Nation President Nez: ‘You’re A Warrior If You Wear A Mask’

Native News Online, October 6

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez is encouraging Navajo citizens to take all precautions in the Nation’s continuing fight against Covid-19. “Wearing a mask in public and when you’re around other people makes a difference and helps to prevent the virus from spreading from person to person,” Nez said on Monday. 

HEROES Act:

No Stimulus Checks Until After Election After Trump Calls Off HEROES Act Talks

Native News Online, Levi Rickert, October 6

President Donald Trump broke off talks with congressional Democrats on the HEROES Act that was approved by the Democratic-controlled House of Representatives. Included in the House-passed HEROES Act was an earmark of $9.5 billion for tribal governments.

Politics:

Oklahoma Secretary Of State Resigns, Stays On Staff

AP News, October 6

Oklahoma Secretary of State Michael Rogers is resigning from Gov. Kevin Stitt’s cabinet, the governor’s office announced on Monday. Rogers, a former state legislator, has also been serving as secretary of Native American affairs.

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Chairman Harold Frazier Endorses Joe Biden

Native News Online, October 6 

Harold Frazier, tribal chairman of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, on Monday endorsed Democratic nominee, former vice president Joe Biden, for president of the United States and asked “that everyone vote for Joe Biden this election.”

Law 

Navajo Nation Clarifies The Legal Definition Of “Marijuana” And Creates New Civil Forfeiture Provisions For Violators

Navajo Nation Office of the President and Vice President, October 5 

Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer signed a law which amends the Navajo Nation Criminal Code to clarify the legal definition of “marijuana,” and to allow for the civil forfeiture of property, for individuals found liable for offenses related to the possession, manufacturing, transportation, sale, use, trade, or delivery of marijuana.

3 Sentenced For Conspiring To Sell Jewelry As Made By Native Americans

AZCentral.com, Mike Cruz, October 6

Three people were sentenced in U.S. District Court in Phoenix for conspiring to sell jewelry imported from the Philippines as being made by Native Americans, federal officials said Monday. Authorities say the defendants violated the Indian Arts and Crafts Act of 1990 which prohibits the misrepresentation in marketing of American Indian or Alaska Native arts and crafts in the United States

Casinos:

Big-Name Conservatives Rally Against Nebraska Casino Measure

AP News, Grant Schlute, October 5 

Some of the biggest conservative names in Nebraska politics lined up Monday against ballot measures to legalize casinos, which they argue would fuel an increase in gambling addictions and related social problems. While they tried to keep the issue off the ballot with a lawsuit in September, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled that the question will go to voters next month.

Other:

University Of Montana Launches Tribal Policy Institute

Indian Country Today, Kolby Kickingwoman, October 6

The University of Montana is launching an American Indian Governance and Policy Institute. The institute will be housed within the Payne Family Native American Center on the school’s campus. Its mission is to provide tribes in the state with the Montana University System’s research and services for data- and evidence-informed tribal policymaking. 

Sicangu Lakota Playwright Wins Macarthur Genius Award

Indian Country Today, Joaqlin Estus, October 6

Playwright Larissa FastHorse, Sicangu Lakota Nation, has been named a recipient of the MacArthur Foundation “genius” award. It comes with a no-strings-attached grant of $625,000 disbursed over five years. The award recognizes individuals who show “exceptional creativity in their artistic, intellectual and professional pursuits which help resolve historical issues, refine knowledge and improve the world for everyone,” said the foundation.

Cherokee Nation Offering Free Flu Vaccinations Through December 16

Native News Online, October 6

In the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, flu vaccinations are being encouraged by health experts. The Cherokee Nation is making the process easier this year by offering free flu vaccinations through the month of December to prepare for the upcoming flu season.