The Christensen Fund, a nonprofit organization that backs the global Indigenous Peoples movement, has appointed Carla F. Fredericks as its Executive Director. As an enrolled citizen of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation of North Dakota, Ms. Fredericks will be the first Native person to lead The Christensen Fund, and the first Native person to lead a private foundation of its size.
The White House released the 3-page Putting America’s First Peoples First – Forgotten No More! policy vision yesterday, outlining a policy vision for Indian Country that builds on collaborative and successful engagement with tribal partners across the country. The White House release came twelve days after the Biden for President campaign released its 15-page Biden-Harris Plan for Tribal Nations.
U.S. District Judge Brian Morris has denied a request by the Assiniboine and Gros Ventre tribes of the Fort Belknap Indian Community in Montana and Rosebud Sioux Tribe in South Dakota to halt construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada over worries about potential spills and damage to cultural sites. Judge Morris said in an Oct. 16 ruling that the tribes did not show they would suffer irreparable harm from the work that’s been done so far.
A legislative committee in Utah has approved legislation that would allow the Utah Division of Indian Affairs to work with the state Committee on Geographic Names to create an application template for tribes and other community members to request changes to geographic names that contain language derogatory to Native people. Currently, there are no clear instructions or guidelines on how to make such requests.
Five Alaska Native tribes are objecting to a decision that leaves the U.S. Forest Service poised to open 9 million acres in the Tongass National Forest to logging. The Forest Service recently recommended lifting a 2001 rule that bans new road construction and commercial logging in the Tongass.
Keep reading for a full news update.
Law:
Putting America’s First Peoples First: Forgotten No More!
The White House, October 20
“President Trump is committed to honoring the heritage of America’s first inhabitants and partnering with Native Americans to build a brighter future.”
The White House Releases Putting America’s First Peoples First Vision Policy
Native News Online, October 20
In a statement released by the White House, President Donald J. Trump on October 20, 2020 renewed his commitment to honoring the heritage of America’s first inhabitants and partnering with Native Americans to build a brighter future in Indian Country.
Judge Denies Tribes’ Bid To Halt Keystone Pipeline Work
AP News, October 20
A federal judge has denied a request by Native American tribes to halt construction of the Keystone XL oil pipeline from Canada over worries about potential spills and damage to cultural sites. Work started this spring on the long-stalled pipeline that would carry oil sands crude from Hardisty, Alberta to Steele City, Nebraska.
Utah Committee Approves Bill Changing Steps To Rename Places
AP News, October 20
A legislative committee in Utah has approved legislation that seeks to streamline the federal process for changing geographic names statewide that contain language derogatory to Native Americans. The draft bill would allow the Utah Division of Indian Affairs to work with the state Committee on Geographic Names to create an application template for tribes and other community members to request moniker changes.
Casinos:
White Mountain Apache’s Hon-dah Resort Casino Closes For Two Weeks Due To Covid-19
Native News Online, October 20
The White Mountain Apache Tribe voluntarily suspended operations of its Hon-dah Casino on Sunday night, October 18 after two employees tested positive for Covid-19. The attached Hon-dah Hotel was closed on Monday, October 19 at checkout time. The Hon-dah Resort Casino’s website says the facility will be closed for two weeks.
COVID-19:
‘Still Killing Us’: The Federal Government Underfunded Health Care For Indigenous People For Centuries. Now They’re Dying Of Covid-19
USA Today, Dennis Wagner, October 20
In reservation areas of New Mexico, health care is underfunded. In this six-part series, USA TODAY investigates links between racism and COVID-19.
Other:
5 Alaska Tribes Protest Groundwork For Tongass Logging
Indian Country Today, Joaqlin Estus, October 20
Five tribal nations of southeast Alaska are objecting to a federal agency decision that leaves the U.S. Forest Service poised to open 9 million acres in the Tongass National Forest to logging. The federal agency recently recommended lifting a 2001 rule that bans new road construction and commercial logging in the Tongass, the country’s largest national forest at nearly 17 million acres. The five Tlingit and Haida tribes say they’re deeply disappointed with the agency’s choice.
First Native Woman Makes NWSL Start Against Thorns — And History
Oregon Live, Jayda Evans, October 20
Madison Hammond, an National Women’s Soccer League rookie made her first start in the Cascadia derby against Portland Thorns FC, becoming the first Native American player to notch a start in the league.
Committee Highlights Diversity In NAU Presidential Search
AP News, October 20
Members of the search committee for the next president of Northern Arizona University have made diversity the subject of its first meeting, calling for someone who will collaborate with and support diverse populations, including the Native American community.
Carla F. Fredericks Appointed Executive Director of The Christensen Fund as First Native American to Lead $300MM+ Private Foundation
Christensen Fund, Matt Aguiar, October 19
The Christensen Fund has appointed Carla F. Fredericks as its Executive Director. Fredericks’ extensive career encompasses work as a lawyer, scholar and advocate for Indigenous Peoples’ rights in governance, development and global policy.