The Chief Executive Officer of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Kevin Allis, announced yesterday that he would be stepping down from his position after the organization finds his successor. Allis made the announcement during the first General Assembly of NCAI’s Annual Convention.
The Washington Post published a piece written by Assistant Professor of History at Macalester College, Katrina Phillips (Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Ojibwe) covering the history of Indigenous and Native voters, as well as the impact that the Native Vote had on the 2020 Presidential Election.
Biden-Harris Campaign Regional Communications Director Julia Kreiger confirmed in an email to Indian Country Today on Sunday night that the Biden Administration will “immediately reinstate” the White House Tribal Nations Conference, and that the “Biden-Harris Plan for Tribal Nations” would be honored.
Gun Lake Casino, which is owned by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, distributed more than $611,000 in quarterly incentives to its employees in November. The Gun Lake Casino said the bonuses were has rewarded its employees with more than $16.4 million through its bonus program since 2011.
Keep reading for a full news update.
2020 Elections:
It’s Time To Recognize The Forgotten Americans Who Helped Elect Joe Biden
The Washington Post, Katrina Phillips, November 9
In an election where a record-breaking six Native American and Native Hawaiian candidates were elected to Congress, and where Native voters in states like Arizona and Wisconsin may have helped tip the scales in President-elect Joe Biden’s favor, it’s critical Americans recognize the long history of the battles over Native citizenship, suffrage and representation. While this may not paint the rosiest picture of American democracy, it highlights the power of the Native vote — and what it took to get here.
More Results From Tribal Elections
Indian Country Today, Dalton Walker, November 9
Results from elections across Indian Country are being released. The Southern Ute and Crow were among nearly a dozen tribes to hold tribal elections on or near Election Day.
Politics:
White House Tribal Nations Conference To Return
Indian Country Today, Vincent Schilling, November 9
The White House Tribal Nations Conference is coming back to Washington, D.C. Julia Krieger, regional communications director for the Biden-Harris campaign, confirmed in an email Sunday night to Indian Country Today that Joe Biden’s administration will “immediately reinstate” the White House Tribal Nations Conference, where tribal leaders are invited to Washington, D.C,. to meet with high-ranking government leaders.
COVID-19:
Navajo Nation Reports 70 New COVID-19 Cases; Death Toll Stands At 594
Native News Online, November 9
The Navajo Department of Health reported 70 new COVID-19 positive cases for the Navajo Nation and one more death. The total number of deaths is now 594 as of Monday. Reports indicate that 7,795 individuals have recovered from COVID-19, and 132,720 COVID-19 tests have been administered. The total number of positive COVID-19 cases is now 12,641.
Tribe Reports Outbreak Of COVID-19 Cases, Safety Measures Enhanced
Indianz.com, November 9
The Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe’s Emergency Operations Center is continuing to report an outbreak of COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus) cases in the community of Akwesasne. Eleven (11) new cases were reported today – making a total of 22 total active cases under the Tribe’s jurisdiction.
Casinos:
Gun Lake Casino Provides Over $611,000 In Bonuses To Employees
Native News Online, November 9
Gun Lake Casino, which is owned by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (Gun Lake Tribe), handed out more than $611,000 in quarterly incentives to its employees in November. Gun Lake Casino said the bonuses were “a token of gratitude for the essential role each employee has played in making Gun Lake Casino the best location to work for in West Michigan.”
Other:
National Congress Of American Indians CEO Resigns
Indian Country Today, Kolby Kickingwoman, November 9
The chief executive officer of the National Congress of American Indians announced his resignation during an opening speech of the organization’s annual convention Monday. Kevin Allis, Forest County Potawatomi Community, has served in the role since June 2019. He said he accomplished what he set out to do and is leaving the organization in good hands. There has been no announcement on who might fill the position.
NCAI Hosts 77th Convention; CEO Kevin Allis Announces Departure
Native News Online, November 9
The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) is hosting 77th Annual Convention & Marketplace: Truth & Reconciliation virtually this week. NCAI CEO Kevin Allis (Forest County Potawatomi) told the convention he was leaving NCAI in about two months. He did not specify the exact date he would be leaving but would work with the NCAI staff to ensure a smooth transition.
With Pandemic Thwarting Workshops, NASA Training For Tribes Goes Digital
Space.com, Meghan Bartels, November 9
A new NASA cosponsored course aims to provide Indigenous peoples with the skills they need to assess Earth-observation data and other remote-sensing data about their lands in order to guide decision-making. The initiative was meant to help substitute for workshops the agency can’t hold in person because of the coronavirus pandemic, which has prompted many Native American tribes to close their borders in an attempt to slow the disease. But the pandemic doesn’t change the need for humans to tend Earth.
Search Warrants Served On Navajo Nation Amid Hemp Crackdown
AP News, November 8
A team of federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement officers on Monday served search warrants on the Navajo Nation near Shiprock, where the tribe has been cracking down on illegal hemp farm operations. Navajo President Jonathan Nez tweeted Monday that tribal police were assisting in a multiagency operation and that there was no threat to the community. He said more information would be released later.
Controversial Andrew Jackson Statues Will Get Context Signs
AP News, November 8
Jackson County plans to place signs on two statues of Andrew Jackson to note that the former president owned slaves and approved a law that forced thousands of Native Americans from their land. County voters last week rejected a proposal to remove the statues from in front of courthouses in Kansas City and Independence.