Good morning, NUNAverse:
In President Biden’s first primetime address to the nation yesterday, he announced that he will direct states to make all adults, ages 18 and up, eligible for the COVID-19 vaccines by May 1. President Biden’s speech stressed that the pandemic still presents a serious danger, even with vaccinations rapidly increasing, and in addition to the May 1 target for vaccinations also set a goal for Americans to be able to gather in person with their friends and loved ones in small groups to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Earlier this week, Dr. Bruce Davidson, a public health and pulmonary physician, wrote an opinion piece in Indian Country Today urging Native people to avoid the single-dose Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. This morning, a coalition of tribal health officials published their own piece in Indian Country Today responding to Dr. Davidson’s assertion that the J&J vaccine is not effective in Native communities, writing that “All racial groups benefited from receiving the vaccine, including Native people. No one who received the COVID-19 vaccine was hospitalized for COVID-19, including Native people. No one who received the COVID-19 vaccine died from COVID-19, including Native people.”
Despite opposition in the Senate from some Republican Senators, Representative Deb Haaland’s nomination to become the next secretary of the Department of the Interior is on track for a final vote on Monday when she is expected to be confirmed as the first Native member of a Presidential cabinet. On Tuesday, Republican Senators Steve Daines from Montana and Cynthia Lummis fromy Wyoming placed Haaland’s nomination on hold. Daines, a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, cited Haaland’s opposition to pipelines and fossil fuels as his reasoning.
On Wednesday, the Navajo Department of Health issued a new order that will transition the Navajo Nation from “red status” to “orange status.” The move is based on several factors including the declining number of COVID-19 cases, testing availability, hospital capacity and bed usage, and contact tracing. Under a separate “safer-at-home” order, the Navajo Nation will continue its daily curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (MDT) seven days a week and outlines revised provisions for gatherings. Both public health orders go into effect on Monday, March 15.
The New Mexico State Senate has passed a bill that would prohibit discrimination based on traditional hairstyles and head coverings. The bill, known as the Crown Act, is part of a nationwide effort driven by Black civil rights advocates which has won support in other state legislatures. In New Mexico, the bill was also strongly supported by Native residents who say they’ve been discriminated against for wearing native hairstyles. A high-profile assault of a Native high school student, whose hair was cut by a teacher, figured prominently in the debate over the bill.
Keep reading for a full news update.
Deb Halland Confirmation:
Deb Haaland’s Final Senate Vote Set
Indian Country Today, Aliyah Chavez, March 11
Rep. Deb Haaland’s historic appointment to lead the Department of the Interior will happen Monday afternoon. Senate Majority leader Chuck Schumer released new details Thursday indicating that Haaland’s confirmation will move forward, setting up a final Senate vote on Monday at 5:30 p.m. E.T. Also Thursday, the Senate voted to invoke cloture on Haaland’s nomination by a 54-42 vote. This essentially ends debate on her nomination and advances it forward.
Final Vote On Deb Haaland’s Confirmation To Take Place Next Monday
Native News Online, March 11
Despite opposition in the Senate from some GOP senators, Rep. Deb Haaland’s nomination to become the next secretary of the U.S Department of the Interior is on track for a final vote on Monday. A tribal citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna, Haaland is poised to become the first Native American to serve in a presidential cabinet. On Tuesday, Republican senators Steve Daines (MT) and Cynthia Lummis (WY) placed Haaland’s nomination on hold. Daines, a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, cited Haaland’s opposition to pipelines and fossil fuels as his reasoning.
COVID-19:
Biden Will Direct States TO Make All Adults Eligible For COVID Vaccine By May 1
CNBC, Kevin Breuninger and Amanda Macias, March 11
President Joe Biden announced Thursday evening that he will direct states to make all adults, ages 18 and up, eligible for the coronavirus vaccines by May 1.
Beginning March 15, The Navajo Nation Will Transition Into “Soft Reopening”
Native News Online, March 10
On Wednesday, the Navajo Department of Health issued a new order that will transition the Navajo Nation from “red status” to “orange status.” The move is based on indicators take into account several factors including the declining number of COVID-19 cases, testing availability, hospital capacity and bed usage, and contact tracing. Under a separate “safer-at-home” order, the Navajo Nation will continue its daily curfew from 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. (MDT) seven days a week and outlines revised provisions for gatherings. Both public health orders go into effect on Monday, March 15.
Some Tribal Clinics Offer COVID-19 Vaccines To Non-Natives
Indian Country Today, Mary Annette Pember, March 11
The majority of facilities receiving COVID-19 vaccines through the Indian Health Service are providing vaccines to at least some individuals who are not tribal citizens. People who are not citizens of federally recognized tribes and generally not eligible to receive IHS services are described as non-beneficiaries. Non-tribal citizens or non-beneficiaries receiving the vaccine at IHS facilities may include tribal employees, teachers, first responders, household members of tribal citizens or all community members, based on local circumstances, according to Joshua Barnett, IHS public affairs specialist.
Law:
Killer’s Conviction Overturned Based On McGirt
AP News, March 11
An Oklahoma man’s murder convictions and death sentence have been overturned following a U.S. Supreme Court ruling that much of eastern Oklahoma remains an American Indian reservation. The Oklahoma Court of Criminal Appeals on Thursday reversed the decisions against Shaun Bosse, 38, because the crimes occurred on land within the Chickasaw Nation’s historic reservation and the victims were Native American.
New Mexico State Senate Passes Hair Discrimination Bill
AP News, Cedar Attanasio, March 11
The New Mexico state Senate has passed a bill that would prohibit discrimination based on traditional hairstyles and head coverings. If signed into law, hair-based discrimination would be prohibited in the workplace and in schools. The bill, known as the Crown Act, is part of a nationwide effort driven by Black civil rights advocates which has won support in other state legislatures. In New Mexico, the bill was also strongly supported by Native American residents who say they’ve been discriminated against for wearing native hairstyles. A high-profile assault of a Native American high school student, whose hair was cut by a teacher, figured prominently in the debate over the bill.
Western States Chart Diverging Paths As Water Shortages Loom
AP News, Sophia Eppolito, March 11
Republican lawmakers approved an entity that could push for more of Utah’s share of water as seven Western states prepare to negotiate how to sustain a river serving 40 million people. Critics say the legislation, which the governor still must sign, could strengthen Utah’s effort to complete a billion-dollar pipeline from a dwindling reservoir that’s a key indicator of the river’s health. And Native Americans want to ensure their voices aren’t missing from talks as they say they have been in the past. The 29 tribes in the Colorado River basin collectively hold rights to about 20% of its flow.
Politics:
Montana Native Americans Worried About Legislative Influence
AP News, Amy Beth Hanson, March 11
Bills that sought to recognize Indigenous Peoples Day were tabled in committee. Funding for two state positions dedicated to Native American communities were cut. The only Native American member of Montana’s human rights commission wasn’t retained. This year’s state legislative session in Montana — where Republicans hold at least a two-thirds majority in both Houses and have a GOP governor for the first time in 16 years — has triggered concerns from some Native Americans and their allies who fear they are losing influence and representation.
Native Americans Anticipate Educational Impact With Haaland At Helm
Public News Source, March 11
Native American educators say tribal representation at the highest levels of government will likely encourage more civic engagement and trust in the government. If Rep. Deb Haaland, D-N.M., is approved for the position of Interior Secretary, she would become the nation’s first Native American Cabinet secretary and oversee the Bureau of Indian Education. Cheryl Crazy Bull, president of the Denver-based American Indian College Fund, said only about 20% of 18- to 24-year-old Native American students are enrolled in college compared with 41% of the overall U.S. population. She argued it’s time they see themselves more broadly represented.
Other:
Q&A: Creator Karissa Valencia On Netflix’s ‘Spirit Rangers’ And Bringing Native Magic To TV
Native News Online, Monica Whitepigeon, March 11
Last fall, Netflix announced the development of a new children’s show, “Spirit Rangers,” from creator Karissa Valencia (Chumash). The fantasy-adventure preschooler series follows the Skycedar children, Kodiak, Summer and Eddy, who share a family secret: they can transform into their own spirit animals, or “Spirit Rangers,” to protect their National Park. With the blessing of the Chumash and Cowlitz tribes, the Skycedar kids embark on fantastical adventures with their spirit animals, which are inspired by Indigenous legends.