Good Morning, NUNAverse,
Last week, Larissa FastHorse (Sicangu Lakota Nation) made history by becoming the first Native woman to bring a show on Broadway. “The Thanksgiving Play” tells the story of four white theater makers writing a Thanksgiving play for students to perform, and “absurdity ensues as the troupe tries to keep their production politically correct and culturally sensitive.” The play is directed by Tony Award-winning director Rachel Chavkin and stars Katie Finneran, Scott Foley, Chris Sullivan, and D’Arcy Carden.
The Boy Scouts of America recently asked members whether it’s time to change century-long traditions and practices that critics say misappropriate Native culture. In a recent email survey taken by 35,000 current and former members, the national organization asked a broad range of questions about what changes — if any — should be made to its usage and portrayal of Native imagery, ceremonies, and rituals.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced last week that it would – for the first time – offer grants for harvesting, processing, and storing Indigenous meats such as bison, reindeer, moose, elk and salmon, offering a boost to tribes working to improve food sovereignty. The change will expand USDA funding, which had been available only for meats the department regulates, such as beef, pork, or chicken.
To provide a one-stop shop for technical assistance for tribal leaders and tribal organizations, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) and the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) will co-host a Tribal Transit Symposium on May 24-25, 2023 in Oklahoma City. Session leaders will discuss tips for submitting DOT and FTA grant applications, including eligibility and reporting requirements.
Keep reading for a full news update.
Native Mascots:
New York Public Schools Banned From Using Native American Mascots
Native News Online, April 19
As Schools Face Calls To Drop Native American Mascots, Some Could Lose State Money
NPR, Scott Neuman, April 19
Reaction To Native American Mascot Ban
News10, Amal Tlaige, April 19
Long Accused Of Indigenous Misappropriation, Boy Scouts Ask If It’s Time To Change
NBC News, Graham Lee Brewer, April 18
Law:
Montana Legislature Votes Against Native Tuition Waiver Expansion
Indian Country Today, JoVonne Wagner, April 21
House Bill Would Give Native Americans Easier Gun Access
Law360, Crystal Owens, April 20
Health:
Indigenous Scholars Release New Report At U.N. On Determinants — And Protectants —Of Indigenous Health
Native News Online, Darren Thompson, April 20
New Cause Identified For Metabolic Disease That Strikes Native Americans
Science Daily, Karl-Dimiter Bissig, April 19
Other:
Denver’s First Native American Affordable Housing Project Aims To Make Amends For U.S. Policy
Colorado Sun, Jennifer Brown, April 23
Senators Push Universities, Museums To “Expeditiously Return” Native Ancestors
Native News Online, Brian Edwards, April 21
Haaland Defends Willow, Says US Won’t End Oil Drilling
AP News, Matthew Daly, April 21
WA Photographer Matika Wilbur Aims To Change How We See Native America
Seattle Times, Rachel Gallaher, April 21
Meet The First Native American Woman To Bring A Show To Broadway
MSNBC, Lauren Boone, April 20
Groups Push US Land Managers For Lasting Chaco Protections
AP News, Susan Montoya Bryan, April 20
Indigenous Leaders Call For An End To Environmental Destruction At Day Two Of U.N. Permanent Forum
Native News Online, Jenna Kunze, April 19
‘Indigenous Peoples Are Experiencing A New Era Unfolding Worldwide’ Interior Secretary Deb Haaland Declares At U.N. Permanent Forum
Native News Online, Jenna Kunze, April 19
USDA Announces First-Ever Grants For Indigenous Meat Processing
Indian Country Today, Stewart Huntington, April 19
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Will Now Be Recognized In Sacramento County
Fox40, Sergio Robles, April 19
Tribal Colleges Tap US Energy Funds To Build ‘Living Labs’
AP News, Susan Montoya Bryan, April 17