Good Morning NUNAverse,
Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the annual convention of the National Congress of American Indians Tuesday, underscoring the Biden administration’s commitment to tribal sovereignty and pledging investment in Indigenous communities. In her speech, Vice President Harris said the nation has honored the voyage of the European explorers who landed on American shores for more than 80 years, but, she said, “those explorers ushered in a wave of devastation for tribal nations, perpetrating violence, stealing land, and spreading disease. We must not shy away from this shameful past, and we must shed light on it and do everything we can to address the impact of the past on native communities today.”
Following the release of data yesterday that suggests an additional half-dose of Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine at least six months after the second dose increases antibody levels, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is set for a new round of decisions on who should get an additional vaccine shot. While the agency did not take a position on whether an additional shot was necessary, an independent advisory panel of experts will examine the available data on both Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters in a two-day meeting later this week. Votes are scheduled on whether to recommend emergency authorization of boosters for both vaccines. The panel’s votes are not binding but the FDA typically follows them.
Native News Online reports that the National Institute of Health (NIH) is sponsoring a national health effort to combat COVID-19 and they’re reaching out to Native communities and people. The effort is called “Rise Above COVID” and is a clinical trial searching for new medicines to heal those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 10 days. Those who are interested are encouraged to enroll in ACTIV-2, what NIH is calling its clinical trial. The trial collaborated with Native health experts as well as utilized its own Tribal Health Research Office.
The Minneapolis-based footwear company Minteonka’s CEO David Miller issued a statement on Indigenous People’s Day this week apologizing for profiting off Native culture and pledging to do more to support Indigenous communities going forward. He noted that Minnetonka first publicly apologized for this appropriation in the summer of 2020, calling that step “long overdue.” In the statement, Miller laid out five key commitments his company is taking to support Native communities – read about them here.
Keep reading for a full news update.
COVID-19:
In Review, F.D.A. Stays Neutral on the Need for a Moderna Booster
New York Times, Sharon LaFraniere, October 12
The Food and Drug Administration set the stage Tuesday for a new round of decisions on which Americans should get coronavirus booster shots, releasing a review of data suggesting that an additional half-dose of Moderna’s vaccine at least six months after the second dose increased antibody levels. But the agency did not take a position on whether an additional shot was necessary.
COVID-19 Vaccine Boosters are ‘Immoral’ and ‘Unfair’, says WHO Chief
CNN, Jack Guy and Mostafa Salem, October 12
Distributing Covid-19 vaccine booster shots in some countries while inoculations across Africa lag is “immoral,” according to the director general of the World Health Organization (WHO). The increasing use of boosters is “immoral, unfair and unjust and it has to stop,” WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told CNN’s Becky Anderson on Tuesday.
“Rise Above COVID” Reaching to Native American Communities
Native News Online, Darren Thompson, October 12
The National Institute of Health (NIH) is sponsoring a national health effort to combat COVID-19 and they’re reaching out to Native American communities and people. The effort is called “Rise Above COVID” and is a clinical trial searching for new medicines to heal those who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 within the past 10 days. Those who are interested are encouraged to enroll in ACTIV-2, what NIH is calling its clinical trial. The trial collaborated with Native American health experts as well as utilized its own Tribal Health Research Office.
Johns Hopkins Releases New Data Maps on COVID-19 in Native Communities
Baltimore Fishbowl, Laura Stewart, October 12
Yesterday, the Johns Hopkins Coronavirus Resource Center launched new maps and data tracking the impact of COVID-19 in American Indian and Alaska Native communities. The maps, developed by the Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health in collaboration with Indian Country Today, show the disparate impact the pandemic has had on Tribal communities.
Politics:
WATCH: Vice President Harris Pledges Investment in Native Communities
PBS, October 12
Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the annual convention of the National Congress of American Indians Tuesday, underscoring the Biden administration’s commitment to tribal sovereignty and pledging investment in Indigenous communities.
Vice President Harris Slams ‘Shameful Past’ of Columbus Day
The Hill, Adam Barnes, October 13
Vice President Kamala Harris said on Tuesday that the U.S. “must not shy away from this shameful past,” and must “shed light” on the explorers who “ushered in a wave of devastation” on Indigenous peoples.
Native Mascots & Representation:
Moccasin Maker Minnetonka has Apologized for Appropriating Native American Culture
NPR, Rachel Treisman, October 12
The Minneapolis-based footwear company Minnetonka is not actually run by Native Americans, its CEO acknowledged on Monday. David Miller issued the statement on Indigenous People’s Day apologizing for profiting off Native culture and pledging to do more to support Indigenous communities going forward. He noted that Minnetonka first publicly apologized for this appropriation in the summer of 2020, calling that step “long overdue.”
Spain Salutes Christopher Columbus With Little Opposition
Associated Press, Barry Hatton and Alicia León, October 12
Pomp, pageantry and a grand military parade marked Spain’s national day ceremonies in Madrid on Tuesday, overshadowing protests against what some see as a misguided celebration of Spanish colonial history. Cavalry members escorted King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia to a platform where the royal couple watched more than 2,600 troops march along the flag-lined Paseo de la Castellana. The parade featured dozens of aircraft flying overhead and a 21-gun salute.
Law:
Tribes, Advocates Work to Fix a 30-year-old Loophole in Federal Law
Native News Online, Jenna Kunze, October 12
More than 116,000 Native American ancestors are in limbo—their remains not yet laid to rest, but instead kept in storage at museums and institutions across the country. That’s despite a 30-year-old federal law Congress passed to ensure institutional return of human remains and sacred objects, the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).
Former Superintendent Files Lawsuit Against Four Corners School District
Indian Country Today, Shaun Griswold, October 12
Dave Goldtooth says he was shocked when he received the call to lead the Central Consolidated School District. It was a dream job, and despite his initial hesitation, Goldtooth, Diné, accepted the offer to serve as the interim superintendent for the Four Corners district with more than 6,000 students, 90 percent of whom are Native American.
Other:
Oak Native American Gallery has History on Display
Spectrum News, Kristen Anzuini, October 12
It was a day to celebrate Native American history and culture. At the Oak Native American Gallery at The University of Akron, they strive to honor native traditions all year long. Francisca Ugalde is a curator for the gallery, which showcases a variety of Native American items like tools, blankets, baskets and ceremonial objects.
Young, Black Native Activists Say it’s Time to Appreciate Indigenous Diversity
NPR, Emma Bowman, October 11
The diversity of the Indigenous community is underrepresented and misunderstood. Four young Black Indigenous activists working to change that spoke about their heritage, solidarity and how they view Indigenous Peoples Day. The hour-long virtual panel, coinciding with the national holiday on Monday, was hosted by Smithsonian’s National Museum of the American Indian.