Good Morning NUNAverse,
In her first prepared speech Tuesday the new leader of New Mexico’s child protection department pledged to restore the agency’s credibility following a series of scandals under her predecessor. New Mexico Children Youth and Family Department Secretary Barbara J. Vigil also promised to enshrine federal law prioritizing tribal members in adoptions of Native children into the practices of her department and state law. In an online speech to some 300 Native child welfare advocates, the former New Mexico Supreme Court Justice said she would increase transparency and accountability at the agency, which handles child abuse and neglect cases, as well as foster care and adoptions. Vigil said she supports state lawmaker’s attempts to enshrine the federal Indian Child Welfare Act into state law. The act passed in 1978 gives preference to Native families in state foster care and adoption proceedings involving Native children.
Working to ensure tribal influence is heard by the state legislature, tribal leaders in have been meeting to achieve consensus on tribal redistricting maps for New Mexico. Included in the process has been Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, Navajo Council Speaker Seth Damon and members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council. Representatives from the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission, All Pueblo Council of Governors, and Jicarilla Apache Nation were also present to provide input. According to the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, there are approximately 228,400 Native citizens in the state – making it 10.9 percent of the entire population. Given the large size of the Navajo Reservation that has election polling sites within McKinley, San Juan, Cibola, Bernalillo, Rio Arriba, Socorro, and Sandoval counties, Navajo Nation leaders want to ensure the districts make sense for tribal members.
The National Congress of American Indians held a first of its kind election for its executive board positions this week at the organization’s 78th annual convention — it was virtual. Like many conferences and events held during the pandemic, the organization gathered via Zoom rather than in person. Three of the four executive board positions ran unopposed — president, secretary and treasurer. They were elected by unanimous acclamation, following the organization’s election rules. Fawn Sharp, Quinault, was elected to a second consecutive term as president. Aaron Payment, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, elected as recording secretary and Shannon Holsey, Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, as treasurer. Sharp was humbled to accept a second term and said she will commit to being a voice for every tribal nation and the organization will continue to work to seize every opportunity for Indian Country.
The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas has reinstalled a Native art exhibit that was vandalized in September. The work consists of five aluminum signs, which each name tribes who historically or currently live in what is now known as Kansas. On each sign, the colonial name is printed backward while the name of the land’s original occupants is printed forward. The exhibit was removed for repairs after two people damaged four of the pieces on September 4. The fifth panel was later taken but was recovered. The museum is planning a public celebration of the exhibit on Thursday afternoon, which will be led by Native faculty and students from Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University.
Keep reading for a full news update.
Law:
Cherokee Nation Physician Charged With First Degree Murder, Victim Also Employed By Tribe
Native News Online, Darren Thompson, October 13
On Monday, October 11, a physician employed by the Cherokee Nation was arrested in Chicot County, Arkansas for first-degree murder of a nurse also employed by the tribe. Both were non-tribal members. Dr. Tyler Tait, 34, was arrested Monday night after the Chicot County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a woman in need of medical assistance along Highway 65, nearly two miles north of Lake Village. When Chicot County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrived they found Moria Kinsey, 37, lying outside of a parked vehicle, where Tait was also found. Kinsey was transported to a nearby hospital and was pronounced dead a day later. She was a nurse employed by the Cherokee Nation Health Service (CNHS), according to the Cherokee Nation Communications Department. Dr. Tyler Tait was taken into custody by the Arkansas State Police late Monday night. Law enforcement reported evidence of a physical altercation inside a vehicle that both Tait and Kinsey were traveling in. The cause of death is unknown, but will be revealed after an autopsy is done.
Politics:
New Mexico Tribal Leaders Meet To Address Redistricting Maps
Native News Online, October 13
Once every 10 years federal and state districts are drawn up from data released by the U.S. Census. In New Mexico, the state’s legislature will vote in December to approve new redistricting maps. Working to ensure tribal influence is heard by the state legislature, tribal leaders have been meeting to achieve consensus on tribal redistricting maps for New Mexico. Included in the process has been Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez, Navajo Council Speaker Seth Damon and members of the 24th Navajo Nation Council. Representatives from the Navajo Nation Human Rights Commission, All Pueblo Council of Governors, and Jicarilla Apache Nation were also present to provide input. According to the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department, there are approximately 228,400 Native American citizens in the state – making it 10.9 percent of the entire population. Given the large size of the Navajo Reservation that has election polling sites within McKinley, San Juan, Cibola, Bernalillo, Rio Arriba, Socorro, and Sandoval counties, Navajo Nation leaders want to ensure the districts make sense for tribal members.
Election Year For NCAI
Indian Country Today, Kolby Kickingwoman, October 13
The National Congress of American Indians held a first of its kind election for its executive board positions this week at the organization’s 78th annual convention — it was virtual. Like many conferences and events held during the pandemic, the organization gathered via Zoom rather than in person. Three of the four executive board positions ran unopposed — president, secretary and treasurer. They were elected by unanimous acclamation, following the organization’s election rules. Fawn Sharp, Quinault, was elected to a second consecutive term as president. Aaron Payment, Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, elected as recording secretary and Shannon Holsey, Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians, as treasurer. Sharp was humbled to accept a second term and said she will commit to being a voice for every tribal nation and the organization will continue to work to seize every opportunity for Indian Country.
Indigenous Peoples Day:
Indigenous Peoples’ Day Celebrated In Nyc, Despite City’s Commitment To Columbus Day
Native News Online, Jenna Kunze, October 13
More than 150 tribal nations decorated Randalls Island Park with bright colors, flags, banners, and more from all over the world in celebration of the seventh annual New York City Indigenous Peoples’ Day celebration on. Visitors gathered in a large talking circle, and listened to guest speakers and musical performances. Large teepees flanked the circle, and the outside perimeter of the field was made up of vendors selling crafts from their respective tribal nations. Each speaker acknowledged the Lenape land they stood on.
Other:
New Mexico Pledges Support For Native Adoptions
AP News, Cedar Attanasio, October 13
In her first prepared speech Tuesday the new leader of New Mexico’s child protection department pledges to restore the agency’s credibility following a series of scandals under her predecessor. New Mexico Children Youth and Family Department Secretary Barbara J. Vigil also promised to enshrine federal law prioritizing tribal members in adoptions of Native American children into the practices of her department and state law. In an online speech to some 300 Native American child welfare advocates, the former New Mexico Supreme Court justice said she would increase transparency and accountability at the agency, which handles child abuse and neglect cases, as well as foster care and adoptions. Vigil said she supports state lawmaker’s attempts to enshrine the federal Indian Child Welfare Act into state law. The act passed in 1978 gives preference to Native American families in state foster care and adoption proceedings involving Native children.
Kamala Harris Denounces European Explorers For Ushering In ‘Wave Of Devastation’ For Native Americans
FOX News, Jon Brown, October 13
Vice President Kamala Harris denigrated the European explorers who discovered the Americas during a Tuesday speech at the National Congress of American Indians 78th Annual Convention. “Since 1934, every October, the United States has recognized the voyage of the European explorers who … ushered in a wave of devastation for Tribal nations — perpetrating violence, stealing land, and spreading disease,” she continued. “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.” Harris also claimed that President Biden’s Build Back Better agenda will have “a significant impact on Indian Country.” Harris said Biden’s $3.5 trillion infrastructure bill will help many of the problems Native Americans face.
Kansas Museum Reinstalls Vandalized Native American Exhibit
AP News, October 13
The Spencer Museum of Art at the University of Kansas has reinstalled a Native American art exhibit that was vandalized in September. The work consists of five aluminum signs, which each name Native tribes who historically or currently live in what is now known as Kansas. On each sign, the colonial name is printed backward while the name of the land’s original occupants is printed forward. The exhibit was removed for repairs after two people damaged four of the pieces on Sept. 4. The fifth panel was later taken but was recovered. The museum is planning a public celebration of the exhibit on Thursday afternoon, which will be led by Native American faculty and students from Kansas and Haskell Indian Nations University.