Good Morning, NUNAverse,
President Joe Biden pledged last week to give Native peoples a stronger voice in federal affairs, promising at the first in-person summit on tribal affairs in six years that he will bolster tribal consultations, inclusion of Indigenous knowledge in decision-making and funding for communities struggling with the impacts of climate change. Biden spoke on the opening day of the two-day White House Tribal Nations Summit to representatives from hundreds of Native and Alaska Native representatives , reiterating and announcing a series of new commitments.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced the members of the first-ever Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee (TIAC). HUD Secretary Marcia L. Fudge is launching the committee to strengthen the nation-to-nation relationship between HUD and tribal communities, coordinate policy across all HUD programs, and advise on the housing priorities of the American Indian and Alaska Native peoples.
The Department of the Interior (DOI) has launched a new program for federally recognized tribes seeking to relocate as a result of climate change. Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland initially announced $135 million in funding at the 2022 White House Tribal Leaders Summit. The funds will assist 11 tribes in advancing relocation efforts and adaption planning. The Voluntary Community-Driven Relocation program is led by the DOI and will assist tribal communities impacted by climate-related environmental threats.
Keep reading for a full news update.
White House Tribal Nations Summit
‘I’m Tired Of Being Second Class’ Waccamaw Chief Reacts To Biden’s Native American Plans
KATU, Joel Vazquez-Juarbe, December 4
White House Tribal Summit, Day Two: Biden Administration Commits To Tribal Health And Justice Programs
Native News Online, Jenna Kunze, December 1
White House Releases First-Of-A-Kind Indigenous Knowledge Guidance For Federal Agencies
The White House, December 1
Fact Sheet: Biden-Harris Administration Announces New Actions To Support Indian Country And Native Communities Ahead Of The Administration’s Second Tribal Nations Summit
The White House, November 30
Biden Pledges New Commitments, Respect For Tribal Nations
AP News, Felicia Fonseca, November 30
Biden Underscores Commitment To Native Americans At Tribal Nations Summit
The Washington Times, Jeff Mordock, November 30
Biden Affirms Commitment To Tribal Nations, Announces New Initiatives At White House Tribal Nations Summit
Native News Online, Jenna Kunze, November 30
Remarks By President Biden At The White House Tribal Nations Summit
The White House, November 30
Biden: Nevada Site Sacred To Tribes To Be National Monument
AP News, Ken Ritter, November 30
HUD Announces First-Ever Tribal Intergovernmental Advisory Committee
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, November 29
Law:
Court Denies Indigenous Groups’ Attempt To Block Amendment
Source New Mexico, Ryan Lowery, November 29
Judge Orders Enbridge, Tribe To Form Emergency Pipeline Plan
AP News, November 29
Bill to Safeguard Tribal Objects of Patrimony (STOP) Act Passes Senate
Native News Online, November 30
Health:
A Third Of Utah’s Native Americans Live An Hour’s Drive Or More From Respiratory Care
KSL, Sydnee Gonzalez, December 3
Native Americans Are 15% More Likely To Develop Alzheimer’s, A Challenge To Tribal Communities In Wisconsin That View It As Part Of The Normal Aging Process
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Frank Vaisvilas, December 5
Boarding Schools:
Researchers Seek Lost Native American Boarding School Graves
ABC News, Scott McFetridge, November 29
Politics:
What The New Congress Means For Indian Country
Indian Country Today, Kalle Benallie, December 5
Other:
An Indigenous Reservation Has A Novel Way To Grow Food – Below The Earth’s Surface
The Guardian, Hallie Golden, December 3
Biden Administration Announces $135 Million To Relocate Tribes Affected By Climate Change
Native News Online, Darren Thompson, December 1
S. Dakota AG Hires Missing Indigenous, Trafficking Positions
AP News, November 30
San Manuel Band Of Mission Indians Surprises Native Nonprofits With $1m In Donations On #Givingtuesday
Native News Online, November 30