Good Morning, NUNAverse,
Last week, Representative Derek Kilmer and Senator Elizabeth Warren introduced a bill that acknowledges “the chronic failures” of the federal government to fulfill its trust and treaty agreements with tribes and to “ensure progress towards trust and treaty obligations.” The bill – named the “Honoring Promises to Native Nations Act” – addresses “chronic underfunding” and barriers to sovereignty faced by Indian Country due to the federal government’s failures.
The Office of the Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs announced last week a publication that provides revisions to two regulations that apply to tribes regarding land into trust and gaming compacts. The Department of the Interior says the updated regulations will provide more transparent and efficient processes for tribes to place their lands into trust or enter gaming compacts.
A renowned Chief Tribal Judge in Michigan has been appointed to be the first Indigenous person to sit on the Michigan Court of Appeals, Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced last week. Allie Greenleaf Maldonado is the Chief Judge for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians (LTBB) Tribal Court, an LTBB citizen, and member of the Turtle Clan. She is now the first tribal citizen to ever be appointed to Michigan’s second-highest court.
Keep reading for a full news update.
Law:
Métis Nation Officially Adopts A Constitution
Indian Country Today, Miles Morrisseau, December 9
Michigan Court Of Appeals Gets First Indigenous Judge
Michigan Advance, Laina G. Stebbins, December 9
Biden To Establish Sacred Tribal Lands In Mojave Desert As National Monument
Native News Online, December 7
Representatives Kilmer, Warren Introduce Historic Legislation To Address Barriers To Sovereignty
Native News Online, December 6
Dept. Of Interior Announces New Publication To Improve Fee-To-Trust, Gaming Compact Processes
Native News Online, December 6
Politics:
Michigan Governor Appoints 1st Native Citizen To Court Of Appeals
Native News Online, December 6
Michigan Governor Meets With State’s Tribes
Native News Online, December 6
Boarding Schools:
New MI Judge Dedicates Appointment To Grandmother, Others In Boarding Schools
Native News Online, Levi Rickert, December 11
Health:
Government Expands Native American Maternal Health Resources
Native News Online, December 6
How This Sacramento Health Center Works With Indigenous Communities’ Traditional Healing Methods
KCRA, Orko Manna, December 5
Other:
Indigenous Founders Of A Museum Cafe Put Repatriation On The Menu
The New York Times, Patricia Leigh Brown, December 11
Alaska Tribes Seek Protections From Impacts Of Canadian Mines
Alaska Beacon, Yereth Rosen, December 9
Western Michigan University Names Lance Taylor (Choctaw) The Only Native American Ncaa Division I Head Football Coach
Native News Online, Levi Rickert, December 9
Andrew Troy’s Historical Native American Drama ‘i Am A Man: The True Story Of Ponca Chief Standing Bear’ Greenlit; Will Film In Cherokee Nation And Nebraska
Deadline, Valerie Complex, December 9
New Focus On Homeless Indigenous Needs In South Dakota
South Dakota News Watch, Stu Whitney, December 7
Havasupai Tribe Opposes Uranium Mining Activity Near Grand Canyon
Native News Online, December 7
As A Sacred Minnow Nears Extinction, Native Americans Of Clear Lake Call For Bold Plan
Los Angeles Times, Louis Sahagún, December 6