For the first time in its history, the North Dakota’s Democratic Party will have a Native American Caucus. Three women, Twyla Baker, State Representative Ruth Buffalo, and Prairie Rose Seminole, are currently organizing the caucus with the aim of bringing long-term political engagement between the state’s tribal nations and the Democratic party. All three women are Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation citizens.
The Center for Indian Country Development at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is asking tribal governments to answer a survey about how COVID-19 is affecting them. The survey covers employment, revenues, and changes in government services as a result of current or anticipated revenue decreases.
A new policy allows Arizona residents without traditional street addresses to register to vote online with the use of “plus codes” – latitude and longitude-based location codes that can be used to identify homes without street addresses – making it significantly easier for tribal citizens to register.
A new art installation at Plymouth harbor on England’s southwest coast – from which the Mayflower set sail – spells out “No New Worlds” in 20 foot tall, illuminated letters. This is one of several commemorations that have been erected to mark the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s transatlantic voyage highlighting its dark history. The artists behind the work want to challenge the long-standing mythology around the Mayflower’s search for a “New World” by emphasizing people already lived in North America for millennia when the United State and many counties face a reckoning on racism.
The Lumbee Tribe – the largest non-federally recognized tribe east of the Mississippi River – has emerged as a key swing vote in the North Carolina presidential election. While the tribe voted in favor of President Trump in 2016, many members remain undecided in the upcoming election, according to Lumbee Tribal Chair Harvey Godwin, Jr.
Keep reading for a full news update.
COVID-19:
Minneapolis Fed Seeks Tribal Input On COVID-19 Impact
Native News Online, September 16
The Center for Indian Country Development at the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis is asking tribal governments and their enterprises to answer a survey about how COVID-19 is affecting them.
Hispanic, Black and American Indian Children Die From The Coronavirus At Disproportionate Rates, CDC Finds
Forbes, Matt Perez, September 15
Hispanic, Black and Native American people under the age of 21 are disproportionately affected by Covid-19 compared to white children, according to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study published on Tuesday, findings that mirror similar racial and ethnic inequalities seen in adults.
Politics:
North Dakota Democrats Establish Native American Caucus
Indian Country Today, Dalton Walker, September 16
For the first time North Dakota’s Democratic Party has a Native American Caucus, an accomplishment organizers say is 40 years in the making.
Leading the effort are three women, all Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation citizens, who completed a caucus application before it was unanimously approved by the party’s State Policy Committee on Saturday.
Arizona Policy Could Help Natives In Voter Registration Hurdle
Indian Country Today, Calah Schlabach, September 16
Advocates said a new policy that lets Arizona residents without traditional street addresses register to vote online is not perfect – but it’s a vast improvement over the old process.
Lumbee Tribe Emerges As Pivotal Swing Vote In North Carolina
WBUR, Tonya Mosely, September 15
This presidential election all eyes are on battleground states such as North Carolina, particularly Robeson County, just south of Fayetteville and home to the Lumbee Tribe.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day In Howard County ‘Gives A Voice’ To Native Americans
Fox Baltimore, Mikenzie Frost, September 15
Howard County has joined the growing list of cities and states nationwide replacing Columbus Day with a day that leaders said honor indigenous people instead.
Other:
Native Americans Reclaim History 400 Years After Mayflower Landing
NBC News, Linda Givetash, September 16
“No new worlds.”
These words stand emblazoned 20 feet tall at the Plymouth harbor, on England’s southwestern coast, from where the Mayflower set sail to establish a new life for its passengers in America.
The Myth Of Native American Extinction Harms Everyone
Boston Globe, Mali Obomsawin, September 15
In college, I attended a rally my friend organized to discuss the constitutionality of flag burning. Predictably, his newspaper op-ed provoked a group of militantly patriotic New Hampshire locals to attend, in defense of the American flag. During the tense gathering, I began chatting with one of the flag defenders, pointing out that the flag doesn’t represent all Americans or make everyone — for example, Native Americans — feel safe.
Flags Flown At Half-Staff To Honor Navajo Soldiers Who Died At Fort Hood
Native News Online, September 15
The Navajo Nation will honor and remember the lives of two soldiers who died at the Fort Hood Army Base in Texas by lowering flags to half-staff on Tuesday throughout the Navajo Indian Reservation.
The Native American Agriculture Fund Distributes $15 Million Dollars To 101 Organizations Serving Indian Country
Red Lake Nation News, September 15
The Native American Agriculture Fund has awarded $15 million to 101 grantees for 112 distinct projects to build a stronger food system in Indian Country. This wide array of grants provides direct capital to Native farmers and ranchers through Community Development Financial Institutions, builds value added agricultural businesses for Tribes and creates community driven food systems change.