The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in California has blocked President Trump’s attempt to exclude undocumented immigrants from the Census numbers that determine each state’s share of House seats. The three-judge court in California declares Trump’s memo is unconstitutional.
Earthjustice filed a request for injunction on behalf of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe in Federal District Court of the District of Columbia last week in an effort to shut down the Dakota Access pipeline. The brief was filed to have U.S. District Judge James Boasberg clarify his ruling from July 6 that ordered Energy Transfer, the company behind the Dakota Access pipeline, to shut down the flow of oil on Aug. 6. That ruling was overturned by a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia.
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter asked the state’s congressional delegation to seek quick approval of legislation that would authorize the state and the Five Tribes to forge agreements giving state and federal prosecutors concurrent jurisdiction in major crimes in Indian Country.
A new survey from Native News Online found that more than 68% of those polled plan to support former Vice President Joe Biden for President, 15% plan to support President Donald Trump, and nearly 10% are undecided. The survey polled 519 Native American and Alaska Native individuals from more than 200 tribes in early October.
The 14th Annual Chumash Culture Day is going virtual this year, featuring California-style Native American singing and dancing in a Facebook Live event, at 2 p.m. PDT, Friday, Oct. 23. This year, due to COVID-19 concerns associated with hosting special events, the tribe is moving Culture Day to an online format that can be viewed here.
Keep reading for a full news update.
2020 Election:
Survey: Indian Country Overwhelmingly Supports Joe Biden
Native News Online, October 21
Native News Online today released the results of a national survey of its Native American readers and Indian Country leaders that shows overwhelming support for Democratic nominee Joseph R. Biden for President in the upcoming election. The survey of 519 American Indians and Alaska Natives from more than 200 tribes found that 68 percent of those polled plan to support Mr. Biden for president, with just 15 percent planning to support President Donald J. Trump.
US Representative Tom Cole, Chickasaw, Eyes 10th Term
Indian Country Today, Dalton Walker, October 21
For nine straight general elections, Republican and Chickasaw Nation citizen Tom Cole has been the face of Oklahoma’s 4th Congressional District. Come November 3, he is a favorite to win yet another term as a U.S. Representative after first being elected in 2002. Cole is the senior Native member of Congress, co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus and the top Republican on the key House Rules Committee.
COVID-19:
Navajo Nation Reports 29 New COVID-19 Cases, No New Deaths
AP News, October 21
Navajo Nation health officials report 29 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 but no additional deaths for the second consecutive day. The latest figures released Wednesday night bring the total number of cases to 11,030 with the known death toll remaining at 574.
Law:
Oklahoma AG Wants Role On Indian Land Clarified By Congress. Tribes Have Mixed Opinions About That
The Oklahoman, Chris Casteel, October 22
Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter said Wednesday he wants Congress to take a first step toward allowing the state to resume prosecuting crimes involving Indians on tribal reservations in eastern Oklahoma.
Other:
Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Files Request To Stop Dakota Access Pipeline
Native News Online, October 22
A request for injunction was filed in Federal District Court of the District of Columbia last week by Earthjustice on behalf of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe as an effort to shut down the Dakota Access pipeline.
Donald Trump Releases Vision For Indian Country
Indian Country Today, Mary Annette Pember, October 21
President Donald Trump released his policy vision for Native Americans on Wednesday via the White House Twitter account. In the three-page “Putting America’s First People’s First: Forgotten No More!” document, Trump champions developing free enterprise, encouraging business development, reducing regulations on developing natural resources and energy, as well as empowering tribes to manage their own lands through self-governance programs.
Tohono O’Odham Condemns Use Of Tear Gas At Border Wall On Protesters
Native News Online, October 21
The Tohono O’Odham Nation is condemning the Trump administration for its use of tear gas by law enforcement near a Border Patrol checkpoint last week where many of the protesters rallying included members of its tribe. The protesters had gathered to protest the ongoing desecration of sacred and burial sites by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s construction of the border wall on the Nation’s ancestral homelands and to prevent further desecration.
Non-Profit Spearheads Land Repatriation Through Community Revitalization And Forest Stewardship
Native News Online, Nanette Kelley, October 21
While restoring devastated rural economies and ecological disasters on ancestral Indigenous lands through stewardship, California tribes could have a shot at federal land repatriation. Under the rubble of Paradise, California, Maidu tribal site monitors uncovered evidence of a historic village. The site is an indication of their resilience and connection to the land since time immemorial, and it’s ancestral land they yearn to take care of.
Climate Change Stokes Military Challenges In Alaska
Indian Country Today, Joaqlin Estus, October 21
Climate change is opening new trade routes in the Arctic, and rising international tensions. Military leaders in Alaska are looking to Alaska Natives for wisdom and partnerships, and to fill their ranks.
Indigenous Knowledge Revives Ancient Clam Garden Practices
Native News Online, Danielle, October 21
Tribal communities are reviving 3,500-year-old eco-friendly practices to create sustainable beaches along the Pacific Northwest Coast. Teams of tribal members and scientists in the U.S. and Canada have scouted various locations that are ideal areas for shellfish, like clams, and other small marine life to nestle and flourish in what is referred to as clam gardens.