Good Morning, NUNAverse,
Last Friday, Pope Francis said the residential school system that abused and aimed to assimilate Indigenous peoples in Canada was “genocide.” The statement came in a conversation with reporters on his return flight to Rome, according to Vatican News. The statement followed the conclusion of the Pope’s six-day visit to what is now Canada.
Meanwhile, Chief Wilton Littlechild addressed gifting Pope Francis a headdress, saying “one of the things I learned that being raised by my grandparents, is you don’t criticize other traditions, other culture’s traditions. And in our traditional way, you would welcome a visitor of high dignitaries, and many other tribes have given headdresses to a lot of other people like ministers and senators and business people.”
Last week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that COVID-19 cases, including infections, deaths, and hospitalizations, are on the rise in the United States, and Native News Online reports on the rise of COVID-19 in Indian Country as well.
Also last week, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy signed House Bill 123, the Alaska Tribal Recognition Act, on Thursday, in which the state formally recognizes 229 tribes. The tribes already had federal recognition. Some see it as a basis for strong partnerships between tribes and the state of Alaska similar to those between tribes and the federal government. Others have said they hope it signals the end of state lawsuits challenging tribal sovereignty.
Keep reading for a full news update.
Boarding Schools:
It Was Genocide: Pope Francis Calls Residential School System ‘Genocide’ After Concluding Tour Of Canada
Native News Online, Andrew Kennard, July 30
New Documentary Honors Rapid City Boarding School Children
Indian Country Today, Stewart Huntington, July 30
Chief Wilton Littlechild Talks About Why He Gave Pope Francis A Headdress
Native News Online, Neely Bardwell, July 29
How Indian Boarding Schools Have Impacted Generations | Part Two: First Generation Descendants
Native News Online, Jenna Kunze, July 29
‘Rescind The Doctrine’ Protest Greets Pope In Canada
AP News, Rob Gillies, July 28
Pope Francis Visits Québec, Apologizes Again; Does Not Hear Indigenous People In Attendance
Native News Online, Jenna Kunze, July 27
First Nations Chief Reacts To Pope’s Apology: What Was Missing
Native News Online, Jenna Kunze, July 26
NCAI’s Open Letter To Pope Francis On Indian Residential Schools
Native News Online, Fawn Sharp, July 25
Indian Country Responds To Pope Francis Receiving A Headdress During ‘Pilgrimage Of Penance’
Native News Online, Darren Thompson, July 25
MMIW:
FBI Releases List Of Missing Native Americans In New Mexico And Navajo Nation
ABC News, Kiara Alfonseca, July 26
List Of Native Americans Verified As Missing Throughout New Mexico And The Navajo Nation
FBI, July 25
Health:
Lac Vieux Desert Tribe Bans Drug Dealers From Its Reservation
Native News Online, July 29
COVID-19 On The Rise In Indian Country
Native News Online, Darren Thompson, July 27
Teva Agrees To Tentative $4.25 Billion National Settlement Over Opioids
The Washington Post, Meryl Kornfield, July 27
Law:
State Of Alaska Recognizes Tribes With Historic Bill
Indian Country Today, Joaqlin Estus, July 30
Judge Tosses Kentucky Student’s Lawsuits Over Dc Encounter
AP News, Dylan Lovan, July 27
Politics:
Indigenous Candidates Seek Election To Washington State Legislature
Indian Country Today, Richard Arlin Walker, July 28
Other:
Help Available For Cherokee Homeowners Facing Hardship Due To Pandemic
Native News Online, Chuck Hoskin Jr., July 31
Oglala Sioux Tribe Rescinds Ordinance Suspending Churches And Missions
Native News Online, Darren Thompson, July 30
Wounded Knee Artifacts Highlight Slow Pace Of Repatriations
AP News, Philip Marcelo, July 29
Indigenous Peoples Want Sacred Items Returned From Catholic Museums
Indian Country Today, Mary Annette Pember, July 28
Tim Giago, Native American Newspaperman, Is Dead At 88
The New York Times, Alex Williams, July 28
Federal Grant Aims To Help The Oneida Nation Move Further Toward Renewable, Resilient Energy
Native News Online, Andrew Kennard, July 28
Items Taken From Wounded Knee Massacre Victims Reveal Monumental Task Of Returning Native American Artifacts To Their Rightful Owners
ABC News, July 28
Oklahoma Tribes Split Over Status Of Descendants Of Their Former Slaves.
Gaylord News, Lauren Green, July 28
For Once, Cherokee Actor Wes Studi Cast As Romantic Co-Star
AP News, Jake Coyle, July 26
Neilson Powless, Nairo Quintana Show Indigenous Strength At The 2022 Tour De France
Native News Online, Ben Pryor, July 26