Good Morning, NUNAverse,
New Mexico’s governor is standing firm in her decision to nominate a former tribal leader who once faced sexual assault charges to head the state’s Indian Affairs Department, fueling anger among Native advocates who have been working to address violence and missing persons cases within their communities.
Two state Senators in Michigan have introduced bipartisan legislation that would ensure Native children can benefit from guardianship assistance, including permanent placement with guardians instead of temporary foster care. The bills would fix a “fundamentally unfair situation” in the state’s Guardianship Assistance Program (GAP). Currently, children with guardianship orders from tribal courts or out-of-state courts do not qualify for assistance through GAP.
A legislative bill that would solidify protections for Native children in Montana has gained support from the state’s House of Representatives, which approved the bill during its second reading Monday afternoon. The bill received no vocal opposition from state representatives on the floor, passing with a 66-33 vote.
Walt Disney Pictures released a trailer for its new film Peter Pan & Wendy, featuring Alyssa Wapanatâhk (Bigstone Cree Nation). In the new live-action update of the 1953 animated classic, Wapanatâhk plays Tiger Lily, a warrior princess of Neverland’s Indigenous tribe and the daughter of the tribe’s chief. Wapanatâhk’s Cree heritage provided inspiration for the character and her people in the film to ensure they are grounded in authenticity and specificity, the filmmakers said.
Keep reading for a full news update.
Politics:
Nomination Of Native American Leader In New Mexico In Limbo
AP News, Susan Montoya Bryan, March 3
New Mexico Nomination Spurs Concerns Among Native Americans
AP News, Susan Montoya Bryan, March 1
Law:
2 WA Artists Plead Guilty To Faking Native American Heritage
The Seattle Times, Jerald Pierce, March 2
Legislation Would Ensure Equal Treatment For Michigan’s Native Children, Guardians
Native News Online, March 2
9th Circuit Denies Emergency Bid To Halt Nevada Lithium Mine
AP News, Scott Siner, March 1
Montana Bill Would Strengthen Law Requiring Indigenous Education
Indian Country Today, JoVonne Wagner, March 1
Former Oglala Sioux Tribe President Pleads Not Guilty To Wire Fraud, Embezzlement Charges
Native News Online, February 28
Montana Indian Child Welfare Act Passes Key House Vote
Montana Free Press, JoVonne Wagner, February 27
Other:
US Interior Department Seeks to Restore Bison
Native News Online, Levi Rickert, March 4
US To Focus Bison Restoration On Expanding Tribal Herds
AP News, Matthew Brown, March 3
Indigenous Mushers Take On Iditarod Sled Dog Race
Indian Country Today, Richard Arlin Walker, March 2
“The First Residence” Opens In Seattle With Interactive Installation By Internationally Acclaimed Native Artist
Native News Online, Stacy Thaker, March 2
Film Festival Puts Spotlight On Native Women Directors
Indian Country Today, Sandra Hale Schulman, March 2
National Congress Of American Indians Looks To Year Ahead
Indian Country Today, Kolby Kickingwoman, March 2
SUU Waiving Tuition For Native American Students
KSL, Sydnee Gonzalez, March 1
Tohono O’odham Leader Says Lack Of Infrastructure, Capital Hinders Development
Cronkite News, Alexis Waiss, March 1
Pokagon Band And Its Four Winds Casinos Celebrate Grand Opening Of Its 23-Story Hotel In South Bend
Native News Online, March 1
Native Americans Seized Wounded Knee 50 Years Ago. Here’s What 1 Reporter Remembers
NPR, Rachel Treisman, February 28
Cree Actress Alyssa Wapanatâhk Brings Indigeneity To New Peter Pan Film
Native News Online, Levi Rickert, February 28
Cannabis, Drones, And Wahlburgers: Native Americans Push Beyond Casinos After Pandemic ‘Eye-Opener’
Fortune, Susan Haigh, February 28
Phony ‘Sober Living’ Homes in Arizona Target Vulnerable Native Americans
VOA News, Cecily Hilleary, February 28
Task Force To Study Native Children In Foster Care
South Dakota Searchlight, John Hult, February 27
Casinos And Consulting? Pandemic Spurs Tribes To Diversify
AP News, February 26