Good Morning, NUNAverse,
A new addiction treatment center on the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma is making a dent in the proliferation of opioid use on the tribe’s reservation. Since opening in January of this year, the Cherokee Nation Harm Reduction Program — funded in part by a $1.9 million Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) Harm Reduction Grant— has treated more than 120 people to reduce opioid use on the Cherokee reservation in northeastern Oklahoma.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs signed an executive order to officially establish a task force focused on addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples crisis. The task force will propose legislation to address issues identified by the study committee and current task force. They will submit a report on an annual basis to the governor and legislative leaders and provide copies of the reports of the Secretary of State.
The Biden administration is approving a major oil project on Alaska’s petroleum-rich North Slope that supporters say represents an economic lifeline for Indigenous communities in the region, but environmentalists say is counter to President Joe Biden’s climate goals. The decision on ConocoPhillips Alaska’s Willow project, in a federal oil reserve roughly the size of Indiana, was revealed last Monday.
Keep reading for a full news update.
Health:
Opioids Are Devastating Cherokee Families. The Tribe Has A $100 Million Plan To Heal
NPR, Brian Mann, March 19
Wisconsin Tribal Leader Calls For Action On Public Health
AP News, Harm Venhuizen, March 14
Cherokee Nation Makes Big Investment In Overdose Prevention And Addiction Recovery
Native News Online, Darren Thompson, March 13
Government:
Native American Groups Blast Governor For Agency Appointment
AP News, Susan Montoya Bryan, March 17
Law:
Feds Want Justices To End Navajo Fight For Colo. River Water
AP News, Michael Phillis, March 17
California, Humboldt County Sued For Discriminating Against Tribal Foster Youth
Native News Online, March 17
Senate Committee Seeks Comments On Proposed Indian Arts And Crafts Act Update
Native News Online, March 16
Once An Inspiration To People At Home, A Former Star Now Faces Trial
The New York Times, Jeré Longman, March 15
MMIP:
MMIP Task Force Established In Arizona
Indian Country Today, March 15
Yurok Tribe Hires Investigator To Pursue New, Existing MMIP Cases
Native News Online, March 14
Her Mother Disappeared. Then Her Babysitter. A Lawman Fears She Might Be Next
LA Times, Hannah Wiley, March 14
Other:
Head Coach Kelvin Sampson (Lumbee) Leads Houston Cougars To NCAA Basketball Tournament Sweet 16
Native News Online, March 18
Native Players In March Madness
Native News Online, Kolby Kickingwoman, March 17
Announcement Pending On Avi Kwa Ame Becoming A National Monument
Indian Country Today, Aliyah Chavez, March 16
US Tribes Get Bison As They Seek To Restore Bond With Animal
AP News, Matthew Brown, March 15
A Huge, Huge Issue’: Despite Gains, Anti-Native Bias Beliefs Still Plague Montana Hoops
Missoulian, Jeff Welsch, March 14
Tribe To Reopen Lac Du Flambeau Roads In Temporary Deal
AP News, March 13
Alaska’s Willow Oil Project Is Controversial. Here’s Why.
AP News, Becky Bohrer, March 13