Tribal officials: Court ruling poses ‘real threat’ to sovereignty, safety
WASHINGTON - Indigenous leaders called on Congress Tuesday to reverse a Supreme Court ruling that expands states' ability to prosecute crimes on tribal land, a ruling they said threatens their sovereignty and their ability to protect their citizens.
Tribal leaders urge support for bills to protect cultural, sacred sites
WASHINGTON - Tribal leaders urged lawmakers Wednesday to pass a package of bills that would protect cultural and sacred sites by creating a new tribal cultural areas designation and require Native input on any decisions on those lands.
Tribal boarding schools much improved, but legacy of old schools remains
WASHINGTON - The abuses of tribal boarding schools are in the past, but the schools are not, entirely. Arizona, once home to 47 federal Indian boarding schools, has eight tribal boarding schools today. They aren't perfect, advocates say, but a far cry from past horrors.
Fight over Resolution Copper Mine drags on – and both sides expect more
WASHINGTON - Lawmakers, federal regulators and courts have been grappling with challenges to the proposed Resolution Copper Mine in Oak Flat for years, and while the two sides agree on little, most agree that the debate is likely to continue for years to come.
From heat deaths to worsening allergies, climate change harms health
PHOENIX – Concerns about the impact of the climate crisis on health are driving doctors, nurses, medical students and others to advocate for change. The American Medical Association recently declared climate change a public health crisis and said it would push for more policies meant to limit global warming.
Oklahoma tribes split over tribal status of former slaves’ descendants
WASHINGTON – Oklahoma’s five largest tribes split Wednesday on the terms of treaties signed more than 150 years ago regarding their treatment of descendants of their former slaves, and on what those treaties require.
Hualapai leader urges Senate to OK water plan, as wells fail in drought
WASHINGTON – Hualapai Chairman Damon Clarke told a Senate committee Wednesday that getting access to Colorado River water is "the only feasible solution" for his tribe, whose wells are failing under the stress of the continuing drought.
More than a hotline: 988 meant to ease access to mental health services
PHOENIX – The 988 mental health hotline goes live July 16, providing an easy-to-remember and faster way to get help during a crisis. But some advocates worry the hotline needs more funding and staff.
Court says states can try some tribal crimes; critics call it a ‘disaster’
WASHINGTON - A divided Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that states can prosecute non-Natives for crimes against Native people on tribal lands, a ruling that critics called a "disaster" for tribal sovereignty and an "act of conquest."
Heard Museum celebrates Pride Month with all-Native drag show
PHOENIX – The Heard Museum in Phoenix hosted a Native Drag Show featuring Indigenous drag queens and LGBTQ+ poets for First Friday in June, starring host Pyraddiction.
Bill advances for ‘truth and healing’ panel for Indian boarding schools
WASHINGTON – A House committee gave preliminary approval Wednesday to a bill that would create a commission to investigate Indian boarding schools, despite Republican concerns over the scope and power of the commission.
‘Helpless but not hopeless’: Arizona officials join surgeon general to address burnout in health workers
PHOENIX – Health care workers have reached crisis levels of burnout, prompting the U.S. surgeon general to issue an advisory spotlighting the problem. U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy visited Phoenix recently to meet with health workers and find solutions.
