Oklahoma tribes strike back at critics ahead of Supreme Court arguments
WASHINGTON - Oklahoma’s Five Tribes are pushing back against critics of tribal sovereignty, as the Supreme Court prepares to hear a case Wednesday that could solidify the impact of its 2020 ruling that recognized reservations over nearly half of Oklahoma.
Two Arizona tribal leaders make case for critically needed water projects
WASHINGTON – Leaders of two Arizona tribes asked lawmakers Wednesday to support funding for development of critical water infrastructure and to OK a bill that would let tribal water be sold to others in the drought-stricken state.
Arizona ranks high on states with offensive place names eyed for change
WASHINGTON - Arizona could be a primary target when federal officials meet with tribes next week to talk about possible new names for places that currently contain a slur against Native American women.
Experts target obesity, diet, exercise to combat high cholesterol in youth
PHOENIX – With childhood obesity levels on the rise in the U.S., more experts are looking at how to prevent high cholesterol in youth to help avoid serious health problems later in life.
Arizona lawmakers consider Medicaid expansion for postpartum care
PHOENIX – Advocates are pushing Arizona lawmakers to expand Medicaid coverage for women after they give birth to help improve maternal health outcomes and combat rising pregnancy-related deaths.
Oklahoma, tribes clash over jurisdiction after Supreme Court’s McGirt decision
The Supreme Court’s 2020 McGirt decision has Oklahoma and its 39 tribes negotiating over the re-establishment of reservations in the state. Western states are watching, but most have a long-established framework on issues of criminal jurisdiction.
Expanded Buy Indian Act expected to provide economic boost to tribal enterprises
WASHINGTON – An update and expansion of the 112-year-old Buy Indian Act reduces red tape in procuring contracts with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Indian Health Service, expands access to capital for tribes and increases opportunities for Native business promotion.
Teletherapy expanded during the pandemic, but is it effective for behavioral health?
PHOENIX – Telehealth has been a widely used resource during the pandemic, but some experts continue to weigh the pros and cons of treating certain conditions from a distance – specifically mental illness and substance use.
Supreme Court to hear Indian Child Welfare Act case involving Navajo child
WASHINGTON – The Supreme Court agreed Monday to hear a challenge to the Indian Child Welfare Act filed by a white Texas couple that was almost denied the chance to adopt a Native American boy who was set to be placed with a Navajo family.
Despite gains, tribal nations seek more inclusion in national affairs
WASHINGTON - Tribal governments have "a foot in the door" with the federal government but they don't yet have a seat at the table where decisions concerning them are being made, the president of the National Congress of American Indians said Monday.
Count the Kicks campaign to combat stillbirths expands to Arizona
PHOENIX – Shawn Soumilas lost her second child in a stillbirth 12 years ago. Today, the Prescott mother is part of an effort expanding to Arizona this month to teach expectant mothers about fetal movement and tracking the health of their unborn babies.
Tribal official calls on Congress to fund ‘critical’ water infrastructure
WASHINGTON - The chairman of the Pascua Yaqui told a House subcommittee Tuesday that tribes need more federal support to implement “critical” water infrastructure projects on their lands, and that includes funding as well as better communication with tribes.
