Pima County works to reduce overrepresentation of Native Americans in its jails
PHOENIX – Native Americans are overrepresented in Pima County jails, often held before their trial or for nonviolent offenses. Community leaders are implementing programs to combat the trend, including pre-trial behavioral health diversions and warrant resolution.
Vicious circle: Tribal broadband program hindered by lack of broadband
WASHINGTON - Many tribes did not have the broadband access needed to apply for funds that would let them improve broadband access.
Pride of Navajo Nation: Diné College works to rebuild rodeo program amid the pandemic
TSAILE – In the heart of the Navajo Nation lies Diné College, home to a once-prominent rodeo program riddled with issues from COVID. Now the school is trying to return the program to the collegiate rodeo championships.
Door-to-door campaign helps Guadalupe turn the tide against COVID
GUADALUPE – With the help of Town Council members, tribal leaders, and health care organizations, tiny Guadalupe is driving down COVID-19 cases.
As tribes wait for investigation to conclude, debate over Indian schools continues
A federal investigation into graves at Indian boarding schools has renewed debate over the schools, which were established in the 19th century to assimilate Indigenous youth into white culture by denying the use of their languages, dress and other cultural aspects.
Cahokia artspace, owned by women and led by Native Americans, cultivates ‘creative placekeeping’
PHOENIX – Cahokia is an artspace owned by women and led by Native Americans that opened Oct. 11 in downtown Phoenix. Its goal is to uplift Indigenous representation in the art world and “creative placekeeping.”
State statutes could protect families if Indian Child Welfare Act is overturned
The Indian Child Welfare Act, which was passed in 1978, could be overturned by the Supreme Court, advocates say, but state laws could provide some of the same protections.
Design chosen for quarter commemorating Cherokee Chief Wilma Mankiller
The design of the Wilma Mankiller commemorative quarter has been released by the U.S. Mint. It’s the third coin of the American Women’s Quarters program, which honors five women in American life.
Hope and resilience in action: Navajo Nation continues battle against COVID
TUBA CITY – Residents of Tuba City on the Navajo Nation remain active in battling COVID-19, and they reflect on the hardships and hope that accompanied them for the past year and a half.
Rez ball rebirth in Chinle: Navajo Nation rebounds as pandemic takes toll
CHINLE – After the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on the Navajo Nation, the community of Chinle as rebounded with the return of rez ball.
Protesters urge Sen. Kelly to support bill to protect sacred Oak Flat
PHOENIX – About 20 protestors gathered in front of Sen. Mark Kelly’s office to urge him to save Oak Flat, a sacred Indigenous site near Superior, from copper mining.
Arizona law allows Indigenous students greater cultural expression at graduation
PHOENIX – Arizona passed a law that allows Indigenous students to wear culturally significant regalia during graduation ceremonies. Previously, certain schools prohibited regalia, contributing to systemic limits on cultural expression.
