Gila River Indian Community rejects states’ plan for Colorado, works with feds
The Gila River Indian Community said it does not support a plan backed by three states for managing the Colorado River’s shrinking water supply, and is instead working instead with federal officials to develop its own proposal for water sharing.
Federal regulators deny permits for hydropower projects on Navajo Nation
Federal energy officials took the unusual step of denying permits Thursday to several pumped hydropower projects proposed on the Navajo Nation, citing a new policy that gives tribes a greater voice in projects on their lands - a move welcomed by advocates.
State of Indian Nations is good, but could be better, speakers say
WASHINGTON - Tribal nations are seeing themselves represented more than ever before in the government, but they still need to make their voices heard more loudly at the ballot box, the president of the National Congress of American Indians said Monday.
Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture teaches next generation farmers sustainable practices
AJO – Sterling Johnson from the Ajo Center for Sustainable Agriculture is teaching the next generation of Indigenous farmers how to connect with the land and the culture through sustainable growing techniques.
Arizona Indian Festival showcases authentic Indigenous art
SCOTTSDALE – The Arizona Indian Festival in Scottsdale showcases authentic Indigenous art. Artists say knockoffs from overseas undermine their authentic work, which represents their culture.
Native nations with scarce internet are building their own broadband networks
Native nations have historically lagged in high-speed internet access, which became even more apparent in the COVID-19 pandemic. So some tribes, such as the Hopi, have taken the matter into their own hands by building their own high-speed networks.
Navajo president calls for new VA medical, benefits centers at House hearing
WASHINGTON - Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren called on lawmakers Thursday to put Veterans Affairs medical and benefits centers on the reservation to help deliver services that he said Indigenous veterans have earned but often cannot access.
‘We are survivors:’ National, Arizona projects aim to uncover, preserve histories of Native American boarding schools
PHOENIX – The Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative launched an oral history project documenting the traumatic experiences of Indigenous children in the federal boarding school system. Local preservation efforts have already delved into Arizona’s history of boarding schools and resulting generational trauma.
New and upgraded health care facilities for Native Americans open in Arizona
PHOENIX – Several new and upgraded health facilities for Native Americans opened in Arizona this year and the Navajo Nation is working to improve the nursing shortage in rural communities.
‘Pumped’ hydropower plans proliferate; one in particular stirs opposition
WASHNGTON - Plans for pumped storage hydropower projects - which recirculate water on a loop to generate power - are proliferating in Arizona, but one in particular, at Black Mesa on the Navajo Nation, has drawn opposition from local groups.
A Flagstaff nonprofit helps its Indigenous community combat high rates of diabetes using holistic approaches
FLAGSTAFF – Native Americans for Community Action (NACA) combats diabetes within Flagstaff's Indigenous community using a holistic approach. It focuses on reconnecting with traditional cultural practices to manage and prevent diabetes.
Biden kicks off Tribal Nations Summit with order streamlining funding access
WASHINGTON - More than 100 Indigenous leaders gathered this week for the Biden administration's third Tribal Nations Summit, where President Joe Biden vowed to strengthen relationships with tribes and signed an executive order to improve their access to capital.
