COVID-19

An Indigenous Approach to Mental Health

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Thu, 19 May 2022 16:00:10 +0000

An Indigenous Approach to Mental Health

spesweviwridri… (not verified) May 19, 2022

AIPI Blog

An Indigenous Approach to Mental Health

This month, we celebrate the resilience of all those who live with mental illness and those who have passed on after battling mental illness. Among other mental health concerns, the COVID-19 pandemic has been shown to increase stress and depression. I am a Two-Spirit person living with bipolar and anxiety. I have acutely experienced the impact of the pandemic. I offer my story today to frame a discussion of mental health resources and Indigenous approaches to mental health.

It’s 2022; I am 28 years old and have been struggling my whole life with the aforementioned conditions. For me, these mental health issues came with suicidal thoughts and alcohol use. The fact is, suicide was the second leading cause of death for American Indian/Alaska Native young people between 10 and 34 years old in 2019. Two-Spirit and Indigenous LGBTQ youth (ages 13 - 24) are 2.5 times more likely to have a suicide attempt in the past year than non-Hispanic white youth. The overall death rate from suicide is 20 percent higher than for non-Hispanic white communities. I spent most of college with a misdiagnosis of depression, and I took many pills that did not work or actively made my mental health worse.

It took until 2017 for me to receive a bipolar diagnosis. My alcohol use was starting to impact my friends and roommates; they pushed for me to look into mental health resources. With my family unaware of my problem, I decided to search for help. It can be extremely difficult to navigate healthcare systems while you suffer from an untreated mental illness. I found a psychiatrist who was knowledgeable on mental health and Indigenous issues. She ran genetic tests to figure out which pill would work for me because she said that intergenerational historical trauma affects how American Indian/Alaska Native people respond to medication.

In addition to medication, I began to focus on my journey of reconnection to my culture. I am a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, but I grew up away from Cherokee ways of life and teachings. To Indigneous communities, culture is grounding, it is a part of our belief systems, our survival. The Trevor Project said in their study of Indigenous youth:

“[American Indian/Alaska Native] suicide prevention experts have called for “reaching back into the root system of our people,” and drawing on spiritual and cultural strengths as a powerful protective factor (Heart of the Hawk Ali, 2020; Yellow Horse Brave Heart et al., 2011).”

I leaned on resources which highlighted the importance of culture to stop my alcohol use . I read about the “Red Road” to sobriety, I went to the Cherokee Nation’s Cultural Outreach webinars on spirituality and mental health. Indigenous approaches to mental health are holistic, spiritual, and culturally-grounded.

Even with all of these support systems, throughout this COVID-19 pandemic I have struggled. The isolation, fear, and death took its toll on my mental health. My medications had to be adjusted, and I had to build up new support systems, many online. Online support systems and online mental health resources are not an option for many people in Indian Country because of the lack of Internet connectivity. But there are opportunities to help even without Internet access:

Indian Health Services has a Mental Health Program, including counseling, diagnosing, crisis response, and prevention.
Offer support to youth. Family support and affirming schools can reduce the suicide risk by more than half for Indigenous LGBTQ youth.
Youth can take part too by becoming peer supports. (There is a peer support manual for Indigenous LGBTQ youth available to read online or print.)
If you are struggling at your job, you can request reasonable accommodations for your mental health under the Americans with Disabilities Act. (The Job Accommodation Network has examples of accommodations for many different types of disabilities.)
The Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available by phone at 1-800-273-8255.
Get involved in your community, support others and lean on others for support.
Learn about your culture and traditional medicines.(There is always upcoming research on Indigenous medicine and mental health around the world.)

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May 19, 2022

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The 2021 Tribal Nations Summit: Constructing Modern Nation-to-Nation Dialogue

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Thu, 18 Nov 2021 23:28:00 +0000

The 2021 Tribal Nations Summit: Constructing Modern Nation-to-Nation Dialogue

spesweviwridri… (not verified) November 18, 2021

AIPI Blog

The 2021 Tribal Nations Summit: Constructing Modern Nation-to-Nation Dialogue

During this year's Native American Heritage Month, Tribal leaders and high-level White House Officials constructed discourse with respect to issues important in Indian Country. The 2021 Tribal Nations Summit (the Summit), hosted by the White House, was held on November 15th and 16th. This is the first time the Summit has taken place since 2016. The Summit presented a unique opportunity for nation-to-nation dialogue on support to Tribal communities to create opportunities, advance equity, and address new and long-standing challenges. Topics addressed included Infrastructure, Native languages, climate change and COVID-19. Several members of the American Indian Policy Institute (AIPI) attended the Summit.

The Summit commenced by releasing the “White House Tribal Nations Summit Progress Report.” The 38-page document outlined key contributions made by the Biden-Harris Administration to Indian Country. In addition, a shorter fact sheet was also released titled “Building a New Era of Nation-Nation Engagement.” This fact sheet includes reports on progress made in Indian Country during the Biden-Harris Administration as well as present plans for continuing improvement of nation-to-nation relationships.

The first day of the 2021 Tribal Nations Summit was inspiring and spirited. Welcoming remarks included engaging addresses from Secretary Deb Haaland, President Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden and Attorney General Merrick Garland. During his live remarks, President Biden signed an Executive Order on Improving Public Safety and Criminal Justice for Native Americans and Addressing the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous People. While signing the Executive Order, President Biden proclaimed: “I am proud to sign it. It is long overdue.”

Read the Full Executive Order, Here.

After the opening remarks, policy panels spoke on combating COVID-19, Native American Educations and Languages, Public Safety and Justice. Each panel featured dialouge between Tribal leaders and high-level White House Officials including Dr. Anthony Fauci, Chief Medical Officer to the President, Secretary Xavier Becerra of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco of the U.S. Department of Justice, and Secretary Miguel Cardona of the U.S. Department of Education.

Highlights of day one of the Summit include announcements of several initiatives:

Watch the Full Recording of the 2021 Tribal Nations Summit: Day One, Here.

Day two of the Summit carried the momentum from day one. Opening remarks were provided by White House Director of Intergovernmental Affairs Julie Rodriguez. Following opening remarks, four policy panels and one listening session were held. Panel topics were climate change, Tribal treaty rights, economic and workforce development and infrastructure were led by a myriad of Tribal leaders and members of the Administration. White House Climate Advisor Gina McCarthy, Assistant Secretary Bryan Newland of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Secretary Marty Walsh of the US Department of Labor and Secretary Pete Buttigieg of the US Department of Transportation were among those present.

Highlights from day two of the Summit include:

Creation of First Secretary’s Tribal Advisory Committee at the Department of the Interior
A Focus on Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and Broadband Funding
- See AIPI’s policy analysis on broadband and the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act
New Interdepartmental Memorandum of Understanding to Protect Indigenous Sacred Sites

Two heartening segments concluded of the 2021 Tribal Nations Summit. First, attendees of the Summit had the pleasure of watching a performance from the first Native American U.S. poet laureate, Joy Harjo. Harjo read her piece “Eagle Poem”. Second and finally, Vice President Kamala Harris addressed Tribal leaders and those in attendance. Vice President Harris touched on some of the essential topics of the Summit including the significance of adequate broadband funding to Tribal communities to increase digital equity and fighting against the impediments facing Native Americans and their right to vote. She also reaffirmed the importance of the commitment the Biden-Harris Administration has to Indian Country.

Watch Vice President Harris’ Address, Here.

Watch the Full Recording of the 2021 Tribal Nations Summit: Day Two, Here.

In light of the recent events of COVID-19 and the spotlight on racial inequities across marginalized communities, the importance of informed and open dialogue is paramount. Opportunities such as the Tribal Nations Summit are key in constructing modern-era nation-to-nation relationships and continuing the bolstering of such dialogue. The 2021 Tribal Nations Summit was certainly an appropriate event to occur during Native American Heritage Month. The conversations and initiatives introduced during the Summit will affect Native American communities and ultimately, Native American heritage for generations to come.

Posted on

November 18, 2021

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An Overview of the American Rescue Plan for Indian Country

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Wed, 17 Mar 2021 18:20:25 +0000

An Overview of the American Rescue Plan for Indian Country

spesweviwridri… (not verified) March 17, 2021

AIPI Blog

An Overview of the American Rescue Plan for Indian Country

Indian Country has been disproportionately affected by COVID-19, largely due to existing inequities exacerbated by the pandemic. Inadequate healthcare, a lack of housing, and underdeveloped infrastructure increased the severity of COVID-19 in Tribal communities. This resulted in an infection rate four times higher, and tragically, mortality rates twice that of other populations. The pandemic’s disproportionate impact emphasizes the importance of addressing underlying systemic inequality as the threat of COVID-19 slowly dissipates and we attempt a return to a ‘new normal’.

Despite the pandemic’s severity, Indian Country has risen to meet every challenge head-on. Over the past year, Tribal Nations worked tirelessly to efficiently utilize available resources and find innovative ways to keep their communities safe. The American Rescue Plan recognizes that Indian Country is in the best position to address individual community needs by investing a historic $31.2 billion into Tribal communities to directly combat the effects of COVID-19. The American Rescue Plan would deliver immediate assistance to address critical areas, including:

$20 billion for Tribal governments to combat COVID-19, including funding to assist Tribal community safety-net programs;
$6 billion for the Indian Health Service (IHS) for vaccinations, mental and behavioral health, urban health centers, third-party medical billing reimbursements, and other needs;
$900 million for Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) programs such as Tribal government services and potable water delivery;
Over $1.1 billion for Native education programs, including Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) schools, Tribal education agencies, and Tribal Colleges and Universities;
$1.2 billion for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Tribal housing programs;
$20 million to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on Native languages through language preservation and maintenance grants;
$19 million for Tribal community efforts to combat domestic violence.

Tribes have until the end of calendar year 2024 to use the funds. One crucial tool that most Tribes did not have sufficient access to throughout the pandemic is broadband internet. According to an FCC Report from last June, about 28 percent of people on Tribal lands do not have broadband access. Where internet access is available, it can still be extremely expensive. The $31.2 billion allocated to Indian Country in the American Rescue Plan provides funding to Tribal governments that can be used to invest in internet infrastructure or subsidize homeowner’s internet access:

The aforementioned $20 billion allocated to Tribal governments will allow leaders to make important investments in broadband infrastructure;
The Coronavirus Capital Projects Fund of $100 million provides Tribal governments and the state of Hawaii with the resources to invest in capital projects that directly support work, education, and health monitoring in response to COVID-19. This includes projects related to remote options for work, education, and health monitoring;
The Homeowner Assistance Fund has some funding allocated specifically for Tribal governments to assist homeowners. This funding, which can be used to help with bills, including broadband, will allow people to stay in their homes;
$140 million is allocated for IHS to improve information technology telehealth infrastructure. Additionally, there is funding to improve rural telehealth through the Emergency Rural Development Grants for Rural Health Care.

The Treasury Department is in the process of finalizing the distribution system of the $31.2 billion to Tribal Nations, and will soon hold consultations to gather Tribal input. While there are not yet any scheduled consultations for the American Rescue Plan, the Department will host meetings next month to discuss Tribal consultation policies. AIPI applauds the incredible work of lawmakers, Tribal leaders, community advocates, and all who were involved with this effort. This investment from the Federal government makes great strides towards affirming Tribal sovereignty and better ensures the safety of America’s Indigenous communities.

Posted on

March 17, 2021

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Coronavirus in Indian Country: A Roundtable Hosted by the House Natural Resources Committee Democrats

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Fri, 15 May 2020 23:28:00 +0000

Coronavirus in Indian Country: A Roundtable Hosted by the House Natural Resources Committee Democrats

spesweviwridri… (not verified) May 15, 2020

AIPI Blog

Coronavirus in Indian Country: A Roundtable Hosted by the House Natural Resources Committee Democrats

In the fight against COVID-19, tribal nations face many of the same health, education, and economic public policy challenges as non-Native state and local governments. However, they are further hindered by an obstacle course of red tape and administrative misapplications from the federal government that prevents tribes from fully utilizing their sovereign authority and hamper their pandemic defense and recovery strategies. This is an area that some U.S. representatives feel deserves the full attention of Congress and the Administration.

The House Natural Resources Committee Democrats hosted a virtual roundtable discussion this morning in which members of The House of Representatives listened to leading experts from Indian Country about how federal relief support could be improved to provide tribes with the resources and flexibility they need to provide for their people.

The roundtable was hosted by Rep. Ruben Gallego (D, AZ-7). Other members of Congress on the call included Rep. Deb Haaland (D, NM-1), Rep. Matt Cartwright (D, PA-8), and Rep. Darren Soto (D, FL-9). They heard from Kevin Allis, CEO of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), Dante Desiderio, the executive director of the Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA), and Walter Murillo, president of the Board of Directors for the National Council of Urban Indian Health (NCUIH). Murillo is also the CEO of Native Health in Phoenix, AZ. Desiderio is a member of the American Indian Policy Institute Advisory Board.

Watch the video below:

Highlights from the Call

CARES Act Funding Issues

A top point of discussion is the mishandling of CARES Act relief funding, which was allocated to tribes over seven weeks ago and has still not been fully deployed to tribal governments.

Desiderio said the deadline to deploy the full $8 million was April 30. The first 60 percent of that funding went out after the deadline and the other 40 percent has not been released yet; it may not be until June. He said, the inequity of tribes vs. the general public is amplified by the slow response to the crisis in support of tribes.

Allis added that the Administration’s dubious interpretations of the language in the bill caused unnecessary hindrances. He said that upcoming bills will need to include clarifications so that funding is delivered in a reasonable timeframe. He added that the agencies tasked with deployment of the funds lacked relationships with Indian Country and demonstrated a lack of understanding of the trust relationship and how to apply it properly.

Desiderio added that tribes are not satisfied with the population data that was used to calculate tribal allocations. The population formula used data from the Housing and Urban Development, which is not representative or accurate of tribal populations. Some tribes, he said, were listed as having a population of zero.

Economic and Government Losses

Rep. Cartwright asked, what regulatory flexibility do tribes need and what are the current barriers to using federal aid? Desiderio responded that the main problem with the CARES Act deployment of funds is in how agencies should be interpreting the law. He said agencies should provide flexibility in how tribes utilize the relief funding. Unlike states, tribes have had their government revenue completely stopped and they need flexibility to make up lost government revenue. He said there must be an understanding that tribes do know what’s best for their communities. Restrictions on tribes’ ability to tax prevents them from a common source of public revenue. This forces tribes to turn to private industry to generate revenue for essential government functions.

Broadband Access

Rep. Haaland asked, how has tribal response efforts been hindered by the chronic lack of broadband infrastructure? Why do tribes need direct access to spectrum? Allis noted that more than half of Indian Country does not have adequate broadband access, meaning students can’t access school, tribal justice systems are unable to hold tele-conference hearings, and tele-health is impossible. Desiderio said that the The COVID-19 DISASTER in Indian Country Act, introduced by Rep. Haaland last week, takes an important step toward giving tribes access, but tribes need federal agencies to grant them flexibility to act independently. Tribes are sovereign and they know best how to serve their people, that’s why they need to own the spectrum over their lands.

Jurisdiction and Sovereignty

Some states are reopening after weeks of shutdowns. Meanwhile, tribes continue to see the number of COVID-19 cases climb and are continuing to enforce closures and curfews. Rep. Soto asked about some tribes who have chosen to close their roads. Specifically, in South Dakota, Gov. Kristi Noem demanded that the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and Oglala Sioux Tribe remove checkpoints regulating traffic through their reservation. The barriers are intended to prevent the spread of COVID-19 on their lands. Desiderio said, “The tribe is doing everything it can to…protect its people and that’s a fundamental right that should be respected.”

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May 15, 2020

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New Bill in Congress Aims to Expand Broadband Access for Tribes

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Fri, 08 May 2020 23:42:00 +0000

New Bill in Congress Aims to Expand Broadband Access for Tribes

spesweviwridri… (not verified) May 8, 2020

AIPI Blog

New Bill in Congress Aims to Expand Broadband Access for Tribes

A new bill announced today by the co-chairs of the Congressional Native American Caucus would give tribes emergency authority of broadband spectrum over their lands, in an effort to greatly increase internet access for tribal nations grappling with COVID-19 pandemic response.

“Broadband has been an issue…in Indian Country, for a very long time,” Haaland said in an interview with The NM Political Report. “The pandemic has pulled back the blanket and the sun is illuminating these disparities.” She added that internet access should be viewed as a basic necessity, like home electricity.

“Tribal Nations have been hit hard during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lack of robust broadband networks has only exacerbated the challenges they face,” said Geoffrey Blackwell, AMERIND Risk Chief Strategy Officer and General Counsel. “Tribal families and economies now face the worst effects of the long-standing Tribal digital divide. AMERIND serves hundreds of Tribes, and knows that the much-needed connectivity empowered by this important legislation will be a touchstone in the current relief and future recovery efforts in Tribal communities.” Blackwell is the president of the American Indian Policy Institute Advisory Board.

Inter Tribal Association of Arizona Executive Director Maria Dadgar said, “The pandemic has amplified the urgent need to address the significant digital divide that exists on tribal lands. Without adequate access to broadband and wireless networks, essential services such as online education, telemedicine, technology based business development and the provision of tribal government services are severely limited and keep Indian Country in a technological lag.” Dadgar is also on the American Indian Policy Institute Advisory Board.

The bi-partisan bill is called The COVID-19 Designation of Immediate Special Authority of Spectrum for Tribes’ Emergency Response (DISASTER) in Indian Country Act. It was introduced by Rep. Deb Haaland (D-NM-01) and Rep. Tom Cole (R-OK-04). The full text is available here. It is backed by 13 co-sponsors in the House of Representatives and has the endorsement of 159 tribes and numerous tribal organizations. Sen. Martin Heinrich (D-NM) is leading the introduction of the companion bill in the U.S. Senate.

The problem, according to a one-page companion to the bill, is that a “lack of access to broadband networks has left approximately 1.5 million people living on tribal lands without access to basic healthcare, public safety, and educational services.”

Due to the increased necessity of wireless services during this national crisis, lack of connectivity in Indian Country has left Tribes further behind in the digital divide resulting in devastating impacts of coronavirus on reservations.

These alarming rates are unacceptable during a national emergency. Regardless of where you live, everyone should have equal access to wireless broadband networks to access to life-saving health care, public safety, and educational opportunities during the COVID-19 crisis.

According to a press release, “This bill will provide the first opportunity for tribes to have access to wireless networks over their lands to adequately deploy wireless services for the first time in history. It also designates $300 million for tribal broadband deployment, repairs, and technical assistance through the USDA to immediately deploy networks.”

Specifically, the COVID-19 DISASTER in Indian Country Act will deploy wireless networks in Indian Country by:

Establishing $300 million in emergency COVID-19 tribal broadband funding through the USDA’s Community Facility Grant Program to be allocated as follows:
- $297.5 million for immediate deployment of tribal broadband networks, including support for repairs to existing damaged infrastructure and backhaul costs; and
- $3 million for technical assistance and training for immediate tribal broadband deployment
Setting a new 10-day FCC timeline to designate emergency spectrum authority within 10 days of the FCC receiving such a request from a tribe
Extending Emergency Special Temporary Authority for tribes to utilize spectrum on their lands to operate for at least 6 months

Posted on

May 8, 2020

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How We Serve Our Indigenous Students

tlmorri3 — Thu, 07 May 2020 21:20:00 +0000

How We Serve Our Indigenous Students

tlmorri3 May 7, 2020

AIPI Blog

How We Serve Our Indigenous Students

As the school year comes to a close and we all begin another month in some stage of quarantine, it is hard to believe how much our world has changed. And yet, some things haven’t changed; rather long-standing disparities are only just now coming to the forefront of public attention. The unfortunately vast gulf in internet access between indigenous people and the rest of the United States has been opened up for all to see as Native nations are hit harder than other populations by the virus and the economics of the situation. One of the topics that we at AIPI have been researching for years (and myself for years before that) is the digital divide. It became very apparent just how disconnected Indian Country is when students at the university had to return home during late March. Given our area of expertise, AIPI has been working to elevate the visibility of the divide with the support of the highest levels of leadership at ASU, including President Crow.

We prepared a series of briefs about the digital divide and its impact on Indian Country in early April 2020. Although they can and do easily stand alone, we see them as companion pieces to one another. The first—COVID-19: The Impact of Limited Internet Access and Issues with Social Distancing for Native Students—explained the additional barriers to educational achievement that Indigenous students face as schools transitioned to online-only formats, especially considering that they are already documented as disproportionately impacted by the digital divide. The second—Tribal Digital Divide Policy Brief and Recommendations—includes talking points on the divide and recommendations to address internet access on rural and tribal lands. The latter was developed at the request of ASU tribal leadership for use by ASU President Crow in supporting Native students and for use in talking with Arizona elected officials.

I believe I can speak for all of us at AIPI in saying we have been inspired by our colleagues at ASU, who have stepped up to serve our Native students and made sure that none were left behind in this transition to online education. I know that every one of our 3,000-plus students was called more than once to make sure they were OK. I know that some students were given scholarships to keep up with bills as they lost jobs and gift cards for food as they ran out of other support. I know that students in need were given hotspots and laptops to keep up with classes on a case-by-case basis. This is what we do at ASU; we serve.

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May 7, 2020

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NCAI Virtual Forum: Tribal Governments in Action

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Fri, 01 May 2020 22:14:00 +0000

NCAI Virtual Forum: Tribal Governments in Action

spesweviwridri… (not verified) May 1, 2020

AIPI Blog

NCAI Virtual Forum: Tribal Governments in Action

Image Credit: Pueblo of Pojoaque website

As the world grapples with the realities of living in a new normal, tribal governments are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic with agile governance and innovative management practices in ways that often pay homage to centuries of wisdom and cultural teachings.

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) hosted a panel discussion April 30, titled “NCAI Forum: Tribal Governments in Action,” to ask leaders what their tribe is doing to provide government services in response to COVID-19.

“The strategic approach we took was based on [our] cultural values,” said Yurok Tribe Chairman Joe James. He said the tribe viewed their proactive approach to crisis management “from a village perspective” that placed a priority on community wellness.

Because many of its members do not have internet service at home, the Yurok Tribe is connecting with citizens in door-to-door check-ins. It even established a hotline that provides up-to-date information when individuals call in.

A lack of broadband internet access, whether mobile or at-home, is an obstacle for many indigenous nations.

“Many of our residents don’t have smartphones,” said Chairwoman Joan Delabreau of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin. Instead, they use older cell phones or landlines. While the tribal council and administration are maintaining operations with regular video conferences, she said, “I miss the interaction with the citizens.”

How tribes respond to the pandemic depends on their unique circumstances. However, many tribes are taking similar actions to combat the spread of COVID-19, including: instituting curfew hours, closing tribal enterprises, such as casinos and hotels, closing tribal facilities, such as recreation centers and government offices, transitioning tribal government staff to remote working, holding administrative and legislative meetings in virtual environments, and supplying food and other resources to tribal members.

The Menominee Nation took the unique step of partnering with a local bank, who agreed to create accounts for tribal members, allow individuals to withdraw, and then close those accounts as desired. “A lot of our members don’t have bank accounts,” said Delabreau, which meant they might have trouble cashing benefit or stimulus checks when they arrive.

Some tribes have been able to restrict travel into and out of reservation boundaries. The Shinnecock Nation, for example, is surrounded on three sides by water and neighbors one of the wealthiest communities in the country, the Hamptons, which was hit hard by a coronavirus outbreak. The Nation has restricted access to the reservation to tribal members only, although, said Vice Chair Lance Gumbs, the nation has encouraged its members not to leave in the first place and done all it can to provide for its people’s basic needs at home.

Gumbs said the tribe set up a large tent — which helps to keep people out of buildings — where it provides meals-to-go every day for tribal members. He said many members have lost jobs but have not received stimulus or unemployment checks. By providing food and resources, the tribe is encouraging members to stay home and stay safe.

After the Pueblo of Pojoaque made the difficult decision to temporarily shutter its Hilton-branded hotel, it did a complete scrub-down of the facility, said Governor Joseph Talachy. Then, it set up its 395 rooms to serve as a quarantine facility for New Mexico tribal members awaiting COVID-19 test results.

Talachy, who has law enforcement experience, also said the Pueblo of Pojoaque began early on to strike a balance of healthy fear and caution, but not panic in its messaging to members. They also hired an emergency management expert, which has helped with its response efforts.

All tribal leaders said they are engaging in various ways with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure smooth operations. The Yurok Tribe is working with the California legislature to develop smart reopening policies. The Menominee partnered with its surrounding county police department to enforce curfews (even though only one citation was issued in the past month because people are heeding the advice of experts and staying home, said Delabreau). The Pueblo of Pojoaque worked with the U.S. National Guard to acquire PPE. Talachy said, “[Our] ability to partner with local public service was critical.”

The panelists pointed out, however, that they are determined not to be dependent on outside aid. “We have to have the mindset that help ain’t coming,” said James. Gumbs said the Shinnecock Nation has implemented COVID-19 testing and is now working on drive-up testing, and hopes to provide antibody testing soon.

This post will be updated to include a link to the forum when it becomes available from NCAI.

Posted on

May 1, 2020

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Stories of Resilience from Indian Country, Volume #5

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Mon, 27 Apr 2020 17:37:00 +0000

Stories of Resilience from Indian Country, Volume #5

spesweviwridri… (not verified) April 27, 2020

AIPI Blog

Stories of Resilience from Indian Country, Volume #5

Indian Country’s resilience was on display again last week. Despite uniquely adverse times, state and tribal governments and partners alike continue to find ways to donate money and resources to those in need. Many of these stories are highlighted below, along with opportunities to contribute, if you are able.

The Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund continues to raise money rapidly, as the fund has now surpassed $1.1 million. Last week, Jason Momoa, a Native Hawaiian famous for his roles in Game of Thrones and Aquaman, sent a massive truck carrying 28 pallets with more than 1,500 cases of water to Tuba City. The water was donated through his company, Mananalu Pure Water. Momoa heard about the relief fund and their efforts through an article. The next day, 30,000 liters of water were delivered to Window Rock as a donation from Swire Coca-Cola. In giving thanks, Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez noted, “it's through great partnerships such as this that we will overcome COVID-19. We are stronger and more resilient when we unite and work together.”

The Cherokee Nation donated more than 2,500 KN95 protective masks to fire departments, police departments and emergency management teams across 14 counties in Oklahoma. The Tribe is also sending an additional 5,000 KN95 masks to the Navajo Nation. Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. stated, “we...want to help our brothers and sisters in the Navajo Nation...we do this because as Cherokees, we know the importance of lending a helping hand in times of uncertainty. We will get through this as long as we remember that we are all in this together.”

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians (EBCI) joined the giving spirit, approving up to $100,000 from the Tribe’s general fund ‘for the purpose of immediate medical and community needs for the Navajo Nation.’ The resolution appropriating the funds passed unanimously through EBCI’s council. “The Navajo Nation needs our help, and it is our duty to provide it,” added EBCI Principal Chief Richard Sneed.

The State of New Mexico provided more than 80,000 pounds of rice, beans, potatoes, watermelons, apples and onions, as well as 9,720 boxes of food, to the Navajo Nation as part of COVID-19 relief efforts to tribes and pueblos in the state. The New Mexico Indian Affairs Department coordinated the multi-agency effort last Wednesday. Although the Navajo Nation is being hit hard by COVID-19, they are still finding ways to give back. Last Friday, the Nation delivered food, diapers, and other supplies to the Manuelito Navajo Children's Home in Gallup, New Mexico. The home, which serves mostly Navajo kids, is a long term care facility for children who end up in the system.

Kahtoola, a Flagstaff based outdoor gear company, will be re-directing funding that typically aids Indigenous peoples in the Himalayas, to helping the Havasupai Tribe for the next three months. Further, the company recently announced a virtual run on May 1-10, with all proceeds going to the Havasupai Tribe COVID-19 Relief Fund. The virtual run will feature a 5K and an 8-mile run and can be completed at each participant's own pace. The 8-mile run is the same distance from Hilltop above Supai Village down into the Canyon. Kahtoola has already raised more than $5,500 towards their $10,000 goal. Register for the virtual run or donate here.

In Wisconsin, several Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa teamed up with their respective fisheries to donate 1,000 pounds of fish to community members a few weeks ago. In Washington, The Snoqualmie Tribe donated 4,000 frozen meals to community members in need through Snoqualmie Valley nonprofits. Last Wednesday, Running Strong for American Indian Youth delivered more than 30,000 pounds of frozen food to the Eagle Butte Food Pantry on the Cheyenne River Indian Reservation in South Dakota. Each of the 1,700 food boxes delivered by Running Strong will provide a family of four with two meals a day for 14 days. An Alaska Native Corporation, Koniag Inc., committed to donating $50,000 to nonprofits in Kodiak to help communities impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

As threats posed by the pandemic continue to develop and evolve, stories like these and many others highlight Indian Country’s resilience, unity, and strength. We will bring you another Volume of curated stories and donation opportunities at the end of the week. Please be well and remember to stay home, stay healthy, and stay connected.

Posted on

April 27, 2020

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Stories of Resilience from Indian Country Volume 4

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Fri, 17 Apr 2020 22:17:00 +0000

Stories of Resilience from Indian Country Volume 4

spesweviwridri… (not verified) April 17, 2020

AIPI Blog

Stories of Resilience from Indian Country Volume 4

Tribal governments throughout Indian Country continue to generously donate supplies and resources to aid their communities through the challenges presented by COVID-19. Today, we are happy to bring you many examples of this generosity in the face of adversity. If you would like to join donation efforts, more opportunities to contribute are included below.

Since schools in North Dakota were closed on March 16, the Standing Rock district has been distributing sack lunches to students and families at the schools or delivering them through the neighborhoods in school buses. Last Friday, The Muscogee (Creek) Nation partnered with Walmart to offer emergency food assistance to any citizens in need. Food was distributed without requiring families to leave their cars. Earlier this week, The Klamath Tribes of Oregon donated 1,000 N95 masks to the local Sky Lakes Medical Center. On Wednesday, the Yurok Tribe delivered 312 boxes of food and other essential items to Tribal elders. The Yurok Health and Human Services Food Distribution Program is offering a 30-day supply of groceries to residents who are enrolled members of any federally recognized tribe and have been laid off or had work hours reduced as a result of the pandemic.

Despite being among the hardest hit areas, the Navajo Nation and local allies continue displaying resilience. St. Mary’s Food Bank, with locations in Phoenix and Surprise, distributed food to 2,000 families in Tuba City on Tuesday. According to Tribal police, the drive-thru line for food distribution was about five miles long an hour before the mobile pantry was set to open. The food bank brought in four tractor-trailers with nearly 100,000 pounds of food and distributed it through a no person-to-person contact procedure in less than three hours. President Nez shared his appreciation on Twitter. Impressively, the GoFundMe Relief Fund started by former Navajo Nation Attorney General Ethel Branch and others continues to grow rapidly. The Navajo & Hopi Families COVID-19 Relief Fund has now surpassed $740,000 raised from nearly 11,000 unique donors.

If you are able to contribute, there are other opportunities to donate. Partnership with Native Americans created a coronavirus emergency response fund, where donations will help restock warehouses and deliver food and supplies to those in need. Last month, Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples, Inc. started the Flicker Fund, which goes directly to Indigenous community generated and led initiatives. Earlier this week, NDN Collective launched an emergency relief fund with an ambitious $10M goal. It will include grants and support to Native nonprofits, artists, and tribes, as well as loans to impacted Indigenous businesses.

It is imperative to remember that we will transcend this adversity to find many better days ahead. These stories and newly created funds continue to highlight our collective Indigenous strength and resilience; they bring positivity and light to what are often otherwise dark times. As always, please be well and remember to stay home, stay healthy, and stay connected.

Posted on

April 17, 2020

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AIPI COVID-19 Update April 14, 2020

spesweviwridriclitrauespuuadruwujihuthacrijowosomijeclifrewr — Tue, 14 Apr 2020 22:01:00 +0000

AIPI COVID-19 Update April 14, 2020

spesweviwridri… (not verified) April 14, 2020

AIPI Blog

AIPI COVID-19 Update April 14, 2020

Arizona tribes to get $37 million for COVID-19 affordable housing (April 9, 2020)

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development is issuing $37 million to Arizona’s tribes to fund housing needs during the pandemic. In total, the Indian Housing Block Grant, an addition to the CARES Act stimulus package, will provide $200 million to tribes in 35 states. The grants can be used for housing development, operation, and maintenance, modernization of existing housing and housing services to eligible individuals and families. The Navajo Nation will receive the bulk of money in Arizona, with $22.3 million allocated to Window Rock. Other tribes in Arizona that were allocated a larger portion of the funds include the Gila River Indian Community, White Mountain Apache Tribe, and Hopi Tribe which are set to receive $2.4 million, $2.2 million and $2 million respectively.

Oglala Sioux council banishes non-member with COVID-19 from reservation (April 9, 2020)

The Oglala Sioux tribal council voted last Wednesday evening to banish a non-member from the Pine Ridge Reservation after she contracted COVID-19. The woman contracted the virus after returning from Denver on her way to a medical appointment in California that ended up being canceled, her employer, Red Cloud Indian School, said. The woman was the first confirmed case of COVID-19 on the reservation. With the council deadlocked 9-9 on a motion to banish the woman and her husband, the 10th vote in favor of banishment was submitted by President Julian Bear Runner. “For an individual to leave the reservation going to one of the major hot spots where this virus is and then come back is just uncalled for,” he said. Red Cloud “fully supports the tribe and its decision making” on this serious issue, school president Raymond Nadolny told reporters last week. Red Cloud is paying for the couple’s housing in nearby Rapid City and the employee continues to earn a salary. This was a “really hard decision” and the couple should know that banishments can be challenged and overturned, President Bear Runner added.

Chickasaw Nation opens COVID-19 test centers (April 10, 2020)

The Chickasaw Nation Department of Health has built temporary COVID-19 testing centers to provide access to patients with symptoms relating to the coronavirus. The tented structures are located at Chickasaw Nation Health Clinics in Ardmore and Purcell in addition to the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center in Ada, Oklahoma. Tents are located in the parking lots of the facilities and stocked with necessary medical equipment to assess patients for potential infection of the virus. The areas are designed as drive-throughs so patients do not exit their vehicles. “We are here to not only serve the Chickasaw people but the public at large as needed,” said Chickasaw Nation Chief Medical Officer John Krueger. “We want to keep our community healthy and do our part to fight this pandemic with a warrior mentality.”

‘Innovative changes’ help tribal health care address COVID-19 (April 13, 2020)

The Cherokee Nation has adapted to the coronavirus threat with updated health screening protocols and a push for quicker testing. CN Health Services moved its pre-screening process at W.W. Hastings Hospital outdoors underneath tents “to decrease potential exposure” for emergency and urgent care patients, according to the tribe. Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr. noted that these drive-thru tents will be located in health center parking lots, allowing patients and staff to stay as safe as possible. Additionally, the Tribe announced a signed agreement with Abbott Laboratories to bring rapid response COVID-19 tests to the CN health system. These tests will have results in as quick as a few minutes, allowing the Tribe to better isolate COVID-19 patients and trace recent contacts to limit the spread of the virus. Using expertise from Italy, the Tribe also recently used a 3-D printer and diving gear to create a new Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure, or BiPAP, machine, typically used for sleep apnea. “These new machines are being tested this week,” Hoskin said. “They could prove to be life-saving equipment at our hospital.”

How Native Americans Are Fighting a Food Crisis (April 13, 2020)

From New York to Arizona and many places in between, this article highlights efforts by tribal communities to combat any COVID-19 related food shortages by returning to traditional meats and/or crops. Some are planting and sharing seeds, others are donating food and supplies; all are concerned with the wellbeing of our communities, specifically the elders.

Other online resources available

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Coronavirus (COVID-19)

Indian Country Today’s COVID-19 Syllabus for the latest updates on the virus

IHS Coronavirus Page; IHS Announcements

National Congress of American Indians - Indian Country Resources: Coronavirus (COVID-19)

National Council of Urban Indian Health: Coronavirus Resource Center

Posted on

April 14, 2020

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