Haaland to tackle weighty tasks at Interior News Top News Top Story by Damon Scott - April 21, 2021April 21, 2021 The committee hearings are done, Senate confirmation is in the books and a swearing-in has taken place. On March 16, Deb Haaland was confirmed by a vote of 51- to-40 to lead the Department of Interior. She was sworn in March 18 – her first day on the job as
Tribe’s vaccination numbers increase Health News Top News Top Story by Damon Scott - April 6, 2021April 6, 2021 HOLLYWOOD — The rate of positive Covid-19 cases and deaths from the virus have both decreased in Florida and across much of the country in recent weeks. However, health officials warn that while there are reasons for optimism, the pandemic isn’t over and the threat is still real. The positive developments
Public warned on Okeechobee Waterway algae blooms News Top News by Damon Scott - April 5, 2021April 6, 2021 A map of Okeechobee Waterway. (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) Florida officials are warning the public about potentially harmful blue-green algae blooms in the Okeechobee Waterway. The relatively shallow waterway, sometimes called the Okeechobee Canal, stretches from Fort Myers on the west coast to Stuart on the east coast. The Brighton Reservation
Nez Perce’s Jaime Pinkham tapped for Army Corps position News Top News Top Story by Damon Scott - March 25, 2021March 25, 2021 Jaime Pinkham (Courtesy University of Arizona) Indian Country reacted positively to the Biden administration’s recent decision to appoint a member of the Pacific Northwest’s Nez Perce Tribe to a top position at the Army Corps of Engineers. Jaime Pinkham would serve as principal deputy assistant secretary of the Corps for civil works,
Stimulus bill directs $31 billion to Tribal Nations Health News Top News by Damon Scott - March 24, 2021March 25, 2021 President Joe Biden signs the American Rescue Plan into law March 11. (Photo via PolitiFact) The American Rescue Plan that was passed by Congress and signed into law by President Joe Biden set a benchmark for Native Americans that has never been set before. The $1.9 trillion stimulus bill directs $31 billion
Hard Rock’s Gary casino eyes spring opening Hard Rock/Seminole Gaming News Top News by Damon Scott - March 23, 2021April 8, 2021 The Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana is expected to open May 14, 2021. (Rendering courtesy Hard Rock) It’s been more than a year since members of the Jackson 5 helped celebrate a groundbreaking for the Hard Rock Casino Northern Indiana. After some delay, Hard Rock officials announced a May 14
New housing funds latest in Tribe’s HUD connection Community News by Damon Scott - March 23, 2021March 23, 2021 HOLLYWOOD – The Seminole Tribe’s relationship with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) remained strong in late February with the announcement of more funding for housing-related projects. HUD awarded the tribe a $1 million Indian Housing Block Grant (IHBG) to support development and operation of affordable housing. The award
Senate confirms Haaland to lead Department of Interior News Top News Top Story by Damon Scott - March 16, 2021March 16, 2021 Rep. Deb Haaland Indian Country was celebrating Monday night after the U.S. Senate voted 51-to-40 to confirm Rep. Deb Haaland as secretary of the Department of Interior. She is the first Native American to lead the agency and the first to serve in a cabinet position. The New Mexico Democrat from
Update: Haaland nomination advances to Senate News Top News by Damon Scott - March 4, 2021March 4, 2021 U.S. Rep. Deb Haaland, D-NM, speaks to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee Feb. 23, 2021, during the first day of her confirmation hearing for secretary of the Department of the Interior . (C-SPAN) The nomination of New Mexico Representative Deb Haaland (Pueblo of Laguna) to lead the Department of
Seminole Tribe returns as sponsor of NICWA conference Community Health News Top News Top Story by Damon Scott - March 3, 2021March 3, 2021 The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) is gearing up to host its second-ever virtual conference and the Seminole Tribe is once again the lead sponsor. It’s the 39th conference overall, which brings together Natives involved in child advocacy issues. The 2021 theme is “Connectedness, Resilience, and Persistence.” It takes place