Tribes’ inclusion in $2.2 trillion COVID-19 package seen as progress Community Top News Top Story by Damon Scott - March 30, 2020March 30, 2020 Tribes have historically had to fight for every dollar of federal funding it receives. The Indian Health Service – which has taken on a critical role during the COVID-19 public health crisis – has had to do so as well, even though the federal government has an obligation to properly fund IHS under treaties
‘CARES Act,’ additional funds equal $10.3 billion for Indian Country Health News Top News Top Story by Damon Scott - March 27, 2020March 27, 2020 Special Diabetes Program for Indians extended through November A flurry of legislation and funding has come out of Washington in March to help the U.S. deal with the health care crisis and economic blow that is being dealt by the COVID-19 global pandemic. The latest funding effort is the “Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and
Latest COVID-19 funding includes $8 billion for Indian Country Community News Top News Top Story by Damon Scott - March 26, 2020March 26, 2020 The third major emergency funding package making its way through the U.S. Congress to address the COVID-19 public health and economic crises includes $8 billion for Indian Country. The Senate passed the $2.2 trillion “CARES Act” late on March 25. It now goes to the House for consideration before it would make its way to President
NAIG postpones Games until 2021 Sports Top News Top Story by Kevin Johnson - March 26, 2020March 26, 2020 Young Indigenous athletes from the Seminole Tribe of Florida and the rest of North America will have to wait another year before competing in the North American Indigenous Games. NAIG officials announced March 25 that this year’s games, scheduled to be held in July in Nova Scotia, Canada, have been postponed until 2021. NAIG
Native Americans begin to take some traditions online Arts & Entertainment Community Top News Top Story by Damon Scott - March 25, 2020March 25, 2020 Some tribes are keeping traditions alive during the coronavirus epidemic by hosting social distancing dances and other events online. This is an image of a jingle dress dancer from the Facebook group “Traditional Native Healing.” Twitter Public health and government officials have advised (and sometimes ordered) people to stay in their homes
NICWA to host amended annual conference online Community News Top News Top Story by Damon Scott - March 24, 2020March 24, 2020 The conference has been amended and will take place online. (Image courtesy NICWA.) The National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) will host its 38th annual “Protecting Our Children” conference online. The in-person conference that was scheduled to take place in Denver from March 29 to April 1 was cancelled due to concerns related to the
Tribes consulted on speedy, fair distribution of COVID-19 funding Health Top News Top Story by Damon Scott - March 24, 2020March 24, 2020 The Indian Health Service held a conference call with tribal leaders this week to talk about the best way to get COVID-19 funds into the hands of tribes. (Image: IHS Facebook ) Indian Health Service (IHS) officials held a consultation call with tribal leaders regarding COVID-19 funds for Indian Country late on March
Indian Country worried federal government is leaving it behind Community News Top News Top Story by Damon Scott - March 20, 2020March 20, 2020 Even before the COVID-19 public health crisis began to grip the globe, Indian Country faced significant challenges from underfunding in health care, education, broadband and internet access, economic development, housing, human services and more. A group of Indian Country leaders said in a March 20 teleconference for members of the media
Seminole casinos to temporarily close Arts & Entertainment Top News Top Story by From Press Release - March 20, 2020March 20, 2020 Seminole Gaming and the Seminole Tribe of Florida issued the following press release March 20: HOLLYWOOD – With a primary focus on the health and safety of guests, team members and the public, the Seminole Tribe of Florida and Seminole Gaming have voluntarily decided to temporarily close all Seminole and Hard Rock
Indian Country deals with coronavirus Community News Top News Top Story by Beverly Bidney - March 19, 2020March 19, 2020 The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on Indian Country, including the Seminole Tribe, which has taken numerous steps to protect community members, employees and guests at its businesses. Tribal Council declared an emergency closing of Tribal offices effective March 16 until further notice. Some Tribal businesses are partially operational. Here’s a rundown