March 31, 2022
March was full of big news in Indian Country.
Joe Biden finally nominated an Indian Health Service director. Roselyn Tso, Navajo, brings nearly 40 years of service in the Indian health system, including most recently on the Navajo Nation. If confirmed by the Senate, she will manage the Indian Health Service’s approximately $7.4 billion budget and 15,000 employees. ICT’s Kalle Benallie has more.
NDN Collective released a climate justice report on the controversial Dakota Access Pipeline. In a detailed analysis, the Climate Justice Campaign calls on the Biden administration to drain and shut down the pipeline, which the roughly 200-page report argues would protect the nation’s longest river, the Missouri River, and its basin. ICT’s Carina Dominguez has more.
An Inupiaq musher made history in Alaska’s Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. Apayauq Reitan was the transgender woman to cross the finish line in iconic sled dog race. ICT freelancer Richard Arlin Walker has more.
March also marked Interior Secretary Deb Haaland’s first year in office. On March 15, 2021, she made history by becoming the first Native person to serve in the president’s cabinet. ICT freelancer Pauly Denetclaw has more.
Here are the ICT stories you should read up on.
Find all of the best of March here
News
NDN Collective releases Dakota Access Pipeline report
By Carina Dominguez
EXCLUSIVE: The detailed timeline is the most critical analysis yet, offering an extensive look at issues with operators of the controversial pipeline …continue reading
The new director will oversee a budget of $8.5 billion that provides healthcare for 2.6 million Indigenous people across the country …continue reading
Climate Change
By Mark Trahant
Federal regulators would require corporate accountability on a company’s climate impact, however, one missing element in the process is the addition of Indigenous voices to the matrix … continue reading
Monitoring the Arctic in Russian invasion of Ukraine
By Meghan Sullivan
UPDATED: ‘Over 20 percent of (Russia’s) GDP right now comes from natural resources above the Arctic Circle in their area’ … continue reading
Entertainment
New leader of Sundance Institute’s Indigenous storytelling
By Kolby KickingWoman
‘i’m beyond stoked for this next chapter in continuing to do what i love’ … continue reading
2022 SXSW: New technology and traditional storytelling
By Carina Dominguez
Updated: Indigenous highlights from this year’s SXSW conference and festivals … continue reading
Alaska
Alaska state recognition of tribes will be on ballot
By Joaqlin Estus
‘This initiative will reinforce the bridge between our tribes and the state, one that has up to now been built on sand’ … continue reading
Alaska Native musher makes history in Iditarod
By Richard Arlin Walker
First transgender woman crosses the finish line in iconic sled dog race … continue reading
Sports
Howah: Basketball madness at its best
By Dalton Walker
My Howah column highlights moments of significance amongst our Native relatives through Native eyes. Have a Howah idea, send it to Dalton at dwalker@indiancountrytoday.com … continue reading
Indian Country Today newscast
Continuing a legacy of Indigenous leadership
We’re discussing the reauthorization of the Violence Against Women Act. Plus, how Susan Masten is empowering women leaders. And more from some of Indian Country’s crowd-pleasing performers … continue reading
From the kitchen to the film industry, new Indigenous leaders are carving out their own paths to success. Plus, more on the quest to eliminate homelessness in Seattle … continue reading
