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

 

EXCLUSIVE: The detailed timeline is the most critical analysis yet, offering an extensive look at issues with operators of the controversial pipeline …continue reading

 
 
By Kalle Benallie

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.comcontinue 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

 
 
 

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