Native News Online

The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) is celebrating a landmark federal court ruling that affirms the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) applies to Native children buried at the former Carlisle Indian Industrial School cemetery.

In a decision hailed as a major victory for Tribal sovereignty and Native families, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that federal agencies must comply with NAGPRA in cases involving the repatriation of Native children buried at Carlisle.

The case was brought by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, which sought the return of the remains of Samuel Gilbert and Edward Hensley, two Winnebago boys who were taken from their homelands and sent to the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in the late 1800s, where they later died.

For years, the U.S. Army argued that NAGPRA did not apply to children buried at Carlisle Cemetery. The Fourth Circuit rejected that interpretation, clearing the way for continued repatriation efforts involving Native children buried at former federal Indian boarding school sites.

“This ruling is a powerful affirmation that Native children belong with their families, communities, and Nations, not in federal custody more than a century after their deaths,” said NABS Board President Benjamin Barnes. “The Fourth Circuit’s decision recognizes what Tribal Nations have long known: that NAGPRA was intended to protect Native ancestors and ensure their return home with dignity and respect.”

Founded in 1879, the Carlisle Indian Industrial School became the model for the federal Indian boarding school system, which separated Native children from their families, languages, and cultures. Hundreds of Native children died while attending the school, and many remain buried far from their Tribal homelands.

NABS also recognized the efforts of the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, the Native American Rights Fund, Cultural Heritage Partners, survivors, and advocates who helped secure the ruling.

“This decision extends beyond one case,” Barnes said. “It establishes a precedent that Tribal Nations have enforceable rights under federal law to reclaim their relatives and protect the sanctity of Native ancestors.”

The post NABS: 4th Circuit Affirms NAGPRA Protections for Carlisle Boarding School Children appeared first on Native News Online.

ZUNI, N.M. — The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project will host its 18th Annual Summer Camp from June 22 to July 17, offering a four-week program designed to provide deeper, more intentional learning experiences rooted in culture and community. Camp will take place Monday through Friday—with no camp on June 29, June 30 or July 3—and conclude July 17 with a social-dance celebration at Shiwi Ts’ana Elementary School. 

Registration is now underway for the program, which serves children ages 6-12. It will remain open until all 120 spots are filled. 

This year’s theme, “Tse’mak Kokshi, Tse’mak Tsu’mme,” reflects the heart of Summer Camp. The phrase translates directly to “good thoughts and feelings, strong thoughts and feelings,” but its meaning extends further: With positive thoughts and intentions, young people can build the strength and capacity to navigate challenges and succeed in their lives. 

“The staff who developed this theme care deeply about helping our youth build resilience,” said Tahlia Natachu-Eriacho, ZYEP’s executive director. “We want them to understand that how they think and approach the world matters. When they practice positive thinking and intention, they are preparing themselves to handle whatever life brings.”

She noted that the ZYEP youth development team is applying that same intentionality to this year’s Summer Camp structure. For example, the team has adjusted the daily schedule to better meet the needs of campers and their families; instead of maintaining an 8 a.m. start time, camp days will now begin with breakfast between 8:30 and 9 a.m., creating a more accessible start to the day. 

The team also has streamlined the curriculum to focus on depth rather than breadth. In previous years, campers rotated through three activity areas per day, often on a tight schedule. In 2026, they will participate in two activity areas per day, allowing more time for engagement, reflection and skill-building. 

Natachu-Eriacho confirmed six core activity areas for this summer: Traditional Dance, Traditional Art, Zuni Culture, Nutrition (which includes gardening), Physical Activity, and Free Time. Among these, Zuni Culture continues to stand out as a cornerstone of the program. Led by Willard Zunie, the activity received especially strong feedback in 2025. 

“Ninety percent of our campers said it was their favorite activity,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “We’ve never seen numbers like that in our historical data.” 

In addition to regular daily programming, campers will have opportunities to participate in two “Fun Fridays.” Scheduled for June 26 and July 2, these experiences will connect youth with local organizations and resources, including the Zuni Senior Center, A:shiwi A:wan Museum and Heritage Center, A:shiwi College and Career Center, and Zuni Healthy Lifestyles. 

In some cases, campers will travel to Fun Fridays locations. In others, partners such as Albuquerque-based Explora will come to Zuni. 

“These experiences show our kids what’s possible,” Natachu-Eriacho said. “They get to see the resources and opportunities—and even career paths—that are available to them.” 

The popular ZYEP Camp Store also will return this year. With Youth Development Leader Rani Yamutewa at the helm, this initiative recognizes campers for demonstrating Zuni values; youth earn tickets for positive actions and can redeem them for games and small rewards, reinforcing both personal responsibility and cultural teachings.

Behind the scenes, ZYEP is building a team of 22 Summer Camp counselors, ages 16 to 24, who will guide and mentor participants throughout the summer. Twelve counselors will be returning to the program, while the others are new to the experience.

According to Natachu-Eriacho, ZYEP tries to maintain a roughly 50-50 split each year. Returning counselors play a key role in modeling expectations, supporting their peers and creating a consistent, strengths-based environment for both campers and staff.

“Our returning counselors provide continuity and mentorship, while new counselors bring fresh energy,” she explained. “That combination is important for the kids and the health and sustainability of the program. We’ve also had many wonderful full-circle moments when former campers come back and apply to be counselors.”

The Zuni Education and Career Development Center (ZECDC) continues to be a critical partner in this effort, funding half of this year’s counselor positions. ZYEP is supporting the remaining roles.

“For many years, ZECDC has proudly supported the ZYEP Summer Camp by helping create employment opportunities for camp counselors from our community,” said Bernadette Panteah, division director for education and training at the Pueblo of Zuni. “Rooted in Zuni values of working together, supporting our youth and strengthening our families, the work ZYEP does uplifts both children and young leaders. These opportunities help our youth grow, give back and carry forward our traditions.” 

Shannon Vicenti, an employment counselor with ZECDC, also emphasized the impact of the partnership. 

“Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,” she said. “I love seeing each youth grow into their own. Both programs give our youth the confidence to want to make a change within our community. Our community should be our playground of dreams, where there are endless possibilities for all to be successful.” 

As ZYEP prepares for the start of camp next month, the focus remains on creating a program that is both meaningful and sustainable. As Natachu-Eriacho points out, Summer Camp’s impact extends far beyond the summer months.

“This work is about building something that lasts,” she said. “When we create space for kids to feel supported, to learn and to grow, that stays with them.” 

ZYEP’s 18th Annual Summer Camp is made possible through the support of the Colorado Plateau Foundation, McCune Charitable Trust, New Mexico Department of Health, New Mexico Health Care Authority’s Behavioral Health Services Division, New Mexico Outdoor Equity Fund, Newman’s Own Foundation, NoVo Foundation, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Santa Fe Garden Club, Seventh Generation Fund, Zuni Education and Career Development Center, Zuni Public School District and ZYEP donors from across the country.

The post Zuni Youth Enrichment Project Will Host 18th Annual Summer Camp June 22-July 17 appeared first on Native News Online.

Native Vote 2026

Secretary of State says a district that serves Wind River should be examined in light of Supreme Court decision.

Gerrymander this?

Wyoming’s Secretary of State wants to bring the Supreme Court’s nonsense about gerrymandering down to the state level. That means redistricting the legislative seat that elects Shoshone and Northern Arapaho representatives from Fremont County’s District 33. Chuck Gray, the secretary of state, is the the chief election officer and he is a candidate for the U.S. Congress.

From Kerry Drake in WyoFile:

I don’t know Gray’s thought process, but I think it probably went something like this: He saw a way for Wyoming to get its own redistricting plan to curry favor with the president. The Equality State is 84.6% white and 7.5% multiracial; all other races combined total less than 8%. The state doesn’t have enough of a minority population to racially gerrymander a district.

Wait a minute, Gray must have realized, Wyoming does have House District 33, which was designed to include many Native Americans (who make up only 2% of the entire state’s population) who live on the Wind River Indian Reservation. The district was designed in that manner because when the Legislature approved its redistricting plan in 2021, it emphasized the need to put “communities of interest” in the same district.

Rep. Ivan Posey, a Democrat from Fremont County, now holds the seat. The primary is in August, so redistricting would have to be lightening fast and even then it would result in chaos. And get this: Only six Democrats (out of 62) now serve in the state legislature.

In 2024, Posey told Wyoming Public Radio that he was running because there are some legislators willing to find consensus.

It’s a unique district because the tribes have so many unique issues associated with governance and related to the state. When I was on the Business Council all those years, we may not have had a good relationship with the state at times, but there are some issues that we worked together on. We agreed to disagree.

The process now that I see in Wyoming politics is either “for me” or “against me.” I’m not saying that across the bar, but I’m saying that we see that part of politics where there’s no dialogue, there’s no middle ground to meet and do the best for districts and the state of Wyoming in general.

That is an idea will be tested again.

Jordan Dresser, a former chairman of the Northern Arapaho Tribe, wrote on Facebook:

“… Fremont County and the elected seats there is one of the only opportunities the tribes get the chance to have representation. And now he is trying to strip that of us. But did he meet with tribes and have consultation when he turned over all Wyoming voting data which includes personal information to this current administration? Did he have tribal consultation over his support of the SAVE act which puts limits on what ids can be used while voting when historically places all across Wyoming sometimes deny our tribal ids when we try to cash a check? I think the answer is no he didn’t. Voting is a right. Everyday it feels like we’re moving backwards. Remember, it wasn’t that long ago when we as Native people and other people of color were openly treated to racism. Feels like the same thing today.”

The governor, not the secretary of state, would have to call the legislature into a special session to make this nonsense the law. That’s unlikely to happen. But this is an early warning because Wyoming won’t be the last state to push for less Native representation at all levels of government.

The post Wyoming’s Single Native Voice is One Too Many appeared first on Native News Online.

Native Vote 2026

The U.S. Senate campaign for Mary Peltola (Yup’ik) on Tuesday launched its first television advertisement of the election cycle, a statewide spot emphasizing her deep ties to Alaska communities and her background as a commercial fishing boat captain.

The 60-second ad, titled “We Stick Together,” features families, fishermen, and residents from across Alaska speaking about Peltola’s connection to the state and her commitment to putting Alaska first. The campaign said the ad will air statewide on television as well as on connected TV and digital platforms.

One speaker in the ad says, “Mary’s had her boots on the ground, on the riverbanks, in the mud, just like all us Alaskans. I think she gets it.”

The campaign said the ad comes as many Alaskans continue to struggle with rising prices, declining fish populations, and concerns about outside interests influencing policies affecting the state.

According to the campaign, more than 4,500 Alaskans have signed up to support Peltola’s Senate bid, with supporters represented in every borough and census area across Alaska.

“Mary knows the struggles facing Alaskans because she’s lived them,” said Alaskans for Mary Campaign Manager Elisa Rios. “While Dan Sullivan continues to sell out Alaska to his special interest backers like Big Pharma and Lower 48 corporations who are jacking up prices on Alaska families, Mary has been on the ground with her boots in the mud working with communities across the state rallying Alaskans to defend our way of life.”

Rios added, “Alaskans will elect Mary this November because she’ll always be an independent voice for the state who will stand up to the rigged system in DC and put Alaska first.”

WATCH “We Stick Together” 

SCRIPT:

ALASKAN ONE: When I think of an Alaskan I think about somebody who has a genuine connection to the land and the people and the experience of living and growing and raising a family. 

ALASKAN TWO: Alaskans we stick together, no matter what.

ALASKAN THREE: We’re all tough, we’re gritty, and we work together to solve the problems in our community, no matter what your background is.

ALASKAN FOUR: Mary Peltola will listen to working families, she will listen to small farmers and fisherman.

MARY PELTOLA: Every Alaskan I have ever known no matter how young, no matter how old, no matter where they’re from, deeply understand the importance of making sure our kids and grandkids and all the generations after us have the same kind of abundance that we had. We can get back there if we’re all working on this together. 

ALASKAN FIVE: I think she gets me. 

ALASKAN SIX: Mary’s had her boots on the ground, on the riverbanks, in the mud, just like all us Alaskans. I think she gets it. 

ALASKAN FIVE: Mary knows us Alaskans. She’s going to put us first. 

The post Peltola Campaign Launches First TV Ad Highlighting Alaska Roots and Working-Class Message appeared first on Native News Online.

A program that brings buffalo into the lives of Native American students at an elementary school on the Wind River Reservation has doubled reading comprehension and attendance. It’s just the beginning. This article is part of THE INDIGENOUS FOOD PYRAMID, a series of reporting that examines how Indigenous Food Sovereignty policies impact the overall health of Native Americans.

The return of the buffalo brought students back to classrooms at Wyoming Indian Elementary on the Wind River Reservation, where chronic absenteeism fell from 78% to 34% during the implementation of buffalo food aid and educational programs.

For those students who participate in the Buffalo Youth Nation Project, their recent assignment took them from the field into the kitchen, where they harvested buffalo that will be distributed at their school’s food lodge – the first brick-and-mortar food pantry on the reservation, where food insecurity rates are more than 10 times the national average.

This is the most hands-on experience students can have with the Indigenous food sovereignty  program, which school officials credit for connecting traditional land ceremony with classroom success, like improved attendance and reading comprehension.

Patti Harris (Bishop Paiute, Northern Arapaho), the nonprofit’s food lodge coordinator and the executive director of the Wind River Native Advocacy Center, leads the Wind River students in buffalo harvesting ceremonies.

Harris told Native News Online that a buffalo harvest begins with the thought of the harvest. Prayer and ceremony follow, in which the buffalo presents itself to be harvested. The animals are killed with grass in their mouths, and the herd is given time to mourn.

“They all come up and pay their respects. It’s hard to see sometimes,” Harris said. “It’s not about hunting. It’s about taking a life and giving yourself this life.”

The buffalo is then transported for harvest. Students are bused to the harvest location, where they participate in the ceremony: making cuts, cleaning the guts, and removing the bones. Parts of the buffalo are traditionally consumed during the harvest: blood, parts of the heart, kidney, fat, and even vertebrae.

The kids are apprehensive at first, but they quickly get comfortable, Buffalo Youth Nation Project Founder Lisa Ansell Frazier (Cheyenne River Sioux) told Native News Online.

“At first, they’ll touch the buffalo a little, then they’ll get in there, start learning and start eating,” Frazier said.

Lean, rich protein source, almost eliminated

Buffalo meat is a nutritional powerhouse in Indian Country, where diabetes is rampant from the effects of United States termination policies that severed Native American traditional diets from tribes, forcing reliance on ultra-processed commodity foods. 

Denyse Ute (Eastern Shoshone), the nutritional director for Buffalo Youth Nation Project, describes buffalo as a lean protein rich in omega-3 fatty acids and lower in saturated fat than beef.

“And for Indigenous people, there is a genetic memory component,” Ute said. “Our DNA is still connected to buffalo.”

That memory isn’t just tied to eating buffalo meat, but to living in synchrony with the animal.

The Wind River Reservation in west-central Wyoming is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Long before the reservation’s borders were drawn, buffalo shaped life across the Plains, providing food, shelter, tools, trade, and spiritual connection. It’s estimated that in the early 1800s, up to 60 million buffalo roamed the U.S. 

When white settlers flooded the Plains in the mid-1800s, the U.S. military encouraged buffalo hunting as a means of genocide against Native people, helping drive the species to near extinction and severing a relationship many Native communities considered foundational. By 1900, buffalo had been reduced to fewer than 500. A famous photo from the slaughter shows two men dwarfed by a massive mound made up of thousands of buffalo skulls.

Crow Chief Plenty Coups famously told his biographer in 1928, “[When] the buffalo went away, the hearts of my people fell to the ground.… After this, nothing happened. There was little singing anywhere.”

Today, buffalo restoration efforts underway across Indian Country are run with tribes and Native-led organizations rebuilding herds while trying to restore traditional harvesting practices.  

In 1992, the Intertribal Buffalo Coalition was formed to formalize and unify Indigenous Food Sovereignty efforts. That group now helps 89 tribes manage 25,000 buffalo across 22 states. Today, there are approximately 500,000 buffalo in the U.S., according to The Nature Conservancy.

For the Cheyenne, Wyo.-based Buffalo Youth Nation Project, buffalo restoration is both cultural and practical. 

The non-profit established a 13-member buffalo herd on 200 acres of the Wind River Reservation. The meat provided for school food lodges is provided by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe.

Keeping Culture With Glitter and Glam

Harris sees the buffalo as a means of showing Native youth that being themselves and being Native are not mutually exclusive. For harvests, she wears her fanciest ribbon skirt, full makeup with blue mascara, and sometimes, fake nails, which she says are perfect for pulling out guts.

“I want to be a bridge to what kids think being a traditional or a keeper of culture means, and let them know that you can do it wearing glitter and badass sunglasses,” Harris said. “Buffalo help me connect to my ancestors in a way that isn’t so museum-ish. I want that for these kids, too.”

Harris is married to Jason Baldes, the executive director of the Wind River Buffalo Initiative, a nonprofit aiming to restore buffalo as wildlife. For Harris, who grew up with her grandfather’s stories of buffalo, the animals were more akin to a unicorn — a once powerful, abundant creature gone the way of myth.

In 2016, Baldes brought 10 conservation buffalo to Wind River. The night the buffalo were released to the land, Harris crawled on top of the trailer that held them to watch from above. When the thousand-pound animals walked into the darkness, she was left staring at a perfectly formed hoof-print. It had been more than 130 years since buffalo walked the lands.

“I think of that hoof print almost daily,” Harris said. “130 years seems like a long time to us, but it’s only a tiny amount of time considering how long they were here before.”

The post The Harvest Improving School On The Wind River Reservation; ‘Our DNA Is Still Connected To Buffalo’ appeared first on Native News Online.

The 11th cohort of the 4th World Media Lab will convene this month in Seattle and later this fall in Maine, bringing together Indigenous filmmakers from across Turtle Island and Pasifika for a nine-month fellowship focused on narrative sovereignty, community-centered storytelling, and new pathways for impact and distribution.

The fellowship, organized by 4th World Media in partnership with Seattle International Film Festival, Big Sky Documentary Film Festival and Camden International Film Festival, will take place May 14–18 during SIFF programming in Seattle and continue Sept. 14–20 at CIFF’s annual festival and Points North Forum in Camden, Maine.

Now in its 11th year, the 4th World Media Lab has become an important space for emerging and mid-career Indigenous filmmakers to strengthen their craft, expand professional networks, and advance projects rooted in cultural integrity and community accountability.

Organizers said this year’s fellowship arrives at a pivotal moment for Indigenous storytelling and the broader media industry, with increasing attention being paid to community-led models of outreach, impact, and distribution.

“At a moment of profound disruption within the global media landscape, the 2026 Lab centers on outreach, impact, and distribution, areas increasingly shaped by shifting power dynamics and the emergence of community-led frameworks,” organizers said in a statement. “As traditional industry gatekeepers lose relevance, new models grounded in reciprocity, relationship, and narrative sovereignty are taking hold.”

Filmmaker Tracy Rector, founder of the fellowship, said storytelling carries responsibilities beyond entertainment.

“Stories do not simply move across screens,” Rector said. “They move across communities, across borders, across generations. This Lab is a space to reimagine how storytelling can be accountable to those most reflected on screen.”

Throughout the hybrid fellowship, participants will take part in masterclasses, project workshops, mentorship opportunities, pitch sessions, and meetings with funders and industry leaders. Organizers said the program encourages fellows to develop distribution strategies focused on long-term cultural impact rather than short-term visibility.

The fellowship was founded by Rector and is guided by 4th World Media, a global organization supporting Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Queer, Trans, and historically marginalized storytellers. Over the years, the initiative has expanded into a year-long fellowship spanning three major international film festivals.

This year’s fellows represent a diverse range of Indigenous nations, artistic practices, and storytelling approaches.

Meet the 2026 Fellows
The 11th cohort reflects a powerful range of voices, practices, and geographies:

Noelani Kanuha Auguston (Nooksack | Shx̌whá:y | Kanaka)
A writer and producer grounded in Coast Salish territory, Auguston creates stories rooted in Indigenous worldviews and the lived realities of her community. Her work centers hopeful and transformative representations for Native youth, informed by her upbringing along the Nooksack River and her MFA in Creative Writing from the Institute of American Indian Arts.

Banchi Hanuse (Nuxalk Nation)
A filmmaker and co-founder of Nuxalk Radio, Hanuse has emerged as a leading voice in Indigenous documentary. Her recent feature Ceremony premiered at the 2026 SXSW Film Festival, earning the Documentary Spotlight Audience Award, building on the success of her earlier work including Before the Sun.

Montana Cypress (Miccosukee)
A multidisciplinary artist working across theater, film, and performance, Cypress brings a dynamic storytelling practice shaped by his roots in the Miccosukee Tribe. His work spans award-winning plays, documentary filmmaking, and screen acting, with recent appearances in Young Washington (2026).

Lokotah Sanborn (Penobscot descendant)
An interdisciplinary artist and community organizer, Sanborn’s work explores land return, cultural continuity, and Indigenous sovereignty through diverse media. His recent film Otherworld (2025) is a poetic exploration of Abenaki ancestral memory and resistance.

Quannah ChasingHorse (Hän Gwich’in/Oglala Lakota)
An internationally recognized land protector, model, and advocate, ChasingHorse brings a powerful intersection of cultural leadership and storytelling. From global fashion platforms to film and television, her work consistently uplifts Indigenous values, land stewardship, and intergenerational resilience.

The post 4th World Media Lab Announces 2026 Indigenous Filmmaker Fellowship Cohort appeared first on Native News Online.

Native Vote 2026

The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday vacated a controversial lower court ruling in a major Native voting rights case and sent it back to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals for further review, marking an important development for Tribal Nations and Native voters fighting to protect the Voting Rights Act.

The case, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians et al. v. Howe, stems from a challenge to North Dakota’s 2021 legislative redistricting map brought by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, the Spirit Lake Tribe, and individual Native voters. The plaintiffs argued the map diluted Native voting strength in northeastern North Dakota in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.

In 2023, a federal district court ruled in favor of the tribes and Native voters, finding the state’s map unlawfully weakened Native political representation and ordering North Dakota to adopt a new map.

However, the case took on national significance after the Eighth Circuit later ruled that private individuals and organizations could not sue under Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act — a position that threatened decades of voting rights enforcement and raised concerns among Tribal Nations and civil rights advocates across the country.

On Monday, the Supreme Court vacated that decision following its recent ruling in Louisiana v. Callais and returned the case to the Eighth Circuit for reconsideration.

“The Supreme Court was correct to vacate the Eighth Circuit’s decision, which wrongly prevented Native voters and Tribal Nations from vindicating their rights under the Voting Rights Act,” Native American Rights Fund Staff Attorney Lenny Powell said. “On remand, we will keep fighting to ensure that Native voters have the ability to vote and effect change in their communities.”

Voting rights advocates say the case could have broad implications for whether Tribal Nations and Native voters can continue bringing Voting Rights Act claims without relying solely on the U.S. Department of Justice.

The post Supreme Court Sends Major Native Voting Rights Case Back to Eighth Circuit appeared first on Native News Online.

The Lummi Nation is seeking a court order to stop a telecommunications company from further desecrating a sacred burial site on land the tribe has occupied for thousands of years, citing violation of Washington State’s Indian Graves and Records Act.

A lawsuit, filed last month in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, alleges that Whidbey Communications trenched thousands of feet below a known burial ground to complete three federally funded broadband projects on Point Roberts, Wash., totaling around $13.7 million.

The Tribe asserts that crews ignored the presence of recognized indicators of human remains, disturbed remains at 4 out of 5 exploratory sites; defied a stop-work order by the State Historic Preservation Officer; failed to notify authorities upon discovering remains; left remains uncovered for two years; and never reinterred disturbed remains. As well, the suit alleges that Whatcom County issued permits for two projects without consulting the Lummi Nation, failed to conduct required archaeological reviews and never initiated required tribal notification or site assessments.

Lummi Nation is asking the court to halt ground-disturbing work at Point Roberts; mandate fencing, site protection, erosion controls, and security cameras at the two affected archaeological sites; give the tribe access to conduct a comprehensive damage assessment and plan reinterment; and require disclosure of all project records, maps, construction logs, and communications relating to disturbed remains.

The tribe’s most recent filings in the case were made on May 7, including dozens of pages of additional legal arguments, original documents, and sworn statements by witnesses. Several documents are under seal

According to a press release from Lummi Nation, based on the confirmed volume of human remains disturbed so far, it is possible that hundreds of ancestors’ remains may have been harmed.

“The new evidence we provide the court makes clear that the harm is not hypothetical or historical—it is ongoing,” Lummi Nation Chairman Anthony Hillaire said. “Each day that passes without intervention risks the permanent loss of Lummi ancestors and the Tribe’s ability to fulfill our sacred obligations.”

The recent filings include a sworn declaration by Tribal Historic Preservation Officer Lena Tso. In her statement, Tso compared the loss of ancestral remains to a missing child.

“A disturbance has the same effect on Tribal people and communities, differing only because some feel it directly, and others feel it indirectly, but everyone experiences the feeling that someone, a family member, is missing,” Tso wrote. “Tribal people have long memory and deep connection to our ancestors, because we still sing their songs, dance their dances, and carry their names and responsibilities with us. Contrary to what you may read in a book, Tribal culture is still very much alive. We are still connected.”

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The post Lummi Nation Lawsuit Alleges Telecom Company, Whatcom County Ignored Sacred Burial Site During Broadband Projects appeared first on Native News Online.

Opinion

In December 2023, I visited the campus of the former Carlisle Indian Industrial School, located within the grounds of the U.S. Army’s historic Carlisle Barracks in Pennsylvania.  The barracks, which date back to the Revolutionary War, are now home to the U.S. Army War College, where military leaders including Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gen. George S. Patton and Gen. H. Norman Schwarzkopf studied.

The Carlisle Indian Industrial School operated for 39 years, from 1879 to 1918. It closed in 1918 when the U.S. Army needed the Carlisle Barracks during World War I.

The school housed about 7,800 Native American children from more than 140 tribal nations, including children from as far away as Alaska. Native students were subjected to a system of forced assimilation that combined Western-style education, militaristic discipline and hard labor. They were forced to cut their hair, adopt English names, stop speaking their tribal languages and convert to Christianity. Many endured physical and emotional abuse.

While Carlisle was in operation, nearly 200 children from 59 different tribes died there. Many died from diseases, poor living conditions or abuse and were buried at the school, according to Volume I of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative Investigative Report. The report was authored by then-Interior Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Bryan Newland (Bay Mills Indian Community).

At the end of my tour of Carlisle, I visited the cemetery where Native students are buried. Walking through the cemetery and seeing the military-style white headstones of Native American children — buried far from their tribal homes — was overwhelming. The headstones listed tribal affiliations, dates and, in some cases, names.

Two of the names are those of Winnebago students Samuel Gilbert, who died a month after arriving at Carlisle in 1895 at age 19, and Edward Hensley, who died four years later at age 17.

The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska wants the remains of Samuel and Edward returned to their homelands.

On Jan. 17, 2024, the tribe filed a lawsuit, Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska v. Department of the Army, against the U.S. Army and other federal agencies and officials. The lawsuit seeks enforcement of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, or NAGPRA, to repatriate the remains of Samuel and Edward, who were taken from their homelands more than a century ago and never returned.

The tribe argues that it has clear legal rights under NAGPRA and continues to advocate for full enforcement of the law. Native American Rights Fund (NARF) staff attorney Beth Wright said the tribe has long supported NAGPRA and remains committed to defending its rights under the statute. The Winnebago Tribe is represented in the case by its general counsel, NARF, Danelle Smith of Big Fire Law & Policy Group LLP and Cultural Heritage Partners, PLLC.

The U.S. Army refused, claiming NAGPRA does not apply to students buried at Carlisle. A U.S. district court dismissed the case, but the Winnebago Tribe appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Last week, the 4th Circuit issued a landmark decision vacating the lower court’s dismissal and allowing the case to proceed under NAGPRA.

The appeals court held that the law applies to Native remains held in federal burial contexts, rejecting the government’s argument that such graves fall outside the statute’s protections. The court found that the remains qualify as part of a “holding or collection” and emphasized that Congress intended NAGPRA to remedy historic injustices involving the unauthorized possession of Native remains. Judge Pamela Harris wrote that the statute clearly supports repatriation in circumstances such as this.

The 4th Circuit also noted that there is no indication in the record that the families of Samuel and Edward were informed of their deaths or burials, nor any indication that the tribe was notified. The ruling reinforces tribal sovereignty and expands the interpretation of NAGPRA beyond museums to Native remains held in federal custody. The case now returns to district court for further proceedings related to repatriation and burial.

“A gravestone at Carlisle Cemetery marks Edward’s remains, though it misspells the name of his tribe as ‘Winnebaloo,’” Judge Harris wrote for the majority. “Another marks Samuel’s remains, spelling Winnebago instead as ‘Winnchaga.’”

The gravestones were wrong, and the U.S. Army was wrong. It is long overdue for those wrongs to be corrected.

As I walked through the Carlisle cemetery in 2023, I kept thinking about how far these children were from home. It is time for them to be returned to their tribal homelands.

Thayék gde nwéndëmen – We are all related.

The post Carlisle Cemetery Case Reopens Questions of Burial, Repatriation and Justice  appeared first on Native News Online.

Happy Monday!

Here are some of the articles you may have missed this past weekend:

A Park to Honor the Legacy of Chief Wilma Mankiller

Generations of Cherokee leaders built strong communities not only through government services and infrastructure, but through investments that bring people together. Parks, trails and community spaces are more than amenities; they are investments in wellness, culture, connection and quality of life.

That belief guided the Cherokee Nation’s creation of the new Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park in Tahlequah, which officially opened this week as a nearly 15-acre public space dedicated to families and community.

The park honors the enduring legacy of the late Principal Chief Mankiller, whose leadership transformed the Cherokee Nation through her vision and investments in housing, clean water, education, economic development and grassroots community organization.

Read the entire article.

Peltola Calls for Congressional Term Limits at Alaska Rally

About 150 Alaskans joined U.S. Senate candidate Mary Peltola (Yup’ik) and community leaders Thursday at a rally focused on political reform, government accountability, and reducing the influence of special interests in Washington, D.C.

During the event, Peltola called on the Alaska State Legislature to pass 12-year term limits for Alaska’s federal delegation, arguing that Alaskans should take the lead where Congress has failed to act.

“If we want to lower costs and protect our state, we need to root out self-serving DC politicians that are putting special interests before Alaskans,” Peltola said. “Congress has consistently failed to pass term limits, but Alaskans don’t wait on DC to deliver results. Our elected officials need a deadline to deliver, and that’s why I’m calling on the Alaska State Legislature in Juneau to join us in the fight to fix the rigged system.”

Read the entire article.

Ramos Bills on Native Rights, Public Safety and Youth Advance in California Legislature

A package of bills authored by James C. Ramos, the first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature, focused on Native American rights, public safety, children and youth services, and mental health access cleared the Assembly Appropriations Committee’s suspense file this week, allowing the measures to continue moving through the California legislative process.

Ramos said the 2026 legislative package reflects the priorities he has championed since taking office.

“This 2026 package focuses on my priorities since election to office – families, public safety and correcting past inequities against California Native Americans,” Ramos stated.

Read the entire article.

The post Monday Morning (May 18, 2026): Articles You May Have Missed This Past Weekend appeared first on Native News Online.

Guest Opinion

The prediction of a coming Ice Age was first published in a 1956 article in Science magazine after research into the causes of past ice ages led researchers to predict that another one would come.

I will share a personal story with you, which I do not often do. Since I was at the United States Environmental Protection Agency at a pivotal time in history — with the first introduction of climate change research and the first Framework Convention on Climate Change led by the United States — it may be worth sharing. I had just graduated with a Ph.D. in Environmental Sciences, with risk communication as the specialized area of my dissertation expertise. As a political appointee of George H. W. Bush, I was assigned to what we called the “policy shop” as a communications specialist. It was my dream job.

I remember one day cleaning up the media room, and there was a documentary on The Coming Ice Age. I thought it should be useful given the discussion about global warming, right? I was told it needed to go into storage. I was confused at first, but I got the message. Even though we knew there was a coming Ice Age, talking about it would muddle the message about global warming.

In an interesting turn, just this month, former Vice President Al Gore talked about a coming Ice Age in Europe at the Conference of Parties meeting (COP30) on the global climate treaty. COP30 also revised its predictions for global warming, discrediting the extreme predictions of the warming models and saying the warming will likely fall more within the moderate range of model predictions. The organization reduced the predicted worst-case-scenario warming from 4.5 degrees C to 3.5 degrees C. But do not celebrate too quickly — the selection of the moderate range is also because the IPCC found that the lower-level model predicting a 1.5 degrees C rise has largely been determined to be too low. The models typically used three predictive levels — low, moderate, and extreme/worst-case-scenario — accounting for uncertainties in the factors used to run the models and the assumptions involved.

This is not to say that Al Gore has changed his position on global warming, only that he has introduced the complicating factor of a coming Ice Age, which had not often been discussed in this context. Some believed global warming might even prevent an Ice Age altogether. More to the point, however, he was trying to say there will be regional differences — some regions will experience warming while others will experience cooling.

The Science

The “ice age” mechanism is the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) — the system that includes the Gulf Stream and pulls warm tropical water northward. A June 2025 study in Geophysical Research Letters found that, in an intermediate emissions scenario, greenhouse gas-driven warming would not outweigh the cooling impact of an AMOC collapse. As shown in the diagram, the collapse of the warm (red) currents would be overwhelmed by the cooling (blue) currents, resulting in greater cooling.

In that model, one in 10 winters in London could experience cold extremes approaching -20°C, while winter extremes in Oslo could plunge to around -48°C. The “State of the Cryosphere” report says AMOC may be heading toward collapse because of ice melt and warming waters, with impacts that could include Northern Europe cooling faster than 3°C per decade, “with no realistic means of adaptation.”

In a fortunate turn of events for Europe, it appears global warming may delay the coming ice age from 50,000 years to 100,000 years from now.

Still, the picture remains unclear even after a review of 34 climate models. A 2025 study in Nature examined the future stability of AMOC in 34 climate models and found that an AMOC collapse this century was “unlikely.” Research published in Nature Geoscience in 2025 found AMOC would experience “limited weakening” of 18% to 43% by 2100, even in a very-high-emissions scenario.

There are also predictions of a coming “mini Ice Age.”

Climate change vs. global warming

“Climate change” would seem to be the better description, but it misses the warning embedded in the phrase “global warming.” Historically, climate change was first discussed in science in 1956, while global warming emerged in 1975. Thereafter, global warming dominated the messaging, but in the 2000s, climate change began replacing global warming to better describe the complexity of regional changes.

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) has remained consistent since its formation in 1988. The United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) was the first treaty that launched the many treaties and protocols that followed. The three panels of the IPCC — science, policy, and economics — have consistently met to develop consensus reports on these topics, and they have maintained their original name reflecting “climate change.”

Final thoughts

Climate change is complex, and messaging that is so simple it leaves out critical parts of the problem has probably contributed to distrust in government and science. It has also likely contributed to the political polarization of the issue, where it is viewed as black and white when it is mostly gray.

Thirty years of the world’s meetings on climate change predictions, targets, and timetables have demonstrated unprecedented cooperation in trying to understand a global phenomenon and potential threat. Adjusting climate models to reflect the vast amounts of data collected over recent decades is exactly what should be happening. Further, perhaps more discussion about the complexity of the predictions should become more common. Then extremist ideas such as geoengineering would be easier to recognize as misguided.

It is a complex issue, and for decades it has been presented too simply, creating distrust and focusing too heavily on reducing energy use in ways directly tied to damaging the economy. More discussion about adaptation and mitigation — and less about reducing global GDP to levels of economic ruin — might even lead to greater efficiencies in energy usage and more unified thinking in a global approach to the phenomenon based on these realities.

To read more articles by Professor Sutton go to:  https://profvictoria.substack.com/ 

Professor Victoria Sutton (Lumbee) is a law professor on the faculty of Texas Tech University. In 2005, Sutton became a founding member of the National Congress of American Indians, Policy Advisory Board to the NCAI Policy Center, positioning the Native American community to act and lead on policy issues affecting Indigenous communities in the United States.

The post Winter is Coming. . . appeared first on Native News Online.

WASHINGTON —  In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently.

USDA Announces $12 Million to Combat Chronic Wasting Disease

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) will provide approximately $12 million to support efforts by states, Tribal governments, research institutions, and universities to combat chronic wasting disease (CWD) in wild and farmed cervids, including deer and elk.

“Chronic wasting disease poses a serious threat to U.S. wildlife and agriculture. This funding reflects our commitment to working collaboratively with States, Tribes, and research partners to develop innovative solutions and protect the health of our nation’s cervid populations,” said Alan Huddleston.

APHIS said the funding will support projects that develop new tools and methods for controlling the disease, strengthen state and Tribal CWD management programs, and provide indemnity payments to cervid owners with pending claims.

The funding breakdown includes:

• Approximately $6 million for projects addressing CWD in farmed cervids
• Approximately $5.5 million for research and management of CWD in wild cervids
• Approximately $500,000 for prevention and management efforts on Tribal lands

CWD is a fatal neurological disease that affects cervids by destroying brain cells over time. Infected animals can appear healthy for long periods while still spreading the disease, making detection and containment difficult.

APHIS noted that previous cooperative agreements have supported predictive genetics research, removal of infected herds, expanded surveillance and diagnostic testing, hunter and public education efforts, and safer carcass disposal methods aimed at reducing the spread of the disease.

Interior Department Proposes Expanded Vehicle Access at Denali National Park

The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced a proposed rule to expand visitor access at Denali National Park and Preserve by updating vehicle use regulations for the historic Denali Park Road.

The proposal would allow up to 160 motor vehicles per 24-hour period on the restricted section of the road during the park’s visitor season. Officials said the change would align National Park Service regulations with the park’s Vehicle Management Plan, which has guided operations since 2012.

The update would replace the current seasonal permit cap of 10,512 vehicles with a daily management framework intended to better reflect current park operations and increase recreational access.

The 92-mile Denali Park Road, built between 1922 and 1938, serves as the primary route into the park and is known for wildlife viewing opportunities that include grizzly bears, moose, caribou, Dall sheep, wolves, foxes, and numerous bird species set against the Alaska Range.

The Interior Department also highlighted ongoing infrastructure investments, including work funded through the Great American Outdoors Act, to restore sections of the road impacted by the Pretty Rocks landslide and improve long-term visitor access.

The post Native News Weekly (May 17, 2026): D.C. Briefs appeared first on Native News Online.

Guest Opinion

Generations of Cherokee leaders built strong communities not only through government services and infrastructure, but through investments that bring people together. Parks, trails and community spaces are more than amenities; they are investments in wellness, culture, connection and quality of life.

That belief guided the Cherokee Nation’s creation of the new Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park in Tahlequah, which officially opened this week as a nearly 15-acre public space dedicated to families and community.

The park honors the enduring legacy of the late Principal Chief Mankiller, whose leadership transformed the Cherokee Nation through her vision and investments in housing, clean water, education, economic development and grassroots community organization.

Chief Mankiller believed deeply in the power of local communities. She understood that when people have safe spaces to gather, exercise and celebrate culture, we are healthier and stronger. This park reflects those same values.

The transformation of this Tahlequah property itself tells an important story. What was once an EPA-designated brownfield industrial site has been reclaimed and reimagined into a vibrant public destination for Cherokee families and our non-Cherokee neighbors.

The park now includes walking trails, playgrounds, an amphitheater, sports courts, pet spaces, traditional stickball features, picnic areas, an heirloom garden, and spaces designed specifically for gatherings and cultural events. It is a place where our elders can walk safely, our children can play freely and families can create memories together.

This project is part of a much larger Cherokee Nation strategy focused on public health and wellness. Cherokee Nation established the Public Health and Wellness Fund Act in 2021, dedicating resources to the kinds of programs that will improve quality of life for Cherokee citizens. Along with Deputy Chief Bryan Warner, we have increased access to personal and community wellness. We’ve made historic investments in behavioral health services, elder nutrition, food security, language preservation, environmental stewardship and recreational opportunities because we understand wellness is holistic.

Good public health is not achieved simply inside hospitals and clinics. It is also built through outdoor spaces where our kids can be active and where cultural connections are forged.

Our Public Health and Wellness Partners grant program has helped support community-based groups that focus on nutrition, youth activities, animal welfare, recreation and overall well-being. These partnerships are based in a universal truth: lasting health outcomes are created when governments and communities work together in the spirit of Gadugi.

The Wilma P. Mankiller Cherokee Capitol Park embodies that spirit perfectly.

It was inspired, initially, by a vision from my daughter, Jasmine Hoskin, who believed the land could become something meaningful for Cherokee youth and for future generations. That idea was then shaped with support from Deputy Chief Warner, the Council of the Cherokee Nation, Secretary of Natural Resources Christina Justice, and members of the Wilma Mankiller family, including her husband, Charlie Soap, and daughter, Felicia Olaya.

The park will just keep getting better as we add amenities and complete future phases. Thanks to our First Lady, January Hoskin, the already accessible playground will soon get more equipment for children with disabilities. We just made a “Call for Art” to add a statue of former Chief Mankiller. In the years ahead, we will design and build natural trails on the site.

Long after the ribbon cutting, families will gather under its pavilion, children will play on the grass and Cherokee culture will thrive in the communal space. That impact is exactly the kind of community-centered legacy Chief Mankiller spent her life building. And it is exactly the kind of future the Cherokee Nation will continue investing in for generations to come.

Chuck Hoskin, Jr. is the principal chief of the Cherokee Nation.

The post A Park to Honor the Legacy of Chief Wilma Mankiller appeared first on Native News Online.

The U.S. Department of the Interior is beginning a new effort to streamline permitting for oil and gas infrastructure development in the roughly 23-million-acre National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska.

The initiative follows a petition for rulemaking submitted by the Alaska Oil and Gas Association requesting that the Bureau of Land Management create a new development permit program for projects within the petroleum reserve.

According to the Interior Department, the proposal would simplify permitting for qualifying production sites and related infrastructure that meet pre-established criteria. The Bureau of Land Management said it has already evaluated similar types of development through projects including Greater Mooses Tooth One and Two, Willow, Alpine and other North Slope operations.

As part of the process, the Bureau of Land Management is launching a 45-day public scoping period to gather input for an environmental impact statement related to production site development in the reserve. Public comments may be submitted through the agency’s National NEPA Register project webpage.

The environmental review is expected to support a future rulemaking process in which the Bureau of Land Management will consider the Alaska Oil and Gas Association’s petition while allowing for additional revisions and public feedback.

The Interior Department said the effort aligns with broader administration policies aimed at expanding domestic energy production, including Executive Order 14153, Secretary’s Order 3422 and the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.

Federal officials also highlighted recent regulatory actions intended to increase development opportunities in the reserve. Those actions include rescinding a 2024 rule that limited leasing and development activity and reopening nearly 82 percent of the reserve to oil and gas leasing through an updated Integrated Activity Plan.

Currently, about 1.6 million acres within the reserve are under lease, with additional leases expected to be finalized following the March 2026 lease sale. According to the Interior Department, the sale generated nearly $163.7 million in total receipts, with 187 tracts receiving bids — setting records for total revenue and number of tracts bid, while marking the second-largest acreage sale in the reserve’s history.

The post Interior Launches Effort to Streamline Oil and Gas Permitting in Alaska Petroleum Reserve appeared first on Native News Online.

Most truck owners open a browser, fall down a rabbit hole of parts listings, and buy three things that don’t work together. You don’t have to be one of them. Getting your upgrade right in 2026 comes down to one thing, order of operations.

Quick Reference

What to UpgradeWhy It MattersWhere to StartFront bumperProtection + recovery capabilityMatch to your truck’s make and yearWheels & chrome rimsStance, fitment, visual identityConfirm bolt pattern and offset firstTonneau covers & bed gearCargo security, weather protectionPick style based on bed access needsSuspension & liftGround clearance, towing stabilityFix worn parts before adding any liftGenuine auto partsReliability under load from modsSource for your specific model

Start With the Foundation, Not the Flashy Stuff

People buy lift kits before checking if their ball joints are worn. They order wheels before confirming the bolt pattern. They pick a tonneau cover that blocks the toolbox. They wanted to add two months later. These mistakes are common, and every one of them costs money to fix.

Before anything else, do a quick mechanical check: brakes, ball joints, tie rods, bushings, and steering components. Worn parts don’t just underperform — they fail faster under the added

stress of new weight or ride height. Catching that now saves you far more than a shop inspection costs.

A weekend trail rig needs a completely different build path than a daily work truck. If your truck is the primary mover for your job site equipment, ensuring your trailer and hitch are rated for heavy attachments is vital—especially when transporting high-impact tools like hydraulic breakers for skid steer loaders that add significant concentrated weight to your payload.

The Exterior Upgrades That Change How a Truck Actually Performs Front bumpers (more than just a looks upgrade)

A front bumper swap isn’t cosmetic. A solid steel aftermarket bumper changes how your truck handles real-world contact — whether that’s trail brush, a slow-speed tap, or a recovery situation where your factory plastic simply won’t hold up.

Beyond protection, a good bumper opens up mounting points for winches, light bars, and d-ring recovery hardware that stock bumpers can’t support. If you’re building toward trail use or heavy towing, this is one of the first structural changes worth making. Check out our front bumpers for trucks, which are built for specific makes and model years because fitment here matters more than most people expect.

Wheels (get the specs right before you fall in love with a set)

Swapping wheels is one of the most visible changes you can make and one of the easiest to get wrong. Before anything else, confirm your bolt pattern, hub bore, offset, and backspacing. A wheel that looks perfect in a photo can rub your fender or throw off your speedometer if the specs don’t match.

Chrome rims for trucks give a clean, high-contrast look that works across most truck styles, and when paired with the right tire size, they genuinely change how a truck carries itself. That word “paired” is doing a lot of work there. Wheels and tires are one decision, not two separate ones.

Bed and Cargo Upgrades: Where Most Owners Leave Money on the Table

The truck bed is where you get the most actual use out of the vehicle, and it’s almost always the last thing to get any attention. That needs to change.

●     Tonneau covers

A tonneau cover does three things well: keeps cargo dry, deters theft, and cuts drag over an open bed, which helps fuel efficiency. Hard folding covers balance security with access. Soft

roll-up covers give flexibility when you’re hauling tall items. Retractable covers offer the cleanest look with one-handed operation.

The wrong way to pick one is based purely on looks. Think about how often you need the full bed open, what you’re hauling, and whether you want a lock. Those three questions narrow the choice down fast.

●     Tool boxes and bed slides

If you work out of your truck, a cross-bed aluminum toolbox keeps your equipment organized and off the floor. Bed slides pull your entire load out toward you, save your back, and speed up access to gear tucked at the front. Both are worth deciding on before you lock in a tonneau cover, because not every cover style works with a crossbed box sitting behind the cab.

Performance Upgrades Worth Your Money in 2026

Most truck owners in 2026 aren’t chasing big horsepower numbers. They want improvements they feel every day, sharper throttle response, stronger towing stability, and a ride that doesn’t feel beaten up under load.

Cold air intake and exhaust

These two work well together. A cold air intake brings denser, cooler air into the engine and improves combustion. Pair that with a cat-back exhaust that lets spent gases exit more freely, and you get noticeably better throttle response and a cleaner sound — without touching the engine internals. Both mods are reversible and won’t stress your drivetrain.

Suspension

A 2- to 3-inch leveling kit or lift gives most daily drivers what they’re actually after: better stance, slightly more clearance, and room for a modest tire size increase. Go beyond 4 or 5 inches, and you’re affecting steering geometry and your center of gravity, that’s territory requiring real planning, not a weekend decision.

For towing, helper springs and upgraded sway bars make a bigger difference than most people realize. Sway bars in particular are underrated — they cut body roll through corners and keep a loaded truck stable at highway speeds.

Sourcing Parts (The Step That Gets Skipped and Shouldn’t)

Parts quality is one of the quieter problems in any truck build. Generic aftermarket parts are fine for low-stress applications. For anything suspension-related, load-bearing, or powertrain-adjacent, where you source from actually matters.

DMS Engineering started as a specialist fastener supplier and grew into a full hub for automotive components and 4WD modifications. They operate on a buyer-beware principle, are upfront about fitment responsibility and local compliance, and sit with the customer. That transparency is actually a useful filter. It tells you the products aren’t dressed up with empty promises. When you shop for the best Jaguar auto parts online or source components for a

specific build, genuine parts from a technically grounded supplier reduce the risk of a failure under load, which is exactly when you don’t want one.

Frequently Asked Questions 1.  What’s the first upgrade I should do on my truck in 2026?

Start with a mechanical inspection before spending anything on mods. Once you know where the truck stands, the first physical upgrade should address protection or utility, a front bumper or bed setup, based on how you use the vehicle. Aesthetic upgrades like wheels work better once fitment and tire sizing are confirmed.

2.  Do chrome rims affect truck performance, or are they just cosmetic?

Wheel choice affects more than looks. The size, offset, and weight of aftermarket wheels change handling, speedometer accuracy, and whether tires clear the fenders. Always confirm bolt pattern, hub bore, and offset against your specific make and model before buying, fitment errors are expensive to correct.

3.  Is it worth upgrading a truck I plan to sell in a few years?

Yes, but stick to practical mods. Tonneau covers, well-fitted wheels, upgraded tires, and sprayin bed liners hold value and can lift resale price. Extreme lift kits or aggressive ECU tunes can narrow your buyer pool. Keep the build functional and reversible whe

The post Thinking About Upgrading Your Truck in 2026? Here’s How to Get Started appeared first on Native News Online.

The kitchen often reflects the owner’s taste: it can be bold and contrasting, or, conversely, calm and balanced. And among all the possible solutions, light shades remain the most versatile choice. White does not dominate; it enhances the space.

Why White Kitchen Cabinets Remain a Popular Choice

White kitchen cabinets have maintained their popularity for several decades as an enduring design choice. These cabinets create a sense of cleanliness, order, and lightness that few other colors can match. Homeowners widely use white kitchen cabinets because they suit both newly constructed spaces and existing architectural elements that need updating.

Their main advantage is versatility. They look equally good in modern minimalist kitchens and in classic spaces with decorative details. White color does not conflict with other elements, but, on the contrary, helps to combine them into a single composition.

In addition, light cabinets visually expand the space. This is especially important for small kitchens, where every centimeter matters. The reflection of light makes the kitchen feel more open.

Design Ideas with White Kitchen Cabinets

White cabinets provide a perfect base for experimenting with different design ideas.

The most powerful solution combines dark countertops with a dark backsplash. The contrast between the elements creates depth while enhancing the kitchen’s overall visual impact. The second approach involves using wooden components, which create a cozy atmosphere through their authentic appearance.

The two-tone design option requires your attention because it presents an interesting visual effect. The design features white upper cabinets paired with lower cabinets in a different shade. The design creates dynamic movement by breaking away from dullness.

Interesting design ideas include:

• combining white with black or graphite accents;
• adding natural wood for contrast;
• using metal details for a modern look;
• combining different textures within the same color.

Such approaches help to transform white kitchen cabinet kitchens into a stylish and individual space.

Materials and Finishes for White Kitchen Cabinets

The materials used determine how white cabinets look and how long they will last. The most common choice for surfaces uses painted wood, MDF, and laminated surfaces. Each option has its own advantages.

Painted wood creates an authentic appearance because it looks natural and deep, but it demands special maintenance. MDF creates a perfect painting surface because it delivers a smooth, imperfection-free surface. The laminate material offers practical benefits and moisture protection.

The choice of coatings requires users to select between matte and glossy finishes according to their desired visual result. Matte surfaces create a contemporary appearance that maintains a subtle presence, while gloss surfaces produce light reflections that enhance kitchen brightness.

The use of white kitchen cabinet colors affects how people perceive room dimensions: warm shades create a comfortable atmosphere, while cool shades convey a contemporary design.

Pros and Cons of White Kitchen Cabinets

Like any solution, white color kitchen cabinets have their pros and cons. Their advantages are clear: they look clean, easily pair with other colors, and enhance the home’s market appeal.

However, there are also drawbacks. The white color needs ongoing maintenance because it shows dirt more than other colors. Fingerprints, stains, and dust become more visible on light surfaces than on dark ones.

You need to follow basic rules that require you to maintain the surfaces through regular cleaning and the use of cleaning products, and to select materials that will withstand damage to maintain the original look of white kitchen cabinets.

White colors for kitchen cabinets provide a solution for people who want to create bright spaces that can be used for different purposes. They create a neutral base that works with any interior style.

The post White Kitchen Cabinets: A Clean and Timeless Choice for Any Home appeared first on Native News Online.

If you’ve spent any time around online casino apps lately, there’s a good chance you’ve seen people talking about Chicken Road Game. At first glance, the game looks almost too simple to take seriously. A cartoon chicken runs forward, multipliers increase, and players try to cash out before everything crashes.

That’s basically it.

And somehow, that simple idea turned into one of those games people keep opening “for just a few rounds” and then end up playing much longer than planned.

For beginners, Chicken Road can actually feel less intimidating than traditional casino games because there aren’t dozens of rules to memorize. You don’t need to learn poker hands or understand complicated slot features. Most players figure out the basics within a couple of minutes.

Still, once real money and fast decisions get involved, the game becomes a little more intense than it first appears.

How Does Chicken Road Work?

The main concept is built around increasing multipliers.

At the start of each round, the chicken chickenrate.net begins moving forward. As it keeps going, the multiplier rises higher and higher. Players can cash out whenever they want before the round suddenly crashes.

If you cash out in time:

• you keep your winnings based on the multiplier

If you wait too long:

• the round crashes
• your bet is gone

That creates the entire tension of the game.

Every round becomes a small decision:

“Do I take a smaller win now or risk waiting longer?”

And honestly, that’s what makes Chicken Road surprisingly addictive.

Why Beginners Usually Like It

A lot of casino games feel overwhelming at the start. Chicken Road doesn’t really have that problem.

The controls are simple.
 The rounds are short.
 The gameplay is easy to follow even on mobile devices.

You don’t spend half your time reading instructions or trying to understand strange bonus systems. The game throws you straight into the action almost immediately.

That simplicity makes it popular with casual players, especially people who normally avoid more traditional casino games.

Understanding Multipliers

Multipliers are the heart of Chicken Road.

Let’s say you place a small bet and cash out at:

• 1.5x
• 2x
• 5x

Your payout changes depending on how long you stay in the round before cashing out.

The difficult part is psychological.

At first, beginners often cash out way too early because they’re nervous about losing. Then eventually they get more confident and start waiting longer. Sometimes that works. Sometimes the round crashes instantly and wipes everything out.

That back-and-forth feeling is what keeps people engaged.

The Game Moves Fast

Really fast.

One reason Chicken Road became popular on mobile betting apps is because there’s very little downtime between rounds. You can play multiple rounds in just a few minutes.

That sounds fun, and it is, but beginners should also be careful with pacing. Fast games can make people place more bets without really noticing how quickly things add up.

Experienced players usually learn to slow themselves down a bit instead of chasing every round emotionally.

Is Chicken Road Based on Luck or Strategy?

Probably both, depending on how you look at it.

Nobody can predict exactly when the crash happens. That part is random. But players still control:

• how much they bet
• when they cash out
• how risky they want to be

Some people play cautiously and cash out early almost every time. Others chase huge multipliers trying to hit massive payouts.

The funny thing is that many beginners start carefully… and then gradually become more aggressive after seeing bigger multipliers appear.

That’s usually where the game becomes dangerous for impatient players.

Why People Keep Talking About It

Chicken Road spreads easily online because every player ends up with stories.

Someone always has screenshots of:

• huge multipliers
• painful crashes
• cashing out one second too early
• losing after getting greedy

That creates a social side around the game, especially in Telegram groups, Discord chats, and casino communities.

It also helps that the game feels more like a mobile arcade challenge than a traditional gambling product. The visuals are lighter, the gameplay is chaotic, and rounds are fast enough to keep attention constantly locked in.

Tips for Beginners

Most new players make the same mistake:
 they focus only on big wins.

A safer approach is usually:

• start with smaller bets
• get comfortable with the pace
• don’t chase losses immediately
• understand your own limits

The game becomes much more enjoyable once you stop trying to hit impossible multipliers every round.

Also, mobile gameplay can make everything feel faster emotionally. Quick wins and losses happen constantly, so taking breaks actually matters more than people expect.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Road became popular because it combines simple gameplay with constant tension. The rules are easy enough for beginners to understand quickly, but the fast pace keeps players emotionally involved almost every second.

That combination works extremely well on mobile devices, especially for users looking for something lighter and quicker than traditional casino games.

At the same time, the simplicity can be misleading. Behind the cartoon chicken and fast rounds, the game still revolves around risk, timing, and decision-making under pressure.

And honestly, that’s probably why so many people keep coming back to it.

The post Chicken Road Game Explained for Beginners appeared first on Native News Online.

Many players go back to Minecraft after some time. Then they load it on PS5 and notice it feels kinda different right away.

Not in a complicated way. Just smoother.

Loading is faster. Worlds open quicker. You don’t really pay attention to it, but yeah it matters. You’re in the game quicker and just stay there.

And yeah, it still feels like the same game. Blocks, simple sounds, nothing fancy. But somehow it’s easier to just sit down and relax with it.

Starting Fresh on Console

When you launch a new world on PS5, you don’t need a plan.

Most players don’t.

You spawn, look around, maybe punch a tree. Same as always. But on console, it feels more chill. You’re on a couch, controller in hand, no rush.

And instead of building something huge, people often go small again.

A tiny house. A bed. Maybe a farm nearby.

That’s enough for hours.

The Simple Question Everyone Asks

At some point, people wonder: is minecraft free on ps5?

Short answer — no, not really.

It’s not a free game usually. You buy it, unless there’s some deal going on.

Still, you play it for so long that it doesn’t feel like a big deal.

What Version Are You Actually Playing?

This part confuses people more than it should.

So here it is simple: what version of minecraft is on ps5?

It’s the Bedrock Edition.

That means crossplay works. You can play with friends on Xbox, PC, even mobile.

And that’s honestly one of the best things about it.

You’re not stuck on one platform. You just join your friends and play.

No complicated setup.

Small Worlds Still Feel the Best

Even on a powerful console like PS5, most players don’t go crazy with builds.

You’d think they would.

But no. A lot of people still end up making the same kind of place:

• a small house
• a farm
• maybe a few animals

That’s it.

And it works.

You log in, check your crops, maybe expand a bit. Then you go explore for a while. Then you come back.

It’s a loop, but a good one.

Playing With Friends Changes the Mood

Solo Minecraft is calm.

But multiplayer is where things get interesting.

Not in a chaotic way. Just more alive.

Someone is building something random. Someone else is digging a tunnel that leads nowhere. And somehow it all fits together.

You don’t need big plans.

You just join and see what happens.

And yeah, sometimes people start thinking about servers.

Nothing serious at first.

Just: “hey, maybe we should have our own world online all the time.”

When You Start Thinking About Servers

This is where things can get confusing.
There are many options, and most players don’t really want to deal with technical stuff.
They just want something that works.

So they look around, compare different providers, and try to find reliable Minecraft server hosting options.
Not because they want something fancy.
Just stable. Easy to set up. No lag when 3–5 friends join.

Yeah, that’s usually enough honestly.
Too much setup time and people just stop caring, then go back to playing alone.

Why Console Minecraft Feels More Relaxed

There’s something about playing on PS5 that makes you slow down.

Maybe it’s the controller. Maybe it’s sitting on a couch instead of a desk.

You don’t rush things. You build slower. You explore slower. Even mining feels different. And honestly, that’s fine.

It brings back that first-time feeling a bit.

Farming, Building, Repeating — And That’s Fine

After a while, you notice something.

You’re not chasing big goals.

You’re just doing small things:

• planting crops
• fixing your house
• adding a fence
• lighting up paths

Nothing special. But it feels good.

And yeah, some parts get repetitive. But farming, for example, never really gets annoying. It’s simple. Predictable.

You always know what to do.

You Don’t Need a Big Plan

A lot of guides online show huge builds and complex systems. But most players don’t play like that.

They just log in, do something small, and log out. And that’s enough. No pressure. No need to build something impressive. Just your world. Your pace.

That’s Why People Keep Coming Back

Even after trying other games, people return to Minecraft.

Not because it’s new. But because it’s simple.

You don’t have to use your brain that much. And yeah, no competing. And on PS5, it feels even easier to do that. So yeah. A small house. A farm. Maybe a few friends. That’s all you really need.

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Mobile platforms are no longer just part of the digital economy.

In many ways, they became the digital economy itself.

Across global markets, people increasingly rely on smartphones and mobile apps for communication, shopping, entertainment, banking, education, and work. What started as convenience gradually turned into infrastructure.

And the growth still hasn’t slowed down.

Smartphones Became the Main Access Point

For a huge number of users worldwide, the phone is now the primary internet device.

People browse, stream, message, pay bills, and manage daily tasks directly from mobile apps. In many regions, especially developing markets, smartphones replaced the need for desktop computers entirely.

That shift changed how digital platforms are designed.

Businesses now prioritize mobile-first experiences because that’s where the audience already is.

Fast loading times, simplified interfaces, and lightweight applications became standard expectations rather than optional features.

Convenience Continues Driving Adoption

One reason mobile platforms keep expanding is simple.

They are convenient.

A phone stays within reach almost constantly. That changes user behavior dramatically because digital access becomes immediate instead of intentional.

People no longer “go online” the way they used to years ago. They remain connected throughout the day.

That continuous access increases engagement across almost every digital category.

Emerging Markets Accelerated Mobile Growth

Some of the strongest mobile growth today is happening in emerging markets.

In regions across Africa, South Asia, and parts of Latin America, mobile infrastructure developed faster than traditional desktop ecosystems. Many users entered the digital world directly through smartphones.

That created mobile-first digital cultures from the beginning.

Apps became the central tool for communication, payments, transportation, entertainment, and commerce because they solved practical problems quickly and efficiently.

Mobile Platforms Adapt Faster

Another advantage mobile platforms have is flexibility.

Apps can update constantly, improve performance, add features, and respond to user behavior much faster than older digital systems.

That matters in competitive markets where trends change quickly.

Companies now rely heavily on mobile engagement because it allows direct interaction with users in real time.

Notifications, live updates, and personalized recommendations all help keep people connected longer.

Entertainment Is Built Around Mobile Behavior

Digital entertainment especially changed because of mobile growth.

Streaming services, gaming platforms, social media, and sports applications are now designed around shorter, more frequent interactions throughout the day.

People consume content while commuting, waiting in line, or during short breaks instead of only during dedicated screen time at home.

Access to services connected to MelBet download links (Arabic: ميل بت تحميل) reflects how mobile entertainment systems increasingly focus on instant accessibility and app-based interaction across different regions.

The expectation now is speed and simplicity.

Mobile Payments Strengthened the Ecosystem

The growth of mobile payment systems also helped mobile platforms expand faster.

Once users became comfortable handling financial activity through apps, trust in broader digital services increased as well.

That shift encouraged stronger adoption across e-commerce, subscription services, and digital marketplaces.

In many markets, mobile payments now feel more natural than traditional banking processes.

Social Connectivity Keeps Users Engaged

Social interaction is another major reason mobile platforms continue growing.

People spend huge amounts of time communicating through messaging apps, social networks, and community-based platforms. Those interactions keep users inside mobile ecosystems continuously throughout the day.

The line between communication, entertainment, and commerce keeps becoming less visible.

Everything now exists inside the same connected environment.

Mobile Infrastructure Keeps Improving

Better mobile internet also continues pushing growth forward.

5G expansion, improved smartphone affordability, and stronger network coverage make mobile access faster and more reliable than before.

As infrastructure improves, users naturally spend more time on digital platforms.

That creates even more demand for mobile-focused services.

Businesses Now Think Mobile-First

A few years ago, companies often treated mobile apps as secondary products.

That approach disappeared quickly.

Today, many businesses launch mobile experiences before desktop versions. Some platforms barely rely on desktop traffic at all anymore.

The reason is obvious.

User attention increasingly lives on mobile devices.

Final Thoughts

Mobile platforms continue growing across global markets because they fit how people interact with technology today.

They are faster, more accessible, and easier to integrate into daily life than older digital systems.

From communication and payments to entertainment and commerce, mobile ecosystems now shape how millions of people experience the internet.

And based on current trends, that influence will continue growing for years to come.

The post Why Mobile Platforms Continue to Grow Across Global Markets appeared first on Native News Online.

Video games used to either ignore Indigenous peoples or shove them into tired stereotypes — mystical shamans, noble warriors, feather-and-buckskin clichés. That’s finally changing. Across Australia and North America, Indigenous-led studios are building games around their own stories, languages, and survival knowledge shaped over thousands of years. These developers are not asking permission. They are taking control of their own narratives.

Little Buffalo Studios And The Wisdom Of The Campfire

Akiiwan: Survival is the debut project from Toronto-based Little Buffalo Studios, an Indigenous-led team with creators from the Red River Métis, Anishinaabe, and Mohawk nations. The game won the 2024 Unity for Humanity Award before most people even played it.

“Players awaken beside a talking campfire. A fox stares back. They have fallen from the sky, and winter is coming.” The game weaves authentic survival techniques — passed down for over ten millennia — into a meditative, low-stress experience. There is no pointless grinding or endless tree-chopping. Instead, the stars themselves teach players how each tool was actually made.

Jeremy Nelson, producer and designer at Little Buffalo, puts it simply: the team is not just making a game. They are reviving ways of thinking that helped their ancestors survive for generations.

Oshki Games And Anishinaabe Storytelling

Not far behind, Oshki Games arrived in 2024 as an Anishinaabe-led indie studio out of British Columbia. The crew blends modern tech with Indigenous storytelling and cultural values, working closely with artists, developers, and designers to build digital experiences that deepen understanding of Indigenous culture. The name fits perfectly. “Oshki” means new or fresh in Anishinaabemowin. Games built not only for entertainment, but for connection to heritage too.

Guck And Blaktasia — Healing The Bush From Melbourne

Down in Naarm (Melbourne), the Aboriginal-led studio Guck is taking a different approach. Their first mobile game, Blaktasia, centres on restoring bushland, protecting native wildlife, and pushing back against a corrupting force known as the Murk. The studio is fully Aboriginal-led, with the game pulling directly from Indigenous Australian culture, artwork, and traditional land management knowledge.

Blaktasia launched as a free title in late 2024 with backing from Screen Australia. After years of misrepresentation and straight-up ignorance of Aboriginal culture in games, Guck built something healing. Once the project ends, the team will disband — but their impact will spread as developers carry their expertise across the industry.

Native Themes In Online Slots

Indigenous culture has influenced plenty of online slots, particularly games built around mythology, spirituality, and traditional symbolism. Games like Aztec’s Millions, Maya, Navajo Way, Indian Chief, and Totem Tower build their presentation around recognisable cultural imagery, including:

• dreamcatchers
• tribal masks
• eagles
• ceremonial drums

That approach goes beyond Native American inspiration. Some developers have released pokies based on Aboriginal Dreamtime stories and Māori mythology, bringing Indigenous storytelling traditions into online gaming spaces as well.

Players looking through Australian pokies at australianonlinecasinoguide.com can find plenty of themed titles alongside newer PayID pokies options that support faster transactions for Aussie users.

Themed Australian pokies mix classic reel gameplay with culture-inspired artwork and sound design, while a reliable online casino Australia usually offers a broad variety of titles. Entertainment lands far better when cultural heritage is handled with respect instead of being turned into a cheap visual gimmick.

Hill Agency And The Invisible Games

Hamilton-based Achimostawinan Games released Hill Agency: PURITYdecay, a cyberpunk investigation starring Méeygen Hill, a Néhinaw (Cree) protagonist. The game blends Indigenous futurism with noir storytelling. It is sharp, angry, and beautiful. Yet most mainstream gaming outlets barely covered it.

MobileSyrup recently noted that out of the thousands of games being developed in Canada, only a tiny fraction have Indigenous creators at the helm. The 2024 hit Two Falls (Nishu Takuatshina) by Montréal’s Unreliable Narrators stands as another rare exception. Most Indigenous-made games remain invisible to the general gaming public — not because they lack quality, but because discovery algorithms and media gatekeepers consistently overlook them.

What Gaming Looks Like When Indigenous Communities Lead

The difference between old representation and new creation is simple. Outsiders make characters. Communities make worlds.

• Authenticity by design – Little Buffalo consulted elders and knowledge keepers at every stage of Akiiwan’s development
• Language preservation through play – Games like the upcoming Michif RP teach endangered Indigenous languages within virtual worlds
• Economic sovereignty – Every dollar spent on Indigenous-led games stays partially within communities that designed them
• Healing over harm – Blaktasia restores virtual bushland, making the act of playing become an act of care

As Oshki Games states on their website, the team is dedicated to crafting unforgettable gaming experiences by seamlessly merging cutting-edge technology, innovative design, and rich Indigenous storytelling with cultural values.

The post Indigenous Game Makers Reclaim Their Stories Now appeared first on Native News Online.

Tribal Judge Melissa Pope has been appointed to the Michigan Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Pope is the chief judge of the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of the Potawatomi Tribal Court, a role she’s served in since 2011, and as elected Chief Justice of the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians Tribal Court of Appeals since 2009. She also teaches American Indian Law at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. Her career prior to joining the bench was rooted in social justice and anti-violence work, spanning roles as a staff attorney for the Women’s Survival Center of Oakland County, director of victim services at Triangle Foundation (now Equality Michigan), and coordinator of the Oakland University Gender and Sexuality Center. Throughout this work she advocated for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and anti-LGBTIQ violence, and developed trainings for law enforcement, prosecutors, and service providers on topics ranging from hate crimes to violence in same-gender relationships.

As Chief Judge, Pope has built the NHBP Tribal Court into a trauma-informed, victim-centered institution grounded in traditional Indigenous values. She led the development of a Victim Services Department, a Probation Department with dedicated supervision and intervention divisions, and a Domestic Violence Code with restored jurisdiction under VAWA 2013 and 2022. Her court was the first tribal court in Michigan to attain direct access to the Law Enforcement Information Network. Beyond the bench, she was reappointed by Governor Whitmer to the Michigan Domestic and Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board, serves as Co-Chair of the Michigan Tribal State Federal Judicial Forum, and is President of the Michigan Indian Judicial Association.

The Michigan Domestic & Sexual Violence Prevention and Treatment Board was created in 2012 from a domestic violence board established in 1978. It develops and recommends policy, technical assistance, and training to the criminal justice and child welfare agencies, and administers state and federal funding for domestic and sexual violence services.

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A Montana nonprofit serving the Apsáalooke Nation has received state opioid abatement funding to advance a family healing center designed to keep children out of foster care while their parents recover from addiction.

Mountain Shadow Association (MSA) announced this week it has been awarded $150,000 over two years through the Montana Opioid Abatement Trust (MOAT) to support Kaala’s Village, a first-of-its-kind facility in Lodge Grass that aims to keep families together through addiction treatment.

MOAT is the statewide entity created to receive, manage, and distribute Montana’s share of national opioid settlement funds. The funds are restricted to opioid remediation, with the goal of helping communities prevent addiction, support recovery, and reduce overdose deaths.

Kaala’s Village departs from a traditional foster care model. Rather than separating children from parents who enter treatment, the center provides a community-based alternative: parents can pursue long-term recovery while their children remain nearby.

After treatment, families reunite through a restorative justice process and gain access to workforce training in construction, agriculture, hospitality, childcare, and food processing before transitioning into stable housing and employment.

The MOAT award will specifically support the integration of behavioral healthcare services for children and parents involved in Mountain Shadow’s recovery programming.

The program centers Apsáalooke cultural values while addressing the root causes of family instability: housing insecurity, untreated addiction, unemployment, and the trauma of separation.

“This investment strengthens our region’s behavioral health workforce, expands access to nutritious food and meaningful work, and supports a model of healing that is both culturally rooted and economically sustainable,” said Megkian Doyle, Executive Director of Mountain Shadow Association. “MOAT funding accelerates our ability to build a place where families can heal together, where grandparents reclaim their cultural role, and where children grow up surrounded by safety, belonging, and opportunity.”

The post Montana Opioid Funds to Help Native Parents Recover Without Losing Their Kids appeared first on Native News Online.

Native Vote 2026

About 150 Alaskans joined U.S. Senate candidate Mary Peltola (Yup’ik) and community leaders Thursday at a rally focused on political reform, government accountability, and reducing the influence of special interests in Washington, D.C.

During the event, Peltola called on the Alaska State Legislature to pass 12-year term limits for Alaska’s federal delegation, arguing that Alaskans should take the lead where Congress has failed to act.

“If we want to lower costs and protect our state, we need to root out self-serving DC politicians that are putting special interests before Alaskans,” Peltola said. “Congress has consistently failed to pass term limits, but Alaskans don’t wait on DC to deliver results. Our elected officials need a deadline to deliver, and that’s why I’m calling on the Alaska State Legislature in Juneau to join us in the fight to fix the rigged system.”

Under Peltola’s proposal, Alaska lawmakers would enact 12-year term limits for members of the state’s federal delegation. The plan would also include a provision allowing current officeholders to serve one additional term after the law takes effect.

According to the campaign, 84% of Alaskans and 83% of Americans support congressional term limits, despite repeated failures in Congress to advance federal legislation on the issue.

Addressing the crowd, Peltola said Alaskans cannot rely on Washington politicians to solve the state’s economic challenges.

She told supporters that “no one from the Lower 48 is coming to save Alaska and DC isn’t going to fix itself,” arguing that Alaskans must challenge a political system she said is driving up costs and hurting the state.

Peltola also renewed calls to ban congressional stock trading, reduce the influence of money in politics, and crack down on self-dealing by elected officials.

She framed the reforms as part of a broader effort to lower costs for families, restore Alaska’s fisheries, and “make Alaska a place of abundance again.”

The post Peltola Calls for Congressional Term Limits at Alaska Rally appeared first on Native News Online.

A package of bills authored by James C. Ramos, the first and only California Native American serving in the state’s legislature, focused on Native American rights, public safety, children and youth services, and mental health access cleared the Assembly Appropriations Committee’s suspense file this week, allowing the measures to continue moving through the California legislative process.

Ramos said the 2026 legislative package reflects the priorities he has championed since taking office.

“This 2026 package focuses on my priorities since election to office – families, public safety and correcting past inequities against California Native Americans,” Ramos stated.

Bills Approved by the Assembly Appropriations Committee

The measures advancing from the Assembly suspense file include:

• AB 1592 — California Indian Heritage Center Support Organization: Would authorize the California Department of Parks and Recreation to partner with the California Indian Heritage Center Support Organization to support development of the California Indian Heritage Center facility. Sponsored by the Jamul Indian Village of California.
• AB 1681 — Victim Notification: Seeks to strengthen victims’ rights by ensuring timely notifications regarding offender releases, parole hearings, escapes, and special parole conditions. The bill would remove the requirement for victims to navigate a separate notification process during traumatic circumstances. Sponsored by the California District Attorneys Association, Orange County District Attorney’s Office, and San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.
• AB 1769 — Tribal Articulation: Would improve transfer pathways for students attending tribal colleges into California’s public higher education systems. The measure calls for development of transfer agreements aimed at minimizing duplicated coursework and streamlining credit transfers. Co-sponsored by Table Mountain and California Indian Nations College.
• AB 1841 — California Native American Day: Would designate California Native American Day as a paid holiday for all state employees. The proposal expands on Ramos’ 2021 legislation, AB 855, which established the holiday for judicial employees. Sponsored by the California Native Vote Project.
• AB 1881 — California Indian Freedom Act of 2026: Aims to strengthen protections for California Native Americans engaging in religious practices and accessing sacred sites on state public lands while requiring state agencies to respect Indigenous cultural traditions. Sponsored by Indigenous Justice.
• AB 1889 — Criminal Protective Orders: Would allow courts to issue criminal protective orders valid for two years after a defendant’s release if the original order has expired. The measure applies to cases involving domestic violence, human trafficking, and sexual assault. Co-sponsored by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office and San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.
• AB 2018 — California Missing Persons Program Update: Updates state law to expand California’s use of advances in forensic technology to identify human remains and locate missing persons. Sponsored by California Attorney General Rob Bonta.
• AB 2115 — State Apology to California Native Americans: Would establish a formal apology from the California Legislature to California Native Americans for historical violence, displacement, and cultural suppression and require installation of a commemorative plaque in the State Capitol. Sponsored by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians.
• AB 2187 — Tribal Public Contracts: Would exempt federally recognized tribes and tribal enterprises from certain state bidding requirements related to procurement and contracting. Sponsored by the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.

Additional Ramos Bills Continue Advancing

Other Ramos measures continuing through the legislative process include:

• AB 308 — Mobile Crisis Response Teams: Encourages county behavioral health directors to develop specialized training for mobile crisis response teams working with individuals with autism, behavioral health conditions, or developmental disabilities. Co-sponsored by Autism Society Inland Empire and Autism Heroes.
• AB 1579 — Children’s Crisis Pilot Program: Expands flexibility within residential crisis services programs to better serve foster youth across California. Co-sponsored by Just Advocates and the California Alliance of Child and Family Services.
• AB 1581 — Indigenous Student Undercount: Addresses the undercounting of Indigenous students in California schools. According to the American Institutes for Research, as many as 70% of Indigenous students are not properly represented in education data reporting and analysis, affecting access to resources and opportunities. Sponsored by the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians.
• AB 1586 — School Safety & Opioid Overdose Prevention Act: Would require School Resource Officers to complete opioid overdose prevention training every two years. Sponsored by the Association of Alcohol & Drug Program Executives.
• AB 1824 — Indian Child Welfare Act: Clarifies compliance requirements related to the Indian Child Welfare Act and California ICWA in probate guardianship and conservatorship proceedings. The bill seeks to ensure probate courts consistently apply protections already established under federal and state law. Sponsored by California Indian Legal Services, California Tribal Families Coalition, and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.
• AB 1948 — Concealed Carry Weapons Permits: Would extend the duration of newly issued concealed carry weapon permits from two years to three years. Sponsored by San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus.

The post Ramos Bills on Native Rights, Public Safety and Youth Advance in California Legislature appeared first on Native News Online.

RICHMOND, Va. — In a major legal victory for the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit ruled that the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) applies to the remains of Native children buried at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School cemetery, allowing the Tribe’s lawsuit against the U.S. Army to move forward.

The Tribe, represented by the Native American Rights Fund, Big Fire Law & Policy Group LLP, and Cultural Heritage Partners, seeks the repatriation of the remains of Samuel Gilbert and Edward Hensley, two Winnebago boys who died at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School more than 125 years ago.

The Fourth Circuit vacated a lower court’s dismissal of the case, holding that NAGPRA’s protections extend to Native children buried without tribal or family consent in the Carlisle cemetery. The decision marks the first time the Fourth Circuit has interpreted NAGPRA in this context.

In the opinion, Judge Harris wrote:

“At the end of the day, the U.S. government kept and buried the remains of two Native American schoolchildren, Samuel Gilbert and Edward Hensley, without their families’ or tribe’s consent after forcing them from their homes and after they died in the government’s care. Nearly a century later, Congress passed a statute that, by its terms, entitles their tribe finally to bring their remains home and to bury them according to their tribal and religious traditions. Nothing in the statute’s text or purpose forecloses that outcome. Quite the opposite: All signs indicate that the Tribe’s repatriation request is precisely the kind of remedy of historic wrongs that NAGPRA was designed to facilitate.”

The court rejected the federal government’s argument that NAGPRA does not apply to remains held in the Carlisle boarding school cemetery. Instead, the court concluded the remains constitute a “holding or collection” under the law, reinforcing Congress’ intent to address the historic desecration and retention of Native remains without consent.

Advocates for the Tribe called the ruling a powerful affirmation of Tribal sovereignty and the rights of Tribal Nations to reclaim their children from the federal boarding school system.

“Winnebago’s lawsuit demonstrates its commitment to honor its ancestors and its children; Winnebago continues to advocate for its rights under NAGPRA to bring Samuel and Edward home and provide them with the Tribal burials they were denied over 125 years ago,” said Beth Margaret Wright, senior staff attorney with the Native American Rights Fund. “The Fourth Circuit recognized that Congress enacted NAGPRA as a remedy for this ‘shameful injustice’.”

The ruling also carries broader implications for Tribal Nations nationwide seeking the return of children who died while attending federal Indian boarding schools.

“This is an extraordinarily important decision not only for the Winnebago Tribe, but for Tribal Nations across the country seeking to ensure that federal agencies finally comply with the laws enacted to help address the profound and multigenerational trauma inflicted by the federal Indian boarding school system,” said Greg Werkheiser of Cultural Heritage Partners, co-counsel for the Tribe.

Winnebago Tribe Chairman Brown welcomed the decision, emphasizing the cultural and spiritual importance of bringing the children home.

“The Fourth Circuit’s ruling brings joy to the Tribe,” Chairman Brown said. “As the Court recognized, it would be a disservice to find NAGPRA does not protect the Winnebago’s right to bring home Samuel Gilbert and Edward Hensley for proper burials, according to our traditional practices. NAGPRA is an important statute our relatives fought for and is meant to ‘address the desires of Indians to bury their dead,’ a right ‘for too long ignored.’”

The case now returns to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia for further proceedings.

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In the past two weeks, Minnesota’s Native maternal health crisis made headlines, an ICWA challenge was filed, and on buffalo are feeding kids and increasing test scores on the Wind River Reservation. Here is our health equity round-up.

In the Headlines

Sixteen years ago, Jenson Yazzie and his father embarked on an experiment: eat a plant-based diet for 30 days and see if it could affect their health. After a month, the father and son both lost weight and had more energy.

Now, Yazzie spoke with KUNM about the Native Food for Life Program, an initiative that aims to combat chronic disease through plant-based diets rooted in traditional Navajo foodways. Yazzie pointed to the challenges of finding fresh foods on the 27,000-square-mile Navajo Nation reservation, where there are only eight grocery stores, and how starting small is the key to making lasting dietary changes.

The Sahan Journal examined Minnesota’s Native American mothers dying at 12  times the rate of the state’s white population. The disparity fits into a national crisis across Indian Country, where preventable material health deaths are high.

MMIP, ICWA

On May 5, tribes and advocates across Indian Country led communities in marches and rallies for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples Day. The day was first declared in 2017 to bring attention to the high number of unsolved cases of missing and murdered people in Indian Country.

According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, there are 4,200 unsolved MMIP cases, but advocates say that the actual number is likely much higher. In 2023, homicide was the fourth leading cause of death among Native men, and the sixth leading cause of death among Native women.

For some states, the day of awareness was followed by the announcement of dedicated MMIP task forces, including Alaska and California. Two days after Native people marched, Minnesota state officials fired the executive director of its  Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives office.

The Indian Child Welfare Act may once again be in front of the Supreme Court, thanks to a petition filed by an Arizona-based conservative think tank. The petition challenges a Minnesota Supreme Court decision denying two non-Native foster parents’ request to intervene in custody proceedings that placed their Native foster children with a maternal aunt.

Grants

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is granting $135,000 to Wichita and the Affiliated Tribes to fund its environmental priorities. Additionally, the agency awarded $195,000 to the Pueblo of Laguna. According to an announcement, the Pueblo will use the  grant to build environmental capacity and administrative infrastructure, provide oversight into tribal priority projects, conduct outreach, enforce solid waste codes and regulations, and implement solid and hazardous waste programs.

Healthcare Systems

The Indigenous Healthcare Advancements launched a free, web-based locator that maps Indian Health Service (IHS) facilities, tribally operated 638 programs, urban Indian health organizations, and community health centers that provide care to Native patients.

Good Read

This week, we published the first of a two-part series about how the return of buffalo is increasing attendance and reading comprehension for one school on the Wind River Reservation.

​

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A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has introduced legislation aimed at strengthening staffing levels at Urban Indian Organizations by allowing officers in the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps to be detailed directly to those facilities.

The legislation was introduced by Lisa Murkowski (R-AK), Patty Murray (D-WA), Thom Tillis (R-NC), and Catherine Cortez Masto (R-NV). Supporters say the bill would help address chronic staffing shortages at Urban Indian health facilities serving Native patients in cities and metropolitan areas. Sen. Murksowski is chair of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and Sen. Cortez Masto serves on the committee.

According to the senators, the proposal builds on recent efforts by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who recently assigned 70 commissioned officers to Indian Health Service facilities to help stabilize workforce needs. Tribal advocates have long pushed for similar authority to directly support Urban Indian Organizations.

“UIOs provide far more than a place for an annual check-up; they deliver culturally grounded care that reflects the needs and values of the communities they serve,” Murkowski said. “All Native people deserve access to quality health care, whether they live in a city or a rural community. Ensuring these facilities are adequately staffed will strengthen health outcomes for American Indian and Alaska Native communities nationwide and help fill a critical gap in care.”

Cortez Masto said the legislation would provide additional flexibility to address workforce shortages in Nevada’s Urban Indian health facilities. “Nevada’s Urban Indian health facilities are chronically understaffed,” she said. “Even the best doctors and nurses can’t provide patients with the quality of care that they need if there simply aren’t enough of them. This commonsense fix gives the Department of Health and Human Services the flexibility it needs to ensure that Tribal communities across the Silver State can get the health care they need.”

The proposal also received support from Francys Crevier, chief executive officer of the National Council of Urban Indian Health. “We are grateful to Senators Murkowski, Murray, Tillis, and Cortez Masto for championing this bipartisan effort to allow U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Officers to be detailed directly at urban Indian organizations,” Crevier said. “Due to limited funding, Urban Indian Organizations continue to face significant challenges in recruiting and retaining skilled health care professionals, and detailing Commissioned Officers help them address workforce shortages and increase collaboration across the federal health care system. We urge Congress to pass this legislation swiftly so that Urban Indian Organizations can benefit from this vital workforce support.”

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The Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums announced the next phase of its Strengthening Institutional Support for Native Artists (SISNA) initiative, a national effort aimed at improving how institutions support Native artists, culture bearers, authors, performers, and Indigenous creative communities.

Funded through a Ford Foundation BUILD grant, SISNA was launched in response to ongoing national conversations among Native artists, tribal leaders, cultural institutions, arts organizations, funders, and community partners about the need for stronger and more culturally grounded systems of support for Native artists and Native communities.

Over the past two years, the initiative has included national research, listening sessions, and the inaugural SISNA Summit, which brought together Native artists, tribal leaders, cultural practitioners, arts administrators, funders, and institutional partners from across the country. One of the clearest themes emerging from those conversations was the importance of strengthening existing institutions and improving institutional readiness. 

“As we listened to Native artists and community leaders, it became clear that this work is fundamentally about relationships, accountability, and long-term investment,” said Susan Feller, President and CEO of ATALM. “Artists consistently emphasized the need for stronger support systems, fair compensation, better partnerships, and institutions that are better prepared to work collaboratively with Native communities.” 

The initiative is currently focused on developing practical resources, institutional readiness frameworks, peer-learning opportunities, and accountability tools designed to help tribal governments, museums, libraries, archives, arts agencies, universities, funders, and cultural organizations strengthen support for Native artists and Native cultural futures. 

Heidi K. Brandow (Diné and Kanaka Maoli) recently joined ATALM as Senior Consultant for Strategic Initiatives and will help guide the next phase of SISNA. Brandow is an Indigenous artist, curator, communications strategist, and cultural practitioner whose work centers on relationship-building, ethical storytelling, cultural sovereignty, and Indigenous-led collaboration across communities and institutions. 

“SISNA is intended to be collaborative, practical, and responsive to the field,” said Brandow. “This initiative is not about creating one model for everyone. It is about helping institutions build stronger relationships, improve accountability, and develop systems that better support Native artists and Native communities.” 

Over the coming months, SISNA will host a series of national virtual gatherings focused on refining the framework and gathering additional input from Native artists, institutions, and partners across the field. ATALM also announced that SISNA Summit II will take place on September 21, 2026, in Spokane, Washington, immediately preceding the annual ATALM Conference. 

Additional information about SISNA, upcoming gatherings, and opportunities for participation can be found on the SISNA website at www.atalm.org. 

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An African American couple from Omaha is asking the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals to revive their lawsuit against the Omaha Discovery Trust over a policy granting free admission to members of federally recognized Native American tribes at the Kiewit Luminarium, according to Courthouse News Service. Gwladys and Manfred Nare argue the policy amounts to unlawful racial discrimination under federal civil rights law.

The couple said they paid full admission for themselves and their child before learning tribe members could enter for free. After being denied a refund, they sued the museum operator, claiming the policy violated public accommodation protections and Nebraska consumer protection law. A federal district court dismissed the case, ruling that tribal membership is a political classification rather than a racial one.

During oral arguments Wednesday, attorney David Begley, representing the Nares, argued the policy uses tribal membership as a “proxy for race.” He told the court the museum’s admission policy amounted to “free admission based upon race,” despite the lower court’s conclusion that tribal citizenship is political in nature.

Attorneys for the Omaha Discovery Trust defended the policy, arguing it is based solely on membership in federally recognized tribes, not race. Lawyer Catherine Cano said a Black person who is a tribal member would qualify for free admission, while someone identifying as Native American without tribal membership would not. The museum also argued the policy extends to household members, further distancing it from racial classification.

The three-judge Eighth Circuit panel questioned both sides about whether the policy could be considered pretextual discrimination, though the court did not indicate when it would issue a ruling. The district court had relied heavily on prior Eighth Circuit precedent recognizing tribal membership as a political distinction tied to tribal sovereignty rather than race.

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Native Vote 2026

Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) has received the 2026 Moms Demand Action Gun Sense Candidate distinction as she campaigns to become the next governor of New Mexico.

Moms Demand Action is a grassroots movement focused on advancing public safety measures aimed at reducing gun violence and promoting gun safety reforms.

“Every New Mexican deserves to feel safe sending their child to school, going to the grocery store, or gathering in their neighborhood. But right now, that’s not a reality for far too many families,” Haaland said. “I am committed to passing sensible measures that protect lives, get illegal guns off our streets, and help prevent the next gun tragedy before more communities are torn apart.”

As part of her public safety platform, Haaland outlined several proposals focused on gun violence prevention and community safety, including:

• Passing the Stop Illegal Gun Trade Act to establish new requirements for firearms dealers, restrict extremely dangerous weapons and increase oversight on restricted weapons.
• Appointing a dedicated Gun Violence Prevention Coordinator to oversee a statewide task force focused on reducing gun violence.
• Establishing an Office of Gun Violence Prevention to work alongside the Department of Public Safety in developing statewide prevention strategies and frameworks.
• Recruiting mentors to address gun violence, help remove illegal guns from schools and mobilize community support initiatives.
• Monitoring reports of juveniles’ social media posts showing illegal firearms and conducting outreach to households to prevent potential gun crimes.
• Addressing generational gun culture by reaching out to young people with family members convicted of gun-related offenses.

Haaland’s campaign said the candidate has visited all 33 counties across New Mexico during her gubernatorial campaign to hear directly from residents and discuss her vision for the state.

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Nationally, Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in May since the 1940s as a means to raise awareness, reduce stigma and normalize conversations about mental wellness. Chikasha Anokfilli (thinking Chickasaw) is a year-round initiative envisioned by Chickasaw Nation Governor Bill Anoatubby to help further elevate mental health and wellness across the Chickasaw Nation.

In May 2022, Governor Anoatubby declared by proclamation the month of May as Chikasha Anokfilli (Thinking Chickasaw) Month to emphasize the importance of mental wellness to overall health and wellbeing, and highlight the Chickasaw Nation’s commitment to offering an array of programs designed to enhance mental wellness. 

“Chikasha Anokfilli calls upon all Chickasaw Nation departments to support and further enhance the mental wellness of others. As Governor Anoatubby has often said, we are family, and families take care of one another, especially in times of need,” Josh Bess Chickasaw Nation Secretary of Family Services, said.

The Chickasaw Nation’s approach to mental wellness is designed to reflect the Chickasaw Nation’s mission to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people. It is also guided by the Chickasaw Nation’s core values and culture, Bess explained.

“Our culture is so important to us. It connects us back to the long-standing and deep importance Chickasaws have always placed on overall wellness.”

Connection to one’s own culture is a protective factor of mental wellness, he said. “Knowing who you are, where you come from and that you’re a part of something much greater than yourself has a huge determining factor on someone’s mental wellness,” he said. “It gives you a strong foundation of who you are and the building blocks to support mental wellness and well-being.”

Physical health, mental health, community and culture all play a huge role in someone’s mental wellness, Bess said

“We continue working to reduce the stigma of seeking mental health support and services. It is so important to normalize seeking care and support for mental health. We can look at mental health and overall mental wellness of an individual through the lens of self-care,” he said.

Self-care is the practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being. It can take the form of pursuing much-loved hobbies such as gardening, reading a favorite book, bowling, fishing, adopting a new diet or exercise routine, or getting adequate sleep. It can also take the form of seeking support from a trained mental health professional when additional support is needed. Think of mental wellness as something that can be supported through daily maintenance and attention, Bess said.

“I want people to know that they can contact us any time for support. Our team remains ready to greet folks with love, compassion and understanding. We aim to provide the support needed to improve one’s overall mental wellness and well-being.”

The Chickasaw Nation Department of Family Services is positioned as a judgment-free entry point offering confidential help at any time. A primary goal of these services and a shared commitment is to ensure no one feels they must “suffer in silence,” replacing the stigma of seeking mental health with a culture of active support and resources, Bess said.

Bess said he is grateful to serve the Chickasaw Nation for this reason.

“The Chickasaw Nation values the overall health and well-being of our citizens and employees. We provide an array of mental health services to Chickasaws and other First Americans. We also have mental health services available to Chickasaw Nation employees through our Strong Foundation program, so we are positively impacting the mental health and wellness of our workforce.

“We are very blessed to have the support and resources to implement mental health services here in the Chickasaw Nation,” Bess said.

Chikasha Anokfilli

Emphasizing prevention and early intervention, the Chikasha Anokfilli initiative seamlessly integrates mental health into the Chickasaw Nation’s overall health services.

Located at Chickasaw.net/MentalWellness, the Chikasha Anokfilli page includes resources from mental health professionals offering support for trauma, grief, suicide awareness and prevention, financial and cultural wellness, and more.

Programs and Services

Resources, including counseling services and crisis intervention, are available to address mental wellness concerns and support the needs others.

The Chickasaw Nation also provides mental health services for Chickasaw citizens and other First Americans who are patients of the Chickasaw Nation Department of Health (CNDH). In conjunction with the Chickasaw Nation Department of Family Services, as part of the integrated health care team, Medical Family Therapy (MedFT) professionals support individuals and families through culturally sensitive, team-based mental health services available at all CNDH locations.

By embedding mental health into every level of care, the Chickasaw Nation ensures individuals and families have access to timely, coordinated support that honors the biological, psychological, social and spiritual aspects of well-being. Services include mental health crisis intervention for all ages, with emergency crisis support available as needed — including after hours and holidays — at the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center Emergency Room.

Chickasaw Nation Prevention Services works to improve the overall health and quality of life of Chickasaw citizens, families and communities by promoting emotional well-being and reducing mental illness and substance misuse through education.

Chickasaw Nation Outpatient Services provide mental health treatment through counseling services and therapy groups.

The Chickasaw Nation Medical Family Therapy program is a unique approach to overall health, addressing the biological, psychological, social, mental and spiritual health of patients and their families in a medical setting.

The Chokma Pilachi “to send along in a good way” program provides psychological assessments for adults and children, including assessments for developmental delays, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and more.

The Chickasaw Nation Pediatric Collaborative (CNPC) connects parents and providers with experts in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), mental health and developmental pediatrics. The CNPC works with a child’s treatment team throughout assessment and treatment to support the unique needs of the child.

Hofanti Chokma “to grow well” workshops offer evidence-based strategies to the public for guiding behaviors of children and teens. Kilimpichi “to make strong” provides high-quality and up-to-date parenting information to families interested in learning more about nurturing behaviors.

The Strong Foundation is a mental health service providing support and counseling. A team of licensed therapists is trained to address and alleviate mental health concerns, and employees get direct access to therapy services as often as needed at no extra charge. Counseling sessions are confidential, with a focus on early treatment of problems like stress, depression and anxiety.

The Hina’ Chokma’ “good road” program provides a healthy community and integrated treatment services in a trauma-informed residential substance abuse treatment program.

Nittak Himitta’ “a new day” is a culturally guided, trauma-informed residential treatment program.

The Chickasaw Children’s Village provides a safe and nurturing homelike environment for  youth. Staff develop individual needs assessments and work to address each student’s emotional, spiritual, social and physical needs. Applicants must be First American students in grades 1-12 and eligible for enrollment in Kingston Public Schools.

Aalhakoffichi’ “a place for healing” serves youth and their families with support and recovery services stemming from mental health, substance abuse or family relational issues.

The Masali: Healing to Wellness Court is designed to assist those who are facing criminal charges for drug- and alcohol-related offenses. The program aims to give participants an opportunity at experiencing healing and recovery.

Violence Prevention Services assists survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and stalking who are residing or relocating within the Chickasaw Nation.

Learn more

For more information, visit Chickasaw.net/MentalWellness for a full list of support services, helpful videos, educational resources, eligibility requirements and more.

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A 234-mile stretch of pipeline that could carry natural gas or natural gas-hydrogen blends across the Navajo Nation is a step closer to reality.

The Resources and Development Committee of the Navajo Nation Council passed a resolution at the end of March to conditionally allow Tallgrass Energy — through its subsidiary GreenView Resources — to begin work on a section of a natural gas pipeline that will traverse the Navajo Nation, running from a spot near Farmington, New Mexico, to another spot roughly 40 miles north of Flagstaff, Arizona. It is the only vote the Nation will take on this measure. It is also the only segment of the pipeline to be publicly announced.

This story was originally published by Capital & Main and is republished here by permission.

The resolution passed 3-1, with one council member absent and committee chair Brenda Jesus abstaining.

According to the resolution, the right-of-way is contingent on completion “of all required environmental studies and archaeological clearances.” But the committee debate focused primarily on money — who had it and how to get more of it. 

“As tribes we don’t have the capital or the equity to have Indian tribes and Indian country be able to build out a project of this magnitude,” Jesus said. “At the end of the day, we have to partner up.”

Committee member and resolution co-sponsor Danny Simpson said, “Any type of energy development we propose on the Navajo Nation we will definitely have opposition. … And it stops projects.” But, he continued, “If we don’t have any revenues … how can we help our communities?”

The project is already five years in the making. Plans initially called for the pipeline to transport hydrogen but shifted last year to natural gas or a blend of the two. The change was made without consulting the Navajo Nation, rankling many. 

During the March hearing, Otto Tso, delegate to the Navajo Nation Council, was clearly still bothered by the shift away from hydrogen and said, “We had to find this out through a third-party source.” He was the only committee member to vote against the resolution allowing Tallgrass to begin work.

“My issue is that you’re going forward rather radically,” Tso said. “We don’t do this for our [Navajo] enterprises. We don’t give them this.”

At the hearing, Adam Schiche, vice president for business development at Tallgrass Energy, responded, “We’ve tried to be transparent about our intentions.” He said the hydrogen was planned for Asian markets and the fuel change “was a market decision. The market decided there was a need for natural gas, particularly for power centers, for data centers.”

The fuel change also altered the project’s environmental underpinnings. The original plan would have transported hydrogen for clean energy and industrial projects. The plan now calls for natural gas or natural gas-hydrogen blends to be burned for electricity. 

It wasn’t clear that everyone on the committee understood the difference in the fuels. “We’re talking about energy. And we’re talking about clean energy,” Simpson said during the hearing. Natural gas is not generally considered a clean energy source — burning it generates  climate-warming and air-polluting emissions, and leaks in its production chain lead to further climate-warming emissions and air pollution.

“I know that natural gas still comes from a fossil fuel,” Simpson continued, “but the Navajo Nation needs to enforce clean energy.” In the end he voted to let the project proceed.

This legislation was the first official step for a pipeline that will require buy-in and permits across multiple governments. As of publication there were no publicly filed documents referencing either Tallgrass or GreenView with the regulatory agencies in New Mexico, Arizona or the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, the prime federal pipeline permitting agency. Those permits and subsequent construction will likely take years.

The project could supply fuel for up to three new power plants in Phoenix and Yuma, Arizona. Steven Davidson, senior vice president for government and public affairs at Tallgrass, said the company is courting other customers “across the Southwest” as well. 

A slide from a Tallgrass presentation to the Arizona Corporation Commission last year read, “Tallgrass’ GreenView project is the bold, forward-looking solution Arizona needs to ensure reliable and affordable energy.” The slide shows arrows connecting a major Tallgrass pipeline in northwest Colorado with Arizona, passing through New Mexico and Utah along the way. Even so, Davidson said the project start is centered on the San Juan Basin around Farmington and is “not planning to go up to Colorado at this point.”

At the March 30 hearing, debate focused less on environmental and permitting concerns than on annual payments by Tallgrass to communities along the proposed route. In addition to annual fees paid to the tribe based on the length of the pipeline and the amount of land used for compressor stations, roads and other facilities, the committee members debated an amendment under which Tallgrass would pay roughly $30,000 to each of the 13 local government chapter houses along the route, totaling $400,000 annually.

Committee member Rickie Nez spoke directly to Tallgrass’ Schiche during the meeting and said, “We want you to take an oath and say yes, we’re gonna do this. We’re gonna take care of the chapters. And we’re gonna give them $400,000.” 

Schiche replied, “I’m going to be as succinct as I can possibly be, 100% on the record. We will support a $400,000 community benefit program for local chapters from day one, starting today.”

In response, Nez said, “I believe that Mr. Schiche’s word is what he spoke into law verbally and it is what they will do.”

Thirty minutes later, Nez addressed Schiche again and said, “You’re an energy company. You’re gonna use Navajo land. Yes, I agree that you’re gonna pay the Navajo Nation.” But he continued, “Mr. Schiche, I believe $30,000 [per chapter house] is not enough. … What is the maximum that you can do?”

“We haven’t signed all the customer commitments yet to make even one dollar off this project,” Schiche replied. “Irregardless of that, our commitment has been steadfast to bring benefits to the Navajo Nation.” 

Schiche said, “We’ve given close to a million dollars in benefits already to these local communities, and we will continue to offer benefits even outside of this community benefits program.” 

He added that Tallgrass had already budgeted $30,000 per chapter house for the next year, but “I’d be happy to entertain the $50,000 per chapter per year for the annual fund. I will find a way to rob the piggybank.” 

Nez said the next council could perhaps negotiate the better deal and continued, “I know as well as Mr. Schiche that when he says, ‘We haven’t made a dollar’ I know that he is going to make tons of money. Tons of cash. That we understand, and that is why we are here.”

Controversy preceded the meeting. The bill was first posted on the Navajo Nation’s website at 4 p.m. on Friday, March 13, with the public comment period ending the following Wednesday. By Monday, a slew of New Mexico businesses and state politicians had written in support of the measure, including Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. 

By the time comments closed, state Sen. William Sharer, five state representatives, the New Mexico Chamber of Commerce, the Jicarilla Apache Nation Council, the dean of the San Juan College School of Energy in Farmington as well as Farmington and San Juan County officials had written in support of the project. In all, the council tallied 32 messages in favor of permitting the Tallgrass/GreenView pipeline and just seven opposed.

One of those opposed was Tó Nizhóní Ání, a conservation group led by Nicole Horseherder. “There needed to be a lot more work done before this vote came up,” she said. Her group was surprised by the timing and filed its dissent days after the initial deadline for comment.

“This came up all the sudden,” she said, “and was not on the agenda the prior week.” She said the short public comment period was designed to prevent groups like hers from commenting. 

Tó Nizhóní Ání has fought the pipeline at the local level for the past four years and in that time collected petitions from 16 chapter houses opposed to the plan, both along and outside the proposed route. After more than a century of fossil fuel development on the Nation with little prosperity and long-term environmental problems to show for it, the group objects to any new projects that continue the legacy. 

“If they’re going to move forward in this manner, then they should have a three-fourths vote of the [committee] before it can pass,” Horseherder said. With a missing committee member and the chair abstaining, “That is power-tripping. That is trying to hoard all the power,” she said.

Horseherder said that at this point, the only way the project would not happen is if Tallgrass decides to step back. “I’ve never seen the Navajo Nation pull back from a project when it gets past this first step,” Horseherder said. “That’s been my experience and I’ve seen it a number of times.”

Carolyn Raffensperger, the executive director of the Science and Environmental Health Network, worked alongside tribes in the years-long fight against the controversial 1,172-mile-long Dakota Access Pipeline, reviewing state and federal permits as well as construction of that project. She also drafted a handbook for pipeline construction monitors. Even so, she said, “We lost, but it was a good run.”

Raffensperger said that companies have used early permits “to sort of ask forgiveness rather than permission for various phases … especially if they’ve got a major permit to construct the pipeline.” She said companies use the early work as a bargaining chip for later work, arguing, “How could you possibly cause the state [or tribe] to lose so much money when we’ve already invested?”

She added, “We know a lot about natural gas in the Southwest. There’s a lot of it. But hydrogen [is] really different. Hydrogen is pretty explosive. … Are they prepared for the kinds of big problems that these pipelines can pose?”

Capital & Main is an award-winning nonprofit publication that reports on the most pressing economic, environmental and social issues of our time. This story was originally published by Capital & Main and is republished here by permission. Copyright 2026 Capital & Main

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A bipartisan group of lawmakers has introduced new legislation designed to prevent Native Americans from being wrongfully questioned, delayed, or detained during federal immigration enforcement operations because officers fail to recognize tribal identification documents.

The Respect Tribal IDs Act was introduced by Represenatives Sharice Davids (D-KS), Don Bacon (R-NE), Teresa Leger Fernández (D-NM), and Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-NM). The legislation would require the Department of Homeland Security to improve training for immigration enforcement personnel on how to recognize tribal identification documents and interact appropriately with citizens of Tribal Nations.

The bill comes amid increasing reports that Native Americans have been stopped, questioned, or detained after federal officers failed to recognize valid tribal IDs as proof of U.S. citizenship.

“Tribal sovereignty is a legal and constitutional recognition of Tribal Nations and their citizens, and the federal government has a responsibility to respect that,” Davids said. “But lately, we’ve seen troubling reports of Native Americans being questioned or detained because federal officers lacked the training needed to recognize tribal documentation or understand Tribal Nation citizenship. This bipartisan bill is about preventing those failures, improving training and accountability, and making sure all people are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.”

Under the legislation, DHS would work with the Bureau of Indian Affairs and Tribal Nations to create standardized training for officers and employees involved in immigration enforcement. The training would cover how to identify tribal documents, when tribal IDs qualify as proof of citizenship, proper protocols for interacting with enrolled tribal members, and the federal government’s trust responsibility to Tribal Nations.

The bill would also require DHS to develop region-specific reference materials featuring examples of tribal IDs used by federally recognized tribes in areas where federal agents operate. Officers would have to complete the training annually and whenever reassigned to a different region.

“The Respect Tribal IDs Act is a commonsense bill to ensure DHS personnel are properly trained to recognize Tribal IDs and work respectfully with Tribal communities,” Bacon said. “Federal agencies have a responsibility to protect and support Tribal citizens, and this legislation helps ensure they do that.”

Leger Fernández said the legislation responds to repeated incidents involving Native Americans being improperly questioned by immigration authorities.

“We’ve seen Trump’s Department of Homeland Security violate the rights of the first Americans countless times. Indigenous people in New Mexico and across the country have been unfairly questioned, harassed, and detained. This bill will require that DHS officers be trained to recognize Tribal IDs and prevent wrongful detentions,” she said. “All law enforcement officials must respect tribal governments and the documents they provide their citizens. ICE and CBP agents must follow the law and respect tribal sovereignty.”

Luján also pointed to reports involving tribal citizens being stopped because officers did not recognize tribal documentation.

“In New Mexico and across the country, our Tribal brothers and sisters deserve to be treated with dignity and respect,” Luján said. “Under the Trump Administration, we’ve seen disturbing incidents where Tribal members were stopped, questioned, and harassed by ICE officers simply because of their appearance or because officers failed to recognize their Tribal IDs. That is unacceptable and deeply wrong.”

The legislation has gained support from Native advocacy organizations, including the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) and the Native American Rights Fund (NARF).

“The National Congress of American Indians supports this legislation to ensure that federal agents within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security are properly trained to recognize and respect Tribal identification documents,” Larry Wright (Ponca), executive director of NCAI said. “Too often, the lack of consistent training has led to confusion, delays, and the improper treatment of Tribal citizens.”

John E. Echohawk (Pawnee), executive director of the Native American Rights Fund, said tribal IDs are official documents issued by sovereign Tribal Nations and should be treated accordingly.

“We’ve seen federal immigration agents reject valid Tribal IDs and question the citizenship of Native people — something that should never happen,” Echohawk said. “The Respect Tribal IDs Act provides a common-sense, bipartisan fix by ensuring agents are properly trained to identify and accept these documents and understand the federal trust responsibility.”

Davids, a tribal citizen of the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin, is one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress and currently serves as co-chair of the Congressional Native American Caucus.

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The Tribal Leadership Council has announced four recipients of its 2026 Leadership Award Series, recognizing individuals and organizations making significant contributions to Native leadership, sovereignty, education, and economic development across Indian Country.

The awards will be presented during the 2026 Tribal Leadership Conference, scheduled for June 1-4 at Gila River Resorts & Casinos – Wild Horse Pass in Chandler. An awards reception honoring the recipients will take place June 3 in the resort showroom.

“Each of this year’s honorees embodies the spirit of what the Leadership Award Series was created to celebrate, people and organizations who are doing the hard, meaningful work of advancing Tribal communities every single day,” said Justin Barrett, president of TLC. “It is one of my greatest honors as TLC President to shine a light on their contributions and ensure that Indian Country knows their names.”

Lifetime Leadership Award: Peter Yucupico – Vice Chairman, Pascua Yaqui Tribe

The Lifetime Leadership Award will be presented to Peter Yucupico, vice chairman of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, for more than two decades of service to his tribe. TLC said Yucupico has strengthened Tribal sovereignty, expanded intergovernmental partnerships, and worked to preserve Yaqui culture throughout his career.

“Vice Chairman Yucupico’s career is the kind of legacy that inspires all of us,” said James Siva. “Twenty-plus years of service to his people, protecting sovereignty, building partnerships, preserving culture, that is what lifetime leadership truly looks like.”

Leader of Today Award: Frances Alvarez – President, National Native American Hall of Fame |  Chairwoman, Tribal Gaming Protection Network (TGPN) 

The Leader of Today Award will honor Frances Alvarez (San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians), president of the National Native American Hall of Fame and chairwoman of the Tribal Gaming Protection Network. TLC recognized Alvarez for her advocacy work, mentorship of Native women, and leadership through multiple organizations serving Native communities nationwide.

“Frances Alvarez leads with both strength and generosity,” said Marcenella LaFerr. “The way she shows up for Native communities, through her organizations, her advocacy, and her mentorship, is exactly the kind of leadership Indian Country needs right now.”

Leader of Tomorrow Award: Amber Maner – Senior Advisor, The Cherokee Nation

The Leader of Tomorrow Award will go to Amber Maner (Cherokee Nation) for her work improving educational opportunities for Native students within the Cherokee Nation. As senior advisor, Maner has focused on expanding support systems and educational access for Cherokee youth.

“Amber Maner represents the future of Native leadership, and that future is bright,” said Ernest Varges Jr.. “Her focus on educational outcomes for Native students is an investment in our communities that will pay dividends for generations to come.”

Leader in Economic Sovereignty Award: Dr. Eric S. Trevan – President & CEO, aLocal.ai

The Leader in Economic Sovereignty Award will recognize aLocal.ai and its president and CEO, Dr. Eric S. Trevan (Gun Lake Tribe) for advancing economic self-determination through technology and artificial intelligence tools designed for Tribal nations.

“Economic sovereignty is foundational to Tribal self-determination, and aLocal.ai is helping Tribes get there in new and powerful ways,” Barrett said. “Dr. Trevan and his team are building tools that put decision-making power back where it belongs – with Tribal nations themselves.”

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Johannesburg, South Africa — 12 May 2026 — SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za says South Africa’s online gambling market is moving into a new phase, as betting-led platforms expand beyond traditional sportsbook products and become broader digital entertainment destinations.

The trend is being driven by a market where sports betting now plays the leading role in gambling activity. The National Gambling Board’s audited statistics for the 2024/25 financial year show total gambling gross gambling revenue, or GGR, of R74.5 billion across casinos, betting, bingo and limited payout machines. Betting accounted for R52.0 billion, equal to 69.8% of total GGR, while casinos accounted for R16.6 billion, or 22.3%.

The same National Gambling Board data shows total gambling turnover of R1.5 trillion in 2024/25, with betting responsible for R1.13 trillion, or 75.0% of all turnover. The regulator defines turnover as the rand value of money wagered, including amounts that are staked more than once.

For SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za, these figures point to a clear industry shift. Many players are entering gambling platforms through sport, but the same accounts increasingly give them access to casino-style games, live games, lucky numbers, jackpots, promotions and mobile-first entertainment.

Betting Is Now the Main Driver of South Africa’s Gambling Market

The National Gambling Board is mandated under the National Gambling Act to monitor market conduct and market share, and it gathers national gambling statistics on turnover, GGR and taxes or levies. Its 2024/25 report covers legalised gambling modes including casinos, betting on horse racing and sport, bingo and limited payout machines.

The audited data shows how central betting has become to the sector. When betting is broken down further, the National Gambling Board records online betting GGR of R44.46 billion, equal to 59.7% of total gambling GGR. Retail betting generated R7.52 billion, or 10.1%. The report labels online betting across Western Cape, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Eastern Cape and Northern Cape.

This explains why sportsbook-led platforms are becoming more important in the South African gambling experience. Sport remains a natural entry point, particularly through football, rugby, cricket, horse racing and live in-play betting. However, betting platforms are no longer only competing on odds and fixtures. They are also competing on the wider account experience.

A spokesperson for SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za said:

“The South African market is moving beyond the idea of a betting site as a place where players only place sports bets. The modern platform is becoming more varied, with sports betting, casino-style games, live entertainment, jackpots and promotions often sitting within the same player journey.”

This is also visible in public finance data. Stats SA reported that gambling and betting are included in the 2025 Consumer Price Index basket and account for 1.6% of total household spending, making it the 12th highest-weighted item in the basket, just behind beer. Stats SA also noted that GGR rose from R23.3 billion in 2020/21 to R59.3 billion in 2023/24, before the latest National Gambling Board figures took the market to R74.5 billion in 2024/25.

Betting-Led Platforms Are Broadening the Player Experience

SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za reviews and compares online casino and betting sites for South African players, including brands such as 10bet, Zarbet, YesPlay Springbok Casino, Yebo Casino, Punt Casino and Hollywoodbets. These operators show how the market is moving towards broader entertainment platforms where sports betting sits alongside additional game categories.

10bet’s public site lists sports, horse racing, lucky numbers, live betting, games, live dealer games, promotions and a loyalty club, while also referencing payment methods and responsible gambling information. Zarbet’s public site lists promotions, bet limits, responsible gaming information and licensing by the Western Cape Gambling & Racing Board. YesPlay’s public site lists lucky numbers, BetGames, casino-style games, live casino-style games and a National Responsible Gambling Programme reference. Hollywoodbets App Store listing describes sports betting, horse racing, live in-play betting, Spina Zonke games, Aviator, crash games, casino games, lucky numbers and responsible gambling information.

SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za says the table is not intended to rank the operators. Instead, it shows a broader market pattern: betting-led brands are increasingly becoming multi-product entertainment platforms.

For players, this makes comparison more useful. A platform may be known for sports betting, but players may also want to compare casino-style games, live products, jackpot features, mobile access, Rand payment methods, withdrawal information, free casino no deposit bonuses terms and responsible gambling controls before registering.

The growing economic contribution of betting also brings more scrutiny. The National Gambling Board reported total gambling taxes and levies of R5.81 billion in 2024/25, with betting contributing R3.42 billion, or 58.9% of the total. Casinos contributed R1.72 billion, or 29.5%.

A More Mature Market Needs Better Player Information

SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za says the next stage of online casino in South Africa will be shaped by clearer information, responsible play and more careful platform comparison.

As betting-led sites add more entertainment features, players need to understand the differences between product types. A sports bet, a live in-play bet, a slot-style game, a lucky numbers product, a live casino-style game and a jackpot promotion all have different rules, odds, terms and risks.

The National Responsible Gambling Programme is also central to this discussion. The National Gambling Board describes the South African Responsible Gambling Foundation as a public-private partnership between the NGB, Provincial Licensing Authorities and the gambling industry, funded by voluntary industry contributions from the casino, sports betting, bingo and limited payout machine sectors. The programme provides counselling and support, including a toll-free line on 0800 006 008.

The spokesperson added:

“A wider product range can improve choice, but only when players understand what they are choosing. The role of a comparison site is not only to list promotions. It is to explain the platform, the product categories, the terms and the safer gambling tools in a way that helps South African players make more informed decisions.”

SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za says players should treat gambling as paid entertainment, not as a way to make money. Adults aged 18 and over should read terms carefully, set limits before playing and only gamble with money they can afford to lose.

As the market continues to grow, SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za will continue to track betting-led entertainment platforms and provide South African players with information on casino sites, sportsbook-linked entertainment, promotions, payment options, game categories and responsible gambling resources. Its list of south african online casinos and betting-led platforms is designed to help players find quality gambling options while comparing the details that matter before they sign up.

About SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za
SouthAfricanCasinos.co.za is an online casino comparison and information site focused on South African players. The site covers casino reviews, betting-led entertainment platforms, promotions, payment information, game categories and responsible gambling guidance for adults aged 18 and over.

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Healthcare costs in India are rising at a pace that many families can feel in their monthly budgets and long-term savings. From routine tests to hospital admissions, medical expenses can become difficult to manage without planned cover.

This shift has made health insurance an important part of family financial planning. Families are now comparing medical insurance plans in India more carefully to check whether the cover is suitable for their age, dependents, city of treatment and future healthcare needs.

Why Medical Inflation Matters for Indian Families

Medical inflation means treatment expenses rise over time. It may include room charges, medicines, doctor fees, tests, nursing care and recovery support. For Indian families, this matters because medical needs can come without warning.

A child may need sudden treatment, an earning member may need surgery, or parents may need regular care. When expenses rise faster than savings, emergency funds can be affected. Suitable health cover can reduce this pressure, waiting periods and claim conditions.

How Family Cover Planning is Changing

Earlier, many families bought a basic health policy and renewed it each year without checking if it still suited their needs. This approach is changing as medical costs rise and family health requirements become more varied.

Families now look at who is covered, which hospitals are accessible, what benefits are included and whether employer cover is enough. The focus has shifted from choosing a lower premium to selecting cover that can support real medical needs.

Why Sum Insured Needs More Attention?

The sum insured is the maximum amount available under a policy during a policy year, as per policy terms. With medical inflation, families are reviewing this amount carefully. A cover that looked sufficient earlier may not feel enough today for hospitalisation, surgery or specialist care.

Families may consider a higher sum insured, top-up plan or restoration benefit after checking their budget and needs. The aim is to choose a cover amount that matches the family’s healthcare needs, budget and long-term financial planning.

The Role of Family Medical Insurance

Family medical insurance can cover multiple members under one policy, with a shared sum insured. It may suit couples, parents with children or households that want simpler policy management. One renewal date and one policy document can make tracking easier.

However, families should understand how the shared cover works. If one member uses a large part of the cover, the remaining amount may be reduced for others, unless the plan has restoration or similar benefits. Always read the policy wording before purchase.

What Families Should Look for Beyond Premium

The premium may impact the decision, but the overall value of the policy matters more. A family should read the policy features, limits and claim process before buying.

Useful features to review include:

• In-patient hospitalisation cover
• Pre and post-hospitalisation expenses
• Daycare procedures
• Cashless treatment at network hospitals
• Preventive health check-ups
• Ambulance cover
• AYUSH treatment cover, if needed
• Waiting periods for pre-existing diseases
• Room rent or treatment-related limits
• Renewal terms and portability options

These features can vary across insurers and plans. The actual benefit available will depend on the policy wording, waiting periods, exclusions, required claim documents and underwriting guidelines.

Why Regular Review has Become Necessary

Health cover should be reviewed regularly because family needs change with time. Marriage, childbirth, ageing parents, relocation and lifestyle-related health concerns can affect the type and amount of cover required.

Renewal is a good time to check whether the sum insured, covered members and benefits still match current needs. Families can also compare individual plans, family floater plans and add-on benefits while keeping affordability and long-term healthcare needs in focus.

Final Thoughts

Medical inflation is making Indian families think more carefully about health cover. The decision is no longer limited to buying any policy and renewing it every year. Families now need to understand coverage, limits, claim terms and future healthcare needs before choosing a plan.

A well-reviewed policy can support better financial preparation, though all benefits remain subject to the insurer’s terms, conditions and required documents. Regular review is a simple way to keep coverage aligned with changing family needs.

The post How Medical Inflation in India is Changing the Way Families Plan Their Cover appeared first on Native News Online.

Most medical knowledge travels through journals, one study at a time. A textbook moves differently. It consolidates a body of work into something teachable, replicable, and permanent. When Dr. Andrew Jacono published The Art and Science of Extended Deep Plane Facelifting and Complementary Facial Rejuvenation Procedures with Quality Medical Publishing in 2021, the field gained a reference that drew from more than 2,000 facelift procedures performed over the course of his career.

That kind of volume produces a different kind of textbook. It is not theoretical. The anatomical illustrations and case studies inside it are grounded in outcomes Dr. Andrew Jacono documented across thousands of individual surgeries at his Park Avenue practice in New York.

What the Book Actually Contains

The textbook examines the extended deep-plane technique in detail, including the rationale for releasing retaining ligaments, repositioning the SMAS and fat as a composite unit, and placing incisions at roughly one-third the length of those used in conventional facelifts. Dr. Jacono describes the approach as one that addresses facial aging at its structural source rather than at the skin surface, where pulling creates tension without restoring lost volume or position.

One area the book addresses directly is longevity. The extended deep-plane facelift can produce results lasting 12 to 15 years, though key factors that affect longevity include technique, lifestyle, skin quality, and care. That range reflects how much variation exists between patients, even when the surgical technique remains consistent.

The 2021 publication arrived alongside an operative video series Dr. Jacono co-produced with Quality Medical Publishing in 2020, titled Extended Deep Plane Face Lift and Adjunctive Procedures for Rejuvenation of the Upper, Middle, and Lower Face. Together, the textbook and video series form a complete instructional package for surgeons seeking to understand the mechanics of the approach.

A Research Career Behind the Pages

The textbook does not stand alone. Dr. Andrew Jacono has published more than 70 peer-reviewed articles in journals including Aesthetic Surgery Journal, JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. His published research covers facelift complication rates, long-term midface volume outcomes, optimal lifting vectors, and jawline rejuvenation measurement,

including a 2019 paper in Aesthetic Surgery Journal that introduced a quantitative framework for evaluating jawline contour after extended deep-plane procedures.

A meta-analysis he co-authored, also published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal, compared complication rates across different SMAS facelift techniques and offered data-backed context for why deep-plane approaches carry a lower risk of facial nerve injury than superficial methods. That body of research feeds directly into the textbook’s clinical recommendations.

He has presented this work before peer audiences at more than 100 international conferences, including meetings hosted by the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Keynote and masterclass appearances at the EAFPS Annual Meetings in Verona and Rome in 2023 drew on the same material the textbook codifies.

Fellowship Training and the Reach of the Method

Dr. Andrew Jacono has served for most of his career as a Fellowship Director for the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. He has trained Fellows from the AAFPRS in advanced techniques, meaning the extended deep-plane approach is now being practiced by surgeons who learned it directly from Dr. Jacono in New York, then carried it to their own operating rooms.

That transmission of technique is part of what gives the textbook its broader purpose. A surgeon who trained with Dr. Jacono but needs to verify a dissection detail, review a specific anatomical relationship, or reference case outcomes can return to the book. It functions as a reference architecture for a method that now extends well beyond his own practice.

The Park Avenue Face, Dr. Jacono’s 2019 consumer book from BenBella Books, addressed a different audience, offering patients a plain-language guide to undetectable cosmetic results. His earlier volume, The Face of the Future, published in 2012, explored anti-aging techniques for the general reader. The 2021 textbook occupies a different category entirely. It was written for surgeons, not patients, and the clinical specificity inside it reflects that.

Facelift technique has fractured considerably over the past two decades, with competing approaches, varying dissection depths, and disagreements about vector, volume, and risk. What the textbook provides is something the field has needed: a structured, evidence-backed account of one approach, grounded in more than 2,000 cases, written by the surgeon who developed it.

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A program that brings buffalo into the lives of Native American students at an elementary school on the Wind River Reservation has doubled attendance and increased reading comprehension. It’s just the beginning. This article is part of THE INDIGENOUS FOOD PYRAMID, a series of reporting that examines how Indigenous Food Sovereignty policies impact the overall health of Native Americans.

Alice Posey quickly noticed the benefits when her grandchildren brought home buffalo meat in their school backpacks.

“We know the difference between that processed hamburger and the bison,” Posey (Northern Cheyenne/Shoshone) said. “We could see the difference, and it’s healthier, and we appreciate that.”

Posey’s grandchildren are students at Wyoming Indian Elementary School on the Wind River Reservation, where the Buffalo Youth Nation Project food lodge has distributed 230,000 pounds of food and introduced buffalo curriculum to students, an Indigenous food sovereignty support model credited for transforming the school since it was introduced three years ago.

Reading scores improved. Discipline referrals dropped. Students who struggled to focus in class began helping harvest buffalo, process and make dinner with the animal that once sustained their ancestors. Cheryl Coleman, a behavioral specialist at Wyoming Indian Elementary School, told Native News Online that chronic absenteeism fell from 78% to 34%.

“Everything changed,” said Cheryl Coleman, Wyoming Indian Elementary School behavioral specialist.

There’s plenty of data to show that food-secure kids have higher attendance rates and perform better academically. On the Wind River Reservation, transportation can be a barrier, and grocery stores are scarce. Being able to send kids to school and also stock the fridge can make all the difference. The nutritional benefits are compounded by the cultural health introduced to students when they learn about their role in returning the buffalo.

The Wind River Reservation is in west-central Wyoming and is home to the Eastern Shoshone and Northern Arapaho tribes. Long before the reservation’s borders were drawn, buffalo shaped life across the Plains, providing food, shelter, tools, trade and spiritual connection. 

For the Cheyenne, Wyo.-based Buffalo Youth Nation Project, the food sovereignty work is both cultural and practical. The non-profit established a 13-member buffalo herd on 200 acres of the Wind River Reservation. The meat provided for the food lodges is provided by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribe.

“It helps me put food on the table for them,” Posey said, describing how the food lodge is now a support service for her four grandchildren. 

“A lot of grandmothers are raising their grandchildren, and so many of us don’t have good transportation,” she said. “It’s helped us with our health, and it has with the price of meat nowadays.”

Since the Buffalo Youth Nation Project’s food lodge opened at the school, Coleman said that increased attendance has led to improved academic performance.

“I have a kid who was in the first percentile in reading,” Coleman said. “Today, he earned a pizza party because he’s reading 105 correct words per minute.” 

Buffalo Spaghetti

Colman now hears from kids who are proud of the meals they make with buffalo meat they get from the food lodge.

“I have third and fourth graders say, ‘Hey, you know that buffalo meat you gave me? I made spaghetti.’” Coleman said. “Without Buffalo Youth Nation, we would absolutely not have that. We would probably have given up by now, which would be such a loss, because I feel like these kids can change our whole world. They are learning their language and culture better, and they are going to thrive.”

The shift began when the Buffalo Youth Nation Project, a Native-women-led nonprofit, opened a food lodge at the school — the first brick-and-mortar food pantry on the reservation, where food insecurity rates are more than 10 times the national average.

The lodges operate more like a grocery store than a traditional food bank, offering pantry staples, fresh produce and buffalo meat without the stigma associated with emergency food assistance. Organizers say the buffalo are meant to provide both sustenance and connection.

“As Native people, when you’re taken off your land, when you’re displaced, when you don’t eat the foods of your ancestors, there’s the starvation of your cells, of your DNA,” Buffalo Youth Nation Project Founder Lisa Ansell Frazier (Cheyenne River Sioux) told Native News Online. “When you begin to connect again with those foods, healing takes place. It’s cellular, it’s spiritual, and it’s undeniable.”

Before the program arrived, Coleman said school staff spent much of their time trying to meet students’ basic needs in a region where temperatures regularly reach minus 40 degrees in winter.

Teachers spent their own money to buy shoes, jackets and supplies. They collected leftovers from the cafeteria and extra bagged lunches from field trips. Some days, Coleman called every food pantry in the county to see what they could offer.

“We just struggled all day, every day, to meet the needs of the students,” Coleman told Native News Online. “I saw so many of the behaviors, attendance, academic challenges, going back to food insecurity.”

Seven Generations After the Great Buffalo Slaughter

Food and agricultural policies make it difficult for the food lodge to rely on outside sources, Frazier said. The Buffalo Youth Nation Project  is working to build a self-sustaining system with its own farm where it grows traditional foods — such as squash, hidalgo beans — and its own buffalo herd — as well as sourcing from Native farmers and ranchers.

“Food sovereignty means also nurturing and growing the traditional foods our ancestors thrived on,” she said. “Going back to the buffalo, our relationship with them has proved to be healing and abundant. We buffalo people are an abundant people, we are remembering this with the Tatanka oyate’s help.”

It has been seven generations since the time of the Indian Removal Act of 1830, the Great American Buffalo Slaughter and the highest population decline of Native people.

“It takes five to seven generations to work through that trauma,” Frazier said. “So we’re in the make-it-or-break-it stage right now. We’ve got to put as much as we can into healing right now, and it’s working.”

She speaks of a creation story in which the buffalo and humans promised to care for each other.

“The buffalo remember our contract that we had to take care of each other,” Frazier said. “We came from the ground, and we were scared, and we didn’t want to go up into the world. The buffalo came over and peeked his head down the hole and said, ‘Hey, it’s OK. I’ll take care of you. I got your back. Don’t worry.’ That is our agreement.”

IN PART 2 The Buffalo Youth Nation Project demonstrates to students the buffalo harvest ceremony that leads to the food they take home to their families.

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The U.S. Department of the Interior has approved the nation’s first-ever tribal energy resource agreement, granting the Southern Ute Indian Tribe expanded sovereign authority to manage and develop energy resources on its lands while reducing federal oversight and regulatory delays.

The agreement allows the tribe to enter into and manage energy-related leases, rights-of-way and business agreements without requiring approval from the Department of the Interior for each individual action. Federal officials said the move is intended to streamline energy development, reduce bureaucracy and strengthen tribal self-determination while advancing domestic energy production.

Interior officials said the agreement aligns with Executive Order 14154, “Unleashing American Energy,” which emphasizes increased domestic energy production and energy security. The department described the agreement as a milestone in tribal energy development and economic sovereignty.

“This agreement supports the Trump administration’s promise of unlocking new opportunities for sustained economic growth and energy development,” Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland (Navajo) said. “This is great news for the Southern Ute Tribe, for Indian Country, and for all Americans as we work to fulfill President Trump’s vision for national energy security and economic leadership.”

Tribal energy resource agreements are designed to enhance tribal oversight and management of energy development on tribal lands while supporting economic growth and self-governance. Although tribes have had the opportunity to pursue these agreements since 2008, the Southern Ute agreement marks the first approval issued by the department.

Federal officials noted that the Trump administration updated regulations in 2019 in consultation with tribes to simplify the approval process. The Department of the Interior said it is continuing outreach efforts through listening sessions aimed at encouraging additional tribal participation and identifying ways to further streamline applications.

Interior leaders described the agreement as a landmark moment for tribal self-determination and energy independence, positioning the Southern Ute Tribe as a model for other tribal nations pursuing energy development under tribal leadership.

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The Southwestern Association for Indian Arts closed its third annual Native Fashion Week this weekend with a sold-out gala event, A Taste of Native Fashion, at the Eldorado Hotel & Spa. Produced in partnership with Peshawn Bread, the evening showcased capsule collections from five acclaimed Native designers, presenting 25 one-of-a-kind looks grounded in culture, sovereignty, storytelling, and Indigenous artistic excellence.

The gala blended fashion, food, and performance into a multisensory celebration of Indigenous creativity. Guests experienced a menu curated by Raymond Naranjo featuring traditional Indigenous ingredients such as squash, wild plums, and buffalo short ribs. The evening also included live performances from opera singer Bo Shimmin, violinist Aspyn Kaskalla, and singer Tiana Spotted Thunder.

Acclaimed designer Jamie Okuma, a Council of Fashion Designers of America designer, opened the evening with a collection that drew immediate attention, highlighted by a hand-painted leather dress that became one of the most celebrated pieces of the night. Patricia Michaels followed with Secrets of the Harvest, a collection of five handmade dresses inspired by memory and the sacred rhythm of harvest season. Her signature hand-painted silks gave the collection an ethereal, flowing presence.

Designer Jontay Kham debuted River Lily Park, describing the collection as a personal return to childhood dreams and imagination. “This year’s collection marks a homecoming, a return to where it all began,” said Kham. “‘River Lily Park’ revisits the dreams and visions that first started to bloom in my childhood, when I imagined becoming a fashion designer and shaped my world from gardens, color, and fun imagination.”

Based in Vancouver, British Columbia, Himikalas Pamela Baker presented Back to Roots — Family: Where the Earth Hears Our Names 2026, a collection exploring the relationships between ceremony, land, and lineage through avant-garde silhouettes and fabric techniques inspired by ancestral regalia. Closing the evening, Lauren Good Day unveiled a collection centered on matriarchy as a living system of care, continuity, and memory. Drawing from the visual traditions of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation, Good Day reimagined ribbon dresses and traditional silhouettes through her renowned ledger art aesthetic.

“What is extraordinary about this year’s event is that this group of artists will never again come together to create in this format,” said SWAIA Executive Director Jamie Schulze. “We are immensely proud of this year’s Native Fashion Week, and of our ability to present a bold new format to a sold-out audience. Events like this affirm why SWAIA Native Fashion Week matters, for our designers, for Indigenous communities, and for the future of fashion.”

SWAIA’s next fashion show is scheduled for Aug. 16 at 3 p.m. during the Santa Fe Indian Market in Santa Fe. Tickets are expected to go on sale in mid-May 2026.

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The Native American Finance Officers Association (NAFOA) celebrated outstanding achievement across Indian Country last month at its 19th Annual Leadership Awards, held April 28 in Reno, Nevada, during the organization’s 44th Annual Conference. The awards spotlight Tribal leaders, executives, and financial ventures making measurable strides in Indigenous economic development.

The Education Program of the Year went to the Walker River Paiute Economic Development Authority’s Emerging Business Leaders (EBL) program. Launched in 2025, the intergenerational initiative prepares Walker River Paiute youth ages 15–24 for careers in business and economic leadership. A seven-member advisory board of young Tribal members formally advises the WRPEDA Board of Directors on business strategy and community investment. EBL Chair Sydney Williams called the recognition an affirmation that youth “play a powerful role in guiding our Tribal Nation’s economic future.”

The Executive of the Year award went to Jon Panamaroff, CEO of Command Holdings, a Pequot Company. A member of the Native Village of Afognak, Panamaroff has spent decades building Native enterprises, overseeing 175 percent revenue growth at Command Holdings and managing more than $600 million in investment capital across his career. He emphasized his commitment to mentoring the next generation of Native leaders alongside delivering strong financial results.

The Business Impact Deal of the Year was awarded to the Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians for a landmark $390 million construction financing deal to redevelop River Rock Casino into Caesars Republic Sonoma County — a premier gaming resort slated to open in Summer 2027. Led by Citizens Bank and involving a first-of-its-kind multi-party credit agreement, the deal also includes an option for a 45-year HEARTH Act lease, potentially the longest-term financing ever completed for a Tribal casino.

The Government Impact Deal of the Year honored Metlakatla Power & Light, which secured $5.2 million in financing through Native American Bank and a coalition of Native-led CDFIs to connect Annette Island to the Ketchikan utility grid — bringing affordable power and internet to Alaska’s only Tribal reservation.

Finally, the Tribal Leader of the Year award recognized Erica M. Pinto, Chairwoman of the Jamul Indian Village of California. A 27-year Tribal Council veteran and the first woman elected Chairwoman of JIV, Pinto has overseen significant land expansion, a thriving casino that created nearly 1,000 jobs, and broad regional leadership roles across California’s Tribal nations.

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The health disparity between Native American and white South Dakotans is among the largest racial or ethnic health gaps in the nation, according to a new report from a foundation that advocates for equitable healthcare.

Native Americans in South Dakota die prematurely from avoidable causes at a rate of 1,089 deaths per 100,000 people, which is the highest rate of any racial or ethnic group in the nation, according to the 2026 State Health Disparities Report from the Commonwealth Fund.

That’s five times the rate of white South Dakotans. Preventable causes include infectious diseases, treatable conditions and accidents such as vehicle crashes and drug overdoses.

State data shows half of Native Americans in South Dakota die before age 58. The median age of death for white South Dakotans is 80.

Health disparities in SD are ‘completely addressable,’ organization leader says

The report analyzes 2023–2024 data on health care access, quality, use of services and outcomes across racial and ethnic groups in all 50 states and Washington D.C. South Dakota ranked last for Native American health among 21 states with sufficient Native American population data.

Even when income, insurance and access are similar, disparities persist, said Commonwealth Fund President Joseph Betancourt.

“As a primary care physician, I know what happens when care is out of reach: Conditions that are manageable become crises, and people have poor health outcomes and ultimately live shorter lives. This is unacceptable and completely addressable,” Betancourt said.

Native American health system performance in South Dakota ranked in the lowest percentile nationally. White South Dakotans experienced the best care in the state, scoring in the 79th percentile among all population groups nationally.

The report found states with stronger health systems also have smaller disparities and said targeted policy changes could help, including:

• Funding housing, early childhood education and food access programs.
• Ensuring affordable, accessible coverage.
• Strengthening primary care in underserved communities.
• Protecting preventative services.
• Ensuring equitable use of digital health tools and artificial intelligence.

Tribal-managed Medicaid model and targeted programs could be ‘quite effective’

About 38% of Native Americans in South Dakota are uninsured — a key driver of disparities.

“Coverage is not the only thing that matters, but it is really the first thing that matters,” said Commonwealth Fund Senior Scholar Sara Collins, adding that states that expanded Medicaid have improved access. South Dakota voters approved expansion in 2022. Tribal members are exempt from federal Medicaid work requirements.

South Dakota officials, lawmakers and tribal leaders will launch an Indian Medicaid Managed Care Task Force later this year, which tribal officials hope will improve outcomes and efficiencies for tribal members.

In a managed care model, tribes could contract with the state of South Dakota to direct federal Medicaid dollars into a pool of funds for healthcare. An entity of the tribes’ choosing could negotiate costs with off-reservation providers and coordinate care — including preventative care or incentives for healthy habits — for tribal members who seek care on or off tribal land.

“Focused actions like that can really improve disparities we see across the country,” Collins said.

David Radley, senior scientist on the report, said efforts to address health outcomes and access among Native Americans in Oklahoma have “made a difference.” Tribal governments there have invested heavily in clinics, hospitals and medical education. 

Betancourt said progress in South Dakota will require high quality care and coverage to be “woven together.”

Radley added that health systems in rural states must be “built around rural places” to address coverage gaps and workforce shortages, including expanding telemedicine, improving licensing, and training more community health workers.

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LAS VEGAS, NV – When Celina Stops arrived at the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, she was pursuing more than a law degree. She was stepping into territory that no member of the Crow Tribe of Montana had walked before. 

On May 14, 2026, she will become the first member of the Crow Tribe to graduate from UNLV’s Boyd School of Law before beginning a judicial clerkship in Nevada’s Eight Judicial District Court. 

Stops is a proud citizen of the Crow Tribe and a student of the Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program. The program is one of a few specialized legal programs in the country focused on preparing tribal leaders, advocates and legal practitioners to navigate the complex intersection of tribal sovereignty, federal Indian law and the gaming industry. 

In 2022, the American Bar Association estimated that there were fewer than 3,000 Native American attorneys in the United States. Stops knew she wanted to be one of them.

Her journey through Boyd has been anything but ordinary. As president of the UNLV chapter of the Native American Law Student Association (NALSA), Stops led efforts to connect law students with the broader Native community, including organizing a Law Day workshop aimed at inspiring Native youth to envision themselves in the legal profession. 

“My time at Boyd helped me figure out where I fit in the legal field,” Stops said.

That sense of direction was hard-won. As a first-generation law student, Stops navigated a world that can feel unfamiliar and isolating without the right support system — and she found that in the Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program.

“I’m really grateful to the INGG Program for giving me the support and guidance I needed as a first-generation law student,” she said.

Stops has also built a wide-ranging legal foundation through externships and clerkships with  Judge Jennifer Schwartz, the Palms Casino & Resort, the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation and the Clark County District Attorney’s Office, gaining hands-on experience that spans the courtroom, tribal government and the gaming industry.

Earlier this year, she was named UNLV’s Professional Student of the Year as part of the university’s Rebel of the Year awards, one of UNLV’s highest student honors. The recognition speaks not only to Stops’ academic achievement, but the mark she has left on campus life and her broader community. 

Professor Danielle Finn, director of the Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program, said Stops’ leadership reflects something larger than resume-building: a commitment to opening doors for future Native students because so few were open for earlier generations.

“Celina is a true trailblazer and an inspiration to all of us,” Finn said. “Her leadership, advocacy, and commitment to her community have left a lasting mark on Boyd School of Law, and we could not be more proud of everything she has accomplished.”

For the Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program, Stops reflects the program’s broader mission of preparing Native students to work at the intersection of tribal sovereignty, governance and the law.

As she prepares to begin the next chapter of her career, Stops is evidence that Native students can earn a seat at the table in the legal profession. After graduation, she will begin a judicial clerkship with Judge Jacqueline Bluth in Nevada’s Eighth Judicial District Court. 

The Indian Nations Gaming & Governance Program at UNLV William S. Boyd Law school is dedicated to preparing the next generation of leaders in tribal gaming, governance, and law. The program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to make a meaningful impact in Indian Country and beyond. Email: ingg@unlv.edu.

DISCLOSURE: This article is sponsored content created by University of Nevada, Las Vegas Boyd School of Law. It was created and published as part of a paid partnership and was not reported by the Tribal Business News editorial team.

The post From the Crow Nation to the Courtroom: Celina Stops Makes History at Boyd School of Law appeared first on Native News Online.

Native Vote 2026

Former Alaska Congresswoman Mary Peltola (Democrat) on Monday unveiled a sweeping affordability agenda aimed at lowering costs for working families across Alaska, making kitchen-table economic issues a centerpiece of her campaign for the U.S. Senate.

Peltola’s proposal, titled “Taking Action on Affordability for Alaskans,” focuses on rising costs tied to fuel, groceries, childcare, housing, healthcare, and energy. The lifelong Alaskan said residents are increasingly frustrated with what she described as policies driven by “special interests” in Washington, D.C.

“Alaskans are being crushed by the special-interest price hikes coming out of DC – but I will stand up to anyone to put Alaska first and fight for lower costs,” Peltola said. “Alaskans are tough — but there’s only so many times you can pay $10 a gallon for fuel or skip a doctor’s visit before you start to feel pissed that DC politicians keep making things worse. It shouldn’t be this hard to get by in Alaska, and when I’m in the U.S. Senate, I’m going to fight to make life affordable for hardworking Alaska families.”

The plan outlines several proposals designed to reduce everyday expenses while boosting wages and local economic development. Among the key initiatives is a push to expand Alaska’s energy production through permitting reform and targeted tax credits intended to increase in-state refinery capacity and strengthen local energy supply chains.

Peltola also proposed eliminating federal income taxes for working Alaskans earning less than $92,000 annually and ending taxes on Social Security benefits for seniors. Her plan calls for expanding the federal Child Tax Credit to provide families with up to $3,600 annually for children under six and $3,000 for children ages 6 to 17.

The affordability package also targets corporate practices that Peltola says have driven up costs in Alaska. Her proposal would ban price gouging during emergencies, crack down on anti-competitive mergers among grocery chains, and increase transparency in supply chains. She additionally called for restoring funding for the Bypass Mail program and creating an “Essential Freight Service” to reduce shipping costs in rural communities.

Housing affordability also features prominently in the plan. Peltola supports tax credits for renters spending more than 30 percent of their income on housing, expanding Indian Housing Block Grants, and limiting out-of-state corporations and hedge funds from purchasing homes that could otherwise go to Alaska residents.

Peltola framed the proposal as part of a broader effort to challenge political and corporate systems she says favor wealthy interests over working families.

“While Alaskans struggle to pay for groceries, heat their homes, and afford childcare, the rigged system in DC is allowing politicians to profit from the status quo,” the campaign said in a statement. “Mary Peltola is done watching Lower 48 special interests write the rules while Alaska working families pay the price.”

Peltola said her campaign is centered on being an independent voice for Alaska and pledged to “stand up to anyone to put Alaska first.”

Read Mary’s full plan to take action on affordability for Alaskans here.

The post Mary Peltola Unveils Plan to Tackle Alaska’s Affordability Crisis in U.S. Senate Campaign appeared first on Native News Online.

A Montana district court has blocked a new state law that would have reduced Election Day voter registration hours, ruling that the measure likely violates the constitutional right to vote and disproportionately harms Indigenous voters living in rural reservation communities.

The ruling, issued Tuesday by the Montana First Judicial District Court in Lewis and Clark County, prevents Senate Bill 490 from taking effect. The law, passed during the 2025 Montana Legislative session, would have eliminated the final eight hours of Election Day voter registration access across the state.

Advocates for Native voting rights praised the decision, saying Election Day registration is especially important for tribal communities that often face long travel distances, limited transportation, and barriers to early registration.

“This ruling is particularly important to rural Tribal communities across Montana,” said Jacqueline De León, senior staff attorney with the Native American Rights Fund. “Many of whom rely on the ability to register and cast a ballot on Election Day. Being able to register on Election Day is critical to ensuring full Indigenous participation in Montana’s electoral process.”

Civil rights organizations argued that the state failed to justify the restrictions imposed by the legislation.

“The State of Montana could not provide a compelling government interest justifying this voter suppression law because there simply isn’t one,” said Alex Rate, deputy director and legal director at the ACLU of Montana. “Election Day voter registration is secure, it’s fair, and – with this ruling – it continues to be protected in Montana.”

Voting rights advocates also emphasized the broader constitutional implications of the case.

“Democracy works best when every eligible voter can participate freely,” said Theresa J. Lee, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Voting Rights Project. “Attempts to restrict access to Election Day registration disproportionately burden Native communities and undermine the promise of equal access to the ballot. This decision is a powerful reminder that the right to vote is not a privilege — it is a constitutional guarantee that belongs to all of us.”

This suit was brought by the ACLU of Montana, the American Civil Liberties Union, and the Native American Rights Fund. Click here to learn more.

The post Montana Court Blocks Law Limiting Indigenous Voters’ Access to Election Day Registration appeared first on Native News Online.

Happy Monday!

Here are some of the articles you may have missed this past weekend:

As Drought Worsens, Western States Brace For Wildfires, Water Shortages

From the Rockies to the Cascades to the Sierra Nevada, mountainsides across the West are sparsely covered by the snow that usually blankets the high country well into the summer.

That snowpack is like a savings account that the West draws on when the hot, dry months arrive. It moistens the landscape as it melts, lessening the risk of severe wildfire. The runoff feeds into river basins, and the swelling waterways provide power to hydroelectric dams, irrigation to farmers and drinking water to cities.

Read the entire article.

Federal Judge Halts Drilling Near Sacred Pe’ Sla Site for 14 Days

A federal judge on Monday granted a temporary restraining order halting exploratory drilling near the sacred Lakota site of Pe’ Sla in the Black Hills of South Dakota, marking an early legal victory for tribal nations and Indigenous activists seeking to protect the area from mining activity.

The ruling temporarily bans drilling for 14 days while the lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service proceeds. A hearing on a preliminary injunction is tentatively scheduled for May 20-21, 2026, where the broader merits of the case will be argued in federal court.

The lawsuit, brought by tribal nations and Indigenous-led organizations, challenges federal approval of exploratory graphite drilling near Pe’ Sla, a site considered sacred by the Oceti Sakowin. Advocates argue the project threatens ceremonial lands, clean water, wildlife habitat, and treaty-protected cultural resources.

Read the entire article.

“Alligator Alcatraz” May Close After Months of Tribal Resistance in the Everglades

The controversial immigration detention center dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” could soon shut down — a dramatic reversal following months of resistance led by the Miccosukee Tribe, Native advocates, and environmental groups who warned the facility never should have been built on Indigenous homelands in the Florida Everglades.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis acknowledged this week that state officials are discussing closing the detention center, saying the site was always meant to be temporary. The announcement comes amid mounting scrutiny over soaring operational costs, environmental concerns, and lawsuits challenging the legality of the project.

For tribal leaders, the possible closure represents a rare and hard-fought victory against a project they say desecrated sacred lands and ignored tribal sovereignty from the beginning.

In previous reporting by Native News Online, Miccosukee leaders condemned the detention center’s construction near traditional villages and ceremonial areas deep within the Everglades ecosystem. Tribal officials argued the state moved forward without meaningful consultation while threatening lands Indigenous peoples have protected for generations.

Read the entire article.

The post Monday Morning (May 4, 2026): Articles You May Have Missed This Past Weekend appeared first on Native News Online.

Native Vote 2026

Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo) is pushing back against a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against the City of Albuquerque and the State of New Mexico over policies aimed at limiting cooperation with federal immigration enforcement.

The lawsuit, announced Thursday by the Department of Justice, challenges efforts by state and local officials to restrict coordination with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Haaland responded with a sharp rebuke of the Trump administration’s immigration policies and vowed to defend immigrant communities in New Mexico.

“As ICE continues threatening communities across the country, the state is the first line of defense against the Trump administration,” Haaland said in a statement. “In New Mexico, we are lucky that the state and localities worked to lawfully pass legislation to protect New Mexicans and their families from ICE. We can’t let the federal government continue to exert their will on New Mexico and we won’t let them intimidate us.”

“We are a multicultural state, we must stand strong with our neighbors,” she continued. “That means as governor, I will do anything in my power to stop ICE from tearing families apart and committing crimes in our streets while advocating for strong, common sense immigration and border security reform.”

Haaland outlined several immigration-related policies she said she would pursue as governor. Her proposals include limiting ICE coordination with local and state resources, banning ICE agents from wearing masks while on duty, and requiring agents to clearly identify their agency affiliation. She also pledged to prohibit ICE operations within 500 yards of schools during the academic year, as well as near state courthouses, government buildings, churches, healthcare facilities, public parks, and culturally significant sites.

The former Interior secretary also pointed to her recent visit to an ICE detention center in Cibola County, where she said she witnessed conditions firsthand and reaffirmed her support for HB9, legislation aimed at protecting immigrant communities in New Mexico.

Haaland highlighted her background in law enforcement oversight during her tenure leading the U.S. Department of the Interior. As Interior secretary, she supervised multiple federal law enforcement agencies and established a task force focused on public safety standards, policy guidance, training, and resources for personnel. During her time in Congress, Haaland helped secure $350 billion in funding for state and local governments and law enforcement agencies. She also co-sponsored legislation intended to reform immigration enforcement practices and restrict family separations.

Throughout her political career, Haaland has advocated for immigrant and asylum seeker rights, including opposing the mass deportation of DREAMERS and calling for more immigration judges and officials to help process cases and address what she described as a broken immigration system

The post Haaland Condemns DOJ Lawsuit Over New Mexico Immigration Policies appeared first on Native News Online.

Guest Opinion

Cruise ships are enclosed environments with high-density human populations and weeks of exposure. Add to that their worldwide or regional contact with cities, giving hours of exposure to any virus or bacteria that can be collected from a range of ports over increments of time. This real-life experiment has created a specialty area of study.

Galveston is a major port for cruise ship embarkations and debarkations, and as such, it has attracted researchers who specialize in cruise ship viruses and bacteria to the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB). This has helped us understand that the frequent outbreaks of sickness on cruise ships have largely been due to norovirus.

One virus that would not have been considered a likely cruise ship virus is hantavirus. Its form in the United States is zoonotic; that is, it is transmitted from animals to humans. The respiratory infection also has a high mortality rate — up to 50% of those infected with the Americas strain will die.

The first patient diagnosed turned out to have a hantavirus strain that is communicable from human to human, explaining why a number of people — though the exact number remains unclear — became infected. Further, the cruise ship, named the MV Hondius, departed from Ushuaia, Argentina, on April 1, 2026, with more than 140 passengers, from a region where this strain of the virus (Andes) is endemic. As of May 8, 2026, three people had died, consistent with the virus’s high mortality rate.

Previous Investigations of Hantavirus

The first diagnosed outbreak of hantavirus in the United States began as a “mystery illness.” A person would show symptoms of respiratory distress, and three days later they would be dead. No one knew what the disease was, and it was causing panic. The outbreak occurred in the Four Corners region on the Navajo Nation reservation. It was reported as the “Navajo disease” by at least one news outlet, and some stores in the region banned Navajo people from entering. You might guess this happened in 1860, but no — it happened in 1993.

The CDC sent a team of epidemiologists to investigate the mystery disease but were stumped as to what was killing people. It was not until Elders were consulted that investigators learned the community already had knowledge about where it came from.

It had been a wet spring following several years of drought, and the pinyon nuts were especially plentiful. Deer mice eat pinyon nuts, so the deer mouse population exploded, increasing the chances of human exposure. The young couple who were the first victims of the virus had gone to a cabin where they were exposed to deer mouse droppings.

There is a reason Elders say that if you see a mouse run across your clothing, you should burn the clothes. When mice are frightened, they often urinate, contaminating clothing with hantavirus, which is spread through feces and urine. Dr. Lori Alvord, the first Navajo surgeon, explained this entire case in her book The Scalpel and the Silver Bear. She shares traditions such as burning clothes and other forms of knowledge related to outbreaks.

When epidemiologists and public health officials met with Navajo Elders, drawing on Navajo oral history, the Elders described two previous occasions when an unknown disease had emerged and killed community members: 1918 and 1933. In each of those years, unusually wet springs had preceded the outbreaks, and the wet conditions produced abundant pinyon nut growth. According to Navajo tradition, mice inhabit the nocturnal and outdoor world while humans inhabit the daytime and indoor world, and the two should not mix or sickness and death may occur.

What this traditional knowledge did was answer the ecological and predictive question: what conditions produce these outbreaks? The Elders noted comparable deaths recounted in oral history, observing that similar disease presentations occurred after periods of “excess” — years of excess rain, excess vegetation, and consequently excess rodents. This critical information guided scientists to investigate rodent-borne infections. The virus was ultimately isolated and identified by scientists, but it was the combination of these two scientific worldviews that solved the “mystery disease.”

The case is an example of why ecological surveillance matters and why long-memory community knowledge is a legitimate scientific resource alongside biomedical investigation.

Meanwhile in Argentina

Argentine government officials have said that the Andes hantavirus strain has not previously been found in the port city where the cruise ship originated. However, there is evidence from distribution maps that the strain may simply be less common there than in other regions. (Ushuaia is located at the southern tip of Argentina.)

The World Health Organization should send anthropologists, not just epidemiologists, to Argentina and, if they have not already done so, begin talking with Elders from Indigenous tribes and communities there. If we learned anything from the Navajo Nation investigation of hantavirus, it is that all forms of knowledge can help solve problems that might otherwise remain mysteries. While the virus has been identified, patient zero has not been identified, nor has the route of infection that appears to have originated in Argentina with the Andes strain. Learning the ecological conditions that increased the risk of exposure to the Andes strain would be invaluable.

To read more articles by Professor Sutton go to:  https://profvictoria.substack.com/ 

Professor Victoria Sutton (Lumbee) is a law professor on the faculty of Texas Tech University. In 2005, Sutton became a founding member of the National Congress of American Indians, Policy Advisory Board to the NCAI Policy Center, positioning the Native American community to act and lead on policy issues affecting Indigenous communities in the United States.

The post The Hanta Virus Takes a Cruise appeared first on Native News Online.

Opinion

This Mother’s Day, Native News Online honors Native mothers — the life-givers, the culture-keepers, the women whose strength holds our nations together.

For Native peoples, motherhood is more than a role. It is a sacred calling that connects past to present and breathes life into seven future generations.

In our tribal communities, mothers often provide the first Native language teaching, the first song lessons, and the first to tell the stories that root our children in who they are. They do this while navigating a world that too often overlooks or misunderstands Indigenous life. Yet, they do so with power, with prayer, and with grace. Their work may be unseen by the outside world, but it forms the foundation of everything.

Native mothers carry a double burden — nurturing their families and protecting their culture from erasure. We remember the grandmothers who fought to keep their children out of boarding schools and, in many cases, were there when our ancestors returned from the horrific separation. 

We honor the mothers who walk today in the movement for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, many of whom carry grief too heavy for words. And we celebrate the young Native mothers raising their babies with beadwork in their hands and dreams in their hearts — dreams that speak of survival, of strength, and of sovereignty.

Being a Native mother during a time when our communities still face systemic inequality, health disparities, and historical trauma is no small task. Yet, time and again, Native women show us what resilience truly looks like. They are lawyers and language teachers, water protectors and powwow dancers, artists and aunties — often all at once. They rise early, work late, and still find time to braid hair, make dinner, smudge the house, and whisper lullabies of our ancestors.

We see you.

We see you in the early morning light, loading your children into the car for another long day of commitments. We see you at the community center, teaching moccasin-making to the next generation. We see you holding space at vigils, holding families together, holding stories safe until they are ready to be shared. Your love, your labor, and your leadership sustain us.

In July 2023, my family lost our mother three days shy of her 92nd birthday. Her memory and love live deep within my heart every day as I navigate life’s journey. I wrote then, my mother was my rock.

Last month, I interviewed Joy Harjo (Muscogee), the iconic poet and writer, on Native Bidaské. Harjo, who served as the 23rd U.S. Poet Laureate for three terms from 2019 to 2022, released on April 1, 2025, a new book titled “Washing My Mother’s Body, A Ceremony for Grief” The short book is a poem, accompanied by beautiful illustrations by Dana Tiger (Cherokee), that addresses Harjo not being able to wash her mother’s body when she died. Harjo writes in the book “returns” to take care of her memory. “That’s how I make peace when things are left undone,” she writes.

Harjo writes in the introduction: “We each know our mother in a manner that is unlike any other.” 

Here is a portion of the poem:

“I tell her how beautiful she is, how strong and brave,

Her beauty and bravery, eternally to save. 

Her face is relaxed, peaceful, a serene, gentle grace,

As I wash her hands, the hands that held me in place.

The rough, calloused skin, a testament to her toil,

Yet these hands, they gave comfort, on fertile, loving soil.”

On this Mother’s Day, let us do more than give flowers or cards. Let us give respect. Let us give space for Native mothers’ voices to be heard. Let us build a world where Native women can live without fear, thrive without apology, and raise families without carrying the weight of injustice on their backs.

To all Native mothers — biological, adoptive, chosen, and ancestral — we honor you. Your strength is ancient. Your love is medicine. Your presence blesses not just your families, but to all of Indian Country.

You are the heart of the people. Today, we say thank you.

Happy Mother’s Day from Native News Online.

Thayék gde nwéndëmen – We are all related.

This opinion was orignally published on Mother’s Day 2025.

The post Honoring Native Mothers: Our First Teachers  appeared first on Native News Online.

Guest Opinion

Mother’s Day is a time to reflect on the women who have shaped our lives with strength, sacrifice and love. In Cherokee culture, mothers, grandmothers, sisters, aunts and other close female relatives have always stood at the center of our families and communities. They serve as our first teachers, caregivers, leaders and the keepers of our values.

As First Lady of the Cherokee Nation and mother of Cherokee Nation citizens, I am proud that our Nation’s work in recent years has reflected those same values: putting families first and creating more opportunity for women and children across the Cherokee Nation Reservation and beyond.

When we support mothers and the women in our Nation who are stepping in to raise nephews, nieces, grandchildren and others, we strengthen entire communities.

Through initiatives like our Families Are Sacred Summit, we are bringing together service providers, advocates and community leaders to address the most pressing challenges facing families today — from child welfare to prevention and healing.

Our commitment to children is also evident in the amazing work coming from Cherokee Nation’s Indian Child Welfare Department. We are ensuring that Cherokee children remain connected to their culture, their families and their future. These efforts are about more than policy — they are about preserving Cherokee identity, strengthening Cherokee homes and honoring the responsibility we all share to care for the next generation.

At the same time, we are making historic strides for women in the workplace. Cherokee Nation’s workforce is about 70% women, and important steps have been taken to ensure greater pay equity. My husband, Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., and Deputy Chief Bryan Warner have made it a priority to close gender pay gaps and ensure women are compensated fairly for their work. The endeavor reflects a broader promise of fairness, dignity and opportunity for all employees.

We also recognize that supporting working families means providing the flexibility and security they need at home. Expanded maternity and paternity leave policies — which are also inclusive of parents who adopt or foster — help new parents bond with their children and build strong foundations from the beginning. These policies celebrate caregiving as a true community value.

This Mother’s Day, we honor the resilient women of our past and those guiding our future. We also reaffirm our responsibility to continue building a Cherokee Nation where families are supported, women are valued, and children are given every opportunity to thrive. That is how we honor our mothers — not just with words, but with action.

January Hoskin is the first lady of the Cherokee Nation.

The post Honoring Cherokee Mothers by Investing in Families and Opportunity appeared first on Native News Online.