Native Affairs

a road that is flooded out
Ayana Byrd  Dec 2, 2019 2:56PM EST

Yankton Sioux Nation Struggling To Recover From Climate Disasters Without Federal Assistance

Health and infrastructure issues plague reservation after a series of floods and cyclones.
Will Ferrell. White man dressed as a Native American sitting at a dinner table.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Nov 25, 2019 2:01PM EST

WATCH: 'Saturday Night Live' Parodies the 'First Thanksgiving'

SNL addresses colonization, immigration and racism in a sketch that includes no actual Native Americans.
The Navajo Generating Station power plant against red rock and blue sky
Ayana Byrd  Nov 20, 2019 4:13PM EST

Coal Plant on Navajo Land Closes Doors

Plant owners are now investing in solar energy; Navajo leaders look to recoup revenue and jobs lost from the shutdown.
a woman fills a plastic container of water as another women looks on in the Navajo Nation
Ayana Byrd  Nov 18, 2019 1:56PM EST

Native Americans Are Group Most Likely Not to Have Running Water at Home

A new report found that race is the biggest factor in determining access to water and sanitation access.
Arrokoth. A rendering of a double-domed connected world.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Nov 13, 2019 3:09PM EST

Distant World Takes Name From Algonquian Language

After discovering the ancient ice world, which rotates four billion miles away, NASA named it Arrokoth, an Algonquian word for “sky.”
North Dakota field.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Nov 1, 2019 12:37PM EDT

As Indigenous Activists Predicted, the Keystone Pipeline Has Another Big Spill

The leak of 383,000 gallons of oil affects wetlands in Edinburg, North Dakota.
Wes Studi. Older Native American man with short dark hair wearing blue tux jacket and white shirt.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Oct 28, 2019 2:33PM EDT

Wes Studi Makes History as First Native American to Win Oscar

Studi: “It’s about time!”
Not Your Mascot rally. Three women hold signs with images of Native American man wearing traditional feathered headdress and a red sign going through it.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Oct 25, 2019 2:56PM EDT

Protesters Remind Washington D.C. NFL Team That Indigenous People Are 'Not Your Mascot'

“There is no honor in racism.”
Wiyot Tribe. A gathering of young Indigenous people, dressed in traditional attire.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Oct 22, 2019 12:36PM EDT

Northern California Wiyot Tribe Reclaims Sacred Land

Nearly 160 years after White settlers forcefully took up residence on Indian Island, the Wiyot Tribe welcomes the return of 200+ acres of land that it calls the “spiritual and physical center of the universe.”
Joy Harjo. Native American middle aged woman with shoulder length dark hair wearing white blouse and colorful bead earrings.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Oct 21, 2019 12:51PM EDT

WATCH: Joy Harjo on Being the Nation's First Indigenous Poet Laureate

“We’ve been so disappeared in the story of American poetry and American history, and yet we are the root of what it means to be an American.”
Kimberly Teehee. Indigenous woman wearing blue and white jacket speaking at a podium with brightly colored flags behind her
Ayana Byrd  Oct 15, 2019 2:08PM EDT

ICYMI: Cherokee Nation Appoints First Delegate to U.S. House of Representatives

If recognized by the federal government, Kimberly Teehee would be able to introduce bills on behalf of the more than 300,000 people in the Cherokee Nation.
White and yellow sign reads "Danger: Radiation Risk" against a blue sky, silver chainlink fence and rusted barbed wire
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Oct 8, 2019 5:43PM EDT

Research Reveals High Levels of Radiation in Navajo Women Stemming From Cold War

“Thousands of abandoned uranium mines dot the Western landscape, hundreds on the Navajo Nation alone, continuing to expose families to the ill effects of radiation, including kidney failure and cancer.”
Elizabeth Peratrovich. Native Alaskan woman with dark hair.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Oct 7, 2019 1:06PM EDT

Elizabeth Peratrovich Is First Alaska Native to Grace U.S. Currency

The Alaskan activist made her mark while working to pass Alaska’s Anti-Discrimination Act of 1945.
A black puzzle with one piece missing.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Sep 25, 2019 6:18PM EDT

Blackfeet Nation to Hold Tribunal on Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women

“This is not just a Blackfeet or Montana tribes’ tragedy, it is an Indian Country tragedy, and a national and international disgrace.”
White teepees in the snow with a protest sign that reads "Defend the Sacred" on Standing Rock Reservation
Ayana Byrd  Aug 20, 2019 2:23PM EDT

ICYMI: Standing Rock Sioux Back In Court to Stop Dakota Access Pipeline

As the pipeline prepares to double its daily output, the tribe demands a new environmental assessment of the project.
David Levien and Brian Koppelman. Two middle-aged White men with short gray hair wearing gray suit jackets and jeans in front of a step and repeat.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Aug 15, 2019 2:25PM EDT

New York's Cayuga Nation Sues Showtime for Defamation

“This episode of ‘Billions’ is a deliberate and intentional resort to an offensive stereotype of Native Americans,” alleges the lawsuit. 
Steven Wilson. Young Lakota man with short dark hair wearing gray jacket and tan pants performing National Anthem in University of South Dakota's gym.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Aug 1, 2019 12:17PM EDT

The National Anthem Will Be Performed in Lakota At Upcoming Presidential Forum

Steven Wilson will set the tone for the first-ever presidential election forum to focus entirely on Native American issues.
Mauna Kea protestors. Black and white image of crowd with main shot of man with back to camera.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Jul 19, 2019 11:10AM EDT

WATCH: The 50-Year History of Mismanagement at Hawai'i's Mauna Kea

In just six minutes, this film provides context for the recent protests at the sacred site.
An older person in tan jacket, white and red scarf and black pants is being carried by two people in uniforms.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Jul 18, 2019 12:11PM EDT

Native Hawaiian Elders Arrested in Telescope Protest at Mauna Kea

“This mountain represents the last thing they want to take that we will not give them.”
Molly of Denali. Animation showing Native Alaskan and Black girl in a town.
N. Jamiyla Chisholm  Jul 9, 2019 3:51PM EDT

3 Things to Know About New Animated Series 'Molly of Denali'

The groundbreaking PBS Kids series stars 10-year-old Alaska Native Molly.