Native America Calling

The more than $20 billion in federal pandemic aid to tribes provided welcome financial relief at a critical time. But a new analysis points out what the study’s authors say is vastly inequitable distribution of that money. Scholars with the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development say flaws in the formula established to distribute […]

The Makah Tribe is one step closer to resuming whale hunts, decades after their last grey whale harvest. After numerous legal challenges, a federal judge how recommends the tribe be allowed the practice that is at the heart of their cultural and spiritual identity. Their last hunt—after grey whales were removed from the endangered species list—was marred by protests, active interference and even death threats against members of the tribe. We’ll learn the cultural importance behind whale hunting and discuss the prospect it will begin again.

The Makah Tribe is one step closer to resuming whale hunts, decades after their last grey whale harvest. After numerous legal challenges, a federal judge how recommends the tribe be allowed the practice that is at the heart of their cultural and spiritual identity. Their last hunt—after grey whales were removed from the endangered species […]

When businesses or media productions take on Native themes, images or storylines, they turn to Native consultants to avoid stereotypes or offensive messages. It takes a broad knowledge of Native cultures and often requires standing up to executives with entrenched ideas. We’ll hear from Native consultants about what the job is like and the growing importance to have Native voices in the corporate and media world.

When businesses or media productions take on Native themes, images or storylines, they turn to Native consultants to avoid stereotypes or offensive messages. It takes a broad knowledge of Native cultures and often requires standing up to executives with entrenched ideas. We’ll hear from Native consultants about what the job is like and the growing […]

In many Native American cultures, there’s an understanding and respect for those who identify with a gender that is neither male nor female. Only recently have the terms “nonbinary,” “them” and “they,” entered the mainstream lexicon in reference to gender. “Nonbinary” is a catch-all term meaning not strictly male or female. That includes many—but not all—of those who call themselves “Two-Spirit.” We’ll learn more about nonbinary identities how some advocates want to change the way nonbinary Native people are treated in healthcare settings.

In many Native American cultures, there’s an understanding and respect for those who identify with a gender that is neither male nor female. Only recently have the terms “nonbinary,” “them” and “they,” entered the mainstream lexicon in reference to gender. “Nonbinary” is a catch-all term meaning not strictly male or female. That includes many—but not […]

Tribal members hoping to purchase a home on tribal land often face a gauntlet of red tape, delays and complicated legal arrangements. Even if they manage to satisfy all the requirements, they may still be unable to get a mortgage from a standard lender. In addition, some tribal members who benefited from HUD’s Indian Home Loan Guaranteed Program are coming up against constraints.

Tribal members hoping to purchase a home on tribal land often face a gauntlet of red tape, delays and complicated legal arrangements. Even if they manage to satisfy all the requirements, they may still be unable to get a mortgage from a standard lender. In addition, some tribal members who benefited from HUD’s Indian Home […]

California officials are still tallying the damage from an underwater oil pipeline rupture that leaked nearly 150,000 gallons of oil along a sensitive Pacific Coast area. National Congress of American Indians President Fawn Sharp issued a statement urging the federal government and others to “take this opportunity to engage with Tribal Nations to protect our natural resources and find solutions to prevent these devastating events from happening again.” It’s also a harbinger of the threat confronting tribes that have unsuccessfully fought against pipelines on their ancestral homelands.