Native America Calling

Every December, Dakotas commemorate the executions of 38 men following the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862. President Abraham Lincoln ordered the hanging of the warriors on December 26, 1862 in Mankato, Minnesota. Two other chiefs were hanged three years later. The commemoration draws attention to the events leading up to the hangings that aren’t often included […]

Tribes closed casinos and hotels at the beginning of the pandemic in order to prevent further spread of the virus. A few tribes have turned their closed casinos into pandemic support centers with drive-up testing and isolation rooms for people who test positive for COVID-19. But closing casinos cuts off a key source of revenue from gaming and the associated hospitality industries like lodging, restaurants, golf, and merchandise sales. We’ll talk about the risks of operating during a pandemic weighed against the reality of severe economic hardship of not operating.

Tribes closed casinos and hotels at the beginning of the pandemic in order to prevent further spread of the virus. A few tribes have turned their closed casinos into pandemic support centers with drive-up testing and isolation rooms for people who test positive for COVID-19. But closing casinos cuts off a key source of revenue […]

Tribally-run health care clinics have never been more important than right now. Since the start of the pandemic, the Winslow Indian Health Care Center in Arizona has maintained in-patient services, urgent care and comprehensive health services. It is a crucial source of health care during a major health crisis on the Navajo Nation. Like all medical facilities across the country WIHCC is feeling the strain of unrelenting health care demands. We’ll zero in on how one tribally-run clinic is meeting the health care needs of citizens when they need it most.

Tribally-run health care clinics have never been more important than right now. Since the start of the pandemic, the Winslow Indian Health Care Center in Arizona has maintained in-patient services, urgent care and comprehensive health services. It is a crucial source of health care during a major health crisis on the Navajo Nation. Like all […]

This year’s 40 under 40 list includes a college vice president, a foundation coordinator and a neurosurgeon. The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development recognizes 40 people 40 years of age or younger every year who demonstrate notable leadership, initiative, and dedication and who make significant contributions to business or their community. They are tribal leaders, storytellers, business owners and healthcare workers doing good work. We’ll talk with some of this year’s winners to highlight some of the promising Native leaders who are on the move.

This year’s 40 under 40 list includes a college vice president, a foundation coordinator and a neurosurgeon. The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development recognizes 40 people 40 years of age or younger every year who demonstrate notable leadership, initiative, and dedication and who make significant contributions to business or their community. They are […]

Five states this year legalized marijuana use, either for medicinal or recreational purposes. Four of those states cleared marijuana use in ballot measures on Election Day. That brings the total number of states allowing some kind of marijuana use to 35. The landscape is changing rapidly for tribes aiming to capitalize on the growing legal cannabis market. States don’t have jurisdiction to enforce marijuana laws on reservations, but tribes have encountered resistance from some states where the drug is outlawed. In addition, tribes and states are both technically subject to federal law that classifies cannabis as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. We’ll get an overview of evolving tribal marijuana economic development efforts.

Five states this year legalized marijuana use, either for medicinal or recreational purposes. Four of those states cleared marijuana use in ballot measures on Election Day. That brings the total number of states allowing some kind of marijuana use to 35. The landscape is changing rapidly for tribes aiming to capitalize on the growing legal […]

Drug makers will start distributing doses of the vaccine against the coronavirus within days. Tribes, along with the Indian Health Service, have distribution plans in place that put health care workers and elders at the front of the line. It could be many more months before it’s available for many citizens. While the prospect of the vaccine offers relief, there remains some uncertainty over the distribution schedule and the logistical requirements. In addition, distribution among Native Nations could be hampered by lingering distrust of outside medical treatments. We’ll get updates on the latest information and perspectives on the coronavirus vaccine.