On November 9, the United States Supreme Court will hear oral arguments of Haaland v. Brackeen, the case concerning the constitutionality of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). The stakes are high. The Supreme Court’s decision will ultimately determine whether the 44-year-old law that ensures Native children have the legal right to remain connected to their familial network, culture, and community will remain intact.
Monday marks Indigenous Peoples’ Day, thanks to the tireless work of Indigenous advocates and allies who have worked to secure its recognition by municipalities, states, and the nation (although still not a federal holiday, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a federally recognized holiday). Native Peoples were always here—at the time of contact—and now, thanks to the tenacity and resilience of our ancestors and the advocacy of our people today. When we celebrate Native heritage, cultures, traditions, and people today, we remember our ancestors’ many sacrifices and soberly reflect on the impact colonialism had on our people and our ways of living.
I am asking my Indigenous relatives to vote despite, and because of, our knowledge about our history and contemporary experiences. Without our voices at the polls, we cannot rectify the ongoing harm to our people and to others that is a reflection of the political climate and how resources are distributed.
June 14 is Flag Day, when the United States commemorates the adoption of the U.S. flag, reflective of the status of the U.S. as a sovereign nation. The Stars and Stripes, recognizable throughout the world, prompted me to think about the symbolism of flags and their representation of national identity, such as that the U.S. flag represents. Tribal flags are also representative of sovereign nations. The celebration of Flag Day a suitable time to share insights into our history and our contemporary lives as Tribal people.
Today Indigenous people nationwide commemorate June 2, 1924, as the day when Native people became official citizens of the United States. To mark the occasion, I urge everyone in our communities to register to vote!
A giving campaign supported by the Native Ways Foundation highlights the importance of supporting Native-led non-profits throughout the month of May. Beginning May 1 and culminating on Native Nonprofit Day May 20, the campaign will raise awareness about how Native non-profits make a greater impact on Native communities.
What happened at boarding schools was not education. Native people have always educated— and continue to educate—our youth in our languages, medicine, soil management, forestry, watershed management, animal husbandry, meteorology, astronomy, navigation, self-governance, and more.
This year to mark Indigenous Peoples’ Day the American Indian College Fund will host a live, online concert celebration, Indige-Bration of and for Indigenous peoples, featuring the music of entertainers from across the nation.
It seems like just yesterday when last year’s school year started, in the face of great uncertainty. And now it’s time to return to school again. The pandemic situation is uncertain again, however, we have come through a year knowing what we are dealing with and how to do so, and we also know that education offers many opportunities for Native people, making this the BEST time to start on the path to earning a professional certificate or college degree.
Today’s announcement that the Cleveland major league baseball team has changed the name of its franchise to The Guardians is a great step towards eradicating offensive and harmful mascots in major league sports. Statement from Cheryl Crazy Bull, President and CEO of American Indian College Fund, on the Cleveland Guardians Baseball Team
