Monday, December 7, 2020 – Staying safe while caring for someone with COVID-19
When someone in a multi-person household contracts COVID-19, it puts everyone else living there at greater risk. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends strict use of masks and gloves and establishing rigorous cleaning routines. The CDC also recommends isolating the infected person away from others in the home. Native Americans have a higher average number of household members than the general population, ramping up the chances for infection in the home. We’ll hear first-hand accounts from those who cared for loved ones with COVID-19 and get a rundown of best practices when the pandemic hits close to home.
Tuesday, December 8, 2020 – The race to spend federal coronavirus aid money
Tribes have until the end of this month to spend their share of the $8 billion in federal emergency coronavirus funds. The money comes with a number of restrictions that are causing some confusion. The money can only go for expenses directly related to losses caused by the pandemic. Lawsuits delayed distribution of the funds, shortening the window of time tribes have to make use of them. We’ll hear from tribal officials about some of the challenges that come with the federal money meant to offset the economic crisis caused by the pandemic.
Wednesday, December 9, 2020 – Challenging times for college students
The challenge of remote college classes combined with the high cost of post-secondary education is taking a toll. A survey by a higher education marketing agency found a third of all prospective students say they are less likely than before the pandemic to pursue a college degree. Many colleges across optimistically opened to in-person classes at the beginning of the school year, only to revert to online-only instruction weeks, or even days, later. Students are also rebelling against high tuition costs in light of the reduced quality of education. We’ll check in on the latest from educators and students.
Thursday, December 10, 2020 – In line for the coronavirus vaccine
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.
Friday, December 11, 2020 – Shifting marijuana laws open tribal economic opportunities
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.
