Monday, March 13, 2017 – Fear of change
Has the current political climate caused you to press the pause button on plans to make changes in your life? For some people, life changes are a challenge, whether it’s getting a new job, starting an exercise routine or remodeling a house. It takes resilience and patience. It’s even harder if you feel uncertain about things you can’t control. How can we rely on our communities and traditions to get moving again?
Tuesday, March 14, 2017 – The future of health care
Republican congressional leaders are in the process of keeping their promise to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act. They propose the American Healthcare Act as an alternative. The new law does not address the Indian Healthcare Improvement Act, which is part of the Affordable Care Act. It also casts doubt on the future of Obamacare’s Medicaid expansion that, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, greatly helps American Indians and Alaska Natives. What does this proposed law mean for Native America?
Wednesday, March 15, 2017 — Disenrollment and re-enrollment
The Robinson Rancheria of Pomo Indians granted tribal membership back to 60 people who were disenrolled nine years ago. The action is a departure from a recent wave of disenrollement among some tribes in the west. Disenrolled members are no longer federally recognized tribal citizens and as a result lose benefits like health care, percap income and even housing. The Nooksak Indian Tribe is suing the federal government over sanctions imposed over election disputes stemming from disenrollment. Sovereignty gives independent tribal nations the ability to determine their members. But campaigns against disenrollment are aiming to change opinions.
Thursday, March 16, 2017 – U.N. human rights and Indigenous people
The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples spent 10 days collecting information from tribes and U.S. government officials. Victoria Tauli-Corpuz heard comments about the Dakota Access Pipeline in North Dakota and oil and gas exploration in New Mexico and Arizona. Among other things, she says she recognizes a need for better consultation and a consistent federal policy for projects that affect tribes.
Friday, March 17, 2017 — Reaching out to domestic violence survivors
A new helpline, StrongHearts, offers help to victims of domestic violence in a culturally appropriate way. The helpline was created by Natives for Natives. Advocates say they cater to unique Native situations, laws and culture. That understanding is one reason for reaching out with culturally appropriate methods. We’ll explore how culturally appropriate methods pay off for domestic violence work and prevention.
