Monday, February 17, 2020 – Oklahoma’s tribal jurisdiction problem
Another Oklahoma criminal case has potential jurisdiction implications for the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and other tribes in the state. The U.S. Supreme Court agreed the hear the case involving a tribal member who asserts he should have been tried in federal court rather than state district court because the crime happened within historical Muscogee boundaries. A decision has potentially far-reaching implications. It’s the second challenge of a criminal conviction on similar grounds. Last summer, the High Court declined to issue a decision in another case of a Muscogee man arguing his death sentence is invalid because he was prosecuted in state court. Both cases hinge on the question of whether Congress adequately disestablished reservations in the state.
Tuesday, February 18, 2020 – Indigenous language program road trip
The tools for Native language programs are constantly evolving. They include the proven methods of immersion schools, camps and workshops. Some tribes are also incorporating apps, podcasts and social media to get the word out. We’ll take a tour of some of the innovative ways tribes are reaching out to potential language learners.
Wednesday, February 19, 2020 – NEPA changes looming
The Trump Administration is proposing major changes to the 50-year-old National Environmental Policy Act. NEPA requires projects on federal land to undergo environmental reviews determining the impact to land and water. It’s the law that regulates projects like oil pipelines and mines. Those industries complain the law creates costly and time-consuming delays. We’ll hear about how tribes are responding to the proposed changes.
Thursday, February 20, 2020 – The coronavirus threat
Despite capturing headlines around the world, the Wuhan novel coronavirus poses little threat so far to people living in the U.S. But a top official with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warns it’s likely the infection will eventually take hold in this country. The Navajo Nation advised its citizens to take precautions and be on the lookout for people showing symptoms. The Seattle Indian Health Board says it’s monitoring for patients who might be at risk. We’ll put some perspective on the coronavirus scare and get reminders on how to avoid infectious diseases like influenza.
Friday, February 21, 2020 – The Trump Administration takes on human trafficking
President Trump’s new executive order establishes a White House level position dedicated to fighting human trafficking. His administration reports the federal government is spending $430 million to fight trafficking domestically and abroad. Several states also have on-going initiatives to try and get a handle on the problem. Native Americans—especially women—disproportionately fall victim to sex trafficking. We’ll hear from representatives from the U.S. Department of Justice and others about what we can expect from the recent efforts to address trafficking.
