Podcasts about indian affairs

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Business Meeting to consider the Nomination of Mr. William Kirkland to be Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior Date: September 10, 2025 Time: 2:30 PM Location: Dirksen Room: 628 Agenda: Nomination of the Mr. William Kirkland to be Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, U.S. Department of the Interior Committee Notice: https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearings/oversight-hearing-entitled-unleashing-indian-energy-examining-federal-programs-at-the-u-s-department-of-energy/

In this episode of Fostering Conversations, guest host Liz Rivera guides a powerful dialogue with Native leaders and advocates about the importance of culture, tradition, and belonging for Native children in foster care. You'll hear from: James Toledo (Utah Division of Indian Affairs) on how culture provides a foundation for resilience. Stephanie Benally (Native American Specialist, Utah Foster Care) on supporting Native children's traditions in foster homes. Craig Sandoval (Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake) on creating culturally responsive models for Native youth and families in urban Utah. Together, they reflect on the sacred role of clans, ceremonies, and language, as well as the ongoing significance of the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in preserving tribal sovereignty and protecting children's cultural identity. Listeners will learn why everyday practices—from observing ceremonies to speaking Native languages—help children thrive, and how foster parents can honor and support these connections, even outside of tribal communities. Transcript: Liz: [00:00:00] On today’s episode, you’ll hear how cultural traditions give Native children strength and belonging, and why the Indian Child Welfare Act or ICWA is so critical , in protecting those connections for children in foster care. Welcome to Fostering Conversations. I’m your host, Liz Rivera, filling in for Amy Smith. We have a special episode for you today. We’re weaving together conversations with several native leaders and advocates here in Utah. Liz: Let’s begin with introductions in Navajo culture, introductions are not just about your name, they’re about where you come from, your clans, your language, and [00:01:00] lineage. First, we’ll hear from James Toledo from the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, followed by Stephanie Benally, the Native American specialist from Utah Foster Care, and finally, from Craig Sandoval from the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake. James: [Navajo Introduction] James Toledo James: and, and again. Thank you. I, I’m a member of the Navajo Nation and we introduce ourselves, sharing our clans. So as we probably will talk about this later in the program, our clans are a way to identify our family relationships, connections with others within our community. Stephanie: Hello. Thank you. I am a citizen of Navajo Nation. My clans are Red Streak people born for Bitter Water. My maternal grandfather is Mexican People clan, and my paternal grandfather is Red House. Thank you very much for the opportunity to participate on the podcast. Craig: Hello everybody, and wanted [00:02:00] to introduce myself and my native language. First [Navajo introduction]. Craig: So I introduced myself in my native Navajo language. Just wanted to reintroduce myself in English for all the non Navajo speakers. Good day to everybody. My name is Craig Sandoval, and I’m originally from New Mexico in a small community named Pueblo Pintado, New Mexico. So it’s [00:03:00] just west of Albuquerque, made about two hours. Craig: And my clans are Near the Water People. I’m born for the Mexican clan. My maternal grandparents are the Red Paint People, and my paternal grandparents are the Towering House People. And so that’s who I am, and that’s where I come from. And then now I’m here in Salt Lake working to provide a culturally responsive clinical model for our community here to bring the reservation teachings and bring them here into the valley so that there’s still a connection. I came to Utah about two years ago working with the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake. Liz: As Craig shares, , staying connected to traditions and language is essential for native children. Even here in urban areas of Utah where families may live far from their tribal homelands. James adds that culture, gives children a foundation to thrive. While [00:04:00] Stephanie reminds us how important it is for foster parents to support native traditions, sometimes through simple everyday practices. Craig: The Urban Indian center, the goal is to connect our community members and our families to. Our tradition and our heritage back home. And that includes providing dancers, providing teachings, providing a class to where they can feel home, they can feel at home.For me, it’s the language, making sure that I can continually speak my language. So with the Navajo language classes, it does bridge that. When we think about Utah Foster Care and our Native kids that are in foster care here in Utah, how do we continue to bring them to connecting with their tradition and culture? And that’s also our goal. Several months ago, the Navajo Nation did a resource fair and one of the division directors, Mr.Thomas, [00:05:00] Cody. Who worked very well with Utah Foster Care really emphasized that there should always be a connection to our Navajo language, to our Navajo culture, to our Navajo environment, to our Navajo values, even though we live in the urban area. Craig: That is absolutely true., And that’s how we’ll stay strong. And so during Mr. Cody’s speech, he asked those that have our children and Navajo, our children in their custody to reconnect in any way they can . That’s where the strength is there. And so we want to, as the Urban Indian Center, while we provide a lot of these events, demonstration classes on Navajo history, Navajo language, Navajo culture, Navajo dances, we want them to connect with our traditional ways in that way. Craig: And so that’s the goal what providing all [00:06:00] the classes that we do at the Urban Indian Center. Craig: It is very important to keep the culture whether something small as a bracelet, a necklace, that means a lot to a native child. growing up in a native home, there’s so many milestones and so many traditions that are celebrated. I wanna give a little bit of background on myself too, as well. I am Navajo, however, I do have heritage and lineage into the Hopi and San Domingos communities, and each one is very different. And I’m gonna give you a great example on this side. Craig: As Navajo, we are born into our mother’s clan. I believe that’s number one. When it comes to really being, I guess it’s a. Coming to the earth is that you’re given your first clan, you’re you. You hear your first clan and as a baby they tell you that your first clan is this. Your second clan is [00:07:00] this. And that’s the introduction to the land. Craig: That’s the introduction to the air, the waters, the clouds, the beings that are on earth. Your introduction. When I look into our Hopi side, we have a child is born and kept in a dark room until a certain number of days have come. They prepare, and within this preparation they do a hair washing and they wash the hair and say, you’re able to come to this land in this world. Craig: And then they go out early in the morning and they introduce the child to the sun And when this happens, they tell the child that, here’s the sun The sun will be with you throughout from day one to the day of your death. They’ll watch over you. They’ll look over you, and there’s that introduction to the sun. Craig: And those are some of the main milestones. And you have Santo Domingo who also wash your hair and receive into the world the [00:08:00] child. So those are your milestones. And when you look into Navajo specific, you then can go into, for example, everybody knows the first laugh You know when a child laughs it means that there is laughter in the world. Craig: There’s happiness in the world, and you might think about it as a child has no worries in the world, but that one laugh has given the world what we call, or what we would call happiness. That child brings that, and they want that happiness to continue within the family, within the world. Craig: And so those are some of the important milestones. And then you get to puberty, the milestones of the women going through the puberty ceremony cannot the the men going through the Sweat Lodge ceremony on that side. Craig: Those are milestones that you have. And then overall you have the weddings, and then you have other things that happen [00:09:00] and they’re all different. When our children go through these rites of passages, there’s other small ones in between, for example, piercing the ears. Craig: When we pierce our ears, it’s that now that the gods can hear us through that, we can hear them too as well. And so that happens at a young age, washing of the hair with different herbs so that we prevent sickness and illness and so that our bodies are strong. Craig: Being a parent of a native child and a foster care parent, these are questions that you can ask like, how can I support? And I know on the reservations there are families willing to guide. There are connections that say we can help with that because they wanna keep the child aligned. They wanna keep the child connected to the traditional ways of life. James: Culture sets a foundation really for any individual. I think looking at a [00:10:00] broader picture, we all were raised in certain cultures, whether that’s within a religious environment, whether that’s with our traditional teachings as indigenous peoples, or whether that’s just your own family traditions that we have. James: So when a child is raised with that culture intact, it sets them up with a strong foundation. So as they. Get older and they start navigating and, and experiencing life. What helps to give them some guidance as they are learning about how to be an adult and to different situations that you encounter. And because when we encounter difficult situations, you immediately go back to Those core teachings. So I think that’s the importance of culture in the context that I was using it, is trying to broaden that perspective to help listeners try to understand why Indigenous families want to maintain that cultural connection. Stephanie: So a lot of our native kids are being placed in non-native homes, and [00:11:00] providing that education for all foster parents is important. So they are aware of some do’s and don’ts, like for example. We had an eclipse and I shared the protocol what Navajos do for our foster families to ensure that the Navajo children followed what needed to be done during the eclipse. Stephanie: It’s just also providing that information, so if they’re caring for a Navajo infant, that they’re able to do a first laugh ceremony or get more information to be able to do that. I’ve had a foster parent reach out before and wanted to know what needed to get done and. Directed her to a Native Elder in the community who was able to help her with that. Stephanie: And so it’s just making sure that even though the Native kids are not in Native homes, they’re still being provided that cultural connection, even though it’s very limited. my hope is that sharing the cultural information, the foster parents will then share that with the Native children that are in their [00:12:00] home. Because it’s not just taking a child to a powwow or reading a book, but it’s the everyday living. Stephanie: It’s a discussion around the table. It’s going to an event with the family and seeing other people. Stephanie: One family was taking care of siblings from the Hopi tribe, and I was able to connect the family with resources so they would be able to go over the information with the children in their home. So hoping that will bring some connection while they’re placed in that non-native home. Liz: I think even the foster parents recognizing the importance of it. Liz: I mean, cutting over to what James said, I think the culture’s that it’s just like in our bones, it’s just how we live, and it’s so hard to. Apply that if it’s not really a part of you, but a foster parent who isn’t native, if they’re at least reaching out and they’re at least trying, that really does show that they honor where these children come from. Liz: In 1978, the Indian Child Welfare Act, known as ICWA [00:13:00] became law after decades of Native children being removed from their families and tribes at alarming rates. Here’s Stephanie and James explaining the history and purpose of ICWA and why it continues to matter here in Utah. Stephanie: Prior to 1978 and ICWA there was a 25 to 35% removal of Native children from their homes, and 85 to 90% of those children were placed in Non-native and non-relative homes. And so over that 10 year span, Congress studied the removal of Native children. Found that there was a need for the federal law based on the study and the testimonies from the families. Stephanie: The Indian Child Welfare Act is a federal law. It is the core of ICWA to recognize tribal sovereignty. It also recognizes the important roles that the tribes play, protecting the wellbeing of Native children. It also protects the children and parents’ constitutional rights. Stephanie: ICWA applies to children under the age of [00:14:00] 18. The child can either be a member of a federally recognized tribe or eligible for enrollment. Eligible for enrollment means that one of the birth parents is an enrolled member with a federally recognized tribe. Stephanie: Federally recognized tribe is a Native American or an Alaska native tribe entity that recognizes as having a government to government relationship with the United States. If the child is a part of a state tribe, they would not fall under the ICWA law. James: Well, as you know, with history of Native Americans, with our government, hasn’t been the best ’cause. James: You can go back to the boarding school era where children were forced to attend federally managed boarding schools. And the intent at that time was to destroy the culture, destroy the connection to culture, and so as kids were going through these various boarding schools, they were taught a different way of life and removed from their family and and [00:15:00] cultural settings. James: I mean, that’s a really brief summary. This could be an entire podcast series if we really wanted to dive into that history. But to go back to your point when it comes to the foster care system or why ICWA was created, as Stephanie had mentioned, there was a history of state child welfare agencies where Natives children were being forcefully taken from their families. James: In some instances, it was minor infractions. For whatever reason, these children were removed and placed into foster care. Some of them were put in through the adoption system. Hence, this was an ongoing challenge that many Native communities were experiencing and it, it caught the attention of Congress and there was a series of public hearings that Congress put on, and so this was an opportunity for those families to share their experiences and the challenges and obstacles that they were experiencing. James: Those testimonies are what led to the creation of ICWA ICWA [00:16:00] Was created to try to help to preserve that and to ensure that those cultural teachings would be able to be shared with future generations and to ensure that we as Indigenous people are still here. Liz: Almost two years ago, they tried to codify ICWA into state law and tell us a little bit about why they thought that was necessary. James: So Representative Watkins at the time was the lead sponsor of the state bill, and the reason this was being pushed forward by the tribes in Utah was because at the time there was a case that was going before the US Supreme Court. James: That was on ICWA So there was a potential that if the court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in this case, then they would have overturned the law. And those protections that are part of that statute would have gone away. And so there was an effort at the state level to codify the spirit of the [00:17:00] law, so to speak, and make sure that is preserved care at the state of Utah. James: There was a lot of support for the bill. We went through several revisions. The tribes were heavily involved throughout that process, but unfortunately it still ran into resistant in the legislature. James: It did not pass. I think the tribes are talking about reintroducing the law again, presently, the Supreme Court has ruled and they basically upheld. James: I think there’s a desire to learn. It’s a complex issue, and as you talk with people, you’re going to have to approach that in unique ways because it is a complex topic and it’s not a one size fits all, or my perspective isn’t the be all perspective out there. And so I think as, um, people are curious, I would encourage people to read up more about the history behind the law, why it became a law. James: Also, if they have further questions, if they [00:18:00] have indigenous friends or connections to that way, then I think it would be appropriate to have those conversations or try to educate themselves as as best as they can, and maybe contacting Stephanie at a public event or. There are ways to continue to learn and try to understand the purpose of the law and why many indigenous communities are fighting to preserve this legislation. Liz: Does the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, do they ever get involved in foster care cases? James: Good question. So my office, we are not involved in the child welfare process at all. We do get phone calls from community members inquiring, but we refer those inquiries to, uh, DCFS. So within DCFS, there is a, ICWA coordinator who works directly on these matters in these cases, and so. James: We would refer them to contact DCFS to speak with that ICWA administrator who can guide them through the process. [00:19:00] We do try to give them as much information as we can. We do share resources, Utah Foster Care and other legal services generally that provide legal assistance or can answer some of those legal questions. Liz: Of course, even with protections in place, the realities aren’t always easy. Many families, even in Salt Lake, may not have the resources to be near or return to their ancestral homes in traditions. And though ICWA cases can be complex, the goal is always to place Native children with family first or in Native homes whenever possible. Stephanie: Any time there is reason to believe that there is a native child when the investigation is happening and someone says, I believe my grandmother is a Native American, even with that reason to believe they need to treat the. Stephanie: Case as an ICWA case, so DCFS notifications will then go out to the tribe and then it will be the tribe who will then to determine if the child is a member [00:20:00] or eligible for enrollment. While that’s taking place, the state will then try to find a native home for the native children. So under ICWA there is a foster placement preference, and it would be family first, and then it would be with, um, foster parent of the same tribe. And then the third one would be from a different tribe. And then the last placement would be to any open foster home that’s available. Craig: there’s Craig: multiple reservations in the United States. And one that is particularly for the Navajo reservation. . So the Navajo people were put on this land, on our homeland, and it goes back to the history of how we have our ancestral homeland. Craig: Where we emerged, we came to our mother earth, and the deities at that time said, this will be where you will live. This will be your homeland. So our ancestral homeland became the boundaries, became the four sacred mountains. So we have to keep that in [00:21:00] mind. Craig: Before lines were made by the US government, there was our ancestral homeland, and the boundaries were created with four sacred mountains and with two mountains in the middle that serve as our central location. ? So that’s our ancestral homeland. However, during the 1860s, we were removed from our land and put onto a different reservation in New Mexico. , We were released due to whatever political reasons that was, and a treaty was formed. And with that treaty, what a struck of a pin, we were given four diagonal lines and said, this is your reservation. And throughout the next couple of years. With new presidents coming in and out of office with executive orders, our reservation grew, but it still stayed inside our ancestral homeland boundaries, and I think we’re grateful for that. Craig: Yeah, other tribe have different experiences. Some [00:22:00] did stay on their ancestral land, some did leave their ancestral land and put onto reservations. However, as the Navajo people we’re very fortunate to have returned and the government really accept that we return to our ancestral lands, we’re very thankful for that, that we return to our ancestral lands. Craig: So when I say reservations, and when I say on our ancestral lands, it’s where we call home. The land that we call home. The land that times the Navajo names. For example, our four sacred mountain. Craig: When we hear that, we hear home. A lot of our urban community members here in Salt Lake don’t have the resources at times, the needs or even the transportation to go home. Because you look at it, the Navajo nation as the almost from eight to 10 hours away, depending on where you live, and maybe even more. Craig: And our community members do want to keep that [00:23:00] connection. And the Urban Indian Center understands that. And I understand it because I was raised on the reservation and I, I moved to an urban area to where I don’t have the connection. Liz: The good news is there are resources right here in Utah for Native children. The Urban Indian Center in Salt Lake City offers language classes, cultural events, and outreach to help children and families stay connected. Utah Foster Care also provides similar opportunities from cultural education to community events like the Indigenous Foster Care Fashion Show and the Moccasin Run-in White Mesa. Stephanie: As I mentioned before, there is a shortage of native foster homes. Stephanie: Being very present in the community is important. Being at the table when it comes to policy making, meeting with the tribes and making those connections with the community is important. Stephanie: So they are aware that there is a need that. If they’re not able to foster, then there’s other ways to support our Native kids through the Cedar Project or provide [00:24:00] support to our foster families. And again, it’s just coming up with unique ideas of recruitment. We collaborated with James’ office in Ute Mountain Ute years ago and have an Annual Moccasin Run that we hold in White Mesa, Utah every year to bring awareness. Stephanie: And just coming up with different types of events who bring the community together to make sure that our Native kids have that cultural connection. And that’s why it’s important to be considered a, a kinship placement or a foster placement. Craig: With families that don’t have that tie. First of all, you have resources in your state, and some of these resources are at the state level. Craig: I know Utah. Does have the eight tribes in Utah. However, there are also the urban areas. For example, one can start from the State Department of Indian Affairs, and then Indian Affairs can guide you to other resources in the areas such as the Urban Indian Center. The Urban Indian [00:25:00] Center can provide many of those resources to as well. Craig: They can provide, this is what this tribe is, what this other tribe is, and how they’re unique from one another. What the Urban Indian Center and how it’s unique too, is also that they have employees that are employed from different tribes, so the navigation there also can span out even more. Sure. But. Craig: Another area is that each of the tribes have their own program. The social services programs, the tribal historic preservation offices, those are areas to where they like to connect the vital records departments. They will connect their, and we ensure that the Native children are connected to their native heritage and their native ways. Craig: At the beginning when a family is navigating these, it might seem like a very scary thing to do, but overall, the community the Urban Indian Center, they’re [00:26:00] open to it. They’re open. Which way do we go? How do we navigate it? Craig: And if we don’t know anybody there, you know, that will help you navigate. There’s always somebody that they will connect you. So I would really let the families. That have native children in their care to always reach out, Stephanie Benally is a great resource and she’ll connect you with any resources that you may have. And they’re always open to whether non-native, whether non Navajo. But they still have a Navajo child in their home. We encourage them to bring the Navajo child, their child, our child, to our home, their Indian center, and learn from us too as well, so they understand the importance of our Navajo culture. Craig: We have our main location, which is on 120 West, 1300 South in Salt Lake City, hours from eight to five. Our phone number is (801) 486-4877. And we do have a [00:27:00] team there. So if you have a question. Reach out and you can ask for me, Craig Sandoval. Craig: Or you can ask for our outreach department, Rhonda Duval heads that department. Everybody knows Rhonda. . We know her as Honey, but she’s a great resource too as well. Feel free to reach out to us so we can make some of those connections for you and support you as a parent, support you as one of our family members too. Liz: These are all ways foster families can support Native youth in care. As we close, our guests reflect on the great work of families that foster Native children, keeping Indigenous people and culture strong, and underscore the urgent need for more native foster homes in Utah. Craig: Thank you for the Utah foster care. Thank you to your team and also thank you to. Foster parents out there taking a new child, a Navajo child can have its challenges. It’s a beautiful thing too, as well. Craig: And we wanna thank you. I personally wanna thank you. We wanna thank you [00:28:00] and always remember that the Urban Indian Center is a resource. You can come see us at any time. James: I just appreciate having this conversation. I think it’s good to help your listeners understand this complex law, and hopefully this conversation today will give some insight and encourage listeners to learn a little bit more about this history and to try to better understand why ICWA was created and why many Indigenous communities around the country are working very hard to preserve this federal legislation. Liz: We hope today’s episode has shed some light on ICWA and the importance of culture and connection for Native children in foster care. To learn more about Native services at Utah foster care, visit Utah foster care.org. You can also connect with the Urban Indian Center of Salt Lake, or the Utah Division of Indian Affairs for resources and support. Liz: Thank you for joining us for Fostering Conversations. Together we can ensure every [00:29:00] child in Utah grows up connected to the rich heritage of their roots.

Johnson Hall, designed in 1763 by noted colonial architect Peter Harrison, was the grand estate of Sir William Johnson, the influential British Superintendent of Indian Affairs in New York. From this stately home, Johnson shaped alliances that helped keep many Indigenous nations aligned with the Crown during the struggle for American independence. Today, the Johnson Hall is preserved as a New York State Historic Site, offering a window into the complex relationships between empire, Native peoples, and the Revolution.Join Professor Robert Allison in conversation with Ian Mumpton, Interpretive Programs Assistant at Johnson Hall, as they explore Johnson's legacy, the role of diplomacy and cultural exchange on the frontier, and how this landmark continues to tell stories of power, conflict, and negotiation on the eve of the Revolution. https://parks.ny.gov/historic-sites/johnsonhall/details.aspxTell us what you think! Send us a text message!

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs Legislative Hearing on H.R. 681, H.R. 3654, H.R. 3903, H.R. 3925, H.R. 4463 Tuesday, September 9, 2025 | 2:00 PM On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R.681, To amend the Act of August 9, 1955 (commonly known as the "Long-Term Leasing Act"), to authorize leases of up to 99 years for land held in trust for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah), and for other purposes H.R.3654, “Tribal Emergency Response Resources Act”or the “TERRA Act” H.R.3903, “Chugach Alaska Land Exchange Oil Spill Recovery Act of 2025” H.R.3925, “Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Land Exchange Act” H.R.4463,, To amend the Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina Land Claims Settlement Act of 1993. Panel I (Members of Congress) The Honorable Nick Begich The Honorable Emily Randall The Honorable Jay Obernolte Panel II (Administration Witnesses) Mr. Bryan Mercier [H.R.681, H.R.3654, H.R.3925, and H.R.4463] Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, D.C. Mr. John Crockett [H.R.3903 and H.R.3925] Deputy Chief for State, Private, and Tribal Forestry U.S. Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Washington, D.C Panel III (Outside Experts) The Hon. Brian Harris [H.R.4463] Chief Catawba Nation Rock Hill, South Carolina The Hon. Cheryl Andrews-Maltais [Minority Witness] [H.R.681] Chairwoman Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah) Aquinnah, Massachusetts Ms. Sheri Buretta [H.R.3903] Chairman of the Board Chugach Alaska Corporation Anchorage, Alaska The Hon. Quintin Swanson [Minority Witness] [H.R.3654] Chairman Shoalwater Bay Indian Tribe Tokeland, Washington Mr. Joe Maarango [H.R.3925] Councilman Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Highland, California More on Indianz.Com: https://indianz.com/News/2025/09/08/witness-list-for-house-subcommittee-on-indian-and-insular-affairs-hearing-on-five-bills/

In this episode, Ma recounts a time when she and some family members hosted an “economic development” presentation at Indian Affairs.Resources used for this episode:Montreal MunicipalitiesHosted by - Kaniehtiio HornYou can follow us on TikTok and Instagram or check us out on our website at www.coffeewithmyma.com. Many nia:wen ko:wen's to our Sponsor, Moccasin Joe Coffee and to Canada Council for the Arts for making season 2 possible. Check out our lovely brand and website designer, Denita Gladeau. Her website is www.lushtre.com, and you can find her on her Instagram at @lushtre. And Many Nia:wen's to our photographer, Daniel Esteban, for our season 2 photoshoot. Check him out at www.danesteban.com.

  Alaska Native villages seek to harness power of ocean for energy   Kirkland one step closer to becoming head of Indian Affairs  

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations Tuesday, July 22, 2025 | 2:00 PM On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at 2:30 p.m., in room 1334 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations will hold an oversight hearing titled “Examining the Trump Administration's Work Combatting Transnational Cartels in Indian Country.” Panel I (Administration Witnesses) Mr. Charles Addington Principal Director of Justice Services and Law Enforcement for Indian Affairs U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, DC Mr. Justin Garris Acting Section Chief Violent Crimes Unit Federal Bureau of Investigation Washington, DC Panel II (Outside Experts) Ms. Stacy Zinn Former Resident in Charge, Rocky Mountain Division Drug Enforcement Administration Billings, Montana The Hon. Frank White Clay Chairman Crow Tribe Billings, Montana Mr. Anthony Hillaire [Minority witness] Chairman Lummi Nation Bellingham, Washington Mr. Joshua Roberge Chief of Police Fort Belknap Law Enforcement Fort Belknap, Montana More on Indianz.Com: https://indianz.com/News/2025/07/22/house-subcommittee-on-oversight-and-investigations-holds-hearing-on-cartels-in-indian-country/

  Regional Food Business Centers program cut by USDA this week   Senate holds Kirkland hearing for Indian Affairs secretary nomination  

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (Rescheduled) Nomination Hearing to consider Mr. William Kirkland to be Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs within the Department of the Interior Date: July 17, 2025 Time: 2:45 PM Location: Dirksen Room: 628 Witnesses Panel 1 Mr. William Kirkland Nominee, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, DC Written Statement: https://indianz.com/News/2025/07/16/statement-william-billy-kirkland-nomination-hearing-as-assistant-secretary-for-indian-affairs/ Committee Notice: https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearings/nomination-hearing-to-consider-mr-william-kirkland-to-be-assistant-secretary-for-indian-affairs-within-the-department-of-the-interior/

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (Rescheduled) Nomination Hearing to consider Mr. William Kirkland to be Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs within the Department of the Interior Date: July 17, 2025 Time: 2:45 PM Location: Dirksen Room: 628 Witnesses Panel 1 Mr. William Kirkland Nominee, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, DC Written Statement: https://indianz.com/News/2025/07/16/statement-william-billy-kirkland-nomination-hearing-as-assistant-secretary-for-indian-affairs/ Committee Notice: https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearings/nomination-hearing-to-consider-mr-william-kirkland-to-be-assistant-secretary-for-indian-affairs-within-the-department-of-the-interior/

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (Rescheduled) Nomination Hearing to consider Mr. William Kirkland to be Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs within the Department of the Interior Date: July 17, 2025 Time: 2:45 PM Location: Dirksen Room: 628 Witnesses Panel 1 Mr. William Kirkland Nominee, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, DC Written Statement: https://indianz.com/News/2025/07/16/statement-william-billy-kirkland-nomination-hearing-as-assistant-secretary-for-indian-affairs/ Committee Notice: https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearings/nomination-hearing-to-consider-mr-william-kirkland-to-be-assistant-secretary-for-indian-affairs-within-the-department-of-the-interior/

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (Rescheduled) Nomination Hearing to consider Mr. William Kirkland to be Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs within the Department of the Interior Date: July 17, 2025 Time: 2:45 PM Location: Dirksen Room: 628 Witnesses Panel 1 Mr. William Kirkland Nominee, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, DC Written Statement: https://indianz.com/News/2025/07/16/statement-william-billy-kirkland-nomination-hearing-as-assistant-secretary-for-indian-affairs/ Committee Notice: https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearings/nomination-hearing-to-consider-mr-william-kirkland-to-be-assistant-secretary-for-indian-affairs-within-the-department-of-the-interior/

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (Rescheduled) Nomination Hearing to consider Mr. William Kirkland to be Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs within the Department of the Interior Date: July 17, 2025 Time: 2:45 PM Location: Dirksen Room: 628 Witnesses Panel 1 Mr. William Kirkland Nominee, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, DC Written Statement: https://indianz.com/News/2025/07/16/statement-william-billy-kirkland-nomination-hearing-as-assistant-secretary-for-indian-affairs/ Committee Notice: https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearings/nomination-hearing-to-consider-mr-william-kirkland-to-be-assistant-secretary-for-indian-affairs-within-the-department-of-the-interior/

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs (Rescheduled) Nomination Hearing to consider Mr. William Kirkland to be Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs within the Department of the Interior Date: July 17, 2025 Time: 2:45 PM Location: Dirksen Room: 628 Witnesses Panel 1 Mr. William Kirkland Nominee, Assistant Secretary – Indian Affairs U.S. Department of the Interior Washington, DC Written Statement: https://indianz.com/News/2025/07/16/statement-william-billy-kirkland-nomination-hearing-as-assistant-secretary-for-indian-affairs/ Committee Notice: https://www.indian.senate.gov/hearings/nomination-hearing-to-consider-mr-william-kirkland-to-be-assistant-secretary-for-indian-affairs-within-the-department-of-the-interior/

For nearly a decade, state and local officials disacussed how to avoid fatalities, injuries, and property damage in the Guadalupe River valley in Texas. They failed to secure funds for a public warning siren. The flood killed more than 120 people and at least 160 are missing. Earlier this year, after numerous warnings by inspectors, a levee in Oregon gave way, damaging more than 950 homes, including those of the Burns Paiute Tribe. And on the Navajo Nation, notification was key to helping hundreds of residents evacuate as the Oak Ridge fire consumed more than 11,000 acres. We'll hear about those and emergency plans by some other tribes aimed at keeping threats from becoming human tragedies. GUESTS Donovan Quintero (Diné), freelance reporter with the Navajo Times Nelson Andrews Jr. (Mashpee Wampanoag), former tribal councilman, owner of Red Turtle Consulting LLC and CEO of American Indian Relief Bodie Shaw (Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs), former deputy regional director for the Northwest Region of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and former national wildland fire director for BIA Suzanne Settle, emergency services and resiliency director for the Burns Paiute

According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, there are approximately 4,200 unsolved cases for missing and murdered Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

Deb Haaland's (Laguna Pueblo) political star rose fast, from heading her state party to congresswoman to U.S. Secretary of the Interior. Each step of the way she blazed a trail for Native women. As the head of the agency that oversees Indian Affairs, Haaland championed a first-of-its-kind documentation of the U.S. Government's role in the Indian Boarding School Era, drawing on both public records and first-hand testimony from survivors and their descendants. Now, she aims to become the first female Native American governor in her home state of New Mexico. We'll hear from Haaland about her legacy as Interior Secretary and her hopes for the future. We'll also get perspectives on the historic agreement between the federal government and Northwest tribes to protect endangered salmon, and the equally historic decision by President Donald Trump to rescind that agreement. We'll discuss what it means for salmon and the trust in the federal government.

House Committee on Natural Resources Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., in room 1324 Longworth House Office Building, the Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs will hold a legislative hearing on the following bills: H.R. 1451 (Rep. Brecheen), “Quapaw Tribal Settlement Act of 2025” H.R. 2302 (Rep. McClintock), “Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians Land Transfer Act of 2025” H.R. 2389 (Rep. Randall), “Quinault Indian Nation Land Transfer Act” H.R. 2400 (Rep. LaMalfa), “Pit River Land Transfer Act of 2025.” Committee Notice: https://naturalresources.house.gov/calendar/eventsingle.aspx?EventID=417061 Committee Repository: https://docs.house.gov/Committee/Calendar/ByEvent.aspx?EventID=118152

Kiser v. United States Bureau of Indian Affairs

When 14-year-old Emily Pike ran away from a Mesa group home, no one could have predicted her story would end in tragedy or that her death would become a symbol of a broken, underfunded, and overlooked system. Her shocking murder brought national attention to the epidemic of the hundreds of missing and murdered Indigenous people whose cases are ignored or not investigated. Justin Yentes is joined by Chief Hilario Tanakeyowma, a veteran of Tribal law enforcement, and investigator Mike Lancaster in this eye-opening episode. They share insights into the systemic barriers that hinder justice on Tribal lands: jurisdictional confusion, a lack of mental health resources, and the generational trauma that silences communities.Key Topics:The facts and timeline of Emily Pike's caseThe challenges in Tribal law enforcement and jurisdictionUnderreporting and stigma around missing Indigenous childrenHow federal and tribal governments fail to fund investigationsWhat justice and reform could look like for Indigenous communitiesIf you care about justice, accountability, and amplifying the voices of those too often silenced, this episode is for you. Emily's story and the stories of countless others can no longer be ignored.Connect with Truth Be Found on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthbefoundpodcast/Connect with Truth Be Found on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/1A4b7PjhaG/?mibextid=wwXIfrConnect with Truth Be Found on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@truthbefoundpodcastConnect with Truth Be Found on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3gAFoH_AQSvPYhsQ6Lw7rr0tYrg0wIiWJustin's Website: ​​https://azprivateinvestigator.com/DOJ Office for Victims of Crime: https://ovc.ojp.gov/topics/missing-murdered-indigenous-persons/related-linksDept. of the Interior, Indian Affairs: https://www.bia.gov/service/mmuNational Indigenous Women's Resource Center: https://www.niwrc.org/Native Hope Outreach: https://www.nativehope.org/

We were truly blessed to have Jim Brown join us in the studio to share his story! Jim and his family have been a cherished part of our church community for nearly 20 years. You may recognize his son, Sam, who regularly volunteers on the worship team (we've linked his story below!). In this episode, Jim and Sarah spend a few minutes catching up before diving into his story; a journey marked by faith, challenges, and the grace of God. Jim introduces a concept called The Circle of Obedience, something that shaped his own walk with the Lord and became a guiding principle he later passed on to his sons. Jim came to know Jesus at the age of six. His father worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, so the family moved often, but they always stayed connected to a church wherever they landed. It was after hearing some hellfire and brimstone preaching that Jim made the decision to follow Christ, longing to spend eternity with Him. But like many of us, his path wasn't without detours. In middle school, Jim began stepping outside that circle of obedience, not rejecting God but leaning on his own wisdom and chasing his own ambitions. His journey took him through multiple colleges and even across the Atlantic to play American football in England. Yet despite the adventure, nothing brought lasting fulfillment. Then came a turning point when his mother introduced him to Trisha, a young woman who would become his wife. Jim was returning to the faith while Trisha was beginning her own faith journey. Together, they desired to build a Christ-centered family. But the road ahead wasn't easy. Marriage proved more difficult than expected. Two years in, they welcomed their first son, Hunter, who was born with severe special needs—a reality they still navigate today. As life picked up speed with the births of their other sons, Sam and Henry, the challenges mounted. But so did God's faithfulness. What stands out most in Jim's story is his honesty. He doesn't shy away from the hard parts—but through it all, he stayed rooted: committed to God, to Trisha, and to his sons. And in that commitment, he rediscovered the fullness of life within the circle of obedience. His testimony is a beautiful reminder that life with Jesus, even in the struggle, is far richer than anything the world offers.Sam Brown's testimony (Jim's son!), Episode 86Want to share your story on The Stories Collective podcast in 2025? Email sarah@dscchurch.comWould you please subscribe and leave us a review? This will help our podcast reach more people! We'd love it if you'd share this podcast with your friends on social media and beyond. Join us next Wednesday to hear another story of God's faithfulness!

Farmers are now dealing with the impacts of the climate crisis on a daily basis. Experts predict weather events including droughts and flooding will only get worse. Young and beginning farmers, especially BIPOC farmers, are feeling those impacts the most. Are there opportunities to advance water and climate action and justice through the Farm Bill? We interview Abi Fain, Chief Legal and Policy Officer at the Intertribal Ag Council. And we'll talk to young farmers building solutions to address water access and climate issues.  Abi Fain, Chief Legal & Policy Officer, Intertribal Agriculture Council (IAC)Abi works with her colleagues at IAC to develop and implement education and advocacy strategies that support the policy priorities identified by IAC's member Tribes and advance IAC's overall mission of pursuing and promoting the conservation, development and use of Tribal agriculture resources for the betterment of Tribal people. To this, Abi and IAC's policy team focus their efforts on ensuring Tribal producers have opportunities to meaningfully participate in programs administered by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs through administrative or legislative solutions. Prior to joining IAC in May 2022, Abi practiced law for seven years at Pipestem Law and specialized in the representation of tribal governments, tribal enterprises, and Native organizations. Abi is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. Susan Mitchell, Owner and Operator, Cloverleigh Farms + Young Farmers Land FellowSusan Mitchell is the owner/operator of Cloverleigh Farm in Columbia, CT. As a first-generation farmer, she grows certified organic vegetables, herbs, and flowers for a robust CSA program alongside her partner Josh Carnes, who raises pastured-livestock. They landed on their “forever farm” a few years ago after leasing land for many years while searching for long-term tenure and security. Susan is one of the co-founders of the New Connecticut Farmer Alliance, the Connecticut Chapter of Young Farmers. facebookinstagram Matt Hollenbeck, Hollenbeck's Cider Mill + Young Farmers Land FellowMatt Hollenbeck lives and farms in Virgil, NY and is the 4th generation steward of Hollenbeck's Cider Mill. He has been a factory worker, cubicle jockey, geologist, outdoor adventure guide, worked on a small organic csa farm, a butcher shop, and many other varied jobs before settling into continuing his family's 90+ year old ag processing business. He's a first generation orchardist with impostor syndrome, a staunch and vocal advocate for rural issues, smallholder agriculture, and appropriate technology. Matt is also a firm believer that family is the most important part of a family business. And a luddite to boot! LeVar Eady, CEO and Founder, BluRok Farms + Young Farmers Water FellowBluRok Farm was born out of LeVar's determination to grow the best hemp/cannabis possible while building a business that helps people become business owners and heal the planet. His path started in the garden where I learned to grow roses with his grandmother. Visit BluRok Farms at https://blurokfarm.com/. Shannon Maes, Rancher, San Juan Ranch + Young Farmers Water FellowWhat's a ground-level view from a cattle ranch in southern Colorado as fall turns to winter amidst prolonged drought and as legislative work on Farm Bill 2024 wraps up? Shannon Maes shares some of her experiences of drought, working with water and grazing for soil health and climate resilience as well as a few thoughts on agricultural and food policy from her perspective of working on ranches and ditchriding in her home region of Southern Colorado and Northern New Mexico. Shannon has worked in agriculture since 2017 and completed a Water Advocacy Fellowship through the National Young Farmer's Coalition during 2023. Currently she works with cows, dogs, horses, people, soil, grass, and weather at San Juan Ranch in the San Luis Valley. Check out the Intertribal Agriculture Council hereLearn more about the USDA's EQIP program here and the crop insurance agent training program Abi mentions hereMore information about the Small Farms Conservation Act and the Farmer to Farmer Education Act can be found here and hereConnect with the farmers featured in this episode. Visit Cloverleigh Farm, Hollenbeck's Cider Mill, San Juan Ranch, and BluRok FarmThe Farm Report is hosted by Leigh Ollman and Alita Kelly, produced by Leigh Ollman, Evan Flom and H Conley, and edited by Hannah Beal and H Conley. Audio engineering is by Armen Spendjian and H Conley. Music is by Breakmaster Cylinder and JangwaLearn more about the National Young Farmers Coalition here and consider becoming a member. Click here to take action on the farm bill and other important policy issues.The Farm Report is Powered by Simplecast.

Jody Fern Howard disappeared on October 7, 1991, from a gas station in Wolf Point, Montana, located on the Fort Peck Indian Reservation. She was 28 years old at the time and a member of the Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux tribes. Her case remains unsolved, and she was not reported missing until November 10, 1991, over a month later. Jody's disappearance is one of many unresolved missing person cases in Montana, highlighting the broader issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women in the United States. Something has to change…. If you have any information about Jody's whereabouts, please contact the Roosevelt County Sheriff's Office 406-653-6216 Emily Pike was a 14-year-old girl and a member of the San Carlos Apache Tribe. She went missing on January 27, 2025, from a group home in Mesa, Arizona. Her dismembered remains were discovered on February 14, 2025, near Highway 60 in the Tonto National Forest, northeast of Globe, Arizona. Emily's case has drawn some attention to the crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW), highlighting the systemic issues that disproportionately affect Indigenous communities. If you have any information about Emily's death, you can call the Gila County Sheriff's Office at 928-200-2352, Bureau of Indian Affairs at 505-917-7830, or San Carlos Apache Tribal Police at 928-475-1755. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's newscast: Fired federal workers rally at Grand Canyon during busy weekends, Friday's winter storm left traffic on the I-40 at a standstill for hours, state regulators revoked the license of a Flagstaff dentist, Arizona Senators call on the Trump administration to keep the Bureau of Indian Affairs' western office open, and more.

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Business Meeting to consider several bills Date: March 5, 2025 Time: 2:30 PM Location: Dirksen Room: 628 H.R.165, To direct the Secretary of the Interior to complete all actions necessary for certain lands to be held in restricted fee status by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe S.105, To direct the Secretary of the Interior to complete all actions necessary for certain lands to be held in restricted fee status by the Oglala Sioux Tribe and Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe S.240, To amend the Crow Tribal Water Rights Settlement Act of 2010 S.241, To provide for the settlement of the water rights claims of the Fort Belknap Indian Community S.390, To require Federal law enforcement agencies to report on cases of missing or murdered Indians S.546, To amend the Omnibus Public Land Management Act of 2009 to make a technical correction to the water rights settlement for the Shoshone-Paiute Tribes of the Duck Valley Reservation S.550, To provide for the equitable settlement of certain Indian land disputes regarding land in Illinois S.562, To approve the settlement of water rights claims of the Pueblos of Acoma and Laguna in the Rio San José Stream System and the Pueblos of Jemez and Zia in the Rio Jemez Stream System in the State of New Mexico S.563, To approve the settlement of water rights claims of Ohkay Owingeh in the Rio Chama Stream System, to restore the Bosque on Pueblo Land in the State of New Mexico S.564, To approve the settlement of water rights claims of the Zuni Indian Tribe in the Zuni River Stream System in the State of New Mexico, to protect the Zuni Salt Lake S.565, To approve the settlement of water rights claims of the Navajo Nation in the Rio San José Stream System in the State of New Mexico S.612, To amend the Native American Tourism and Improving Visitor Experience Act to authorize grants to Indian tribes, tribal organizations, and Native Hawaiian organizations S.620, To provide public health veterinary services to Indian Tribes and Tribal organizations for rabies prevention S.621, To accept the request to revoke the charter of incorporation of the Lower Sioux Indian Community in the State of Minnesota at the request of that Community S.622, To amend the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe Reservation Restoration Act to provide for the transfer of additional Federal land to the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe S.632, To amend the Indian Health Care Improvement Act to allow Indian Health Service scholarship and loan recipients to fulfill service obligations through half time clinical practice S.637, To amend the Northwestern New Mexico Rural Water Projects Act to make improvements to that Act S.640, To make a technical correction to the Navajo Nation Water Resources Development Trust Fund, to make technical corrections to the Taos Pueblo Water Development Fund and Aamodt Settlement Pueblos' Fund S.642, To provide compensation to the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community for the taking without just compensation of land by the United States inside the exterior boundaries of the L'Anse Indian Reservation that were guaranteed to the Community under a treaty signed in 1854 S.673, To amend the Miccosukee Reserved Area Act to authorize the expansion of the Miccosukee Reserved Area and to carry out activities to protect structures within the Osceola Camp from flooding S.689, To approve the settlement of the water right claims of the Tule River Tribe S.719, To amend the Tribal Forest Protection Act of 2004 to improve that Act S.723, To require the Bureau of Indian Affairs to process and complete all mortgage packages associated with residential and business mortgages on Indian land by certain deadlines S.748, To reaffirm the applicability of the Indian Reorganization Act to the Lytton Rancheria of California S.761, To establish the Truth and Healing Commission on Indian Boarding School Policies in the United States More on Indianz.Com: https://wp.me/pcoJ7g-w6g

A Bureau of Indian Affairs office in Ashland is one of more than a dozen leases canceled by Elon Musk's Department of Government of Efficiency. Wisconsin struggles to keep teachers in the profession. And Dane County Airport wants to go international.

  Murkowski gets assurances from Kennedy for preserving IHS   Pingree, Merkley urge Trump to reinstate fired Indian Affairs employees   Inflation Reduction Act used to ensure tribal elders have constant power  

"I got angry," Scott Davis said on this episode of Plain Talk. "I had to walk away." Davis served as the Commissioner of Indian Affairs under three North Dakota governors (John Hoeven, Jack Dalrymple, and Doug Burgum), and now works as a consultant for North Dakota's tribal communities (he has familial roots in both the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the Turtle Mountain Chippewa). What made him angry, and want to walk away, were comments by Sen. Diane Larsen, a Bismarck Republican, suggesting that "cartels" were behind a proposal by the Turtle Mountain tribe to open a casino near Grand Forks. Davis is also a Republican, I should point out, having served under Republican governors, and as a leader in his local NDGOP district. On Plain Talk, Davis pointed out that tribal gaming is legal and thoroughly regulated by tribal government, state government, and the federal government. He contrasted that with charitable gaming which, thanks to the popularity of electronic pull tab machines, has exploded to become a multi-billion dollar enterprise in North Dakota. He described charitable gaming as "wild west, unregulated activity." Davis said he warned lawmakers about electronic pull tabs when their legalization was being debated in Bismarck. "Nobody wanted to listen to Scott Davis the Indian guy." Asked if charitable gaming had put a dent in tribal proceeds from gambling, he said "big time." He expressed frustration that lawmakers like Larsen are so often dismissive of the tribe's interests. "Treat us fair," he said. "That's all we ask for." Davis appeared alongside Sen. Scott Meyer, a Republican from Grand Forks, who sponsored enabling legislation (Senate Bill 2376) that would allow Turtle Mountain's project to proceed. That bill failed in the Senate recently, but Meyer expressed confidence that it could return later in the session. Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I reacted to some feedback from listeners, and discussed recent debates over Sen. Keith Boehm's book ban bill, which passed in the state Senate this week, and school lunch funding legislation, which got a "do not pass" recommendation from the House appropriations committee after what seemed like a perfunctory debate. This episode is brought to you by the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation, providing education and outreach opportunities related to the petroleum industry, advancing quality of life initiatives, and promoting and enhancing the conservation heritage of North Dakota. Learn more at www.NDPetroleumFoundation.org. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) speaks on the federal government's trust and treaty obligations on the floor of the U.S. Senate on February 13, 2025. Murkowski serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. She called on the administration of President Donald Trump to recognize the legal obligations of the United States to American Indians and Alaska Natives amid drastic actions taking place across federal agencies. "We have a trust responsibility. We have an obligation that is clear," said Murkowski.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) speaks in support of the Native name of Denali on the floor of the U.S. Senate on February 13, 2025. Murkowski serves as chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. She has introduced legislation to officially designate the highest peak in North America by its name in the Koyukon language. “In Alaska, it's Denali,” Murkowski said. “Once you see it in person, and take in the majesty of its size and breathe in its cold air, you can understand why the Koyukon Athabascans referred to it as ‘The Great One.'" This isn't a political issue – Alaskans from every walk of life have long been advocating for this mountain to be recognized by its true name," said Murkowski. "That's why today I once again introduced legislation that would officially keep this mountain's quintessential name, ‘Denali.'” President Donald Trump ordered the Department of the Interior to change the name of Denali to Mount McKinley. Secretary Doug Burgum took action on February 14. 2025 -- a day after Murkowski's remarks -- to adopt the directive. Murkowski's bill is S.573: https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/573

Author Laurie L. Dove discusses her debut thriller novel MASK OF THE DEER WOMAN, featuring Bureau of Indian Affairs investigator Carrie Starr, is assigned to find a missing Native woman who has vanished on the reservation while researching a colony of rare beetles that could potentially shut down a profitable building venture. Laurie L. Dove - https://lauriedove.com/ - https://lauriedove.com/books-laurie-dove/ Deborah Ledford - https://linktr.ee/deborahjledford - https://bit.ly/3kYuYvs

Please, welcome our special guest, Coffee and Cases! Make sure you give them a follow and a five-star review! linktr.ee/coffeeandcases When Olivia Lone Bear went missing on October 24, 2017, her family was thrust into a search that would span years, uncovering a series of perplexing details that would leave them without answers. This episode delves into the mysterious circumstances surrounding Olivia's disappearance, from the cryptic final texts sent from her phone to the unexplainable discovery of the truck she had been driving being found just miles from her home. With no clear answers and the investigation stalled, the episode also explores the challenges faced by Indigenous families in the fight for justice, highlighting the systemic barriers that complicate the search for missing women like Olivia. As we examine the key pieces of this case, we also ask: who might Olivia have been with on the night she disappeared? Was the truck's location an accident or something more sinister? Could the mysterious digital footprints left behind be part of a larger story, and why has no one come forward with answers?   Sources: AP News. (2019, November 20). Affidavit: Woman was strapped into seat of submerged truck. https://apnews.com/general-news-0c2c29a4bc1d4f309ba5cf5a7f3a79c3 Associated Press. (2018, August 1). Body found in truck pulled from lake tied to missing woman: FBI. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2018/08/01/body-found-in-truck-pulled-from-lake-tied-to-missing-woman-fbi/ Associated Press. (2018, August 2). Brother: Body of missing sister recovered on reservation. AP News. https://apnews.com/general-news-b1d5cfb9dfbe40fcaac7e4ec1454e5a3 Associated Press. (2019, November 20). Missing woman whose body was found in a submerged truck in a North Dakota lake was strapped into the passenger seat. Daily Mail. https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-7708809/Affidavit-Woman-strapped-seat-submerged-truck.html Canning, A. (2021, August 31). Watch the Dateline episode "The Secrets of Spirit Lake" now. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/watch-dateline-episode-secrets-spirit-lake-now-n1278074 CSVANW. (2018, August 16). CSVANW statement on Olivia Lone Bear. Lakota Times. https://www.lakotatimes.com/articles/csvanw-statement-on-olivia-lone-bear/ Dalrymple, A. (2017, November 16). Investigation into Olivia Lone Bear case got off to 'very slow start,' ND tribal chairman says. Bismarck Tribune. https://www.inforum.com/news/investigation-into-olivia-lone-bear-case-got-off-to-very-slow-start-nd-tribal-chairman-says Democracy Now. (n.d.). Native American mother of 5 missing in North Dakota. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/democracynow/videos/native-american-mother-of-5-missing-in-north-dakota/10155889437833279/ Democracy Now. (2017, November 29). Native American woman Olivia Lone Bear, mother of 5, missing in North Dakota oil fields. Democracy Now. https://www.democracynow.org/2017/11/29/native_american_woman_olivia_lone_bear Democracy Now. (2018, August 3). Body of Olivia Lone Bear Found in N. Dakota as Native Women Face Crisis of Murders, Disappearances. https://www.democracynow.org/2018/8/3/body_of_olivia_lone_bear_found Dura, J. (2019, November 20). New details emerge in Olivia Lone Bear case as federal authorities visit Fort Berthold Reservation. Bismarck Tribune. https://bismarcktribune.com/news/local/crime-and-courts/new-details-emerge-in-olivia-lone-bear-case-as-federal-authorities-visit-fort-berthold-reservation/article_7ab709ae-e625-5d3c-8277-96fe812198e4.html Dura, J., & Emerson, B. (2019, July 31). Still no answers about death of Olivia Lone Bear from FBI. InForum. https://www.inforum.com/news/still-no-answers-about-death-of-olivia-lone-bear-from-fbi Ecoffey, B. (2018, August 9). Olivia Lone Bear found: Cause of death not made public. Lakota Times. https://www.lakotatimes.com/articles/olivia-lone-bear-found/ Emerson, B. (2019, April 9). North Dakota AG says Olivia Lone Bear report of death exempt from open records. Bismarck Tribune. https://www.grandforksherald.com/newsmd/north-dakota-ag-says-olivia-lone-bear-report-of-death-exempt-from-open-records Facebook. (n.d.). Searching for Olivia Lone Bear. https://www.facebook.com/searchingforolivialonebear/ Hall, J. (2017, December 6). The Search Continues For Olivia Lone Bear. Roundup Web. https://www.roundupweb.com/story/2017/12/06/news/the-search-continues-for-olivia-lone-bear/10337.html Hillier, B. (2017, December 11). Family frustrated by lack of search efforts in Native American woman Olivia Lone Bear's disappearance. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/missing-in-america/family-frustrated-lack-search-efforts-native-america-woman-olivia-lone-n828561 Hillier, B. (2018, August 3). FBI confident that body found in submerged truck belongs to missing mother Olivia Lone Bear. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/feature/missing-in-america/fbi-confident-body-found-submerged-truck-belongs-missing-mother-olivia-n897546 HPR1. (2017, November 8). Senatorial eyes on missing person case. https://hpr1.com/index.php/feature/news/senatorial-eyes-on-missing-person-case HPR1. (2018, August 1). Olivia Lone Bear's pickup truck found. https://hpr1.com/index.php/feature/news/olivia-lone-bears-pickup-truck-found Itzcovitz, R. (2018, August 2). As search for Olivia Lone Bear ends, a new Fargo task force begins. Valley News Live. https://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/As-search-for-Olivia-Lone-Bear-ends-a-new-Fargo-task-force-begins-489937311.html Keeler, J. (2018, May 7). ‘No crime scene': The search for Olivia Lone Bear. High Country News. https://www.hcn.org/issues/50-12/tribal-affairs-no-crime-scene-the-search-for-olivia-lone-bear/ KFGO. (2020, July 31). Two years later, feds looking for leads into death, disappearance of Olivia Lone Bear. KFGO. https://www.kfyrtv.com/2020/07/31/two-years-later-feds-looking-for-leads-into-death-disappearance-of-olivia-lone-bear/ KFGO. (2023, July 30). ‘Not forgotten' – Five years after body found, Olivia Lone Bear investigation continues. The Mighty 790 KFGO. https://kfgo.com/2023/07/30/860502/ KFYO TV. (2017, November 6). Search for Olivia Lone Bear continues nearly two weeks after disappearance. KFYO TV. https://www.kxnet.com/news/search-for-olivia-lone-bear-continues-nearly-two-weeks-after-disappearance/ KFYO TV. (2019, April 9). Lone Bear family reacts to ruling on access to death report. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Lone-Bear-family-reacts-to-ruling-on-access-to-death-report-508342561.html KFYO TV. (2019, November 21). Lone Bear family, federal investigators speak on Olivia's case. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Lone-Bear-family-federal-investigators-speak-on-Olivias-case-565306751.html KFYO TV. (2019, November 26). MHA Chairman releases statement on updates to Olivia Lone Bear investigation. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/MHA-Chairman-releases-statement-on-updates-to-Olivia-Lone-Bear-investigation--565512391.html KFYO TV. (2023, October 24). Search continues for answers in death of Olivia Lone Bear. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/2023/10/24/search-continues-answers-death-olivia-lone-bear/ KFYR TV. (2017, November 2). New Town authorities create tipline in search for Olivia Lone Bear. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/New-Town-authorities-create-tipline-in-search-for-Olivia-Lone-Bear-454740883.html KVVR. (2018, January 23). Search for Missing Native American Woman Expands Beyond Fort Berthold. https://www.kvrr.com/2018/01/23/search-missing-native-american-woman-expands-beyond-fort-berthold/ KXNET. (2019, November 20). BREAKING: New information in Olivia Lone Bear case. KXNET.com https://www.kxnet.com/news/local-news/breaking-new-information-in-olivia-lone-bear-case/ Langhans Funeral Home. (n.d.). Obituary for Olivia Lone Bear. https://www.langhansfuneralhome.com/obituary/olivia-lone-bear The Mighty 790 KFGO. (2023, July 30). ‘Not forgotten' – Five years after body found, Olivia Lone Bear investigation continues. KFGO. https://kfgo.com/2023/07/30/860502/ NBC News. (2024, March 6). Missing and murdered Indigenous people featured in Dateline NBC's Missing in America and Cold Case Spotlight series. NBC News. https://www.nbcnews.com/dateline/in-the-news/missing-murdered-indigenous-people-featured-dateline-nbcs-missing-amer-rcna142027 Nelson, T. (2018, February 4). Bureau of Indian Affairs taking over Olivia Lone Bear investigation. KVRR. https://www.kvrr.com/2018/02/04/bureau-indian-affairs-taking-olivia-lone-bear-investigation NewsBreak. (2024, March 20). North Dakota woman who disappeared in 2017 was found dead at the bottom of a lake on July 27, 2018. NewsBreak. https://www.newsbreak.com/gistinger-1668135/3374292930279-a-north-dakota-woman-who-disappeared-in-2017-was-found-dead-at-the-bottom-of-a-lake-on-july-27-2018 Ogden, E. (2018, January 23). Olivia Lone Bear search expands to ND cities. Minot Daily News. https://www.minotdailynews.com/news/local-news/2018/01/olivia-lone-bear-search-expands-to-nd-cities/ Prairie Public Broadcasting. (2017, November 1). Search underway for missing Stanley, ND woman. https://news.prairiepublic.org/local-news/2017-11-01/search-underway-for-missing-stanley-nd-woman Rasmussen, A. (n.d.). Still Unsolved: Olivia Lone Bear Found Dead In Submerged Truck After She Vanished In 2017. Investigation Discovery. https://www.investigationdiscovery.com/crimefeed/seeking-justice/still-unsolved-olivia-lone-bear-found-dead-in-submerged-truck-after-she-vanished-in-2017 Shores, E. (2023, August 22). Reservations gain access to state resources. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/2023/08/22/reservations-gain-access-state-resources/ Skurzewski, J. (2017, November 2). New Town authorities create tipline in search for Olivia Lone Bear. KFYR TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/New-Town-authorities-create-tipline-in-search-for-Olivia-Lone-Bear-454740883.html Skurzewski, J. (2017, November 17). Family of Olivia Lone Bear offering reward for info on her disappearance. KFYO TV. https://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/Family-of-Olivia-Lone-Bear-offering-reward-for-info-on-her-disappearance-458196573.htm Skurzewski, J. (2019, March 19). Missing person's bill gets support from family of Olivia Lone Bear. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/content/news/Missing-persons-bill-gets-support-from-family-of-Olivia-Lone-Bear-507378991.html Strong, S. (2021, April 7). Unit within Interior to investigate cases of missing and murdered Indigenous people. KFYO TV. https://www.valleynewslive.com/2021/04/08/unit-within-interior-to-investigate-cases-of-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-people/ Strong, S. (2021, May 8). Marchers gather in Minot to raise awareness of Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. KFYO TV. https://www.kfyrtv.com/2021/05/08/marchers-gather-in-minot-to-raise-awareness-of-missing-and-murdered-indigenous-people/ StrongWalker. (n.d.). FBI offers $10,000 reward for information in Olivia Lone Bear's death, whose body was found strapped on passenger's side of truck in lake. Indigenous Boston. https://indigenous.boston/fbi-offers-10000-reward-for-information-in-olivia-lone-bears-death-whose-body-was-found-strapped-on-passengers-side-of-truck-in-lake U.S. Department of Justice. (2019, November 20). MEDIA ADVISORY - U.S. Attorney and FBI Leadership Brief Family of Olivia Lone Bear on Death Investigation. https://www.justice.gov/usao-nd/pr/media-advisory-us-attorney-and-fbi-leadership-brief-family-olivia-lone-bear-death#:~:text=Olivia%20Lone%20Bear.,toxicological%20causes%20for%20her%20death Valley News Live. (2019, August 1). No answers 1 year later in American Indian woman's death. https://www.valleynewslive.com/content/news/Olivia-Lone-Bear-One-Year-Later-513482291.html   Join The Dark Oak Discussion: Patreon The Dark Oak Podcast Website Facebook Instagram Twitter TikTok Youtube This episode of The Dark Oak was created, researched, written, recorded, hosted, edited, published, and marketed by Cynthia and Stefanie of Just Us Gals Productions with artwork by Justyse Himes and Music by Ryan Creep

Jennifer Romero addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. Romero serves as Democratic staff director and chief counsel for the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. She works under Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii), the vice chair of the legislative panel. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Amber Ebarb addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. Ebarb serves as Republican staff director for the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. She works under Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), the chair of the legislative panel. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) addresses the executive council winter session of the National Congress of American Indians on February 11, 2025. Murkowski serves as Chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. NCAI's meeting took place in Washington, D.C.

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Organizational Business Meeting Date: February 5, 2025 Time: 2:30 PM Location: Dirksen Room: 628 Agenda: Selection of the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Committee; Adoption of the rules of the Committee for the 119th Congress; Adoption of the funding resolution for the Committee for the 119th Congress. During the meeting, committee members formally approved Sen. Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska) as Chair and Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawaii) as Vice Chair. Committee members also approved the rules and funding resolution for the 119th Congress.

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources holds a hearing to consider the nomination of Doug Burgum to be Secretary of the Interior. Burgum served eight years as governor of North Dakota, with his second term ending in December 2024. He said he has worked to improve relations with tribal nations. "In North Dakota, we share geography with five sovereign tribal nations," Burgum told the committee on January 16, 2025. "State and tribal relations in North Dakota have not always been great." "But the current partnership is historically strong because we prioritized tribal engagement through mutual respect, open communication, collaboration, and a sincere willingness to listen," Burgum said. The Department of the Interior is the federal agency with the most trust and treaty responsibilities to tribes and their citizens. It includes the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education and the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration. The hearing lasted three hours and five minutes. Members of the committee were given until 6pm Eastern on January 16 to submit written questions. Committee Notice: https://www.energy.senate.gov/hearings/2025/1/hearing-to-consider-the-nomination-of-the-honorable-doug-burgum-to-be-secretary-of-the-interior

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources holds a hearing to consider the nomination of Doug Burgum to be Secretary of the Interior. Burgum served eight years as governor of North Dakota, with his second term ending in December 2024. He said he has worked to improve relations with tribal nations. "In North Dakota, we share geography with five sovereign tribal nations," Burgum told the committee on January 16, 2025. "State and tribal relations in North Dakota have not always been great." "But the current partnership is historically strong because we prioritized tribal engagement through mutual respect, open communication, collaboration, and a sincere willingness to listen," Burgum said. The Department of the Interior is the federal agency with the most trust and treaty responsibilities to tribes and their citizens. It includes the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education and the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration. The hearing lasted three hours and five minutes. Members of the committee were given until 6pm Eastern on January 16 to submit written questions. Committee Notice: https://www.energy.senate.gov/hearings/2025/1/hearing-to-consider-the-nomination-of-the-honorable-doug-burgum-to-be-secretary-of-the-interior

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources holds a hearing to consider the nomination of Doug Burgum to be Secretary of the Interior. Burgum served eight years as governor of North Dakota, with his second term ending in December 2024. He said he has worked to improve relations with tribal nations. "In North Dakota, we share geography with five sovereign tribal nations," Burgum told the committee on January 16, 2025. "State and tribal relations in North Dakota have not always been great." "But the current partnership is historically strong because we prioritized tribal engagement through mutual respect, open communication, collaboration, and a sincere willingness to listen," Burgum said. The Department of the Interior is the federal agency with the most trust and treaty responsibilities to tribes and their citizens. It includes the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education and the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration. The hearing lasted three hours and five minutes. Members of the committee were given until 6pm Eastern on January 16 to submit written questions. Committee Notice: https://www.energy.senate.gov/hearings/2025/1/hearing-to-consider-the-nomination-of-the-honorable-doug-burgum-to-be-secretary-of-the-interior

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources holds a hearing to consider the nomination of Doug Burgum to be Secretary of the Interior. Burgum served eight years as governor of North Dakota, with his second term ending in December 2024. He said he has worked to improve relations with tribal nations. "In North Dakota, we share geography with five sovereign tribal nations," Burgum told the committee on January 16, 2025. "State and tribal relations in North Dakota have not always been great." "But the current partnership is historically strong because we prioritized tribal engagement through mutual respect, open communication, collaboration, and a sincere willingness to listen," Burgum said. The Department of the Interior is the federal agency with the most trust and treaty responsibilities to tribes and their citizens. It includes the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education and the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration. The hearing lasted three hours and five minutes. Members of the committee were given until 6pm Eastern on January 16 to submit written questions. Committee Notice: https://www.energy.senate.gov/hearings/2025/1/hearing-to-consider-the-nomination-of-the-honorable-doug-burgum-to-be-secretary-of-the-interior

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources holds a hearing to consider the nomination of Doug Burgum to be Secretary of the Interior. Burgum served eight years as governor of North Dakota, with his second term ending in December 2024. He said he has worked to improve relations with tribal nations. "In North Dakota, we share geography with five sovereign tribal nations," Burgum told the committee on January 16, 2025. "State and tribal relations in North Dakota have not always been great." "But the current partnership is historically strong because we prioritized tribal engagement through mutual respect, open communication, collaboration, and a sincere willingness to listen," Burgum said. The Department of the Interior is the federal agency with the most trust and treaty responsibilities to tribes and their citizens. It includes the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education and the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration. The hearing lasted three hours and five minutes. Members of the committee were given until 6pm Eastern on January 16 to submit written questions. Committee Notice: https://www.energy.senate.gov/hearings/2025/1/hearing-to-consider-the-nomination-of-the-honorable-doug-burgum-to-be-secretary-of-the-interior

The Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources holds a hearing to consider the nomination of Doug Burgum to be Secretary of the Interior. Burgum served eight years as governor of North Dakota, with his second term ending in December 2024. He said he has worked to improve relations with tribal nations. "In North Dakota, we share geography with five sovereign tribal nations," Burgum told the committee on January 16, 2025. "State and tribal relations in North Dakota have not always been great." "But the current partnership is historically strong because we prioritized tribal engagement through mutual respect, open communication, collaboration, and a sincere willingness to listen," Burgum said. The Department of the Interior is the federal agency with the most trust and treaty responsibilities to tribes and their citizens. It includes the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education and the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration. The hearing lasted three hours and five minutes. Members of the committee were given until 6pm Eastern on January 16 to submit written questions. Committee Notice: https://www.energy.senate.gov/hearings/2025/1/hearing-to-consider-the-nomination-of-the-honorable-doug-burgum-to-be-secretary-of-the-interior

Neal McCaleb is a member of the Chickasaw Nation and a former George W. Bush administration official. Before his involvement in politics, McCaleb was a civil engineer and businessman. He served on the Oklahoma Indian Affairs Commission from 1967 until 1972 when President Nixon appointed him to the National Council on Indian Opportunities. He was also a member of the Oklahoma House of Representatives from 1974 to 1982, and later was a presidential appointee on Ronald Reagan's Commission on Indian Reservation Economics in the 1980s. McCaleb ran for Governor of Oklahoma in 1982 but lost the Republican primary. He was appointed Oklahoma's first Secretary of Transportation by 1987, and from 1995 to 2001 he was the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Transportation and Director of the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority. In 2001, George Bush appointed McCaleb to be the Assistant Secretary of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs. After serving in the Bush administration, McNeal served as Ambassador at Large for the Chickasaw Nation.

While working for the Treasury Department, Ely S. Parker met someone who would become a big part of much of the rest of his life – Ulysses S. Grant. It was through this connection that Parker gained a good deal of power, and cemented a controversial legacy. Research: · Adams, James Ring. “The Many Careers of Ely Parker.” National Museum of the American Indian. Fall 2011. · Babcock, Barry. “The Story of Donehogawa, First Indian Commissioner of Indian Affairs.” ICT. 9/13/2018. https://ictnews.org/archive/the-story-of-donehogawa-first-indian-commissioner-of-indian-affairs · Contrera, Jessica. “The interracial love story that stunned Washington — twice! — in 1867.” Washington Post. 2/13/2019. https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2019/02/13/interracial-love-story-that-stunned-washington-twice/ · DeJong, David H. “Ely S. Parker Commissioner of Indian Affairs (April 26, 1869–July 24,1871).” From Paternalism to Partnership: The Administration of Indian Affairs, 1786–2021. University of Nebraska Press. (2021). Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv2cw0sp9.29 · Eves, Megan. “Repatriation and Reconciliation: The Seneca Nation, The Buffalo History Museum and the Repatriation of the Red Jacket Peace Medal.” Museum Association of New York. 5/26/2021. https://nysmuseums.org/MANYnews/10559296 · Genetin-Pilawa, C. Joseph. “Ely Parker and the Contentious Peace Policy.” Western Historical Quarterly , Vol. 41, No. 2 (Summer 2010). Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/westhistquar.41.2.0196 · Genetin-Pilawa, C. Joseph. “Ely S. Parker and the Paradox of Reconstruction Politics in Indian Country.” From “The World the Civil War Made. Gregory P. Downs and Kate Masur, editors. University of North Carolina Press. July 2015. · Ginder, Jordan and Caitlin Healey. “Biographies: Ely S. Parker.” United States Army National Museum. https://www.thenmusa.org/biographies/ely-s-parker/ · Hauptman, Laurence M. “On Our Terms: The Tonawanda Seneca Indians, Lewis Henry Morgan, and Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, 1844–1851.” New York History , FALL 2010, Vol. 91, No. 4 (FALL 2010). https://www.jstor.org/stable/23185816 · Henderson, Roger C. “The Piikuni and the U.S. Army’s Piegan Expedition.” Montana: The Magazine of Western History. Spring 2018. https://mhs.mt.gov/education/IEFA/HendersonMMWHSpr2018.pdf · Hewitt, J.N.B. “The Life of General Ely S. Parker, Last Grand Sachem of the Iroquois and General Grant's Military Secretary.” Review. The American Historical Review, Vol. 25, No. 4 (Jul., 1920). Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1834953 · Historical Society of the New York Courts. “Blacksmith v. Fellows, 1852.” https://history.nycourts.gov/case/blacksmith-v-fellows/ Historical Society of the New York Courts. “Ely S. Parker.” https://history.nycourts.gov/figure/ely-parker/ · Historical Society of the New York Courts. “New York ex rel. Cutler v. Dibble, 1858.” https://history.nycourts.gov/case/cutler-v-dibble/ · Hopkins, John Christian. “Ely S. Parker: Determined to Make a Difference.” Native Peoples Magazine, Vol. 17 Issue 6, p78, Sep/Oct2004. · Justia. “Fellows v. Blacksmith, 60 U.S. 366 (1856).” https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/60/366/ · Michaelsen, Scott. “Ely S. Parker and Amerindian Voices in Ethnography.” American Literary History , Winter, 1996, Vol. 8, No. 4 (Winter, 1996). https://www.jstor.org/stable/490115 · Mohawk, John. “Historian Interviews: John Mohawk, PhD.” PBS. Warrior in Two Worlds. https://www.pbs.org/warrior/content/historian/mohawk.html · National Parks Service. “Ely Parker.” Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. https://www.nps.gov/people/ely-parker.htm · Parker, Arthur C. “The Life of General Ely S. Parker: Last Grand Sachem of the Iroquois and General Grant’s Military Secretary.” Buffalo Historical Society. 1919. · Parker, Ely S. “Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.” December 23, 1869. Parker, Ely. Letter to Harriet Converse, 1885. https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/letter-to-harriet-converse/ PBS. “A Warrior in Two Worlds: The Life of Ely Parker.” https://www.pbs.org/warrior/noflash/ · Spurling, Ann, producer and writer and Richard Young, director. “Warrior in Two Worlds.” Wes Studi, Narrator. WXXI. 1999. https://www.pbs.org/video/wxxi-documentaries-warrior-two-worlds/ · Vergun, David. “Engineer Became Highest Ranking Native American in Union Army.” U.S. Department of Defense. 11/2/2021. https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/2781759/engineer-became-highest-ranking-native-american-in-union-army/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ely S. Parker was instrumental in both the creation of President President Ulysses S. Grant's “peace policy." Parker was Seneca, and he was the first Indigenous person to be placed in a cabinet-level position in the U.S. and the first Indigenous person to serve as Commissioner of Indian Affairs. Research: ·       Adams, James Ring. “The Many Careers of Ely Parker.” National Museum of the American Indian. Fall 2011. ·       Babcock, Barry. “The Story of Donehogawa, First Indian Commissioner of Indian Affairs.” ICT. 9/13/2018. https://ictnews.org/archive/the-story-of-donehogawa-first-indian-commissioner-of-indian-affairs ·       Contrera, Jessica. “The interracial love story that stunned Washington — twice! — in 1867.” Washington Post. 2/13/2019. https://www.washingtonpost.com/history/2019/02/13/interracial-love-story-that-stunned-washington-twice/ ·       DeJong, David H. “Ely S. Parker Commissioner of Indian Affairs (April 26, 1869–July 24,1871).” From Paternalism to Partnership: The Administration of Indian Affairs, 1786–2021. University of Nebraska Press. (2021). Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/j.ctv2cw0sp9.29 ·       Eves, Megan. “Repatriation and Reconciliation: The Seneca Nation, The Buffalo History Museum and the Repatriation of the Red Jacket Peace Medal.” Museum Association of New York. 5/26/2021. https://nysmuseums.org/MANYnews/10559296 ·       Genetin-Pilawa, C. Joseph. “Ely Parker and the Contentious Peace Policy.” Western Historical Quarterly , Vol. 41, No. 2 (Summer 2010). Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.2307/westhistquar.41.2.0196 ·       Genetin-Pilawa, C. Joseph. “Ely S. Parker and the Paradox of Reconstruction Politics in Indian Country.” From “The World the Civil War Made. Gregory P. Downs and Kate Masur, editors. University of North Carolina Press. July 2015. ·       Ginder, Jordan and Caitlin Healey. “Biographies: Ely S. Parker.” United States Army National Museum. https://www.thenmusa.org/biographies/ely-s-parker/ ·       Hauptman, Laurence M. “On Our Terms: The Tonawanda Seneca Indians, Lewis Henry Morgan, and Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, 1844–1851.” New York History , FALL 2010, Vol. 91, No. 4 (FALL 2010). https://www.jstor.org/stable/23185816 ·       Henderson, Roger C. “The Piikuni and the U.S. Army's Piegan Expedition.” Montana: The Magazine of Western History. Spring 2018. https://mhs.mt.gov/education/IEFA/HendersonMMWHSpr2018.pdf ·       Hewitt, J.N.B. “The Life of General Ely S. Parker, Last Grand Sachem of the Iroquois and General Grant's Military Secretary.” Review. The American Historical Review, Vol. 25, No. 4 (Jul., 1920). Via JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/1834953 ·       Historical Society of the New York Courts. “Blacksmith v. Fellows, 1852.” https://history.nycourts.gov/case/blacksmith-v-fellows/ Historical Society of the New York Courts. “Ely S. Parker.” https://history.nycourts.gov/figure/ely-parker/ ·       Historical Society of the New York Courts. “New York ex rel. Cutler v. Dibble, 1858.” https://history.nycourts.gov/case/cutler-v-dibble/ ·       Hopkins, John Christian. “Ely S. Parker: Determined to Make a Difference.” Native Peoples Magazine, Vol. 17 Issue 6, p78, Sep/Oct2004. ·       Justia. “Fellows v. Blacksmith, 60 U.S. 366 (1856).” https://supreme.justia.com/cases/federal/us/60/366/ ·       Michaelsen, Scott. “Ely S. Parker and Amerindian Voices in Ethnography.” American Literary History , Winter, 1996, Vol. 8, No. 4 (Winter, 1996). https://www.jstor.org/stable/490115 ·       Mohawk, John. “Historian Interviews: John Mohawk, PhD.” PBS. Warrior in Two Worlds. https://www.pbs.org/warrior/content/historian/mohawk.html ·       National Parks Service. “Ely Parker.” Appomattox Court House National Historical Park. https://www.nps.gov/people/ely-parker.htm ·       Parker, Arthur C. “The Life of General Ely S. Parker: Last Grand Sachem of the Iroquois and General Grant's Military Secretary.” Buffalo Historical Society. 1919. ·       Parker, Ely S. “Report of the Commissioner of Indian Affairs.” December 23, 1869. Parker, Ely. Letter to Harriet Converse, 1885. https://teachingamericanhistory.org/document/letter-to-harriet-converse/ PBS. “A Warrior in Two Worlds: The Life of Ely Parker.” https://www.pbs.org/warrior/noflash/ ·       Spurling, Ann, producer and writer and Richard Young, director. “Warrior in Two Worlds.” Wes Studi, Narrator. WXXI. 1999. https://www.pbs.org/video/wxxi-documentaries-warrior-two-worlds/ ·       Vergun, David. “Engineer Became Highest Ranking Native American in Union Army.” U.S. Department of Defense. 11/2/2021. https://www.defense.gov/News/Feature-Stories/Story/Article/2781759/engineer-became-highest-ranking-native-american-in-union-army/  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's Thanksgiving and National Native American Heritage Month here in the United States so, this week, we continue our tradition of sharing this episode from 2017. Pocahontas' real story is much different than the romanticized versions of her life! At this time of year, here, when American History is told and retold over turkey and Ubiquitous Green Bean Casserole, we want to do our part to contribute to that conversation (even if we aren't involved in the "Is It Dressing or Stuffing" debate with you all.) US Department of the Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs- for information and links about Native American Heritage Month and more. Looking to help support the show? Click the tasteful DONATE button on the right-hand side of our website, under the search bar! Thank you for all that you do for us! TheHistoryChicks.com Holiday shopping? We have a merch shop! Visit us at TeePublic! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send us a textThis episode highlights the incredible Native women at the forefront of the efforts to bring about President Biden's recent apology for the harm caused by the federal Indian boarding school system.We sit down with Deb Parker (Tulalip) to uncover the behind-the-scenes journey of this apology, break down its significance, and dive into the Truth and Healing Bill [HR.7227/S.1723]. This bipartisan bill, unanimously approved by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on June 7, 2023, strengthens Tribal sovereignty and centers survivor voices, offering a path toward truth and reconciliation.✨ Special guest Freddie Lane (Lummi) reflects on his time at Chemawa Indian Boarding School and his reaction to Biden's historic speech. His heartfelt story reminds us of the countless children who never made it home and the resilience of those who carry their legacy forward.

Well, we're in the final stretch of the election. And as we consider so much that is at stake, it's a great treat to have one of Chris' favorite people to talk politics. There's a lot to discuss, including the Senate battlefield for Democrats and why it can be so hard to get things done in the political world. Our guest this week represents one of the most unique states in the union. Senator Brian Schatz is a U.S. Senator from Hawaii and serves the chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. He joins WITHpod to discuss Vice President Harris, affordable housing concerns in the Aloha state, effects of climate change in his home state, his favorite part of the job, why he says Trump could be vanquished and more.

Amy is joined by Dr. Julianne Newmark to discuss the book Red Bird, Red Power: The Life and Legacyof Zitkala-Ša by Tad Lewandowski and dive deep into the story of author, activist, and artist Zitkala-Ša.Dr. Julianne Newmark is the Director of Technical & Professional Communication and Assistant Chair for Core Writing at the University of New Mexico. As a researcher, she focuses on usability/UX/UCD and TPC pedagogy. She also teaches, conducts research, and publishes in Indigenous Studies, particularly concerning early-20th-century Native activist writers' rhetorically impactful bureaucratic writing, particularly in Bureau of Indian Affairs contexts. In recent years, she has received multiple grants to fund archival research for this project, including grants from CCCC/NCTE and the American Philosophical Society. Her second monograph is provisionally titled "Reports of Agency: Retrieving Indigenous Professional Communication in Dawes Era Indian Bureau Documents.” Her 2015 book The Pluralist Imagination from East to West in American Literature was published by University of Nebraska Press. She is Editor-in-Chief of Xchanges, a Writing Studies ejournal.

PREVIEW: With Professor Nick Parker regarding the inadequacy of the Bureau of Indian Affairs to respond to the energy marketplace for Native reservation lands. More this week. 1899