Podcasts about Navajo Nation

Land Cinema in an Age of Extraction considers nonfiction filmmakers and film collectives whose work advances an understanding of land as a locus of social and environmental responsibility. Diving into little-known archives to explore films that resonate across geographies, Becca Voelcker unearths key examples of eco-political counterculture, from farmer-filmmakers in Japan and Mali to a gardener-filmmaker in Massachusetts, and from filmed landscape-portraits of women in Los Angeles, Orkney, and the Navajo Nation to Indigenous documentaries about land dispossession in Colombia. Proposing "land cinema" as an urgent genre for our time, this book reveals how images and ideas produced half a century ago sowed the seeds for climate justice movements today. Becca Voelcker is Lecturer in the Department of Art at Goldsmiths, University of London. She was named a BBC New Generation Thinker in 2024. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/film

Land Cinema in an Age of Extraction considers nonfiction filmmakers and film collectives whose work advances an understanding of land as a locus of social and environmental responsibility. Diving into little-known archives to explore films that resonate across geographies, Becca Voelcker unearths key examples of eco-political counterculture, from farmer-filmmakers in Japan and Mali to a gardener-filmmaker in Massachusetts, and from filmed landscape-portraits of women in Los Angeles, Orkney, and the Navajo Nation to Indigenous documentaries about land dispossession in Colombia. Proposing "land cinema" as an urgent genre for our time, this book reveals how images and ideas produced half a century ago sowed the seeds for climate justice movements today. Becca Voelcker is Lecturer in the Department of Art at Goldsmiths, University of London. She was named a BBC New Generation Thinker in 2024. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/critical-theory

Land Cinema in an Age of Extraction considers nonfiction filmmakers and film collectives whose work advances an understanding of land as a locus of social and environmental responsibility. Diving into little-known archives to explore films that resonate across geographies, Becca Voelcker unearths key examples of eco-political counterculture, from farmer-filmmakers in Japan and Mali to a gardener-filmmaker in Massachusetts, and from filmed landscape-portraits of women in Los Angeles, Orkney, and the Navajo Nation to Indigenous documentaries about land dispossession in Colombia. Proposing "land cinema" as an urgent genre for our time, this book reveals how images and ideas produced half a century ago sowed the seeds for climate justice movements today. Becca Voelcker is Lecturer in the Department of Art at Goldsmiths, University of London. She was named a BBC New Generation Thinker in 2024. Morteza Hajizadeh is a Ph.D. graduate in English from the University of Auckland in New Zealand. His research interests are Cultural Studies; Critical Theory; Environmental History; Medieval (Intellectual) History; Gothic Studies; 18th and 19th Century British Literature. YouTube Channel: here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/environmental-studies

Photo: U.S. Reps. Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo/D-NM), left, Sharice Davids (Ho-Chunk/D-KS), and Markwayne Mullin (Cherokee/R-OK), testify before a subcommittee on March 4, 2020 as members of the Native American Caucus. (Courtesy Rep. Markwayne Mullin) The nomination of U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (Cherokee/R-OK) to be the next Homeland Security secretary cleared a key committee vote after overcoming a cringeworthy confirmation hearing over his combative past comments. Correspondent Matt Laslo reports on the bipartisan relationships the enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation has built over his decade in Washington. Contrary to the tough guy you may have seen on your screen picking fights with union bosses or Senate committee chairs, Sen. Mullin has lots of fans in Congress. U.S. Sen.Ben Ray Luján (D-NM) serves with Mullin on the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. “I may have some policy disagreements with Sen. Mullin. Mark's Mark. That's who he is, you know? So yeah, I don’t know that there’s anything out of sorts there. It’s just, that’s just who he is.” Luján says Mullin has been a key ally on the other side of the aisle in today's divided Washington. “Not just, you know, Democrat, Republican. He’s been a member that tribal leaders have sought out to support different efforts.” Mullin stepped into a 137-year long fight last year and played a pivotal role in helping North Carolina's Lumbee Tribe gain full federal recognition over protests from other tribes. U.S. Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) told National Native News that Mullin was pivotal. “He thought that the opposition by the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina was incorrect. And so as an enrolled Cherokee, he supported the Lumbees and it’s always appreciated.” U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids (Ho-Chunk/D-KS) overlapped with Mullin in the U.S. House for her first two terms. Besides the two both being former MMA fighters, Rep. Davids says she and Mullin put partisan differences aside and worked together for Indian Country. “When he was in the House, we worked on quite a few tribal related things, including trying to stabilize Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA). And then, also on foster programs and that kind of stuff. So we’ve been able to work together on issues that we both care about.” Masked U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents may garner the national headlines, but Davids says she is watching to see how Mullin handles the other parts of the sweeping Homeland Security agency that outgoing Secretary Kristi Noem neglected. “I’m hopeful that he will be much better in terms of leading the department. Of course there’s hot button issues, but when you think about FEMA and the importance of FEMA functioning, of our TSA folks …” The Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) is offering a career pathway for tribal students looking at wildland firefighting jobs. KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio has more. Highschoolers across six BIE-run schools are participating, including Northwest High School in Shiprock on the Navajo Nation. “This just happened to occur organically.” Carmelia Becenti (Diné) is BIE chief academic officer. She credits President Trump's executive order on “expanding educational freedom”. They are also pitching the curriculum to colleges. “We are trying to somewhat steer them towards being stewards of our lands. That doesn't always happen.” Garth Fisher is with the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Division of Wildland Fire Management. He says they are teaching coursework about leadership, fire suppression, and FEMA readiness. Once done, students put their training to the test during a field day. “They get to put the gear on, how it feels. They get to look like a firefighter.” That equipment is expensive, says Becenti, which is why the BIE is buying it now. “And that way, year after year, as we recruit more students at these schools and across the bureau, you know, we have this PPE that we can use over and over and over.” Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Friday, March 20, 2026 – A view from the Iditarod trail and other winter sports competitions

The nomination of U.S. Sen. Markwayne Mullin (enrolled member of the Cherokee Nation/R-OK) to become the next Homeland Security Secretary hit a rough patch Wednesday.  Outgoing Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem lost the faith of President Donald Trump, but the pick to replace her, Sen. Mullin, lost the faith of the Senate Homeland Security Committee Chair, U.S. Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), for mocking him for being attacked by his neighbor nine years ago, as Matt Laslo reports. “You told the media that I was a ‘freaking snake' and that you completely understood why I had been assaulted. I was shocked that you would justify and celebrate this violent assault that caused me so much pain and my family so much pain. I just wonder if someone who applauds violence against their political opponents is the right person to lead an agency that has struggled to accept limits to the proper use of force.” Mullin is a former MMA fighter and was not backing down. “I think before I can start my opening statement, I have to address the remarks of the chairman made calling me a liar. Sir, I think there’s — everybody in this room knows that I’m very blunt and direct to the point, and if I have something to say, I’ll say it directly to your face.” While the heated exchange made national headlines, most Republican senators, like U.S. Sen. Ted. Cruz (R-TX), shrugged it off. “The two of them don’t like each other. There’s no ambiguity on that.” U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson (R-WI) said, “I’m not going to get involved in that.” U.S. Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) told National Native News cited his mother’s wisdom. “Reminded of what my mom would say, ‘if you don’t have something good to say about somebody, don’t say it.’ And, you know, those rules we learned in kindergarten still apply up here as well.” Even Mullin's home state colleague, U.S. Rep. Frank Lucas (R-OK), was taken aback by the barbs. “In my time in Congress, rarely have I seen such an intense exchange between two members of the same party, especially in the [U.S.] Senate. Clearly, both of them are very strong-willed, very confident in their point of view and perspective and their memory. It was just fascinating.” While most Republican senators are refusing to weigh in, Sen. Lucas says he is not discounting Chairman Paul or Mullin's accounts. “I know from having served with Markwayne in the House, I suspect the case in the [U.S.] Senate is the same — members have an insight into the nature of each other that no one on the outside can have. I never impugn the opinions of my colleagues, so maybe there was a little bit of truth in what they both had to say.” (Courtesy Asm. James Ramos / Facebook) Assemblymember James Ramos (Serrano/Cahuilla/D-CA) is urging for the establishment of California Native American Day as an official paid state holiday. A bill introduced by Asm. Ramos would designate the fourth Friday of September as a paid holiday for state employees. Ramos, along with tribal representatives, legislators, and labor leaders, held a press conference Wednesday in Sacramento., Calif. Ramos says the legislature and the state should honor California's First People with the paid holiday. “It’s true and just that this has to happen. It’s time that the voices continue to move forward and to make sure that we’re calling out for respect and honor for California’s First People and tribal elders.” Ramos say they have many worthy holidays, but the bill creates justice for past atrocities toward California Indian people who have lived through colonization, including the mission era and gold rush eras. Denver’s bison transfer included a ceremony with songs and prayers for the bisons’ safe return to tribal lands. (Photo: Rachel Cohen / KUNC) Several tribes are working to bring bison back to their lands. As the Mountain West News Bureau’s Rachel Cohen reports, one source helping them is in Denver, Colo. where the local government manages a herd. Snow was falling fast and hard at a mountain park west of the city earlier this month, when 34 bison were gifted to four tribes or nonprofits. Denver has managed two small herds since the early 1900s and started giving some animals to tribes six years ago.  Lewis TallBull is with the TallBull Memorial Council, which has members from various tribes.  Lewis TallBull with the TallBull Memorial Council was part of the drumming ceremony to honor the bison. (Photo: Rachel Cohen / KUNC) This year, the organization is taking one bison back to a property it manages near Denver. “The Bison represent so much. They represent the water and the fire and the thunder and the clouds and the snow. They represent all that. But at the same time, they represent us as Indigenous people.” Tribal leaders said the animals would add genetic diversity to their growing herds – and help feed tribal members with a historic food source. The Navajo Nation got 11 bison in the transfer and the Northern Cheyenne in Montana received 10.  Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Thursday, March 19, 2026 – Native American Muslims, a distinct minority, reflect on Ramadan and religious intolerance

House Committee on Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 – 1:00 PM Location: Capitol Complex, 2008 RHOB, Washington, DC, 20515, USA • LIVESTREAM: youtu.be/UX1i9N0arHI Witnesses Panel one Chuck Hoskin Jr. Principal Chief, Cherokee Nation Jonodev Chaudhuri Ambassador, The Muscogee (Creek) Nation Reggie Wassana [Note: Did not appear in person] Governor, Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes Panel two James Naranjo Governor, Pueblo of Santa Clara Charles Riley Governor, Pueblo of Acoma Panel three Verlon Jose Chairman, The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona Dr. Buu Nygren President, Navajo Nation Panel four Robyn Sunday-Allen [Note: Did not appear in person] President-Elect, National Council of Urban Indian Health Francys Crevier Chief Executive Officer, National Council of Urban Indian Health A.C. Locklear Chief Executive Officer, National Indian Health Board Abigail Echo-Hawk Director, Urban Indian Health Institute Conrad Jacket Board Member, Albuquerque Area Indian Health Board, Inc. Panel five Teresa Sanchez Board President, Riverside-San Bernardino County Indian Health, Inc., Tribal Member of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians Esther Lucero President and Chief Executive Officer, Seattle Indian Health Board Aaron Hines Chair, Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board Leanndra Ross Vice President, Executive and Tribal Services, Southcentral Foundation of Alaska Panel six Angelique Albert Chief Executive Officer, Native Forward Scholar Fund Ahniwake Rose President & CEO, American Indian Higher Education Consortium Panel seven Cecilia Fire Thunder President, Oglala Lakota Nation Education Coalition (OLNEC) Aurene Martin Secretary, National Indian Child Welfare Association More on Indianz.Com: https://indianz.com/News/2026/03/16/video-american-indian-and-alaska-native-public-witness-hearing-day-1-afternoon-session-2/

This week, Diné poet Jake Skeets brings us into the rising dust, big sky, and bent light of summers on the Navajo Nation, and explores how the body is not separate from the seasons, rather one of the many terrains upon which they play out. Now living amid excessive heat warnings, sandstorms, and wildfire haze that test his love of the summer, Jake asks how such extremes will reshape our intimate and ancestral relationship with the seasons.Read the essay. Discover our latest print edition, Volume 6: Seasons.Image Credit: Evelyn Dragan / Connected Archives

The Chandler Museum in Arizona has a new exhibit called “Being Eddie Basha.” It is a retrospective of the hometown-turned-statewide grocer who died in 2013. And as KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio reports, this 3,800 sq ft installation is all about unpacking the man behind the grocery king persona. Chandler Museum's storytelling coordinator, Sarah Biggerstaff, literally leaned on Basha's own words for one interactive display. “This is our telephone. There's about 20 clips, and they range from, like, 20 seconds to a minute. You can pick it up, give it a couple seconds, but then you hear him actually speaking. And at our opening, it was really moving.” “I would want my epithets to have to say, ‘Eddie Basha, he was a good man, but a bad boy.’ And that's how I want to be remembered.” An interactive telephone display inside the “Being Eddie Basha” exhibit at Chandler Museum. (Photo: Gabriel Pietrorazio / KJZZ) Another one of his principles was putting people over profits. The great-grandson of Lebanese immigrants brought his family brand to tribal lands beginning in 1981 with the Diné Supermarket in Chinle. Basha even committed 25 cents of every dollar to the Navajo Nation. “And of course, the relationship with the Navajo became extremely powerful and fruitful and still exists today.” From Tuba City to Window Rock, stores kept popping up. More locations would follow on Apache land in Peridot and Whiteriver. The one-time gubernatorial candidate was also an avid collector of Western and American Indian art. Basha owned one of the world's largest private collections, most of which has since been donated to the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Ariz. Parker Kenick of Nome competing in the One Hand Reach at the Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada. (Photo courtesy Carter Photography) Athletes, coaches, and spectators crowded Main Street in downtown Whitehorse, Yukon Territory, Canada Saturday for the closing ceremonies of the Arctic Winter Games, also known as the Olympics of the North. And Team Alaska had a lot to celebrate. Among the six Arctic nations, it led the count for ulus, the medals shaped like the curved knife emblematic of Arctic life. Alaska had 227 ulus, followed by Team Yukon with 174 and Alberta North with 127. As KNBA's Rhonda McBride tells us, Parker Kenick of Nome took home three gold ulus and many lessons about life. Although Parker Kenick started learning traditional Alaska Native games when he was eight, he did not take part in the Arctic Winter Games until later in life. This year he competed in the adult category and won gold ulus in the Two Foot High Kick, the Alaskan High Kick, and the One Hand Reach. Kenick says he is grateful for the community support that made it possible for him to travel to the games. “Our spirits get lifted here because there's so many people here that want to see us do our best, to our absolute limit.” Kenick competed in his first Arctic Winter Games in 2023 and says he was lucky to be mentored by some of the best Indigenous athletes in the world. Now he's returning the favor. One of his coaches, Candace Parker, says when Kenick first started out, he was very quiet and kept to himself. Today, he readily volunteers to coach the younger athletes. “I would say full circle moment for him to be out on the floor passing on the knowledge. May not have been technical but doing more encouraging.” Parker Kenick of Nome, center, enjoys mentoring younger students at the Arctic Winter Games in Whitehorse. (Photo courtesy Carter Photography) Parker says young people can be self-absorbed, but the games teach them to think beyond themselves. She says it is an important exercise in humility, one that athletes like Kenick have embraced. Parker has been coaching since 1996, but this year she reached an important milestone – having three generations of her family compete in this year's Arctic Winter Games. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Monday, March 16, 2026 – What's in a (tribe's) name?

This month, 34 bison were loaded into trailers at a park in Colorado's foothills – and sent across the Mountain West region to tribal lands. Rachel Cohen reports. The bison are part of herds that the City and County of Denver has managed for almost a century. And since 2020, 170 animals have been gifted to tribes. Jason Baldes is a member of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe in Wyoming and works with the Intertribal Buffalo Council. He says Denver's donations play a big role in bison restoration. “Because there are so few animals in isolated populations, it’s important to diversify your gene pool so that you have a healthy population.” In this year's transfer, Navajo Nation received 11 bison and the Northern Cheyenne in Montana got 10. Jody Potts-Joseph in McGrath, Alaska. (Courtesy Jody Potts-Joseph) The leaders in the 1,000-mile sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome have reached the halfway point. Two of the mushers — Ryan Redington (Inupiat) and Pete Kaiser (Yup'ik) — are former champs of the Iditarod. Both have teams with some of the fastest speeds on the trail. Redington was in third place early this morning and Kaiser was not far behind in the 11th spot. There are three other Indigenous mushers in the Iditarod. Kevin Hansen and Jesse Terry, who are in the middle of the pack, are rookies to the race, as is Jody Potts-Joseph, who as Rhonda McBride reports, has been holding her own at the back of the pack. The Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma recently added an amendment to the tribe's Public Health and Wellness Fund Act to set aside funds for the tribe's reentry program. $6.5 million is being set aside in new opioid settlement funds, which will include building and operating transitional housing for formerly incarcerated Cherokee citizens. According to the Cherokee Nation, in 2017, it became the first tribe in the country to sue the opioid industry for damages. The tribe has continued its legal efforts, which include the latest settlement. The reentry program served 500 Cherokee citizens last year. (Courtesy Cherokee Nation) Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Friday, March 13, 2026 – The Searchers: cinematic treasure or stereotypical disaster?

A new report shows access to nearby nature in the U.S. is not equal and the gap is closely tied to race and income. Researchers say Indigenous communities are among those most affected. The Mountain West News Bureau's Kaleb Roedel has more. Communities of color are three times more likely than white communities to live in places with severe nature loss — fewer parks, fewer trees, more pollution. That is thanks in part to resource extraction and the rapid development of natural spaces. Researchers say that is significant for tribal areas, where land is closely tied to cultural traditions and food systems. Rena Payan with Justice Outside, which co-produced the report, says losing nearby nature isn't just about scenery. “Nature deprivation isn’t just about the aesthetics of who has access to ‘big nature.' It’s also about who has access to clean air and clean water.” The report also highlights Indigenous-led solutions. On the Navajo Nation, local groups are restoring native grasslands and wildlife habitat. In Alaska, Native organizations are protecting salmon streams and coastal ecosystems that support subsistence. Researchers say efforts grounded in Indigenous stewardship could help close what they call the nation's growing nature gap. Reliable high-speed internet is still out of reach for many tribal communities. A new report highlights ongoing barriers to broadband access in Indian Country. Daniel Spaulding has more. The report from the Urban Institute says many Indigenous communities lack reliable high-speed internet, especially in rural areas. Recent federal investments have helped expand broadband in some tribal communities, but gaps remain. Tomi Rajninger is a co-author of the report. “In certain parts of the country, especially in Indian Country and a lot of rural communities, folks have a lot less access to high speed broadband than other parts of the U.S.” The Urban Institute's Gabe Samuels says geography is one of the biggest challenges. “Because of the historic way where a lot of tribes are relocated, they’re often located in maybe more remote rural areas that are physically harder to access, it’s just kind of compounds the challenge to accessing.” Rajninger and Samuels both say allowing tribes to manage their own broadband infrastructure will be key to improving access. American bison inside a pen at Genesee Park near Golden, Colo. on March 6, 2026. (Courtesy Denver Parks and Recreation) American bison are a symbol of the West that might have vanished from this landscape entirely, if not for conservation efforts. As KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio reports, the city of Denver donates bison from a long-established herd to tribes and nonprofits each year. Snow powdered the 34 bison inside a pen while tribes blessed them. Eleven went to the Navajo Nation. The rest were sent to the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, a Lakota nonprofit, Buffalo First, in South Dakota, and the Denver-based Tall Bull Memorial Council. This keystone species once roamed the Great Plains, but faced the brink of extinction. In 1908, the Denver Zoo had only 18 animals left in captivity, but they would help form a herd near Golden, Colo. The city has transferred more than 170 buffalo into tribal hands. (Courtesy Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center) In New York state, more than 900 acres of land is returning to Indigenous care. The Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center, Paul Smith's College, the Nature Conservancy, and the Adirondack Land Trust joined in the land-back partnership. The Nature Conservancy purchased 600 acres of land for $1.1 million from the college and transferred ownership to the Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center. The cultural center will privately own and steward the land. The land trust has already transferred 300 acres of adjoining land to the cultural center. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Thursday, March 12, 2026 – Confronting a past of forced sterilization

On today's newscast: Mechanical problem cited in fatal DPS helicopter crash in Flagstaff, Denver donates bison to Navajo Nation as part of annual transfer, forecast for Colorado River snowmelt concerning, and more.

Don't Whistle At Night welcomes Lenny Jones PRE-RECORDED March 8th, 2026 EP: 047 Topic: Lenny talks about his highly strange encounters Lenny is no stranger to the various levels of high strangeness in the Four Corners area. He is a Navajo Nation Chronicler, Storyteller, Researcher and Experiencer of The Highly Strange. YouTube: Coach 5515

Photo: A scenic overview of the Colorado River from the Navajo Bridge near Jacob Lake. (Gabriel Pietrorazio / KJZZ) The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has invited tribal leaders to testify on Capitol Hill today. As KJZZ’s Gabriel Pietrorazio reports, the Northeast Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act is the hearing's subject. This $5 billion deal would resolve claims for three parties, including the Navajo Nation and Hopi Tribe. For San Juan Southern Paiute President Carlene Yellowhair, this proposal is not just about securing precious water in the Southwest. If passed, it would also set aside 5,400 acres for a new reservation in Arizona. “We want to settle, because we want our land, our home, a place to build. We lost all of our elders. They started it and we just want to finish it.” The tribe has more than 300 members, including Vice President Johnny Lehi Jr. “You know, the land and the water, that's what we needed to become more sovereign.” Prisoner Mark Andrews is housed at Spring Creek Correctional Center in Seward, Alaska. (Photo: Anne Hillman / Alaska Public Media) The Alaska Supreme Court heard arguments this month on whether prisoners can be forcibly medicated with psychiatric drugs — without a court hearing and the right to a lawyer. In the state corrections system, Alaska Native people are incarcerated at about twice the rate of white Alaskans. Alaska Public Media's Rachel Cassandra has more. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) brought the case against the Department of Corrections (DOC) on behalf of a prisoner, Mark Andrews. He says he has been unjustly drugged with powerful psychotropic medication for most of the last seven years, without due process or access to legal counsel. The Department policy currently allows prisoners to be drugged against their will if they are gravely disabled or are in imminent risk for harming themselves or others. Doron Levine is a lawyer for the ACLU. He argued at the hearing that the policy infringes on rights protected by the state constitution. “Few things are more personal than someone’s body, and arguably, nothing is more personal than a person’s mind. It’s the locus of a person’s identity, and it’s a last refuge of freedom for people who are incarcerated.” Under department policy, prisoners have the right to hearings every six months with department staff. And they have the right to appeal the decision to a department committee. The ACLU argues that Andrews did not have sufficient access to hearings or an appeal. Justice Jennifer Henderson questioned Kimber Rogers, the attorney representing DOC. Justice Henderson says the facts seem to suggest that the prisoner was denied the rights promised in the department's policy. Justice Henderson: How do you respond to that? Kimber Rogers: Your Honor, I agree that there were definitely some problems, and Mr. Andrews’ hearings, but I don’t think that that’s important. JH: There were more than some problems. There were long periods of time where there were no hearings, for example. KR: Well, Your Honor, I would dispute that actually. The ACLU lawyer argued that there should be a hearing in a courtroom because DOC staff may be biased to protect the institution over the person, but Rogers says a hearing inside prison is the best approach. When the Supreme Court issues a ruling, the decision could apply to the approximately 22 Alaska prisoners who are being forcibly drugged. U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) The National American Indian Housing Council (NAIHC) is applauding the House passage of the Tribal Trust Land Homeownership Act. The bill to improve access to homeownership for Native families on tribal trust land is led by U.S. Rep. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and passed last week. NAIHC executive director Rudy Soto says the bill improves coordination between the Bureau of Indian Affairs, lenders, and tribal communities, establishes timelines, and helps Native families, veterans, and tribal citizens who want to achieve homeownership. The Senate previously approved the measure and it now heads to the president's desk. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Wednesday, March 11, 2024 – Michigan backs away from Boarding Schools report

Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Oversight Hearing on “Examining Federal Policies Governing Indian Water Rights Settlements,” and Legislative Hearing to receive testimony on S. 953, Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 Date: March 11, 2026 Time: 2:30 PM Location: Dirksen Room: 628 Agenda: S. 953, Northeastern Arizona Indian Water Rights Settlement Act of 2025 Witnesses PANEL 1 The Honorable Mark Kelly Senator from Arizona Sponsor of S.953 PANEL 2 Mr. Scott Cameron Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary – Water and Science Exercising the Delegated Authority of Commissioner Bureau of Reclamation Department of the Interior Washington, DC The Honorable Buu Nygren President Navajo Nation Window Rock, Arizona The Honorable Lamar Keevama Chairman Hopi Tribe Kykotsmovi Village, Arizona The Honorable Johnny Lehi Jr. Vice President San Juan Southern Paiute Tribe Tuba City, Arizona More on Indianz.Com: https://indianz.com/News/2026/03/10/senate-committee-on-indian-affairs-sets-hearing-on-water-rights/

On today's newscast: Uranium shipments on Navajo Nation to face new rules, human remains identified in cold case of missing Golden Valley man, part of North Kaibab Trail in Grand Canyon reopens, and more.

Travels With Randy Route 66 Episode 7 is here! New Mexico! Gallop To Grants To Albuquerque Route 66 Maintenance Challenges Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed their experiences with Route 66, including Bubba's ongoing fascination with the route and Randy's recent travels through California, Arizona, and New Mexico. They explored the challenges and variations in maintaining the original route across different states, highlighting efforts in California and the difficulties in Arizona and New Mexico. Randy shared insights about the route's presence in Navajo tribal lands, noting the remnants and trading posts along the way, while both expressed frustration over the lack of official recognition and signage for Route 66 in some areas. Route 66 in New Mexico The discussion focused on Route 66 in New Mexico, particularly around Gallup, which was described as a former commercial and rail hub for the Navajo Nation. The conversation highlighted the differences between New Mexico and Arizona's architectural styles, with New Mexico having a distinct Spanish and Indian influence. They discussed the challenges of navigating Route 66, noting that while the signs were improved after Randy's first visit, some areas still lack clear routing information. Bubba and Randy also discussed the upcoming Centennial celebration on November 11th and the Four Corners monument, which Bubba had previously visited. Gallup New Mexico Visit Discussion Randy discussed his visit to Gallup, New Mexico, highlighting the El Rancho Hotel, a historic stop for Hollywood stars filming westerns, and Richardson's Trading Post, a century-old institution for Native American art. Bubba inquired about the 49er Lounge at the El Rancho, which Randy had not visited. They also talked about Gallup's four-lane Route 66, its split by the interstate, and its status as the "Indian capital of the world" dominated by Navajo art and culture. Century-Old Store Visit Experience Randy shared an experience visiting a century-old store in Richardson, where an employee allowed them to explore and take photos of the unique items, including vintage rugs, Kachina dolls, and an antique cash register. Bubba and Randy discussed the store's profitability, noting the high markup on items like rugs and the employee's reluctance to allow photos of the safe due to security concerns. Randy mentioned that approximately 1,000 U.S. businesses have been in operation for over 100 years, highlighting the longevity of some brands despite market changes. Route 66 Journey Discussion Randy described his journey along Route 66, highlighting the scenic high desert landscapes, abandoned buildings, and remnants of the historic route. He noted the survival of some old businesses and the presence of car graveyards with 1940s and 1950s vehicles. Bubba and Randy discussed the affordability of classic cars in the past, with Randy mentioning his difficulty in capturing the stories behind abandoned structures. They also discussed the population history of Grants, New Mexico, which saw a significant increase due to uranium mining in the 1950s and 1960s, and its current population decline. Route 66 and AI Discussion The discussion focused on the historical and current state of Route 66 towns, particularly Grants, New Mexico, and its connection to the uranium industry and Los Alamos. Bubba shared that Grants was founded in the 1880s by three Canadian brothers who built a section of the Atlantic and Pacific Railroad, and its economy later boomed due to uranium mining. The conversation then shifted to the role of AI in modern learning and memory, with Bubba and Randy discussing how AI could serve as an informational companion while driving, and the generational differences in technology adoption and social skills. Technology's Impact on Social Interactions Bubba and Randy discussed the impact of technology on social interactions, noting that while young people can communicate effectively online, they may lack face-to-face confrontation skills. They also talked about a woman who wanted to marry her AI, highlighting the growing trend of people seeking artificial relationships. Randy shared a story about the Santa Fe Loop, a section of Route 66 in New Mexico that was created after a political dispute, and expressed interest in driving the original route rather than the modernized version. Route 66 and Business Ideas Randy discussed the historical Route 66, focusing on La Bajada Hill, a challenging dirt road segment that was bypassed in 1937. He expressed interest in exploring the area further with a four-wheel drive vehicle and highlighted the potential for adventure tours in the region. Bubba shared information about the high number of Starbucks locations in Albuquerque and New York City, suggesting a potential business idea for Randy to document her visits to different Starbucks locations for sponsorship opportunities. Travel and Sports Discussion Bubba and Randy discussed their upcoming travel plans, including a trip to Alaska and exploring national parks. They also talked about Albuquerque, New Mexico, its attractions, and the history of Blake's Lotta Burger. Bubba mentioned his son's interest in baseball and spring training. Randy expressed frustration with the ownership of the Los Angeles Angels and his decision to boycott the team. They concluded by discussing the growth of their Facebook page and podcast, with Bubba mentioning plans to develop perks for subscribers.   SO. MANY. PHOTOS - Come join the conversation on Facebook with our 28,000 friends! https://www.facebook.com/travelswithrandypodcast Have a great idea for the guys?  Want to sponsor us?  Want us to sell something National Park or Route 66 related? Want to be a guest? Want to pay for both of us to go to Alaska? Want me to stop asking questions?   bubba@travelswithrandypodcast.com !!

A state task force in Alaska released recommendations last month for making psychedelic therapy available, if treatments are approved at the federal level. Alaska Public Media's Rachel Cassandra has the story. The Alaska state legislature established a task force in 2024 to examine psychedelic therapies, which hold a lot of promise but are still considered experimental. Jennie Armstrong is a former state representative who was on the task force. She says the group tackled questions like how to make therapy accessible and how to offer safe and culturally competent care. “The whole point of the task force was to bring up these types of questions so we’re not scratching our heads when this becomes medicalized and scrambling and being reactive, but we’re actually being proactive.” The task force did not take a stance on whether psychedelic therapies are good or bad, but recommends Alaska incorporate them as they are legalized nationally. None of the task force's recommendations are binding, but Armstrong says they are meant to guide legislators on the types of laws the state would need to offer access. Armstrong says the task force recommends incorporating a training program for therapists and healthcare providers who want to guide therapy. “Everyone needs to go through this type of training, because just being a doctor doesn’t make you qualified to facilitate this type of care.” And she says the aim is to make training accessible so a diversity of people can become certified. She says that would ensure people getting treated are a good fit with the person who guides them. Armstrong says Alaskans could benefit a lot from psychedelic therapies if they are legalized. That is because the state has such high rates of post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, and other mental illnesses. Psychedelic therapies are being studied to treat those disorders and Armstrong says some of the research is promising. “There are so many folks who, through these trials, went from being suicidal and having treatment resistant depression, unable to work, unable to function, to being in remission within months.” She says that can change how people and communities can thrive. There is a new career pathway for tribal students looking at wildland firefighting jobs. KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio has more on the partnership between the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). Highschoolers across six BIE-run schools are participating, including Northwest High School in Shiprock, Ariz. on the Navajo Nation. Carmelia Becenti (Diné) is chief academic officer for BIE. She credits President Donald Trump's executive order on “expanding educational freedom”. “This just happened to occur organically.” They are also pitching the curriculum to colleges. Garth Fisher is with the BIA Division of Wildland Fire Management. “We are trying to somewhat steer them towards being stewards of our lands. That doesn't always happen.” Fisher says they are teaching coursework about leadership, fire suppression, and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) readiness. Once done, students put their training to the test during a field day. “They get to put the gear on, how it feels. They get to look like a firefighter.” That equipment is expensive, says Becenti, which is why the BIE is buying it now. “And that way, year after year, as we recruit more students at these schools and across the bureau, you know, we have this {#[Personal Protective Equipment] PPE that we can use over and over and over.” Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Monday, March 2, 2026 — Native crews help solve the growing marine trash problem

In 1919, the brother of one of the West's most famous Indian traders was shot to death in a remote corner of the Navajo Nation.Part history, part true crime, The Sons of Gunshooter: A Navajo Resistance Story (U Arizona Press, 2026) reexamines the killing and subsequent murder trial, while simultaneously embedding the story in a much larger saga of colonization and resistance. The result is a book that's sweeping in its scope and surgical in its approach. Rewinding the clock to 1868, the authors follow the intertwining paths of two families to offer a riveting, deeply personal account that has been hailed as “a new way of doing historiography.”One of the authors is a descendant of participants in the case; the other is an investigative journalist. By merging Diné oral traditions with archival evidence, they succeed in upending one false narrative after another. This interview was conducted by Mary Reynolds, publicity manager for the University of Arizona Press. Her book, The Quake That Drained the Desert (forthcoming in 2026) investigates the 1887 borderlands earthquake that changed surface water and groundwater in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In 1919, the brother of one of the West's most famous Indian traders was shot to death in a remote corner of the Navajo Nation.Part history, part true crime, The Sons of Gunshooter: A Navajo Resistance Story (U Arizona Press, 2026) reexamines the killing and subsequent murder trial, while simultaneously embedding the story in a much larger saga of colonization and resistance. The result is a book that's sweeping in its scope and surgical in its approach. Rewinding the clock to 1868, the authors follow the intertwining paths of two families to offer a riveting, deeply personal account that has been hailed as “a new way of doing historiography.”One of the authors is a descendant of participants in the case; the other is an investigative journalist. By merging Diné oral traditions with archival evidence, they succeed in upending one false narrative after another. This interview was conducted by Mary Reynolds, publicity manager for the University of Arizona Press. Her book, The Quake That Drained the Desert (forthcoming in 2026) investigates the 1887 borderlands earthquake that changed surface water and groundwater in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-studies

In 1919, the brother of one of the West's most famous Indian traders was shot to death in a remote corner of the Navajo Nation.Part history, part true crime, The Sons of Gunshooter: A Navajo Resistance Story (U Arizona Press, 2026) reexamines the killing and subsequent murder trial, while simultaneously embedding the story in a much larger saga of colonization and resistance. The result is a book that's sweeping in its scope and surgical in its approach. Rewinding the clock to 1868, the authors follow the intertwining paths of two families to offer a riveting, deeply personal account that has been hailed as “a new way of doing historiography.”One of the authors is a descendant of participants in the case; the other is an investigative journalist. By merging Diné oral traditions with archival evidence, they succeed in upending one false narrative after another. This interview was conducted by Mary Reynolds, publicity manager for the University of Arizona Press. Her book, The Quake That Drained the Desert (forthcoming in 2026) investigates the 1887 borderlands earthquake that changed surface water and groundwater in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-west

In 1919, the brother of one of the West's most famous Indian traders was shot to death in a remote corner of the Navajo Nation.Part history, part true crime, The Sons of Gunshooter: A Navajo Resistance Story (U Arizona Press, 2026) reexamines the killing and subsequent murder trial, while simultaneously embedding the story in a much larger saga of colonization and resistance. The result is a book that's sweeping in its scope and surgical in its approach. Rewinding the clock to 1868, the authors follow the intertwining paths of two families to offer a riveting, deeply personal account that has been hailed as “a new way of doing historiography.”One of the authors is a descendant of participants in the case; the other is an investigative journalist. By merging Diné oral traditions with archival evidence, they succeed in upending one false narrative after another. This interview was conducted by Mary Reynolds, publicity manager for the University of Arizona Press. Her book, The Quake That Drained the Desert (forthcoming in 2026) investigates the 1887 borderlands earthquake that changed surface water and groundwater in Arizona and Sonora, Mexico. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/american-west

Canadian energy firm Enbridge will reimburse a northern Wisconsin county for the cost of policing protests expected with construction of the company's Line 5 reroute. As Danielle Kaeding reports, the Ashland County board approved the deal Tuesday. The Wisconsin Counties Association negotiated an agreement where Enbridge will reimburse local governments for public safety costs tied to the Line 5 project in northern Wisconsin. Funds will be deposited into an escrow account managed by the association. Some residents worried the deal would turn local authorities into a private security force. Bad River tribal member Edith Leoso warned against signing the agreement to get reimbursed by Enbridge. “They will feed you what you want to hear, and then they will take everything from this area and leave you to pick up the pieces.” An Enbridge spokesperson said the company volunteered to fund the account. Enbridge also said it received a final US Army Corps permit that the company says will allow construction to move forward, but state approvals for the project are being challenged in court. Enbridge previously paid millions for public safety costs tied to protests of its Line 3 replacement project in Minnesota. ZenniHome founder Bob Worsley shares his excitement about opening up his facility in 2024 atop the former Navajo Generating Station near Page, Ariz. (Photo: Gabriel Pietrorazio / KJZZ) A civil lawsuit filed in Maricopa County Superior Court in Arizona alleges a factory on the Navajo Nation was “squandering millions on improper and mysterious expenditures” before suddenly shutting down in July. KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio has more. The Albuquerque, N.M.-based firm Indigenous Design Studio + Architecture (IDSA) alleges that Mesa subcontractor ZenniHome breached its $50 million deal to build 160 modular homes. “There's a whole lot of money that got dumped into Zenni and obviously only to produce 18 homes, it's a mystery how that occurred.” Attorney Jay Curtis says IDSA is looking to repair the reputation of its founder, Tamarah Begay, in addition to recouping roughly $22 million from the American Rescue Plan Act for the Navajo Nation. ZenniHome CEO Bob Worsley says there will not be a refund of any amount. “No, the money is gone … It's not sitting in somebody's account somewhere, so the company has been liquidated. There's no more assets. It's just almost theater when we spent every dime they gave us, and about $4 million more than that – out of my pocket – so yeah, that's not going to happen.” Worsley also faces a separate federal class action lawsuit after laying off more than 200 employees last year. Rex Lee Jim, Vice President of the Navajo Nation prepares notes prior to a media call in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Radio Studio in Washington, D. C., Monday, March. 3, 2015. (Photo: Bob Nichols / USDA) Former Navajo Nation Vice President Rex Lee Jim is being remembered for his advocacy for Navajo people, including in education and culture, and as an international diplomat. Jim served as vice president from 2011 to 2015 with Navajo President Ben Shelly. He also served on the Navajo council, was a poet, playwright, author, and traditional medicine man. The Navajo Nation Council said Jim passed away on Tuesday and recognized his dedication to Navajo people, cultural preservation, and global Indigenous advocacy. JoAnn Chase (Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara), former executive director of the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), is being remembered for strengthening NCAI's national presence and advocating for Native rights. Chase served as executive director from 1994 to 2001. In a statement Tuesday, NCAI said of Chase's passing that her leadership help the organization become stronger and more visible, working with tribal leaders, Congress, and others. She later worked in philanthropy, policy, and arts, including most recently serving as vice chair of the board for the Southwestern Association for Indian Arts. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Wednesday, February 25, 2026 — The Menu: Commod Bods, a standout frybread stand, and Afro-Indigenous mutual aid in Minneapolis

Photo: The entrance to the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site in Ganado, Ariz., on the Navajo Nation. (Gabriel Pietrorazio / KJZZ) The Interior Department is reviewing signs posted at more than a dozen national parks and monuments as part of President Donald Trump's agenda to “restore truth and sanity to American history”. As KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio reports, one figure featured at the Hubbell Trading Post National Historic Site on the Navajo Nation is now in the crosshairs. To Navajos, Ganado Mucho (Many Cattle) is like a folk hero. He went on the “Long Walk”, marching hundreds of miles to be held at a New Mexico fort until he and other leaders signed an 1868 treaty. “And he wasn't defeated in the easy binary of stories that are winners and losers, but peacemaker doesn't mean you're not a resistor.” University of Oklahoma professor Farina King (Diné) says Mucho's legend may be at odds with how the U.S. wants to remember its past on the heels of the nation's 250th anniversary. “The thorn in the side is a disruption to the celebratory stories of Manifest Destiny, conquering the West, taming it and subjecting, you know, Indigenous peoples as if they're just a part of a wild landscape.” Three Navajo men, Tiene-su-se, left, Ganado Mucho, and Mariano in 1874. (Courtesy National Anthropological Archives / Smithsonian Institution) Once freed, Mucho then met fellow trader John Lorenzo Hubbell and kept making peace in the Southwest, settling disputes – often between Mormon ranchers and Navajos. In 1878, Hubbell set up his iconic trading post – still open to this day – and would rename that area. Hence Ganado, Ariz. Health care officials say a new Level IV EMS trauma facility opened by the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska will mean faster and more efficient care for residents who need emergency medical attention. Mark Moran has more. Winnebago Comprehensive Healthcare Services completed a $15 million emergency department in December, which then received a Level IV trauma center designation from the Nebraska Department of Public Health. Marketing Specialist Halle Murray says the new facility is a dramatic upgrade over calling 911. “Maybe the response time for Winnebago is longer if you try to call 911. So, here we actually have our own emergency line. It’s just a quicker response time, whether that’s needing help with something, or a ride to the hospital in an ambulance.” It took six years for Winnebago’s emergency department to earn the trauma center designation, which included rigorous training for the medical professionals and other staff who work there. In additional to advanced training and updated treatment protocols, the site itself was subject to a series of inspections and reviews prior to its Level IV designation. Murray says the trauma center fills a big need. “There’s always people who need help here on the reservation. Again, just getting to them quicker and helping them out the best that we can, and helping them get the care that they deserve, and I would say it’s a huge need in the Winnebago community right now.” Nebraska has one Level I trauma center, located in Omaha. A bill in the New Mexico Legislature that would have allowed state driver's licenses and identifications to include Native American designations failed as the session closed last week, New Mexico In Depth reports. The bill would have allowed applicants to request a mark to appear on their license or ID as Native American. Supports say it is in response to federal immigration actions taking place across the country, as Native Americans have been among those confronted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and having the designation would be another layer of identification. A handful of tribes in the state reportedly supported the bill. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode

Photo: Crews install the final stages of a new fiber-optic internet network across four tribal nations in northern New Mexico. (Courtesy NMPBS) The New Mexico Office of Broadband Access and Expansion has announced more than $900 million in investments towards broadband infrastructure, with the help of both federal and state support. Some of the funds will go to the Navajo Nation. KUNM's Jeanette DeDios (Jicarilla Apache and Diné) has more. Among the 17 projects announced, the Navajo Nation was awarded $111 million. That is the largest single supported project from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program. Sonia Nez manages the Navajo Nation Broadband Office. She says the project will affect 11,000 households across New Mexico's portion of the Navajo Nation. She also says an effort to bring broadband to the community like this has never been done before. “Telehealth, education across the whole spectrum, lifts the people up to a new level where there was no connectivity before, but now they will have connectivity at the home, and so just opens the whole door of opportunity for the people, businesses, entrepreneurship, education, across the whole spectrum.” Nez says tribal members continue to face challenges without broadband. “So without internet connection, for example, you have to go either to get college education, you have to go off the reservation, you have to go to the cities, you know. So this will give them opportunity to have school right there at home and not have to leave the Nation.” Nez says the BEAD program will help more homes have broadband service. She also says Navajo Nation is working to establish broadband in all chapter houses and install 5G towers for mobile internet. A few dozen people gathered in Anchorage on January 31, 2026, while several dozen more joined virtually, to discuss whether to rebuild or relocate Kipnuk. (Photo: James Oh / Alaska Public Media) Kipnuk was one of the Western Alaska villages hit hardest by the remnants of Typhoon Halong in October. Residents are starting to vote on whether they want to rebuild their community, or relocate to higher ground. The Alaska Desk's Alena Naiden from our flagship station KNBA reports. Rayna Paul sits in an Anchorage office, scrolling through a spreadsheet filled with hundreds of names of Kipnuk tribal members. “We are just on As…” (laughs) Paul is in charge of the village's voting process. Over the next several days, she and her team will call every single adult tribal member — that's about 900 people — and ask them: Do they want to rebuild the village in its current location or move to higher ground? “It’s very important for us to find out what the tribal members from Kipnuk want.” Last fall's disastrous winds and flooding destroyed homes and infrastructure and contaminated land and water. Most of Kipnuk's residents remain evacuated, including Paul. She says she wants the future Kipnuk to be safe. “We love our community. We miss our community. We’re doing it for our future generations to come, because they might not know what to do when this happens again. I think we’re just going to be hit with many, many storm events.” The first community meeting about whether to relocate happened about a week ago. The decision to start voting followed swiftly. Sheryl Musgrove directs the climate justice program under the Alaska Institute for Justice. She says the village needs to act fast to make the most of both the short construction season and the available funding for disaster recovery. “They don’t have decades. They need to do it immediately. … That’s my hope is they can show other communities that are going to be faced with this in the future, that you can rebuild someplace else– if that’s what they decide– on a short timeline as the disaster recovery process.” Right now, Kipnuk leadership is looking at two sites for relocation. Both spots are located on higher ground. During the voting process, Paul and her team of four are also asking residents if they want to suggest any other sites. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Thursday, February 19, 2026 – The growing AI appropriation threat

As immigration enforcement actions continue across the country, Indigenous people are increasingly concerned they are being targeted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). And some have been detained. For the Mountain West News Bureau, Daniel Spaulding has more. On the morning of December 5, ShyLynn Allen received a panicked phone call from Jose Joaquin Sanchez Alvarado, the father of her children. Alvarado was driving from his home in Meridian, Idaho to pick up their 10-year-old son to take him to school. Suddenly, he was surrounded by police. “He called me from inside the car and he’s like, ‘I think,’ he’s like, ‘I think they’re taking me.’ And he was just like, ‘I’m pretty sure.’ He’s like, ‘I’m pretty sure they’re detaining me.” Allen is a member of the Shoshone-Paiute Tribe in Idaho and Nevada. Alvarado, who is undocumented and not a tribal member, came to the United States from Mexico when he was just 11-years-old. “He doesn't have a criminal record. I don't even know why they're really targeting him. You know, he's a good person. He's not. He's never been in trouble like he always works like that's all he does is work.” Alvarado is now being held in an ICE detention facility near Las Vegas, Nev. Allen says the emotional toll has fallen heavily on their children. “Now they don't even want to go outside or do anything.” As ICE ramps up operations across the country, that fear is widespread in Native communities. Despite being U.S. citizens and members of sovereign tribal nations, Indigenous people are increasingly being questioned – and in some cases detained – by immigration agents. In January, Peter Yazzie, an enrolled member of the Navajo Nation, was detained by ICE in Phoenix before being released later that day. “We are the first peoples of the country, and our citizenship should never be questioned or challenged by anyone.” That is Crystalyne Curley, the Speaker of the Navajo Nation Council. In January, the council passed legislation calling on ICE to formally recognize Navajo Nation identification documents. Many tribes across the country are urging their citizens to carry tribal IDs at all times. In January, the Native American Rights Fund (NARF) hosted a know your rights webinar. Over a thousand people attended. Beth Wright (Laguna Pueblo) is a senior staff attorney at NARF. “Yeah, we’re getting a lot of outreach from folks all over the country. I think there’s a lot of concern about what to do if tribal citizens are stopped by ICE and what their rights are in different encounters with ICE. I think one of the important messages to convey is that tribal citizens are citizens of the U.S.” But many Native parents are worried that tribal IDs won't be enough. Eva Flores is a member of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe in Arizona. She lives in Caldwell, Idaho. “You know, I fear for my kids to go out, even just to school or activities, not knowing if, you know, they're coming home or if they're going to be picked up.” In a statement, the Department of Homeland Security said its agents are trained to determine a person's immigration status and whether they are subject to removal. As tribal leaders call on federal authorities to respect tribal sovereignty, parents like ShyLynn Allen are focused on protecting their children. “We don't need ICE on our street. They're only terrorizing brown people. And it's not doing any good. They're violating constitutional rights, they're killing people.” Defending adult division world hoop champ Josiah Enriquez wins his third title in a row at the Heard Museum on February 15, 2026. (Courtesy Heard Museum / Gila River Broadcasting Corporation) The annual Indigenous hoop dancing championships was held over the weekend, returning to the Heard Museum in Phoenix, Ariz. As KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio reports, the reigning titleholder made history by defending his crown once more. A two point difference – 214 points – a three-time champion, Josiah Enriquez…” The three-peat adult division champ, who is Navajo and from the pueblos of Isleta and Pojoaque in New Mexico, made history Sunday night. His victory marks a very rare feat no one else has achieved, except the sport's most decorated dancer three decades ago. Arizona's Derrick Suwaima Davis (Hopi and Choctaw) won three of his record-setting seven world titles in a row between 1996 and 1998. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Tuesday, February 17, 2026 – Will limiting commercial trawler bycatch save salmon in Alaska?

In this episode, we explore the remarkable experiences of Terry, a Navajo woman and longtime seasonal national park worker who has spent much of her life in some of the most remote landscapes of the American West. Raised on the Navajo Nation and later working across national parks and wilderness areas, Terry shares a series of encounters and stories that span decades and vast geography.From time spent harvesting pine nuts in isolated mountain terrain to moments along quiet roads near the Grand Canyon, Terry describes experiences that left lasting impressions and raised profound questions. She also recounts stories passed through family and community, along with observations made while living and working in places few people ever see after dark. Her perspective is shaped by cultural understanding, deep respect for the land, and years of firsthand exposure to the natural world.This conversation weaves together personal encounters, regional history, and reflections on what it means to share space with something intelligent and elusive. Terry's account offers listeners a grounded, thoughtful look at Sasquatch as more than a fleeting mystery, rooted in place, memory, and lived experience. Join us as we listen closely to a voice shaped by the land and the stories it carries.

The Navajo people, also called the Diné, are one of the largest Native American tribes in the United States. They have lived for centuries in the Southwest, in areas that are now Arizona, New Mexico, and Utah. The Navajo are known for their strong traditions, beautiful weaving, silver jewelry, and deep connection to the land. Family, storytelling, and respect for nature are central to Navajo life. Today, the Navajo Nation continues to preserve its language and culture while also living in the modern world.

Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Billy Kirkland addresses the National Congress of American Indians on February 10, 2026. Kirkland is a citizen of the Navajo Nation. He was confirmed to his post, a political position at the Department of the Interior, on October 7, 2025. In his position, Kirkland oversees the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Indian Education and the Bureau of Trust Funds Administration. Kirkland spoke at NCAI's executive council winter session in Washington, D.C. It was his first appearance at NCAI since being confirmed.

Don't Whistle At Night welcomes Johnny Utah Date: February 8th, 2026 EP: 043 Topic: Bigfoot and SkinWalkers Born in The Navajo Nation in Utah !!!!

William Lohr and Charles Chavez are recent graduates of the Cross Christian Shepherd School, and both are excited to see what God does with them next. Samantha Lohr joins the conversation to add a “wife’s” perspective as she and William serve together in missions ministry while parenting four children. WilliamLohrMissions.org is a non-profit organization that exists to bring hope, help, and healing to communities across the Navajo Nation, meeting practical needs and sharing the life-changing message of Jesus. Charles is a retired Albuquerque Police Officer now teaching the Bible, assisting Pastors in small communities around New Mexico. For information about the Cross Christian Shepherd School, click on this link. Charles and William are happy to share how God is leading them to serve in ministry. Charles can be reached by calling 505-362-0138 or connect through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/journeytocountingitjoy. Contact William Lohr Missions by clicking on the link or call 505-288-7771. The post Samantha and William Lohr with Charles Chavez appeared first on ABQ Connect.

Check out the new podcast: Mr. Creeps: Scary Stories & CreepypastasTIMESTAMPS:0:00:00 "My Grandpa Left Me an Obscure Map"1:05:52 "There's Something in the Desert of Navajo Nation"1:53:06 "This Is the Weirdest Thing I Have Ever Seen in the Ocean"

Industrial water work rewards people who can move between precision and practicality. Katie Holliday brings both. She started as a lab chemist, then transitioned into field service with Apex Water and Process, where much of her work supports healthcare facilities and high-accountability programs.   Lab habits that protect your tools and your data  Katie describes the first surprise of field work: a central plant is "very dirty," and the job demands good technique without chasing lab-level perfection. She shares a couple of simple practices that prevent expensive problems. Use proper lab wipes on glassware instead of shirts or paper towels, which can scratch surfaces and compromise readings. Keep pH probes wet with the correct storage solution, because once they dry out, they often stop working.     Healthcare water: SPD work and Legionella prevention  About 90% of Katie's accounts are healthcare. She defines SPD as the sterile processing department and explains why expectations shift compared to boilers and cooling towers. SPD work is cleaner, more controlled, and typically includes additional components such as endotoxin filtration and UV. It also involves more testing and stricter standards that tie directly to patient safety. Alongside SPD, she emphasizes Legionella prevention as a constant priority, from cooling towers (including secondary disinfection) to domestic water, because facilities want to reduce risk to patients.    Water chemistry reality check: Phoenix versus "everywhere else"  Katie explains how Arizona water changes the operating window. She notes high hardness and high chlorides, which can limit cycles of concentration and force conservative targets compared with places like Atlanta, where Trace describes running much higher cycles. The takeaway for experienced pros is familiar: operating limits are local, and "what good looks like" depends on the incoming water and the constraints that matter most at that site.    Mentorship, representation, and field readiness systems  Katie shares what it meant to be the first woman account manager hire in a long-running operation, and her advice is practical: recruit intentionally, then train people in the field, not from the sidelines. She credits her mentor, Bernie Peacock, for accelerating her learning curve, and she now passes that on by responding fast, following through, and providing steady backup to newer teammates. She also describes how she built mechanical confidence, using manuals, YouTube, phone video, and a OneNote playbook that captures account contacts, access details, sampling points, and "where things are" notes for clean coverage when someone else is on-site.   Listen to the full conversation above. Explore related episodes below. Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!    Timestamps  02:14 - Trace Blackmore shares "first day" intimidation and learning curve in water treatment  08:55 - Words of Water with James McDonald  12:30 - Upcoming Events for Water Treatment Professionals   14:48 - Interview begins: Katie Holliday introduced (Apex Water and Process)   15:55 – Lab to Field transition and technique  20:27 – Representation and Mentorship  26:42 – Culture and Water Stewardship   33:31 – Healthcare work, SPD, and Legionella   35:56 – Mentoring and "give it back"  39:22 – Mechanical Confidence, Tools, and Documentation Systems     Quotes and Key Takeaways "What do I not know that I don't know?"  "Everyone needs a Bernie Peacock" "Field accuracy doesn't require lab perfection, but it does require clean technique." "The most effective mentoring is responsive and practical."  "Documentation scales your value"    Connect with Katie Holliday Email: k.nativeamericanbeadwork@gmail.com   Website https://teamapex.com/   LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-holliday-9b6977246/   https://www.linkedin.com/company/apex-water-process/     Guest Resources Mentioned   The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose Under the Bridge by Rebecca Godfrey   AAMI ST108 Compliance in Sterile Processing  High hardness in Phoenix  ASSE 12080 Legionella Water Safety certification  Navajo Nation water access    Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies)  Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses  Submit a Show Idea   The Rising Tide Mastermind Fearless Pricing: Ignite Your Team, Own Your Value, and Command What You Deserve by Casey Brown     Words of Water with James McDonald  Today's definition is the upward flow of water through a resin bed to clean, expand, and reclassify the bed.  Can you guess the word?    2026 Events for Water Professionals  Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE.     

In this episode, we explore a chilling series of firsthand Bigfoot encounters that stretch across the American landscape, beginning with a haunting road crossing in the remote hills east of Tacoma and Olympia, Washington. What starts as a late-night drive turns into a life-altering moment when three towering figures step into the headlights—then calmly look back.From there, the stories grow even darker and more unsettling. We travel to the high desert canyons of the Navajo Nation near Gallup, New Mexico, where late-night screams echo through the mountains and a massive black figure is seen crawling, standing, and watching from the darkness. We journey north to the rugged Blue Mountains near Blanding, Utah, where a Sasquatch rips open a teepee during a family hunting trip. We return to a known hotspot near Mena, Arkansas, just miles from Board Camp Crystal Mine, and hear updates from a witness drawn back to the same remote cabin where strange activity first began.The episode continues through the forests of southeastern New Mexico, the Ozarks near Marshfield, Missouri, and the pine-covered backroads of East Texas, where a family recounts terrifying encounters passed down through generations.

Navajo Nation children make their wants and needs clear. This Week’s Featured Interview #1: Anna Rondon on government’s push for uranium extraction disguised as a “clean up”: Links: Featured Interview #2: Kevin Kamps and Holtec’s Planned Palisades Nuclear Restart in Michigan: ICAN Update with Alistair Burnett: Alistair Burnett, Head of Media for the Nobel Peace...

In this episode, we explore firsthand Bigfoot encounters spanning multiple regions across the United States. From a remote stretch of road along Oregon's Rogue River to reported activity within the Navajo Nation, and from forest corridors near Happy Camp, California to rural highways in Southern Indiana, witnesses share experiences rooted in specific places and moments.

From an Iñupiaq Wordle game to a new language immersion program, a wave of efforts to revitalize Iñupiaq language has been sweeping across northern Alaska. Last month, one Utqiaġvik artist received a Rasmuson award to create an Iñupiaq language workbook for kids. The Alaska Desk’s Alena Naiden from our flagship station KNBA has more. Alaina Bankston has loved making art since she was a child. Now that she has a child of her own, she wants to use her art to help him learn the Iñupiaq language. Bankston is an Utqiaġvik artist who recently received a Rasmuson award to create a workbook that will do just that. She will spend a year designing and illustrating a primer for children that teaches the Iñupiaq alphabet and numbers. Bankston says her four-year-old son Qalayauq was her inspiration for the project. “It all kind of started with creating for him and being able to use those resources.” Bankston says she is still on her own language learning journey. She practices speaking with elders and uses dictionaries and the Rosetta Stone app. But Bankston says children learn differently than adults, and she wanted to create educational materials that catered to the youngest learners. “You start kindergarten, you have the whole workbook, you’re learning the alphabet, the numbers, the colors, and we have all that in English. But I’m like, what if we had that in Iñupiaq?” Bankston says some resources for learning Iñupiaq are available through the North Slope Borough School District, but she says regular parents might not have access to them. “It’s really born out of necessity. I’m sure there are resources out there … but they’re not something you could just go pick up at a store or buy online.” Bankston's project is just one example of the language revitalization efforts in the region. Two years ago, the school district restarted its Iñupiaq immersion program, and a few years before that, Alaska Native linguists created a digital Iñupiaq dictionary. And when the popular puzzle game Wordle took off across the country, local linguists and enthusiasts created an Iñupiaq version. “I think we’ve been making big strides recently … with the history of it, it’s definitely a dying language, but I think it’s important we keep it alive.” Bankston says everyone can do their part to preserve the language, and the workbook is one such step for her. Arizona Poet Laureate Laura Tohe (Diné) reads her poetry at the state Capitol on January 14, 2026. (Courtesy Arizona Capitol TV) A former Navajo Nation poet laureate has been named by Gov. Katie Hobbs (D-AZ) as the state's second-ever state poet. KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio has more. Laura Tohe has dedicated her life to Indigenous literature, but doesn't want that identity to dominate her tenure. “I don't want people to think that again, you know, I'm just shifting from Navajo Nation to Arizona as a Navajo poet.” And part of her pledge is to help bring poetry to rural communities. While most living on the Navajo Nation have no choice but to haul essentials like water, coal, and wood from far away – for Tohe growing up, it was books. “I did…” Born in Fort Defiance, Ariz., Tohe remembers taking long road trips with her mother to the closest library across state lines in New Mexico. “We did make it to Gallup, and I got a library card. She wanted to make sure I had access.” The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs is holding a hearing Wednesday in Washington, D.C., focusing on Native children. The hearing will examine the draft Native Children's Commission Implementation Act, which focuses on improving justice and safety outcomes for Native children. It includes Tribal-federal coordination on public safety, juvenile justice, and victim services. The hearing will be streamed live on the committee's website. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out the latest episode of Native America Calling Wednesday, January 28, 2026 – Remembering visionary Indigenous journalist Dan David

A bipartisan bill signed into law last year is now giving Native Americans residing in Arizona the option to update their state-issued identification to show their tribal affiliation. As KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio reports, it comes at a time when Indigenous peoples are being swept up in immigration raids – including Peter Yazzie (Navajo), who was recently detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in the Phoenix metro area. This new marker is akin to getting an organ donor or veteran insignia on any form of ID, including a driver license. To do so, applicants need to prove that they're enrolled in a tribe by submitting a Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB), and so far, the Arizona Department of Transportation has gotten more than 1,600 requests for the designation. That idea of streamlining legal documents came from State Rep. Myron Tsosie (Navajo/D-AZ). “Instead of having to dig out all your cards to show that you are Native American.” And had nothing to do with ICE. “That wasn't the purpose, but I'm hearing from constituents saying that I feel safer now.” And it's something Thomas Cody, executive director of the Navajo Nation's Division for Child and Family Services, is encouraging his Diné urban relatives to seek out. “It's unfortunate that we have to have an ID that we're Native Americans. We shouldn't but I'm glad the state of Arizona, Gov. [Katie] Hobbs is taking an extra step.” His deputy director Sonlatsa Jim thinks this service is much-needed – not just for Navajos living in the Grand Canyon State. “Because we are the largest Native American tribe, you'll find a Navajo tribal member anywhere in the United States.” That's why Tsosie is working with neighboring Utah and New Mexico state lawmakers to adopt his legislation aiming to help cover more of Indian Country, including the rest of his sprawling 27,000-square-mile reservation. The federal government is reviewing the business program that benefits Alaska Native corporations and tribes. The Alaska Desk’s Alena Naiden from our flagship station KNBA reports. In a video posted on X January 16, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said his department will review the 8(a) Business Development Program. That program falls under the federal Small Business Administration (SBA) and supports businesses owned by socially disadvantaged individuals or tribes including Alaska Native Corporations. We are taking a sledgehammer to the oldest DEI program in the federal government—the 8(a) program. pic.twitter.com/c9iH8gcqG7 — Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) January 16, 2026 Sec. Hegseth said in the video that the 8(a) program promotes the diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) framework and race-based contracting. In the 8(a) program, the federal government sets aside contracting opportunities for disadvantaged small businesses. Tribal entities can have multiple companies in the program, while individuals can only have one. Alaska Native Corporations rely heavily on federal contracts often received through the 8(a) program. Data from the Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis shows that it is their primary source of revenue. And most of those contracts come from the U.S. Department of Defense. Quinton Carroll is the executive director of the Native American Contractors Association, and originally from Utqiagvik. “Native participation in the 8(a) program is not a DEI initiative.” Carroll says the program “fulfills longstanding federal trust and treaty obligations to tribes, Alaska Native Corporations, and Native Hawaiian Organizations.” Hegseth ordered a line-by-line review of sole-source 8(a) contracts that are over $20 million. He said in the social media video that the department will get rid of contracts that do not make the country's military more lethal. Hegseth also said the department will make sure that the businesses getting a contract are the ones actually doing the work. He claimed that often small businesses receive the contract, take a fee, and pass it to a giant consulting firm. However, Carroll says Native federal contractors have been partners of the Department of Defense. He added that Native contractors also support the elimination of fraud and waste within the program. The 8(a) program has faced scrutiny from other directions as well. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in April, directing rewriting of federal contracting regulations. The SBA and Treasury department have been both investigating the program as well. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out the latest episode of Native America Calling Friday, January 23, 2026 — Native Bookshelf: “Special Places, Sacred Circles” by Virginia Driving Hawk Sneve

In this episode PREVIEW, we delve into the extraordinary experiences of Rex from New Mexico, who recounts a chilling series of encounters along the edges of the Navajo Nation. Living near the remote waters of Morgan Lake outside of Shiprock, Rex shares how a routine late-night fishing trip turned into something he never could have imagined. Describing a massive presence emerging from dense lakeside brush, unexplained sounds cutting through the darkness, and physical evidence left behind at the scene, Rex paints a vivid picture of a night that changed his understanding of the world forever.Note: To get this full episode (and tomorrow's episode) early and ad-free then become a supporting member over at https://www.bigfootsocietypodcast.com OR become a Youtube member by tapping the JOIN button.

Tucson prepares a plan to thwart ICE; Drivers push back against a city parking hike; the woman renowned as the Mother of the Navajo Nation has died; and more...

This week on Headline Highlights: Major updates in Barry Morphew's reindictment case as a trial date has been set for October 12, 2026. Federal authorities are now reviewing the handling of Ellen Greenberg's death. 8-Year-Old Maleeka Boone from the Navajo Nation in northern Arizona was found deceased after going missing from her home. A man confronted and murdered his wife because he thought she was allegedly cheating on him and “tampering” with his food. And just days after Jeri Mains filed a protective order against her husband, he shot her and fled the scene leaving their kids to call 911..If you're new here, don't forget to follow the show for weekly deep dives into the darkest true crime cases! To watch the video version of this episode, head over to youtube.com/@annieelise. .SHADY: Did He Tranquilize and Then Murder His Wife? | Barry Morphew & Suzanne Morphew:

Maleeka “Mollie” Boone, a Navajo girl who'd gone missing in the community of Coalmine near Tuba City, Ariz. marks the second time an alert system has been used in search of a Native American since its implementation last year. As KJZZ's Gabriel Pietrorazio reports, that search is now over. The FBI Phoenix Field Office confirmed that Boone's body was found on Friday following a multiagency search that included law enforcement authorities from the Arizona Department of Public Safety, U.S. Marshals Service, Coconino County Sheriff's Office, and Flagstaff Police Department. “To learn that this search has ended in loss is a pain beyond words.” Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren took to social media to share his condolences – not just for Maleeka, but also 3-year-old Karson Apodaca, who was killed during a Christmas parade. “In just the past few weeks, with the tragedy in Kayenta and now this heartbreaking news from Coalmine, our Nation has endured tremendous pain. These moments remind us just how sacred our children are and how deeply connected every life is within our Navajo community. May we honor Maleeka's spirit by cherishing and protecting every child across the Navajo Nation.” The investigation into Maleeka's death is being handled by the FBI and Navajo Department of Criminal Investigations. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Jonathan Juárez (@pueblobaddie) On the opening day of the New Mexico legislative session Tuesday, a protest was held at the state capitol in Santa Fe. KUNM's Jeanette DeDios (Jicarilla Apache and Diné) spoke to Indigenous people at the event. Hundreds of New Mexicans rallied and marched up the steps towards the Roundhouse. Oglala Sioux Nation member John Swift Bird led the march with other Native drummers. “The energy always, always gets to the people. People have always resonated to the singing and to the energy of it.” He's been advocating back and forth between New Mexico and South Dakota ever since the 2016 protests in Standing Rock against the Dakota Access Pipeline. Longtime activist Elder Kathy Sanchez (San Ildefonso Pueblo) gave a blessing and told attendees to not give up. “Every thing that is brought forth in a good way will survive, because all of us are not giving up on each other.” Siihasin Hope from the Mescalero Apache and Diné Nations is an advocate for the Southwest Solidarity Network and Revolutionary 2 Spirit Collective. Hope is advocating for land and water protections and says  it's important for Indigenous people to understand and exercise their rights. “It’s the only reason that we have them, is because people before us, our ancestors before us, have fought for us to be here. Have fought for us to have the right to, you know, live.” She wants lawmakers and the governor to continue upholding tribal consultation on Native issues and says she and other advocates will continue to fight for tribal rights. Photograph and MMIP activist Amanda Freeman stands before two portraits on January 14, 2026. (Photo: Brian Bull / KLCC) The founder of a Missing and Murdered Indigenous People organization is sharing the faces of those affected by the crisis. KLCC's Brian Bull (Nez Perce) reports on a new exhibition in Salem, Oreg. Amanda Freeman founded Ampkwa Advocacy and has displayed nearly three dozen photos of Native people who have lost a relative or have suffered domestic violence or addiction. It's titled, “Ampkwa: munk lush nsayka shawash tilixam”, which means “Healing our Indigenous relatives.” Red hand prints and a long red trailing dress adorn the walls and wrap around each portrait. Freeman says she wants visitors to leave with one impression. “I would like them to remember that we're not disposable. And actually leave with the mindset of, “Let me share this information because I had no idea. Because any awareness is good awareness.” A reception and artist's talk will be held January 28. The exhibit runs through February 6 at the Gretchen Schuette Art Gallery at Chemeketa Community College. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out the latest episode of Native America Calling Wednesday, January 21, 2026 – Native activists prepare for ongoing resistance and documentation as federal crackdowns expand

Eight-year-old Malika “Molly” Boone went missing from Navajo Nation land, and days later she was found deceased. Now, the FBI is involved, a federal tip line is open, and yet critical details remain sealed. No cause of death has been released. No manner of death has been confirmed. And for many following this case, that silence speaks volumes.Malika Boone's disappearance and death raise urgent questions about how cases involving Native American children are handled, reported, and prioritized. According to investigators, this is not being treated as a simple accident. When the FBI steps in and actively solicits tips from the public, it often signals suspected foul play, even if officials are not yet ready to say so publicly. That has only intensified concern for those tracking the case closely.This story also exposes a far larger and deeply troubling pattern. In 2024 alone, more than 10,000 Native American girls were reported missing across the United States. Considering the comparatively small Native population, the numbers are staggering. Many of these cases receive little to no mainstream media coverage, leaving families desperate for answers and communities feeling invisible.Jurisdictional complexity adds another layer. Crimes on tribal land involve tribal police, federal authorities, and often overlapping gaps in communication. Experts say these gaps can lead to underreported statistics, delayed investigations, and limited transparency. That reality has fueled frustration in Malika Boone's case, where speculation online has exploded in the absence of verified information.Rumors have pointed fingers in every direction, from family members to outsiders, but none of these claims have been substantiated. What remains clear is that an eight-year-old child is dead, and the public still does not know how or why. As investigators work long hours behind closed doors, advocates are asking why stories like Malika Boone's don't dominate headlines the way others do.This is a true crime case still unfolding, a breaking news investigation where the most important answers have yet to be revealed. As more details emerge, the hope is that justice for Malika “Molly” Boone will not be lost in silence.#MalikaBoone #MollyBoone #MissingNativeGirls #NavajoNation #TrueCrime #BreakingNews #FBIInvestigation #MissingPersons #JusticeForMalika

In this episode, Brenda, calling in from New Mexico, shares a series of experiences that took place on her rural property. What began as unusual activity around the land slowly escalated. Sounds in the yard. Animals reacting with fear. A growing sense that something large was moving close to the house after dark. Then one night, it came right up to her door. She also talks about what happened afterward, the evidence left behind, and why these encounters were impossible to dismiss as wildlife or imagination.More information on this episode on the podcast website:https://ufochroniclespodcast.com/2026If you enjoy this podcast, please support the show with a virtual coffee:https://ko-fi.com/ufochroniclespodcastFollow and Subscribe on X to get ad-free episodesX: https://x.com/UFOchronpodcast/Want to share your encounter on the show?Email: UFOChronicles@gmail.comOr Fill out Guest Form:https://forms.gle/uGQ8PTVRkcjy4nxS7Podcast Merchandise:https://www.teepublic.com/user/ufo-chronicles-podcastHelp Support UFO CHRONICLES by becoming a Patron:https://patreon.com/UFOChroniclespodcastAll Links for Podcast:https://linktr.ee/UFOChroniclesPodcastThank you for listening!Like share and subscribe it really helps me when people share the show on social media, it means we can reach more people and more witnesses and without your amazing support, it wouldn't be possible.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ufo-chronicles-podcast--3395068/support.

In this episode, Brenda, calling in from New Mexico, shares a series of experiences that took place on her rural property. What began as unusual activity around the land slowly escalated. Sounds in the yard. Animals reacting with fear. A growing sense that something large was moving close to the house after dark. Then one night, it came right up to her door. She also talks about what happened afterward, the evidence left behind, and why these encounters were impossible to dismiss as wildlife or imagination.More information on this episode on the podcast website:https://ufochroniclespodcast.com/2026If you enjoy this podcast, please support the show with a virtual coffee:https://ko-fi.com/ufochroniclespodcastFollow and Subscribe on X to get ad-free episodesX: https://x.com/UFOchronpodcast/Want to share your encounter on the show?Email: UFOChronicles@gmail.comOr Fill out Guest Form:https://forms.gle/uGQ8PTVRkcjy4nxS7Podcast Merchandise:https://www.teepublic.com/user/ufo-chronicles-podcastHelp Support UFO CHRONICLES by becoming a Patron:https://patreon.com/UFOChroniclespodcastAll Links for Podcast:https://linktr.ee/UFOChroniclesPodcastThank you for listening!Like share and subscribe it really helps me when people share the show on social media, it means we can reach more people and more witnesses and without your amazing support, it wouldn't be possible.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ufo-chronicles-podcast--3395068/support.

AP correspondent Donna Warder reports on the discovery of the body of a missing 8-year-old girl.

On today's newscast: NAU pauses plans for med school, Round Valley police officer fatally shoots armed man at headquarters, Turquoise Alert issued for missing 8-year-old on Navajo Nation, and more.

What a wonderful podcast I had with Marilou Schultz. She is a master weaver and a math teacher who grew up in Leupp, Arizona on the Navajo Nation.She has been teaching her entire life and is justs now going into weaving full-time. There's good reason for that too. You see, Marilou's weavings are very in demand. She has a waitlist that includes the Basel and MoMA collections. What she has done is interpreted various computer chips through the lens of a traditional Diné weaver. It's just an amazing story. She got a commissioned by Intel to do a rendition of the Pentium chip in 1994. She's a fourth generation Navajo Weaver and she uses her background in mathematics to create these incredible textiles. I was fortunate enough to get one of these ordered a year ago, and she brought it to me today. I got to see it for the first time during this podcast and you can see my eyes light up as she unravels this masterpiece.I highly recommend that you watch this on YouTube because you will be able to see her interact with the textile, as well see her tell her story, which is quite remarkable. This is one of my favorite podcasts that I've done. I hope you enjoy it. This is master Diné weaver, Marilou Schultz on the Art Dealer Diaries Podcast.

Sarah Lazare returns to This Is Hell! to talk about her new In These Times piece “They Worked Underground in the Uranium Mines. They've Been Surrounded by Death Ever Since”. Sarah investigates how the uranium industry left a trail of sickness and loss through Navajo territory while President Trump is pushing for another mining boom. We will have new installments of Rotten History and Hangover Cure. We will also be sharing your answers to this week's Question from Hell! from Patreon. Help keep This Is Hell! completely listener supported and access bonus episodes by subscribing to our Patreon: www.patreon.com/thisishell

Join Rich Froning for a lively episode with Dale Brisby, the cowboy comedian and rodeo hand known for turning ranch life into pure entertainment. Dale shares everything from announcing wild Can-Am races to fixing ranch problems, chasing mules, dealing with skunks, and surviving the daily chaos that comes with horses and small-town living. Rich and Dale get into how fitness fits into ranch work, why elk hunting has become a yearly reset, and what really happens on guided hunts and private land. Dale talks about running with Cam Haines, learning jiu-jitsu, and heading into Arizona to help the Navajo Nation rope wild maverick cattle — one of the craziest experiences he’s ever had. It’s an episode full of humor, honesty, and stories only someone like Dale can tell. Connect with Rich Froning MeatEater on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and Youtube Clips Subscribe to The MeatEater Podcast Network on YouTubeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.