Recently in Native News

Continuing with our practice of keeping you apprised of Native news and relevant articles, take a closer look at some of the stories that piqued our interest in October. You can stay up to date with more Native news articles by following us on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

How America’s Past Shapes Native Americans’ Present via The Atlantic

• “Native American poverty doesn’t fit the image many may have of life on secluded, depleted reservations. Most Native Americans now live in cities, where many are still trying to adjust to urban life; as a group, Native Americans face a 27 percent poverty rate and are still trying to reverse some of the lasting effects of federal policies that have put them at a disadvantage for hundreds of years.”

Columbus Day and what Native Americans really need via Fox News Opinion

• “This week the city of Denver will become the 14^th community in the country to recognize the second Monday of October—previously known only as Columbus Day—as a day to recognize the contributions of Native peoples to the United States. While Denver’s new holiday won’t supplant Columbus Day, the intention is clear. Celebrating explorers like Columbus Day is an insult to American Indians.”

NMSU receives USDA grant to expand agricultural education program to 18 pueblos via KRWG TV / NPR

• “New Mexico State University’s beginning farmers and ranchers program that helps Native American farmers and ranchers succeed in agriculture has been extended three more years and expanded to include both the eight northern and 10 southern pueblos… The RAIPAP staff is currently selecting the participants from the pueblos of Taos, Picuris, Ohkay Owingeh, Santa Clara, San Ildefonso, Pojoaque, Nambe, Tesuque, Cochiti, San Felipe, Santo Domingo, Sandia, Santa Ana, Zia, Jemez, Isleta, Laguna and Acoma. They are anticipating having 100 participants who will receive training to help them reach their goals for their agricultural operations.”

The Secret Strength of Standing Rock via Yes! Magazine

• “Since the Sacred Stone camp was founded in April to fight the Dakota Access pipeline, which would cross under the Missouri River a few hundred feet upstream of the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, the movement has consistently centered on protecting clean water. But as the occupation grew over the summer, attracting Native and non-Native supporters from around the world, overflow camps were established, and the scope of the movement expanded, as well… the movement is now about much more than a single pipeline. Supporters have connected with different aspects, such as strengthening tribal sovereignty, fighting eminent domain, exposing the social and environmental impacts of the Bakken oil fields, and moving away from fossil fuels.”

Sabine Parish awarded $2.9 million to help American Indian students via The Shreveport Times

• “Sabine Parish recently received a $2.9 million grant to benefit American Indian students…. ‘This grant gave us the opportunity to bring in some much needed funds to make sure all of our students, and American Indian students for this grant, make it to graduation.’ The Office of Indian Education awarded 32 total grants to recipients in 13 different states. Sabine Parish was one of two parishes in Louisiana to receive the grant.”