ICWA Upheld by SCOTUS

In a significant triumph for Native American rights, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld key provisions of the Indian Child Welfare Act, a law established 45 years ago to address past government mistreatment. The court's 7-2 vote concluded that the law does not excessively impose federal authority on traditionally state-regulated areas. Justice Amy Coney Barrett, writing for the majority, cited extensive historical precedence allowing Congress to legislate on Indian affairs, including family law. The Indian Child Welfare Act was enacted in 1978 to prevent the forced removal of Native children from their homes and prioritize their placement within extended family or tribal members. Dissenting opinions were voiced by Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, while Justice Neil Gorsuch provided a strong defense of the law and its historical context. Read more using the link below:

https://www.npr.org/2023/06/15/1182121455/indian-child-welfare-act-supreme-court-decision

Also, read the official decision here:

https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/22pdf/21-376_7l48.pdf

Biden-Harris Administration Protects Chaco Region, Tribal Cultural Sites from Development

Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has taken steps to safeguard the cultural and historic resources surrounding Chaco Culture National Historical Park in New Mexico from new oil and gas leasing and mining claims. The public land order issued withdraws public lands within a 10-mile radius of the park for 20 years, protecting sacred and historic sites important to Tribal communities. The decision, informed by extensive public engagement and consultation with Tribal Nations, does not affect valid existing leases or private, state, and Tribal mineral rights. Chaco Culture National Historical Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, holds rich archaeological resources and continues to be home to Tribal communities. The withdrawal aims to preserve the integrity of the cultural landscape and prevent encroaching mineral development. The Interior Department is also undertaking a broader assessment of the Greater Chaco cultural landscape to ensure better management and collaboration with Tribes. This action aligns with the administration's commitment to conservation and Indigenous knowledge. Read more using the link below:

https://www.doi.gov/pressreleases/biden-harris-administration-protects-chaco-region-tribal-cultural-sites-development

New Mexico Politicians Pleased Supreme Court Upheld ICWA

The Supreme Court has upheld the Indian Child Welfare Act (ICWA) in a 7-2 decision, which was passed by Congress in 1978 to address the high rates of Native American children being taken from their families by adoption agencies. New Mexico lawmakers, including U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich and Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, have expressed support for the court's ruling, emphasizing the importance of protecting tribal sovereignty and preserving Native American culture. They believe that upholding the ICWA is crucial in avoiding past injustices and meeting the legal and moral obligations to Native tribes and children. The New Mexico Children, Youth, and Families Department also praised the decision for supporting the well-being of Native children and families. Read more using the link below:



https://www.thecentersquare.com/new_mexico/article_e6e62dfc-0c7a-11ee-9976-2be2744fd416.html

Protest at Chaco Canyon Deters Event to Celebrate New Federal Oil and Gas Leasing Ban

Land allottees from the Navajo Nation who receive royalties from mineral exploration block U.S. Secretary of Interior Deb Haaland entering and holding commemoration at national monument. Read more using the link below:



https://sourcenm.com/2023/06/11/protest-at-chaco-canyon-deters-event-to-celebrate-new-federal-oil-and-gas-leasing-ban/

Federal Government to Preserve History of Indian Boarding Schools

The Department of Interior has joined forces with the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) to preserve the oral history and records of the Federal Indian Boarding School Initiative. The NEH has committed $4 million to digitize records from 408 federal Indian boarding schools and create a permanent oral history collection documenting the experiences of Indigenous students who went through the boarding school system. The initiative aims to shed light on the troubled legacy of federal boarding school policies and address their intergenerational impact. This partnership marks the first time the U.S. government is undertaking a project to create a permanent oral history program on the history of federal Indian boarding schools. The efforts will help preserve the stories and experiences of survivors and their descendants, provide a better understanding of the boarding school system's impact, and contribute to the acknowledgment and examination of this chapter of U.S. history. Read more using the link below:

https://sourcenm.com/2023/06/13/federal-government-to-preserve-history-of-indian-boarding-schools/

Local Players Selected for Native American All-Star Game at Atlanta Braves' Stadium

The Atlanta Braves are hosting the second annual Native American All-Star Baseball Showcase at Truist Park this weekend. A total of 45 top players in the country with indigenous heritage are selected, and New Mexico is represented by five athletes. Read more using the link below:

https://www.krqe.com/sports/local-sports/local-players-selected-for-native-american-all-star-game-at-atlanta-braves-stadium/

Picuris Pueblo Reads to Open Recreational Dispensary

The Picuris Pueblo is set to open a recreational marijuana dispensary on tribal land in a strategic location, aiming to provide economic opportunities and a safe alternative to hard drugs and alcohol. The pueblo is also cultivating marijuana and offering the outdoor grow to tribal members and local residents interested in entering the industry. The goal is to strengthen the community and showcase the talent of New Mexico's growers. Read more using the link below:

https://www.taosnews.com/news/business/picuris-pueblo-readies-to-open-recreational-dispensary/article_f2d89f35-db06-50fb-b6f8-12edb0b8aaba.html

Operation Works to Get Kidnapped Native Americans Back to New Mexico

Several police departments in New Mexico have observed an increase in missing Native American individuals due to a targeted scam that entices them with a false promise of a fresh start in Phoenix, Arizona, offering help for issues like drug or alcohol abuse. Last week, the city of Gallup had 32 cases, which has now increased to 35. In response, tribal and non-tribal agencies are collaborating on Operation Rainbow Bridge, involving the Navajo Police Department and Phoenix Police Department. The operation has yielded some positive results, as they have located missing persons in the Phoenix area and made contact with 41 individuals, including three from the Navajo Nation. Read more using the link below:

https://www.koat.com/article/missing-titan-submersible-titanic/44297754