Evening briefs in Indian Country
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Here’s a look at what’s happening today:
Tribal COVID-19 memorial unveiled
The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians dedicated a COVID-19 memorial on March 12.
Choctaw Chief Cyrus Ben signed a proclamation marking one year since the state o emergency on tribal lands, and recognized March 12, 2021 as COVID-19 Pandemic Awareness Day.
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Deb Haaland swearing in details announced
Incoming Interior Secretary Deb Haaland will be sworn into office on Tuesday evening in a small ceremony with family, the Interior Department announced.
The ceremony is one of two, a common practice, happening this week. A second swearing-in ceremony will be administered by Vice President Kamala Harris on Thursday.
Before Tuesday's swearing in, Haaland gave farewell remarks, her last as a member of Congress.
Colorado school district to retire controversial mascot
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — A school district in Colorado has agreed to retire the Indians as the Cheyenne Mountain High School mascot despite efforts by some students and alumni to keep it.
The district board voted 4-1 on Monday to retire the mascot at the end of the current school year after over an hour of deliberations, KXRM-TV reported.
To read more, click here.
Absentee Shawnee tribal leader dies
Absentee Shawnee Tribal Lt. Gov. Kenneth Blanchard, 79, of Little Axe, Oklahoma passed away on March 12.
“The Lieutenant Governor has been a big part of the tribe and he will be deeply missed,” the tribe wrote in a Facebook post.
Navajo man charged with murder
Jameson Begaye, 41, of Shiprock, New Mexico, is facing a murder charge after he allegedly shot and killed a person on March 7, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office in New Mexico.
Begaye, Navajo, made his initial court appearance on March 12.
The victim, identified in court records at John Doe, according to the attorney's office, was shot following an altercation at a residence near Shiprock.
For additional information, click here.
From social media:
The latest headlines:
- Farm advocate tapped for Biden post: If confirmed by the Senate, Janie Hipp, Chickasaw, would return to the Agriculture Department as general counsel
- Native mushers finish in Iditarod’s top 10: Dallas Seavey ties the record with five titles; Ryan Redington and Richie Diehl give it a run
- Yup’ik woman to head Alaska Native health organization: ANTHC’s presidency was left vacant in February after the previous president and chairman resigned.
- Feeling the heat of climate change: Tribal nations are faced with an important decision: Move away from lands they’ve cherished for centuries or risk widespread destruction?
- Watch: Fostering our most precious gifts: Stephanie Benally joins the newscast to talk about her efforts within Utah's foster case care system.
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