INDIAN COUNTRY

Tribal nations in the Pacific Northwest leverage sovereignty and experience to fight the pandemic.

The Constitution of the Choctaw Nation bars enrollment for the descendants of enslaved Black people. Chief Gary Batton says enrollment is based on ‘a federal construct that has fueled division and racism.’

COVID-19 created a need for more internet access. On reservations, barriers remain to high-speed broadband.

Earlier this year, 17 members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation went on trial for violating COVID-19 restrictions. In court, they argued that they had a right to practice their traditions. Pandemic restrictions have made it harder for many Native Americans to maintain contact with their culture, some leaders say.

The COVID-19 pandemic and mismatched databases confound efforts to address failures investigating Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Wednesday is a national day of action.

Oregon tribes are reintroducing a species that creates important habitat for First Foods. But the Beaver State’s laws don’t work in the animal’s favor.

The economic downturn caused by the COVID-19 outbreak has hit Indian Country particularly hard. Entrepreneurs are turning to small, local lending institutions in a region that’s often outside the reach of traditional banks.

Once leery of federal health initiatives, Native Americans embrace COVID-19 vaccines as a way to protect communities and families.

Members of Congress are threatening to hold up housing funds for tribes. To the chief of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, it’s infringing on tribal sovereignty. For those seeking citizenship, it’s a chance to change a ‘system of hidden anti-Black racism.’

If Rep. Deb Haaland is appointed by Congress, she will oversee the Department of Interior, managing “the earth, mountains, forests, rivers—and Indians”, a federal agency that has upended life for Native Americans for decades.

The novel coronavirus outbreak is making it harder for Native Americans to fish along the Columbia River. Depleted salmon runs and the federal government’s failure to improve fishing sites had already impacted culturally and economically important harvests.

Relief money provided by the CARES Act must be spent by Dec. 30. With Congress fighting over additional stimulus, Oregon tribal governments are left wondering how they’ll provide services next year.

The COVID-19 pandemic shuttered facilities at Portland’s Native American Youth and Family Center. Now the organization is finding ways to offer services remotely, including getting food to families who are at a high risk of going hungry.

And why I'm lucky

A look at events that led up to the Columbus Day proclamation that arose from racist attitudes and how Native Americans face similar racist demons. 

For Native American high school graduates, COVID-19 has derailed plans—but not resolve.

The Census has long failed to accurately tally populations in Indian Country. COVID-19 is hampering attempts to fix that.

On the Warm Springs Reservation, residents have been without clean drinking water for three summers in a row. Where is the fix?

The Native American experience with COVID-19 is only the latest chapter in a centuries-long tragedy.

In the midst of a pandemic, tribes adapt in their preparation for fire season.

Pandemic has forced the cancellation of events everywhere. But in Indian Country, not congregating comes with added cost—and risk.

Casino closings affect thousands of Oregon jobs.

Native American dancing celebrates life at a distance

Coronavirus numbers for Native Americans begin to climb.

Collaboration and multiple partnerships built “Our Place” to change the financial bottom line.