When you’ve been fully

Tribal code

Ask Donna

What actually matters in this document.

Text

Colorado is

latest to weigh

ban on Native

-More on pg. 15

mascots

Hopi CHR Community

Information

When you’ve been fully

vaccinated

-More on pg. 7

COLUMN

COMMUNITY

LARRY’S CORNER

April 30, 202146th Anniversary, End of the

Vietnam War

Honoring the

Memories

Is it too late for

wishing?

about it

more content and substance in the CAC

press releases. Perhaps Hopi Tutuveni

readers and the public are not aware that

the Committee determined that the media should not be allowed at the meetings

since shortly after when the CAC was created.

This article is far from complete and a

full report out to the public would ensure

the public has been fully apprised of all

tor.

Not only have we been trying to access

information about the CARES Act funding, we have been reporting since before

the pandemic and throughout these very

critical times of mitigating, responding,

preventing and preparing for any further

disasters which may impact the Hopi people. We have even dedicated the middle

insert specifically for the Hopi Emergency Operations Center’s information and

reach to the public.

We can only do so much to remind others that the one and only Hopi newspaper

is part of a democracy where open communication is vital to the public we all

serve. That very same public is impacted

by decisions being made about federal

funding, such as the CARES Act funding,

which was meant for the public’s use.

Hopi Tutuveni will not be one of the

programs moving to Turquoise well site

and due to decisions made by the Managing Editor and Editorial Board after careful review of operations , limited future

funding and having the understanding that

CARES Act funding was meant for addressing the COVID-19 virus mitigation,

recovery and future response needs of the

Hopi people.

While we have submitted a proposal

to the CAC to cover some printing costs

of the COVID-19 related materials being

published, the Hopi Tutuveni was not one

of the programs which received any of the

CARES Act funding. The Hopi Tutuveni

continues to operate on recently approved

General Funds which is supplemented

with Revolving Funds generated through

limited advertising revenue which has

also been impacted by the world wide

pandemic and shutdowns. A notice to the

public will be made for its awareness and

to provide as much transparency about the

operations of the one and only newspaper of the Hopi Tribe. We plan to provide

more information on this particular subject in future publications and article.

Hopi Tutuveni April 7, 2021

Executive Order #008-2021 Hopi Phase One Re-Opening itam soosoyam qale 'ykini

WHEREAS, The Constitution and Bylaws of the Hopi Tribe, ARTICLE VI

POWERS OF THE TRIBAL COUNCIL,

SECTION 1 (a) and (b) respectively, authorizes the Hopi Tribal Council to represent and speak for the Hopi Tribe in all

matters for the welfare of the tribe;and

WHEREAS, the Hopi Tribe is a sovereign tribal nation, responsible to its villages, citizens and members and charged

with providing direction for the health and

safety of all during a public health emergency; and

WHEREAS, on March 23, 2020, in

response to COVID-19, the Hopi Tribe

implemented a Stay at Home Executive

Order, which was extended by subsequent

Executive Orders to be effective through

March 31, 2021; and

WHEREAS, as recently as March 15,

2021, data reflects a downward trajectory or near zero percent (5.0%) of positive

tests as a percentage of total tests over a

14-day period; and

WHEREAS, based on an analysis of

available data, benchmarks have been

reached in all thirteen Hopi Villages and

Communities that meet the gating criteria

recommended by the Centers for Disease

Control (CDC) for Phase One Re-Opening; and

WHEREAS, the Hopi Tribe is continuing to face the COVID-19 pandemic with

limited resources to respond to the public

health emergency and is fully aware of the

danger of prematurely opening the community; and

WHEREAS, while significant progress

has been made to achieve a flattening of

the curve, there is still a need for vigilance moving forward with the Phase One

Re-Opening, including the continuation of

certain restrictions.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Chairman of the Hopi

Tribe authorizes the Phase One Re-Opening of Hopi, subject to the following:

1. The use of face coverings is required

inside all public facilities and buildings,

common areas, and outdoor locations

where physical distancing is not possible.

2. The Hopi Law Enforcement Services

will coordinate with village leaders and

village security officers to allow for welfare checks.

3. Hopi villages and regions that satisfy baseline CDC gating criteria are eligible to begin Phase One. In recognition

of village sovereignty, re-opening of the

various Hopi villages and communities

will be left to the administration of each

respective village.

Are you into drawing

COMICS?

New Perspective - Education

by: Carl Onsae

Submit your comics to

consae@hopi.nsn.us

Drawing comics is a great way to show your

drawing skills and your side of Hopi Humor.

If you have the skill and the humor to draw comics

for the Hopi Tutuveni

Call 928-734-3283

To find out more information.

DISCLAIMER: Comics submitted will become property of Hopi

Tutuveni. Name of artist will be

displayed and not edited when submitted. Hopi Tutuveni has

the right to publish submitted comics.

4. It is recommended that the Hopi business sector adhere to the following guidelines, in addition to those listed above for

Phase One Re-opening:

■ Limit capacity with adherence to

the maximum capacity restrictions for

COVID-19 and social distancing protocols.

■ Implement screening, and temperature checks for customers, clients and

staff.

• Implement strict Intervention, Prevention, and Control (IPC), cleaning and disinfecting protocols.

• Implement mechanisms to control

flow of traffic within the facility to the extent feasible.

SO ORDERED this 1st day of April

2021.

Hopi Tutuveni April 7, 2021

HOPI TRIBAL COUNCIL Second

Quarter Session March 1, 2021

AGENDA - AMENDMENT #1

1. Action Item #061-2020 – To approve the settlement agreement in the Hopi Tribe v.

United States of America, No. 06-0941 (Fed. Ct of Claims) – Author/Fred Lomayesva,

General Counsel, Office of the General Counsel – TABLED

2. Presentation of Bureau of Indian Affairs 2023 Budget Formulation Report – Lorraine Walker, Awarding Official, Hopi Agency – TABLED

XI. NEW BUSINESS

1. Action Item #010-2021 – To procure 2021 Insurance Policies for the Hopi Tribe –

Author/Edgar Shupla, Director, Office of Facilities & Risk Management Services

2. Action Item #012-2021 – To approve the FY 2021 General Fund Budget and Expenditure Authorization and Appropriations Language – Author/Wilfred Gaseoma,

Treasurer, The Hopi Tribe - **Time Certain – March 8, 2021 @ 9:00 a.m.

3. Discussion and Possible Action - Hopi CARES Act Committee’s conduct and expenditure of the COVID-19 Funding received by the Hopi Tribe – Dale Sinquah, Tribal

Council Representative, First Mesa Consolidated Villages

4. Discussion and Possible Action – Proposed Alternative to Generate Revenue

for the Hopi Tribe – David Talayumptewa, Tribal Council Representative, Village of

Kykotsmovi

5. Interviews for Position of Hopi Tribal Secretary (2 applicants) – Clark W. Tenakhongva, Vice Chairman, The Hopi Tribe - **Time Certain – March 22, 2021 starting

@ 9:00 a.m.

6. Interviews for Positions on the Hopi Tribal Housing Authority Board of Commissioners (2 applicants), Clark W. Tenakhongva, Vice Chairman, The Hopi Tribe - **Time

Certain – March 22, 2021 starting @ 1:00 p.m.

7. Appointment of a Member of the Health & Education Committee to serve on Second Mesa Day School Board until Elections are held – Clark W. Tenakhongva, Vice

Chairman, The Hopi Tribe

Introduction of Newly

Appointed Tribal

Secretary

On March 22, 2021, the Hopi Tribal Council selected and appointed

Mrs. Judith Youvella as the Tribal Secretary to fulfill the remainder of

the current four year term. She will begin on March 29, 2021 through

December 31, 2021.

Please join us in welcoming Mrs. Youvella as she begins her duties in

working with the Legislative body of the Hopi Tribe. We wish her much

success in her new position. She may be reached by telephone in the Office of the Tribal Secretary at (928) 734-3131 and by Email at JYouvella@

hopi.nsn.us.

Hopi Tutuveni wants to know how we are

doing.

Call or email us to tell us if we are doing a good job. We need your

feedback

928-734-3283

Hopi Tutuveni April 7, 2021

April 30, 2021 - 46th Anniversary - End of the

Vietnam War

Honoring the Memories

Sharon Fredericks, Counselor – Hopi Vet Center

For Hopi Tutuveni

Hotevilla, Ariz. - March 4, 2021, April 30, 1975 was

the official end of the Vietnam War. For the Vietnam Veteran it might seem like yesterday. The Nation has come

a long way and now recognizes and honors the Vietnam

Vet, both men and women. We are slowly losing them.

For families who are fortunate to have their Vietnam Vet

in their family, I hope you will respectfully ask them to

tell their story. Every Veteran in this Nation has a story.

This is one I wrote about two Combat Soldiers who met

in war and one who made an impact on the other as a true

American Indian Warrior.

Years ago, I met R. Amador at a work event. He told me

about an American Indian veteran with whom he served

during the Vietnam War. He asked if I could help him

find the family. His friend, SSgt Parker had been killed

in action March 1970. He knew he was Shoshone from

Nevada. It took me a while and lots of phone calls and

finally someone who knew a possible contact.

Mr. Amador learned of SSgt Parker’s death through

the internet. Shocked and in disbelief he began the slow

process of mourning his loss. Staff Sgt. Parker and Sgt.

Amador served with the 503rd Infantry Regiment, 173

Airborne Brigade. They were 11B, Light Weapons Infantry. Sgt. Amador served as a fire team leader, then as a

Squad leader from 1968 to 1969.

Mr. Amador was raised Latino in a Southern Arizona

town. He roamed the nearby mesas and grew to love the

desert. When he found an arrowhead, he imagined the

Indians who inhabited the land before anyone else. He

thought how tough they had to be to survive a harsh environment and might have walked the very place he stood.

After High School he joined the Army and was sent

to Vietnam. He was 19. He remembered his first three

months as intense. It was the first time he experienced

heavy combat. It was out in the bush with his platoon

that he met Staff Sgt. Parker. Parker was a Squad leader

and a seasoned combat soldier by the time Amador met

him. They became friends and Amador developed a deep

respect for him. Amador sensed his inner strength and

although he was quiet, he was an effective leader and always took good care of his men.

During a reunion another soldier with the 173rd described SSgt Parker as “a man of few words” who taught

him how to walk point, how to be one with the land, how

to fold the elephant grass without a rustle while on patrol.

He also described how he sensed Parker had a powerful

inner strength, confidence and peace.

When Amador learned of the death, all the memories

came flooding back. Memories that included the mission

on September 13, 1968, the day they lost half of their

Company. Amador was carrying the machine gun and

walked in Third platoon. Parker was in the Second platoon when they walked into an ambush. The intensity of

enemy firepower was tremendous and lasted 15 hours,

killing 12 and wounding 49. Parker and Amador were

among the survivors, but the next day ten more soldiers

became psychological casualties.

With the information Amador provided, I made some

connections with a Kiowa in McDermott Nevada. The

next day L. Jackson, Parkers cousin called me. He was

also a Vietnam Vet. He was one of the pallbearers for

Parker’s funeral. They buried SSgt Parker with full military honors. Sgt. Jackson was in awe, “I’ve never seen

anything like that, it was something!” Parker was serving his second tour when he was killed by hostile fire.

After Amador left Vietnam, he did not know Parker had

signed up for another tour. Amador and Parker’s cousin

connected, Mr. Jackson was able give Amador more insight about his friend and how he lived before Vietnam.

Parker’s parents had passed long before he enlisted, and

his grandmother took care of him and his brother. After

the death, she took it hard.

Amador learned that Parker died in what could have

been an ambush. His discussions with his cousin reminded him about Parker’s character remembering the times

he spent with the strong, quiet soldier. He said he always

felt safe around him and Parker always had a sense of

peace even though they were far removed from anything

that represented peace.

Talking with Parker’s cousin, Amador was able to find

healing for himself. Jackson and Amador shed many tears

when speaking of their brother in arms. As a counselor,

Amador knew first-hand the effects of traumatic experiences brought on by war.

Later, Veteran Sgt. Amador remarked, “Meeting your

group has changed my life and allowed me to find peace.

Serving with an American Indian Warrior in both good

times and bad, has filled my spirit and has helped me as a

therapist to broaden my insight to learn what a true warrior is.”

The 173rd was only a brigade size unit but lost over

1,700 men during the Vietnam War between 1965 and

1972. Those who fought beside soldiers killed in action

remember them and they will not be forgotten. There

were 235 American Indians killed, missing or captured

during that war from 1963 to 1971. The number represents men who claimed their native blood at the time.

Helping someone find healing from this connection, I

am honoring my own Hopi Vietnam veterans and Hopi

K.I.A.

If you’ve ever attended a pow-wow, you know that the

first song sung is for veterans. It is rightfully a place of

honor.

Rent this space in our newspaper

reach out to potential customers

email: consae@hopi.nsn.us

to rent this space

Hopi Tutuveni April 7, 2021

HJSHS Athletic Calendar has

The Natwani Coalition’s

Community Grant Program been Canceled for the 2020-2021

School Year

Now Accepting Requests for

Proposals

Hopi Jr./Sr. High School

PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Kyle Nutumya, Natwani Coalition

Program Associate

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – March 11, 2021

For a third consecutive year, the Natwani

Coalition will be offering the Community

Grant Program which consists of two (2)

grant opportunities for the Hopi & Tewa

community. The Micro Grant Program

and the Partnership Capacity Building

Grant. A total amount of $10,000.00 is

available to disperse at $500.00 per award

for the Micro Grant Program. A single

award amount of 25,000 is available for

the Partnership Grant. Both grants shall

fund projects from the community focused

on (1) sustainable methods of agriculture,

(2) supporting healthy food distribution &

consumption, and (3) preserving traditional food & farming knowledge.

Micro Grant Program

Award Amount – $500.00

Awards Available – 20

Eligible Applicants

•Hopi & Tewa tribally enrolled members

•Village Administrators & Staff members representing their Village, Senior

and/or Youth programs;

•Hopi/Tewa community members that

provide a public service through their

work in food, farming, ranching or growing.

Partnership Capacity Building Grant

Award Amount – $25,000.00

Awards Available – 1

Eligible Applicants

•Organizations based on the Hopi Reservation servicing the Hopi & Tewa Community;

•Village Administrators & Staff members representing their Village, Senior

and/or Youth programs;

•Community Programs that provide a

public service through their demonstration of their work in food, farming, growing, or ranching.

The Hopi Foundation office remains

closed to the public following safety

guidelines due to the pandemic. For grant

applications and grant guidelines visit

www.natwanicoalition.org/cgp

Application submissions are due April

9, 2021 by 5:00pm.

For more information you may contact

Natwani Coalition Program Associate –

Kyle Nutumya knutumya@hopifoundation.org at the office at: (928)734-2380 or

on work cell at: (928) 514-8515

Dear Students, Staff, Parents, Guardians, and Hopi Community Members,

Out of an abundance of caution and

based on Hopi Jr./Sr. High School

(HJSHS) staying with its distance-learning format for the foreseeable future,

the HJSHS Governing Board officially

canceled the 2020-2021 spring athletic

seasons during the regularly scheduled

March board meeting. Decisions to cancel activities and opportunities for our

students they provide are extremely difficult. However, the direction became clear

based on feedback from stakeholders,

staff, tribal leadership, healthcare professionals, along with the lack of other area

schools at both the High School and Jr.

High levels participating in activities this

spring. Please know that the safety of our

students and community are at the forefront of all decisions made by HJSHS.

Based on the decision, the entire HJSHS

athletic calendar has been canceled for

the 2020-2021 school year. This includes

both the High School and Jr. High levels.

HJSHS will review data, continue discussions, and seek feedback from students,

parents/guardians, staff, community

members, and tribal leadership throughout

the next couple of months as we evaluate

the possibility of summer activities and

prepare for the 2021 fall athletic seasons.

HJSHS reminds everyone to stay at

home, mask up around all individuals that

do not reside within your household, practice good hygiene procedures, and stay socially distant. It takes all of us following

these protocols faithfully to continue the

recent reduction in spread within our communities. Let’s stay diligent Bruins!

PO BOX 123 KYKOTSMOVI, AZ 86039, (928)737-6342; APRIL 2021

HOPI CHR

Hopi NEWSLETTER

CHR Community

Hopi Tutuveni April 7, 2021

Tourism Planning Effort

Underway for Hopi

A Group of Tourism Advocates Plan for the Future

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brian Cole, Building Communities

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. - March 29, 2021

Although the tourism industry has been

severely impacted by the worldwide pandemic, a group of tourism advocates and

planners has been meeting at Hopi since

July of 2019 to plan for the future of the

visitor industry.

The group, known as the Hopi Tourism

Cohort, has overseen the development of

the Hopi Tourism Strategic Plan which

identifies organizational, marketing and

tourism improvement projects designed to

create jobs and diversify the Hopi economy while protecting the custom, culture,

and tradition of Hopi.

The work has been overseen by the

Hopi Office of Community Planning and

Economic Development (OCPED) under

a federal grant awarded by the Economic Development Administration (EDA).

The grant served to engage the services of

Building Communities, a community and

economic development strategic planning

firm that has served the Hopi Tribe and its

villages on a variety of projects over the

past four years.

The Strategic Plan was completed in

November 2020 and made a series of recommendations and policy guidance.

The recommendations of the Strategic

Plan include:

1)Improvement/creation of one or more

Hopi-oriented websites

2)Determination of the relative support

for tourism and events on a Village-by-Village basis

3)Development of a Visitor Center/Welcome Center

4)Increased networking with state and

national tourism entities

5)Development of a network of restroom facilities

6)Provision of potable water at restroom areas

7)Creating an organizational structure

Information

When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated

that separates tourism development and

promotion from central government

8)Development of parking/rest areas

9)Improvement of cellular and Wi-Fi

infrastructure

Another priority is promoting Hopi artists and private arts and crafts businesses.

As the Strategic Plan was completed, Pictured is CHR staff on Second Mesa during the 2021 Village Canvass. Photo by: CHR Staff

the Hopi Tourism Cohort turned its atCommunity Health Services

yourself and others in many situations,

2021 Village Canvass

tention to the implementation of the plan.

For Hopi Tutuveni

like wearing a mask, staying at least 6 feet

Building Communities brought forth a

apart from others, and avoiding crowds

recommendation that the Cohort could

COVID 19 vaccines are effective at and poorly ventilated spaces. Take these

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until we know

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After you’ve been fully vaccinated

You should still avoid medium or largemaintenance of a Hopi tourism website, against COVID-19, you should keep sized gatherings.

WHAT HAS CHANGED

2) creating a Hopi tourism organizational taking precautions in public places like

If you do travel off reservation, you’ll

If you’ve

fully vaccinated:

structure, 3) networking with state

and na-been

wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from still need to follow

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development (visitor center/welcome cenWHAT HAS CHANGED

been around someone who is sick.

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Over the past three months, the Cohort

natedif people

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However,

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in a group

setting

(like a correctional

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You will still need to follow guidance at

are around someone who has COVID-19, you should still stay away from others for 14 days and get

Hopi tourism non-profit organization that

all live together) without masks, unless your workplace.

tested,

if you people

don’t have

symptoms.

would serve to implement the Strategic anyeven

of those

or anyone

they live

Hopi HERT

Plan.

with has an increased risk for severe ill(928) 734-3661

The Cohort, which now meets twice ness from COVID-19.

After Hours

per month, is seeking volunteers to serve

If you’ve been around someone who

(928)205-7295

on the new non-profit Board of Directors. has COVID-19, you do not need to stay

Hopi Health Care Center

The meetings are held at 3 pm on the sec- away from others or get tested unless you

COVID-19

ond and fourth Thursday of the month. have symptoms.

HOTLINE

Individuals interested in submitting their

However, if you live in a group setting

(928)737-6188

name for consideration by the Cohort to (like a correctional or detention facility

Hopi Health Care Center

establish the new Board should email or group home) and are around someone

APPOINTMENT

Brian Cole of Building Communities at who has COVID-19, you should still stay

(928)737-6049/6081

bc@buildingcommunities.us. Individuals away from others for 14 days and get testHOPI CHR Program

interested in volunteering on the Cohort ed, even if you don’t have symptoms.

HOPI Medical

can also express their interest at the same

What Hasn’t Changed

Transportation Program

email address.

For now, if you’ve been fully vaccinat(928)737-6342

ed:

(928)737-6351

You should still take steps to protect

When You've Been Fully Vaccinated

www.cdc.gov

HOPI H.E.O.C UPDATES

Hopi Tutuveni April 7, 2021

Hopi Tribe Department of Health and Human Services Covid-19 Emergency

Response April 5, 2021 Report

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – April 5, 2021 — For the

COVID-19 vaccines, overall effectiveness has been reported in the range of 70% to 95%. That’s well above the

average effectiveness of the flu vaccine, for example. Not

only do these vaccines appear to lessen risk of developing COVID-19, but they also appear to lessen the risk of

severe disease. In large clinical trials, most side effects

have been minor. When side effects occur, they typically last just a few days. A side effect or reaction isn’t

necessarily all bad, by the way; it may indicate that the

body is building protection against the virus. Common

side effects include: 1.) pain at the site of the injection;

2.) painful, swollen lymph nodes in the arm where the

vaccine was injected; 3.) overall fatigue; 4.) headache.

It’s normal to feel cautious about any new treatment. But

two common misconceptions may encourage people to

avoid getting a COVID vaccine. When health problems

develop soon after vaccination, people tend to blame the

vaccine. Yet cancer, strokes, heart attacks, blood disorders, and rare illnesses occurred before the pandemic,

and will of course continue to happen. If a person develops COVID-19 soon after vaccination, it’s not due to the

vaccine. No live SARS-CoV-2 virus is used in currently

available vaccines or those in development.

When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated - How to protect

yourself and others.

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at protecting you

from getting sick. Based on what we know about

COVID-19 vaccines, people who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped

doing because of the pandemic.

We’re still learning how vaccines will affect the spread

of COVID-19. After you’ve been fully vaccinated against

COVID-19, you should keep taking precautions – like

wearing a mask, staying 6 feet apart from others, and

avoiding crowds and poorly ventilated spaces – in public

places until we know more.

These recommendations can help you make decisions

about daily activities after you are fully vaccinated. They

are not intended for healthcare settings.

Here is a quick overview of the COVID-19 statistics on

a national, state, and local level:

As of this date – April 5, 2021

The United Sates now has approximately 30.52million

confirmed positive cases with 40,601 new cases and over

554,064 deaths reported.

Over 845,840 confirmed positive cases now exist in

Arizona. Of those, close to 15,746 are in Navajo County

alone.

The Hopi Health Care Center has tested over 8,9267

patients to this date. Over 1,379 of those tests at Hopi

Health Care Center came back positive with 999 from

Hopi Tribal members. Tuba City Regional Health Care

Corporation reported 269 positives for Hopi Villages

with a combined number of 1268 positive Hopi Tribal

members.

The information below provides a glimpse of the current numbers in those respective villages.

The information by villages presented above is released

by the Hopi Department of Health & Human Services,

and the data shown reflects patients tested at the Hopi

Health Care Center and at the Tuba City Regional Health

Care Corporation specifically on Hopi tribal members.

The data from Lower and Upper Munqapi is consolidated until specific data can be re-verified. (+) number decreased due to individual being identified from another

village. The community of residence for one Hopi Tribal

member who tested positive at HHCC is in the Phoenix

metropolitan area. The community of residence for four

Hopi Tribal members who tested positive at HHCC is in

Winslow. The data here does not include all state-wide

data from other facilities such as Flagstaff, Winslow,

Phoenix or other hospitals.

*Note: These data include newly added testing results

from the Abbott ID NOW machine since April 20, 2020

** A total of 1268+ individuals who tested positive are

members of the Hopi Tribe.

+ Includes Village member(s) retested positive

Prevention:

Watch for symptoms. People with COVID-19 have

had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from

mild symptoms to severe illness.

Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the

virus. People with these symptoms or combinations of

symptoms may have COVID-19:

•

Cough

•

Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing

•

Or at least two of these symptoms:

•

Fever

•

Chills

•

Repeated shaking with chills

•

Muscle pain

•

Headache

•

Sore throat

•

Congestion or runny nose

•

Nausea or vomiting

•

Diarrhea

•

New loss of taste or smell

Children have similar symptoms to adults and generally have mild illness.

This list is not all inclusive. Please consult your medical provider for any other symptoms that are severe or

concerning to you.

Hopi Tutuveni April 7, 2021

HOPI H.E.O.C UPDATES

Hopi Tribe Department of Health and Human Services Covid-19 Emergency Response April 5, 2021 Report, Cont.

Hopi Tutuveni April 7, 2021

Hopilavit - school related

March 17

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N A W A Q

N I P U K

A M P L W

L T A K A

X D A Z N

B N N A G

A F G W Y

U L W P A

J N A O V

Z L A O I

H I N T A

A X B A Y

A P T I W

K J E A F

T D A E B

A N A A P

S I K I S

HOPI WORDS

Tuhisa - Ability

Tuwi’yta - Able

Yuku - Accomplish

Hintsakpi - Activity

Awàmta - Add to

Yaapti - Advance

Nakwha - Agree

Teevep - All day

Qahinta - All right

Peep - Almost

Nana’waqta - Alternate

Qana’öna - Ambitious

Pupri - Analyze

Pa’angwa - Assist

Tuwanta - Attempt

Y O P A N A

L P F X W O

O S Y A P Y

F S M U O I

U T F H K T

A Z I O X U

J N B P C Z

A T Y I W U

C I Z D K B

A A S I H U

L F I A J A

O D B T A D

N F X L E P

G Z O C J Q

T E E V E P

A T N A W U

Q A Y W I S

Kwangyavi - Bathroom

Naat - Before

Tiyo - Boy

Anihoya - Capable

Paasi - Care

Àapiyta - Carry on

Paysok - Casually

Tuwi’va - Catch on

Qe’ti - Cease

Alöngta - Change

Kùpina - Chatter

Box

Yuuyuyna - Cheat

Awpòota - Check

Hopi - Civilized

Nanap’oya - Classify

Suyan – Clear

Tayawna - Complement

Naawini - Copy

Taalö - Day

Yuki - Decision

Pö’a - Defeat

Haakta - Delay

Tunatya - Desire/

Hope

Öqala - Determined

Lavàytutuveni Dictionary

Sìkis tutuqaywisa Friday

Mana - Girl

Naàlös tutuqaywisa - Thursday

Hopi Tutuveni April 7, 2021

Larry’s Corner

Is it too late for wishing?

Well, we made it! We made it past 1 year of our

anniversary of not working in a “normal” work environment. Well, I’m not complaining that staying

home is pretty cool and all but I miss my normal

work buddies, my normal “bad for your back” office chair. I miss working at a Tribal level where we

can say “I’ll look into that” and never do. I miss

all those stereotypical things you say about a Tribal

government.

So, 2020 was a year that everyone will try to forget, we lost so many loved ones and we lost our sanity in the process. Some of us pulled through the

past year and we are still continuing to pull through

2021, as well. We were given rules that were meant

to protect us, but we’re Hopis, rules don’t apply to

us. We think that those are white man’s rules, we

don’t need them. We were given warnings by both

spiritual and non-spiritual beings but we ignored

their warnings, and we were given a proposition to

either keep well or to…well you know.

As of this year, we are already in the 4th month

and it seems we are still in that vibe of 2020. I know

people want to have a normal life again but let’s face

it, the year 2020 changed the world. I can’t speak for

everyone, but some say it changed it for the better.

They said that our past lives were not working so

it needed a change. Others say it changed it for the

worst, while others idled by just waiting for their

sign to come so they can join the others, I guess.

Yes, the Hopi people are trying to keep up with

their traditions by practicing it, but also, they want

to practice it in a “new” way. It’s not to say that they

aren’t doing their “Hopi” duties but I’m saying that

the Hopi people are still trying to keep up with tradition and so they continued to practice it even in this

pandemic year.

I was prowling around the village and hearing

conversations around the village where some people

are not happy that others are practicing their Hopi

religion in a pandemic. And others are saying we

need to keep practicing our Hopi religion even in

this pandemic. It’s like that scenario again where,

one person doesn’t like pepperoni on their pizza and

the others want to have a supreme. We can’t please

everyone we just have to compromise on the fact

that this is a new normal and we need to “work”

with it and not work against it.

I can honestly say that I forgot how things were in

the past. I faintly remember how much good times

we had just 2 years ago. Now that’s not a bad thing

to forget, maybe for some people, this sickness was

blessing in disguise, I don’t know. Or maybe this

sickness is making us better people, again I wouldn’t

know. But what I do know is that the way we have

been acting in the past is nothing compared to how

we are acting now. So, you see, sometimes in life

we are reminded by “some things” we don’t understand, to make our lives better, and it takes harsh realities to finally learn our lesson, but sometimes we

see chaos as just chaos. We will never truly under-

stand how this all works, or how life works, that’s

why we have religion to help us understand these

questions we want answered. But then again, maybe

some things are just better left unanswered.

You know, when I was a young kitten growing up,

I had this movie called “Aladdin” and the Genie in a

bottle gave Aladdin three wishes, and he wished for

great things, not for power, but for happiness. So, I

wanted to have three wishes of my own, I wished for

a race car, I wished for a big house, and I couldn’t

think of a third wish. But now that I think about it, I

wish that everyone will be happy again. But in this

stark reality…we can try to be happy, even if you

don’t get our three wishes.

So, my advice to you is to go buy the movie

“Aladdin” because it’s a cool movie, and pretended

you’re with Genie or you can make your own wishes come true by creating your own happiness. Or

you can buy a lamp and rub it ‘til a genie pops out…

like that will ever happen.

I know this sickness is like a leech slowly sucking

our happiness away, but we will learn to compromise and eventually the leech will get tired and die,

and we can get our happiness back. It’s not going

to be the same, it might be better, it might not be,

but who knows, we just have to wait and see what

happens. I can’t speak for everyone, come to think

about it, I can’t speak at all, I’m a cat so maybe

that’s my happiness?

Hopi Tutuveni April 7, 2021

BIRTHDAY/CONGRATS!

ANNOUNCEMENTS

HAPPY_________DAY...

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of announcements, call for pricing and

availability call or email today

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The Hopi Tribe P.O. Box 123 Kykotsmovi, AZ 86039

Ph: (928) 734-3281 • Ph: (928) 734-3283

Editorial Board of the Hopi Tutuveni

Kyle Knox , Gary LaRance, George Mase

Hopi Tutuveni Staff

Managing Editor - Romalita Laban

RLaban@hopi.nsn.us

Assistant Editor - Carl Onsae

Consae@hopi.nsn.us

ARTICLES:

The Hopi Tutuveni welcomes

original articles reporting on

local, state and national news

items on issues related to Hopi

or of interest to Tutuveni readers.

We are especially interested

in articles reporting on issues

impacting the Hopi community or on events and activities

involving members of the Hopi

Tribe. Articles should not exceed

750 words and should follow

Associated Press (AP) style and

formatting. The Managing Editor

reserves the right to edit articles

for style, length and clarity. If

significant editing is required, the

Managing Editor will communicate with the author prior to

publication.

PRESS RELEASES:

Press releases must be submitted

on official letterhead and include

the name of the organization,

contact person, telephone

number and email address. Press

releases should not exceed 500

words and submissions may be

edited for length and clarity at

the discretion of the Managing

Editor.

LETTERS TO THE

EDITOR:

Letters should not exceed 250

words and must include the

name of the author and complete

contact information (address,

phone number or email address)

CIRCULATION

and the headline and date of

the article on which you are

commenting. Anonymous letters

and letters written under pseudonyms will not be published.

The Tutuveni Editorial Board

reviews all submissions and

reserves the right not to publish

letters it considers to be highly

sensitive or potentially offensive

to readers, or that may be libelous

or slanderous in nature.

OPINION EDITORIALS:

Submissions must be exclusive

to Hopi Tutuveni and should not

exceed 1,000 words. Include with

your submission your name and

complete contact information,

along with a short 2-3-sentence

bio.

SUBMISSION

INSTRUCTIONS:

All press releases, articles, letters

to the editor and Opinion Editorials electronically as a Word

document or as plain text in the

body of an email to the Managing Editor, Romalita Laban. Articles, press releases and editorials

that include photographs must

be in high resolution, 300dpi

or more and must be your own.

All photographs must include

photo credit and a caption for

each photo listing the names of

all persons included in the photo

and description of what the photo is about. (call 928-734-3283

for deadline schedule).

The Hopi Tutuveni is published twice a month, with a circulation

of 2,500 copies throughout the entire Hopi Reservation. The paper

is delivered on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of each month to the

following locations: Moenkopi Travel Center, Moenkopi Legacy

Inn, Hotevilla Store, Kykotsmovi Village Store, Tribal Government

Complex, Hopi Cultural Center, Hopi Health Care Center, Polacca

Circle M, Keams Canyon Store.

Hopi Tutuveni April 7, 2021

LEGALS

Hopi Tribal Council

LEGALS

Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma,

Chairman

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Clark W. Tenakhongva,

Vice Chairman

Dwayne Secakuku,

Interim Tribal Secretary

Wilfred Gaseoma, Tribal

Treasurer

Violet Sinquah, SergeantAt-Arms

BIRTHDAY/CONGRATS!

Village of Upper

Moenkopi

Robert Charley

Philton Talahytewa, Sr.

Hubert Lewis, Sr.

Michael Elmer

HAPPY_________DAY...

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Village of Bakabi

Dwayne Secakuku

Clifford Qotsaquahu

Velma Kalyesvah

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Village of Kyakotsmovi

David Talayumptewa

Phillip Quochytewa, Sr.

Danny Honanie

Herman G. Honanie

Village of Sipaulavi

Rosa Honanie

Alverna Poneoma

Vacant

Village of Mishongnovi

Delores Coochyamptewa

Pansy Edmo

Mervin Yoyetewa

First Mesa Consolidated

Villages

Albert T. Sinquah

Dale Sinquah

Wallace Youvella, Sr.

Wallace Youvella, Jr.

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need. Call or email us to find out how

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Hopi Tutuveni April 7, 2021

Hopi Law Enforcement Services

March 2021 Report

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hopi Law Enforcement Services

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – April 6, 2021,

HLES provides this report as a service

to the citizens of the Hopi Reservation.

HLES reserves the right to restrict the

release of certain reports, which may not

be available or are currently under investigation. During the month of March 2021,

Hopi Law Enforcement Services received

a total of 656 calls for service.

Accidents = 8

Information = 32

Agency Assist = 13

Kidnapping = 1

Alarm = 3

Medical Calls = 11

Alcohol Offenses = 74

Property Damage/Vandalism = 10

Animal/Livestock Calls = 92

Road Check = 6

Assault = 10

Sex Offenses = 2

Attempt to Locate/Missing Persons = 8

Suspicious Person/Circumstances = 12

Breaking & Entering = 3

Theft/Fraud = 4

Child Abuse = 3

Traffic Offenses = 49

Civil Disputes/Citizens Assist = 2

Threatening = 10

Curfew Violation = 4

Trespassing = 7

Disorderly Conduct = 22

Wanted Person = 2

Fight/DV = 13

Weapons Offense = 4

Fire/Controlled Burns = 11

Welfare/Property/Sec. Checks = 213

Harassment = 5

DRUG ARRESTS: 5

DRUGS SEIZED: 26.235 total grams

Marijuana

306 total ounces Alcohol

TOTAL ARRESTS FOR JANUARY:

35 (24 booked and 11 cited and released/

charges filed)

DISCLAIMER: An arrest is not an indication of guilt, all parties are innocent

until proven guilty in a court of law. Initial

charges can be reduced or dropped at the

discretion of the Hopi Tribal Prosecutor.

The Hopi Law Enforcement Services

can be reached at 928-734-7340 for emergency and calls for service. For HLES

Administration, Records requests or

non-emergencies call 928-734-7344.

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PUBLIC NOTICE

2021 Hart/Drye Ranch Wood

Harvest Revised Schedule

WEMP and Department of Natural

Resources

keep immediate interaction at a minimum.

Please read the attached protocols to ensure we have safe compliance during the

Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – April 6, 2021 As event.

we continue to provide essential services

The designated Hart Ranch Wood Harfor our Hopi Tribal members, the Hopi vest area will be approximately 4.9 miles

Wildlife & Ecosystems Management Pro- south of the Twin Arrows Exit #219, down

gram (WEMP) will continue the opportu- Forest Service (FS) Road #125. There will

nities to access the Hart/Drye Ranch, to be signs placed to point you in the right

harvest dead and down, and dead standing direction.

wood to heat their homes and stock pile

If you are coming from Flagstaff, ArPUBLIC NOTICE

for the next winter, during the COVID-19

izona please exit I-40 at Exit #219 and

Pandemic.

make a right and proceed 4.9 miles south

Due to the low

Hopi

Tribal

participation

FS Road

#125. IfSchedule

you are coming from

2021 Hart/Drye Ranch Woodon

Harvest

Revised

numbers and the increase in temperatures Winslow, Arizona, please exit I-40 at Exit

and

potential

conditions

for wildland

#219Program

and make

a left and

go over the

Submitted

by:dry

Wildlife

& Ecosystems

Management

Department

of Natural

Resources

fire,

the Hopi WEMP has implemented the bridge and proceed 4.9 miles south on FS

following changes to the schedule. This Road #125.. Check-In with staff and proKykotsmovi,

2021 As

we continue

to provide

essential harvest

services site

for our

Hopi

will

be the lastAriz.

Hart– April

Ranch6, Wood

Harvest

ceed

to designated

location.

Tribal

members,

the

Hopi

Wildlife

Ecosystems

Management

Program

(WEMP)

will

continue

for the season and we will schedule the

We remind those participating to practhe opportunities

accessWood

the Hart/Drye

Ranch, totice

harvest

dead and down,

and dead

standing

Fall/Winter

HarttoRanch

Harvest.

COVID-19

SAFETY

PROTOCOLS

wood

to heat

theirwill

homes

stocktopile

for the next

during

the COVID-19

Pandemic.

WEMP

staff

be and

onsite

monitor

at winter,

all times

while

during the

2021 Hart/

and check-in vehicles and issue permits Drye Ranch Wood Harvest.

Due to

the low Hopi

numbers andAny

the increase

in temperatures

potential

upon

completion

ofTribal

woodparticipation

harvest. WEMP

questions,

please feelandfree

to call

dry conditions for wildland fire, the Hopi WEMP has implemented the following changes to the

staff will follow CDC guidelines and WEMP staff at (928) 497-1010 or (928)

schedule. This will be the last Hart Ranch Wood Harvest for the season and we will schedule the

social

guidelines,

Fall/Winter

Hartdistancing

Ranch Wood

Harvest. and 497-1017

2021 Hart/Drye Wood Harvest Schedule:

Dates

April 9th to April 12th

April 17th to April 18th

Hours of Operation

8 am to 5 pm (Last vehicle check-in at 2 pm)

WEMP staff will be onsite to monitor and check-in vehicles and issue permits upon completion

of wood harvest. WEMP staff will follow CDC guidelines and follow social distancing

guidelines, and keep immediate interaction at a minimum. Please read the attached protocols to

ensure we have safe compliance during the event.

Would you like to put your

legals into the Newspaper?

IfFor

you area

coming

from Flagstaff,

Arizona you

please exitcan

I-40 at Exit

#219your

and make alegals

right and

single

price

put

proceed 4.9 miles south on FS Road #125. If you are coming from Winslow, Arizona, please exit

I-40 at Exit #219 and make a left and go over the bridge and proceed 4.9 miles south on FS Road

into

the Hopi

#125.. Check-In with staff and proceed

to designated

harvest site location.

The designated Hart Ranch Wood Harvest area will be approximately 4.9 miles south of the

Twin Arrows Exit #219, down Forest Service (FS) Road #125. There will be signs placed to

point you in the right direction.

Tutuveni

Call 928-734-3283 to find out how

Any questions, please feel free to call WEMP staff at (928) 497-1010 or (928) 497-1017

We remind those participating to practice COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS at all times

while during the 2021 Hart/Drye Ranch Wood Harvest.

Hopi Tutuveni April 7, 2021

Colorado is latest

to weigh ban on

Native mascots

Arrowhead Stadium of the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Missouri, on October 1, 2020. (Photo by Jourdan Bennett-Begaye, Indian Country Today)

Patty Nieberg

Associated Press/Report for America

DENVER — Colorado lawmakers are considering

a proposal that would ban Native American mascots in

public schools and colleges amid a nationwide push for

racial justice that gained new momentum last year following George Floyd's death in Minneapolis and the NFL

team in Washington changing its name.

The measure, which cleared the state Senate Education Committee on Thursday, would include a $25,000

monthly fine on public schools, colleges and universities

that use American Indian-themed mascots after June 1,

2022.

The committee passed amendments exempting schools

that have or will seek agreements with local tribes to use

such mascots. The changes also would exempt schools

on tribal lands.

Colorado is one of seven states considering legislation

that would prohibit the use of Native American mascots,

according the National Conference of State Legislatures.

In 2019, Maine became the first state to ban them.

Nearly two dozen schools in Colorado still use Native

American mascots such as the "Warriors," "Reds" and

"Savages," according to Democratic state Sen. Jessie

Danielson, one of the bill's sponsors. Two prominent high

schools dropped their "Indians" mascot in the last year:

Cheyenne Mountain in Colorado Springs and Loveland

High School in a city in northern Colorado.

A commission of tribal members and state agencies

in 2015 recommended schools remove Native American

mascots, but many still remain.

"They've been protested. They've been begged. They've

even been urged by the state of Colorado to do the right

thing, and instead of taking it on their own to do the right

thing, they've decided to continue using derogatory mascots," Danielson said of the state's need to intervene.

Before the Senate committee, tribal members testified

that the bill was important because of the nation's history of erasing Native American culture by prohibiting

traditional practices and setting up boarding schools to

assimilate youth.

"My people have worked hard to overcome these policies aimed to exterminate our existence and any record of

our history and culture," Southern Ute Tribal Chairman

Melvin J. Baker said.

Along with those policies, Baker said the "inaccurate

and cruel portrayals" of Native Americans as mascots

have been used as "strategic tools to marginalize Indigenous communities."

Sylvester Roubideaux, a member of the Rosebud Sioux

Tribe, opposed the bill. He testified that the "Indians"

mascot at a high school in Yuma, Colorado, where his

family lives, has allowed for celebration of Native American culture in his community.

Roubideaux said taking away the mascots would mean

less Native American representation and that they would

become a "vanishing people."

The legislation says the mascots create "an unsafe

learning environment" for Indigenous students by "promoting bullying" and teach other students that "it is acceptable to participate in culturally abusive and prejudicial behaviors."

At the committee hearing, Talon Long, an 18-year-old

from a Native American family, recalled his classmates

calling him "Chief Talon" and asking if he lived in a cave

in the mountains.

"I'm not anyone's mascot, and I'm not an animal, a savage or anyone's good luck charm," Brody SeeWalker, a

seventh-grader and Lakota descendant from the Standing

Rock Sioux Tribe, testified. "I am a human and a proud

Lakota who comes from a long line of ancestors that

fought so very hard so that I could be standing here before you today."

The push to remove mascots with Native American

imagery began during the civil rights movement in the

1960s, according to the National Congress of American

Indians, a nonprofit established in 1944 to protect Native

American and Alaska Native rights.

The movement gained little attention until 2005, when

the National Collegiate Athletic Association directed

schools to end the use of "hostile or abusive" mascots and

imagery in college-level sports. In later years, the conversation spread to the multibillion-dollar industry of the

NFL.

After years of pressure and a federal ruling, the NFL

team in Washington decided to drop the nickname last

July and become the "Washington Football Team."

More than 1,900 schools across the U.S. had American Indian-themed mascots as of last week, according to

a database kept by the National Congress of American

Indians.

In 2020, there were 68 schools in Utah, Ohio, Michigan, Idaho, New York, Massachusetts and California that

scrapped American Indian-themed mascots, the database

shows.

Proposed name changes often draw pushback because

getting rid of a mascot means new uniforms, signs on

fields and imagery on merchandise.

Measures in Washington state and Illinois would allow

their use if a nearby tribe approves a request from the

school, something Oregon has already passed. Illinois'

bill also adds exemptions for schools that conduct yearly schoolwide programs on Native American culture and

offer courses on "Native American contributions to society."

California prohibits public schools from using the former Washington NFL team as a nickname or mascot.

Nieberg is a corps member for the Associated Press/

Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report

for America is a nonprofit national service program that

places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues.

Hopi Tutuveni April 7, 2021

Justice Department

working with tribes on

missing persons

(Photo by Jourdan Bennett-Begaye)

Michael Balsamo and Iris Samuels

Associated Press/Report for America

HELENA, Mont. — Jermain Charlo vanished in June

2018. The Confederated Salish and Kootenai tribal member hasn't been seen since.

Valenda Morigeau, Charlo's aunt, reported her missing

to the Missoula Police Department in the days after her

disappearance. But Morigeau said the detective initially

assigned to the case failed to take the report seriously and

was slow to act, a pattern she said is common when Native Americans report missing loved ones.

"You would think that there would be more urgency to

go find the person that is missing," Morigeau said. "Here

we are, three years later, because they assumed she was

avoiding responsibilities."

Charlo's case brought the problem of missing and murdered Indigenous women to the fore in the Confederated

Salish and Kootenai tribes. Now, almost three years after her disappearance, the tribes on Thursday became the

first in the nation to complete a community response plan

— a Justice Department initiative aimed at creating collaboration between law enforcement agencies, including

tribal police, county police and federal authorities, when

Native Americans go missing on tribal land.

Still, there are major holes. Among the most glaring:

There is no plan for when a tribal citizen goes missing off

a reservation or outside tribal lands, as Charlo did.

In 2018, an Associated Press investigation found that

633 Indigenous women made up 0.7 percent of open

missing persons cases despite being 0.4 percent of the

U.S. population.

The situation is especially alarming in states such as

Montana, which have large Native American populations. Native Americans make up less than 7 percent of

Montana's population but account for 25 percent of reported missing person cases.

It is not a federal crime for an adult to go missing, and

the FBI generally would only step in if there was clear

evidence that a crime has been committed that led to a

disappearance. The federal government could lend its resources to local law enforcement officials to help in the

search.

"The things that we will learn and implement from the

work that the good people here have done can be utilized

nationwide," said Terry Wade, an FBI executive assistant

director, at a news conference Thursday on the Flathead

reservation.

The Justice Department sees its work with local law

enforcement and tribal communities as a major initiative.

President Donald Trump initiated a federal task force and

his then-Attorney General William Barr, who visited the

Flathead Reservation in Montana, committed to hiring 11

coordinators at U.S. attorneys offices across the country.

The new plan aims to increase communication among

local law enforcement officials, especially in places

where there is overlapping jurisdiction. For example,

in the immediate area around the Flathead Reservation,

there are eight police and sheriff's departments in addition to the Montana Highway Patrol, the tribal police and

federal investigators.

As part of the initiative, the police departments are now

sharing dispatch information, meaning that when one

sheriff's office receives a missing persons report, it can be

shared quickly and widely. Also, the U.S. attorney's office

and the FBI would offer resources and make a sheriff's

office aware of how the federal government could help.

Craige Couture, police chief for the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, said the plan will eventually extend to address cases that occur beyond tribal land and

even in other states.

Over the past two years, the federal government has

tried to put in place the tribal plans, holding listening sessions and working with tribes to "establish model protocols," said Ernie Weyand, the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Person coordinator for the Justice Department

in Montana.

Weyand, a former FBI official and the first coordinator

to be hired, has helped to develop the protocols with other

coordinators and tribes across the country.

"They are a community deeply affected by its members

who have gone missing or been murdered," Weyand said

in an interview.

Officials around the Flathead Reservation are also

working to create a common missing person policy,

shared by all the agencies working on the reservation, and

have discussed storing information on a secure information server, he said.

It seems to be working.

In early 2020, when 16-year-old Selena Not Afraid disappeared from a New Year's party in Big Horn County,

Montana, the reaction was swift and the response from

law enforcement was robust. The FBI dispatched its elite

child abduction team and offered its vast resources to the

local sheriff's office.

It was too late. But unlike so many others who have

never been found, her body was discovered 20 days after

she went missing. An autopsy found she died of hypothermia. Her family still questions how she died.

Rae Peppers, a former Montana state House member

who has worked to address the crisis through legislation

and nonprofit work, said several of the federal initiatives

have come across as disingenuous and unproductive.

"It looks like we're at a standstill," she said, calling

Trump's efforts "a political move and not a compassionate move for the Native people."

But President Joe Biden's administration has brought

the prospect of revitalized efforts. Interior Secretary Deb

Haaland announced Thursday the formation of a new unit

within the Bureau of Indian Affairs to address the missing and murdered Indigenous persons crisis, with a goal

of coordinating different federal resources to investigate

cases.

The move on the part of Haaland marks the fulfillment

of a hope by Native activists, including Peppers, that the

first American Indian to lead the Department of Interior

would bring greater attention to the crisis.

“Violence against Indigenous peoples is a crisis that

has been underfunded for decades. Far too often, murders

and missing persons cases in Indian country go unsolved

and unaddressed, leaving families and communities devastated,” Haaland said in a statement.

In tribal communities in Montana, hardly anyone can

remain untouched by the crisis. Peppers recounts that no

charges were pressed in the killing of her neighbor, who

was her husband’s cousin.

Peppers said the Tribal Community Response Plan

could prove effective, but it remains to be seen whether

such an initiative can translate to all tribal communities

and whether it brings real change.

Native Americans who have seen their neighbors and

loved ones disappear agree that while the political attention may be new, the problem is not.

“It’s a crisis that has happened clear back to Columbus’

time,” Peppers said. “It’s always been, ‘Oh, another dead

Indian.’ That was always the discussion, and it’s still like

that.”

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.