# One active Native judge (2020) > Briefs, arguments, decisions, and more. URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Ahopi_arizona%3A8b74ef42723de7fd ## Record - **Collection:** Tribal code - **Document type:** Tribal code ## Text Hopi’s Baker gets NFHS National Hall of Fame nod One active Native judge is less than onequarter of the 1 percent of the federal bench -More on pg. 5 -More on pg. 10 COLUMN COMMUNITY LARRY’S CORNER A statement Read how Larry is address the Hopi people Center “A side formal from the Hopi address?“ Health Care More on Page 9 Read more about the latest news More on Page 2 March 18, 2020 Volume 28 Number 6 ~ Es t. 1987 • OFFIC IA L NEWSPA P E R OF T H E H OP I T R I B E • N E W S S OU R C E F OR T H E H O P I P E O P L E ~ 52˚/ 31˚ Showers KUYI Hopi Radio’s Indian Country Hopi Tribal Council Holds Emergency Meeting on COVID-19 News Bureau Update Photo by Kuyi radio station HOPI TUTUVENI PO BOX 123 KYKOTSMOVI, AZ 86039 1110-01600-7460 Story on Page 7 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED Story on Page 16 Photo by Carl Onsae/HT Montana, Navajo-owned company reach deal on sovereign immunity More on pg. 10 Hopi Tutuveni March 18, 2020 2 A statement from the Hopi Health Care Center FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The Hopi Health Care Center is responding to the outbreak of COVID-19 by implementing protocols aimed at reducing the risk of patients, visitors and staff. There have not been any cases of COVID-19 in any facility in the IHS Phoenix Area and in an effort to stay proactive, Hopi Health Care Center will be asking all patients and visitors to go through a screening process at one of two main entrances to the facility. Because this process will take some time we are asking patients to please arrive for your scheduled appointments 20 minutes ahead of time. Because the virus spreads through person to person contact we are asking that patients please limit the number of family or caretakers accompanying them to the facility. In addition, we are asking patients and visitors to please limit the number of personal items they bring into the facility, such as purses, bags, etc., to limit the risk of surface contamination. People at risk for serious illness from COVID-19 are older adults and people with weakened immune systems and have serious chronic medical conditions, such as: heart disease, diabetes, lung disease. For this reason, we are asking younger healthier individuals who are not exhibiting known symptoms of the virus to please leave face masks for those who are in the high risk group or have symptoms of the virus. Right now the most effective way the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends to reduce your risk is to wash hands and use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, frequently. Finally, we would like to thank patients and visitors coming to the facility in advance for working with us to ensure we reduce the risk of exposure to patients, staff and the community. Again, these protocols are put in place to ensure your safety as a patient and to protect staff. For more information please contact: U.S. Public Health Services Hopi Health Care Center P.O. Box 4000 Polacca, Arizona 860424000 or 928-737-6000 PUBLIC NOTICE HOPI SENOM TRANSIT WILL BE SUSPENDING SERVICE TO FLAGSTAFF BEGINNING WEDNESDAY, MARCH 18, 2020. CALL THE TRANSIT OFFICE AT 928-734-3232 FOR UPDATES AND MORE INFORMATION. A statement from Indian Health Services FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Thank you all for joining us for this conversation about the IHS response to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. The Indian Health Service and our partners across the Department of Health and Human Services are coordinating a comprehensive public health response for the agency. Across the IHS, we remain strongly committed to working with our tribal and urban Indian organization partners. We have been holding weekly phone calls with these partners to hear their concerns, listen to their input and to provide updates. The IHS is also in close communication with the White House and other federal agencies to ensure comprehensive communication is shared with Indian Country. The White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs is coordinating the Indian Country COVID-19 Response Team in unison with the Department of Health and Human Services to ensure there is a united front across federal agencies with jurisdiction in Indian Country. The Indian Country COVID-19 Response Team will be a part of the President’s Coronavirus Task Force. The response team includes various organizations across the federal government including the White House Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, HHS, FEMA, Department of Interior, VA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Indian Health Service. On Wednesday, March 18, at 2:00 PM eastern time, the White House Indian Country COVID-19 Response Team will host a nationwide, all-tribes conference call to support tribal leadership in driving readiness to prepare for and respond to COVID-19 in Indian Country. IHS facilities are capable of testing patients for COVID-19. Clinicians are following CDC guidelines and work in coordination with state public health officials to determine who should be tested. Where patients test positive, IHS is working closely with the state and/or tribes to identify anyone else in the community who has been in close contact with the patient and may need to be tested We are pushing supplies out from the IHS National Supply Service Center to regional centers and on to IHS, tribal, and urban facilities as quickly as possible. Some of our service units are leading the way in implementing efforts to reduce the risk of transmission and increase efficiency of limited staffing, such as at the Gallup Indian Medical Center in New Mexico, where they have implemented a drive-up testing location and are using telehealth by replacing office visits such as for prescription refills with phone calls for some patients. This is an emerging, rapidly evolving situation. More cases of COVID-19 are likely to be identified in the coming days. The potential public health threat posed by COVID-19 is very high. While any direct impacts of this outbreak to Indian Country are not yet known, we must be vigilant in our efforts to prevent the spread of infections among our patients and within the communities we serve. We can confirm that three IHS patients have tested presumptive positive. One in the IHS Portland Area, one in the IHS Great Plains Area, and one in the Navajo Area. One of the partner agencies we are working closely with is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I want to say thank you to Dr. Jay Butler, the deputy director for infectious diseases at the CDC, for joining our media call today to answer your questions. I will now hand it over to Dr. Butler. Remarks for RADM Michael Toedt IHS Media Call – COVID-19 March 17, 2020 | 3:00 p.m. EDT Hopi Tutuveni March 18, 2020 2020 Census Notices soon to hit mailboxes, Tribes and Native American groups prepare for the count FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE The roundtable panel will originate from the Pala Band of Mission Indians reservation north of San Diego. California has the largest total American Indian population by state. The discussion will provide important information to viewers about how to fill out the census, which for the first time can be taken on-line. The online response at 2020Census.gov opens on March 12. Additionally, tribes and Indian advocates are providing guidance to tribal people about how to self-identify on the census as American Indian, including specifying their tribal government, village or reservation. The Census Bureau estimates that, in the 2010 decennial census, American Indians and Alaska Natives had the highest undercount (4.9 percent) of any other population. The American Indian panelists will include Jessica Imotichey, Census Bureau Los Angeles Region tribal partnership coordinator; Lycia Maddocks, VP of Ex- ternal Affairs, National Congress of American Indians; Jourdan Bennett-Begaye, Washington, DC, editor of Indian Country Today; and Kayla Olvera Hilario, Tribal Affairs Specialist, California Complete Count. Indian Country Today Editor Mark Trahant will be the moderator. Pala Tribal Chairman Robert Johnson and Census Bureau Los Angeles Region Director Julie Lam will make opening remarks. April 1 is national Census Day. The 2020 Census seeks a count of everyone living in a particular household on that day. It is possible to respond to the census on-line, by phone or by paper survey. There is a preview of the on-line census survey at this recent Alaska-based tutorial. (The actual survey portion runs from 24:30 to 41 minutes.) The Census Bureau has launched a national 2020 Census promotional campaign, with messages on a variety of media (TV, radio, print, outdoor, and social media) targeting Native audiences. Produced by G&G Advertising, a Montana-based Native American firm, two na- tional TV spots promote messages of being united and giving voice to community needs for future generations. The print ads’ visuals seek to address geographical and cultural diversity of Native people and cultures across the U.S: Quinault women wearing tribal robes walk a Pacific Ocean beach; a man fancy-dances next to a Montana river; and Chitimacha children pose at their tribal school in Louisiana. National organizations, tribes and advocacy groups are conducting their own special outreach. The National Congress of American Indians is sponsoring an Indian Country Counts campaign. The National Urban Indian Family Coalition and partners are specifically targeting urban Indian populations. Across the U.S. tribal nation governments such as Standing Rock, Choctaw, Navajo Nation and others have formed their own complete count committees and allocated funds to promote participation. Special inter-tribal campaigns are underway in California, New Mexico, Montana, North Dakota, Minnesota, Washington State and else- where. It is still not too late to apply for census taker jobs, workers who will conduct “non-response follow-up” with households that do not immediately fill out the census survey. Most households are expected to respond online during the month of April. The deadline for responding to the 2002 Census is July 31. https://2020census.gov/en/jobs. html In Minnesota, leaders of 11 federally recognized tribes passed a resolution supporting a 2020 Census Powwow to be held in Minneapolis on March 21. The governor also has signed a proclamation declaring it Census Powwow Day. Census takers will be on site helping people fill out their forms on-line. There will be a significant Census Bureau presence at the largest intertribal cultural event of late winter – Denver March Powwow on March 20-22 in Denver – and then at the nation’s largest powwow – Gathering of Nations, in Albuquerque on April 24-26. Meanwhile, the effort to count everyone in rural Alaska Native villages continues. The nation’s early enumeration phase began in the Bering Sea village of Toksook Bay on January 21, beginning with a 90-year-old Alaska Native Yupik elder. (Urban areas of Alaska take the census on the same timetable as the rest of the nation.) The Alaska Counts campaign has created a range of resources, including content in multiple indigenous languages, as well as a compelling new public service announcement. Similar to directives by tribal leaders in the Lower 48, the Alaska Federation of Natives is providing specific guidance on how Alaska Native people should fill out the 2020 census. In the coming weeks, the Census Bureau will track response rates in real time. (Note: this data will not include in-person enumeration data from remote Alaska.) Contact David Cournoyer, G&G Advertising dcournoyer@gng.net / 651-4085988 Service Notice from the Local Restaurant: The Hopi Cultural Center The safety and well-being of our guests and staff are priority for the Hopi Cultural Center Restaurant and Motel. We recognize and understand the growing concerns regarding the COVID-19 (Coronavirus); therefore, we are implementing precautionary measures to address this unprecedented situation. Although Navajo County has not reported any confirmed cases, we are taking proactive steps to help limit the spread of the virus within our facility. First, we are closely monitoring the latest developments and considering the guidance recommended from the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Indian Health Services. Second, we have implemented an action plan in order to protect your health and safety as well as that of our staff. We have enhanced cleaning and sanitation efforts throughout our facility. In addition, will have limited seating throughout our hours of operations. Effective Tuesday, March 17, 2020 we will implement the following schedule: 7 AM – 10 AM BREAKFAST 10 AM – 11:30 CLOSED 11:30 AM – 2 PM LUNCH 2 PM – 4:30 PM CLOSED 4:30 PM – 7 PM DINNER 7 PM CLOSED The modified hours of operations will allow for staff to clean and sanitize high touch areas. 3 Lastly, we have provided our staff with awareness information and are strongly encouraging guests and staff to practice good hygiene with frequent and rigorous hand washing. We are asking employees who may have symptoms to stay home. If any of our employees become sick while at work, they will be immediately released and sent to the Hopi Healthcare Center. We respectfully request guests that may be feeling sick or have symptoms consider the risks to other guests before dining in. To-go ordering is encouraged. We hope these measures give you confidence that we are taking the necessary precautions in this evolving situation. For more infromation call: 928-734-2401 Hopi Tutuveni March 18, 2020 4 Dear Editor, Letter to the Editor As an enrolled member of the Hopi Tribe and as a medical laboratory professional, it worries me that so few of our people are in this field. Native American medical lab professionals are far and few between which will only get worse when many of our current leaders retire. A 2018 Bureau of Labor Statistics report on Occupational Employment and Wages for Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians showed the mean annual wage in this field was $53,880. This may not seem like enough to support a family, however, one must consider that this amount is the mean and is for both 2-year and 4-year degree lab professionals. The two quickest routes to enter this field are through a Clinical Laboratory Science (CLS) program or a Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) program. The major difference between these two programs are the time it takes to achieve your degree. The CLS program is a four-year degree with that will give you the knowledge to hit the ground running at any clinical lab. The MLT program is a two-year degree that will also give you the knowledge to hit the ground running. Another route is by getting a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university. This degree must include 16 semester hours of biological science, 16 semester hours, one semester of mathematics and five years of a full time acceptable clinical laboratory experience. This is usually through blood banking, chemistry, hematology, microbiology, immunology and urinalysis/ body fluids 2. Whichever route you chose to take, you are guaranteed a rewarding career with opportunities around the globe. For more information please contact: LaMon Begay LJoelBegay@gmail.com References: 1. 29-2010 Clinical Laboratory Technologists and Technicians https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/ oes292010.htm#(2) 2.“Clinical Laboratory Scientist.” USAJOBS, www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/555544100. Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites Postponing April 10th, 2020 Centennial Event DeAnnethea Begay Operations Manager FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Moenkopi, Ariz. – Monday, March 16, 2020, Moenkopi Legacy Inn & Suites appreciate the efforts of our Public Health authorities with their continuous work regarding the COVID-19. The safety and well-being of the community is of paramount importance to us. We will be postponing our Centennial Event, which was scheduled for April 10th, 2020. The future Event date has yet to be determined. Please accept our apology with regards to this unfortunate matter. We appreciate your understanding. If you have any questions and concerns, please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@experiencehopi.com and/or call (928) 283-4500. 10th Annual Hopi Arts & Cultural Festival August 29-30, 2020 9:00am—5:00pm Continental Country Club - Driving Range *Flagstaff, AZ* Artist applications available at the following locations: Hopi Cultural Center & Hopi Tribe Economic Development Corporation Discounted booth rates available until: June 26, 2020 Deadline for artist applications is: July 24, 2020 For more information, please call 928-522-8675 Presented by: HTEDC Arts & Education Association Hopi's Baker gets NFHS National Hall of Fame nod 2020 Census Hopi High School coach Rick Baker (far right) became the ninth Arizona member to earn the highest national honor for a high school athlete or coach. Photo by Steve Paynter/paynterpics.com Jose Garcia AZPreps365 The National Federation of State High School Associations announced Monday morning that Hopi boy’s cross country coach Rick Baker was elected to its National High School Hall of Fame. From 1990-2017, Baker won a national cross country record 27 consecutive state team championships, the third longest streak for any high school sport. Baker is the ninth Arizona member to earn the NFHS’s highest honor for a coach or player, joining North High’s Dallas Long (1993), Safford’s Norma Bellamy (1995), Yuma’s Curley Culp (1997), Xavier’s Heather Farr (1999), Cholla’s Sean Elliott (2005), Agua Fria’s Randall McDaniel (2011), Winslow’s Don Petranovich (2015), and Mountain Pointe’s Nicole Powell (2018). The induction ceremony will be held July 1 in Denver. “To begin with, it’s really exciting to get accepted,” Baker said. “It’s one of those feelings that’s hard to put into words. You work so hard all of your life, and to get recognized as one of the elite coaches, it’s like the top of your coaching career to get selected. When it was first was announced I was surpised. It took a while to set in. When I realized what it was I was ecstatic about it and thought about all of the students and athletes who were involved with the award. It’s a great award to receive. It’s like the North Star. It’s going to be there for ever.” Would you like to put your legals into the Newspaper? For a single price you can put your legals Shape your family’s future. Responding to the census ensures Arizona communities have resources for hospitals and roads, education, healthcare, public safety, and services that matter to families. Respond to the census for your family and your community. The census is safe and your information is protected. Be counted, Arizona! Respond online, by phone or mail. Respond online at azcensus2020.gov by phone at: 1-844-330-2020. Telephone Display Service for hearing impaired: 1-844-467-2020. into the Hopi Tutuveni Call 928-734-3283 to find out how 20-AZCCC-0150 Statewide Hopi-Tutuveni_r01.indd 1 3/11/20 1:46 PM Hopi Tutuveni March 18, 2020 6 First Mesa Consolidated Villages Emergency Action Plan - Resolution #1-2020 Ivan Sidney, FMCV Team Leader/ Business Manager First Mesa, Ariz. – March 16, 2020, the First Mesa Consolidated Villages under the Traditional Form of Governance, on Tuesday, March 16, 2020, had the Kikmongwi approve Resolution #1-2020 approving the Emergency Action Plan. Our Hopi Traditional Leaders are responsible for the health and general welfare of village members and including considering all people to be their children. This plan is to provide for an organized structure to allow the plan to be implemented effectively and efficiently. This plan is also intended to allow for the justified use of resources and to accomplish immediate remedy to the challenges created by the widespread of Coronavirus, (COVID-19). Remaining a Hopi Village under the traditional system, this world wide disease is a serious threat to our Hopi People. This plan is to develop and implement immediate response to provide for the protection and treatment of those that become exposed to the virus. We are completely surrounded by the State of Arizona and the Navajo Nation and must attempt to work in cooperation to protect our Village from exposure to the virus. The approval of the plan allows use of the limited village funds to provide for services to protect our village people. FMCV will cooperate for the use of office space, buildings and other resources. One critical resource is to prioritize water for the village members and the Hopi Health Care Center and Dialysis Center. Cooperation from the Community Health Representative Office, a list of the elderly already is identified. They are of critical concern to the virus and must receive priority services. The plan requests the Hopi Tribal Council to direct the Indian Health Service to work in cooperation with the villages who are at the forefront of services. The cooperation of all village members is required to uphold and maintain the closure to all non-tribal members for protection to virus. The plan also calls to have the village office work cooperatively with all villages, tribal departments, schools, county governments, state and all federal agencies. Any questions, you may call 928-737-2670. Notice from the Village of Shungopovi NOTICE Village of Shungopavi March 12, 2020 Please be advised that the Village of Shungopavi is closed to all tours/tour groups to protect vulnerable members of the village from potential infection of the Corona Virus. This closure is imposed for the next thirty (30) days. This is a public health and safety measure which the Village imposes as a means of preventing the spread within the Village of the virus. This notice does not apply if you are a resident of the village, have family within the village, own property within the village, or a member of law enforcement, emergency medical technicians, doctors, nurses and other essential services. Thank you for your understanding and assistance in our efforts to protect children and the elderly. If you have any questions or need access to the village, please call Leon Lomakema, Village Community Administrator, at (928) 734-7135. The Native American Disability Law Center Expands Effort to Help Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries Afford Basic Living Expenses FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Farmington, NM - July 2019, the Native American Disability Law Center has partnered with the National Council on Aging (NCOA) to expand assistance to people with Medicare in Northern Arizona and Northern New Mexico to improve their financial security. Nationally, half of all people with Medicare live on incomes less than $26,200/ year, and often lack the resources needed to meet basic living expenses. Several benefit programs exist to help these individuals with the costs of health care, prescriptions, food, and more. “These programs can be real lifelines for people on Medicare in Tribal Communities, but often they don’t know that assistance in making ends meet is out here,” said Benita McKerry, Project Manager of Native American Disability Law Center. this opportunity will allow us to dedicate [more] resources to reaching those with the most need and assisting them through what can be a long and confusing enroll- ment process.” Native American Disability Law Center is one of 87 Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs) funded by NCOA to serve low-income Medicare beneficiaries in 43 states. BECs are supported with funding from the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act, administered through the U.S. Administration for Community Living. BECs use NCOA’s free online BenefitsCheckUp® tool (www.BenefitsCheckUp. org) to screen lower income older adults, and younger adults with disabilities, for a number of benefits—including Medicare Savings Programs, Part D Extra Help, and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—and to help them apply for and use those benefits. We welcome people with Medicare, their caregivers, and family members to contact us for a comprehensive benefits screening, if your organization wants us to come to your community, please contact us at (800) 862-7271. Thank you. Navajo Nation Confirms Case Of COVID-19 In Arizona A member of the Navajo Nation has tested positive for COVID-19. Credit Office of the Navajo Nation President A press release from the Navajo Nation says the infected person is from the community of Chilchinbeto, Arizona and is now being treated in Phoenix after an initial visit to the Kayenta Health Center. The Arizona Department of Health Services confirmed the positive test results once the individual was in Phoenix. Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez will give an address the nation Wednesday at 5:00 p.m. DST, 4:00 Arizona time, on tribal radio station KTNN. Nez and Vice President Myron Lizer have called on the Navajo Nation Council to reconvene and appropriate funds for health and emergency preparedness. Tribal members with questions can call the Navajo Health Command Operations Center at (928) 871-7014. Arizona officials earlier today confirmed a case in Navajo County, bringing the state's total to 20. Hopi Tutuveni March 18, 2020 KUYI Hopi Radio’s Indian Country News Bureau Update Richard Davis – KUYI Hopi Radio Station Manager Second Mesa, Ariz. - KUYI’s Indian Country News Bureau has the following update (as of 2pm Tuesday March 17) on the Hopi Tribe & neighboring communities’ response to the COVID-19 Coronavirus national emergency & worldwide pandemic: The Navajo County Public Health Department and the Navajo Nation confirmed that a resident of the Navajo Nation has been diagnosed with COVID-19. Navajo County Public Health Services District is working with Navajo Nation officials to investigate the case: This is Navajo County’s first case, bringing Arizona’s total to 20 confirmed COVID-19 cases. Navajo Nation President Nez and Vice President Lizer will provide more information live at 5:00 p.m. (DST) on Wednesday on KTNN AM 660 and 101.5 FM. The Arizona Department of Health confirmed the positive test result from an individual from the community of Chilchinbeto, Ariz., who first reported their symptoms to the Kayenta Health Center in Kayenta, Ariz. The individual was taken to a hospital in Phoenix, Ariz. where the test was conducted. Health and emergency officials are taking the proper precautions to screen and isolate the person’s family members. Full press releases are at: navajocountyaz.gov/coronavirus and on KUYI’s social media & webpages. As of noon Tuesday, Arizona Department Health Services officials report 20 people in the state have tested positive for COVID-19; On Sunday the number of positive cases in Arizona was 13; authorities expect the number of confirmed cases to increase; Medical providers and the public can call (844) 542–8201 for calls regarding general information about COVID-19; COVID-19 is an easily transmitted respiratory illness; to ensure community health, if you are mildly ill stay home and phone your healthcare provider for guidance; if you have severe symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, seek medical care immediately Hopi Tribal Council held an emergency meeting on COVID-19, today, Tuesday March 17th; Hopi Senom Transit is postponing its Flagstaff route, starting tomorrow, Wednesday, March 18, 2020 in response to the City of Flagstaff’s COVID-19 state of emergency. The statement reads: “In the interest of the health and safety of our riders, our employees and the Hopi Reservation, this is to respectfully advise you that we will be suspending service to Flagstaff beginning on Wednesday, March 18...until further notice. We will continue to run our Winslow, Keams Canyon, Tuba City and Midday Routes. We will issue a public notice should other route changes become necessary.” Contact: (928) 7343232 for more details. Social Security officials say all local offices will be closed to the public for in-person service starting Tuesday, March 17, 2020. “This decision protects the population we serve... and our employees during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. However, we are still able to provide critical services... at www.socialsecurity.gov. Local offices will also continue to provide critical services over the phone. We are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state and local governments, and other experts to monitor COVID-19 and will let you know as soon as we can resume in-person service.” The Arizona Department of Health Services recommends employers offer telework or other alternatives. The Center for Disease Control recommends that people avoid gatherings of ten or more people; Hopi Health Care Center officials are implementing protocols: all patients and visitors will be screened for symptoms; patients should arrive 20 minutes before appointments & limit the number of family members or caretakers; bring minimal personal items into the facility to decrease contamination risk; and healthier individuals not exhibiting COVID-19 symptoms are requested to leave face masks for those at higher risk group or exhibiting virus symptoms; Arizona Governor Doug Ducey issued a public health emergency declaration. Governor Ducey & Superintendent Kathy Hoffman announced a statewide closure of Arizona schools through Friday March 27; The City of Flagstaff has declared a state of emergency; Mayor Coral Evans says (quote) “We are working closely with Coconino County Health and Human Services who under 7 state law is delegated the authority over public health matters on our local response to monitor this situation and ensure the safety and well-being of our community.” The official statement reads; “Citizens are urged to cooperate with this emergency declaration and to every degree possible, abide by the safety announcements, advisories and restrictions established by County, State and Federal authorities.” The Hopi Tribe has travel restrictions & health recommendations for Tribal employees. The Navajo Nation’s Public Health State of Emergency affects Tribal employees with travel restrictions & self-quarantine guidelines. KUYI offers government officials time on-air & space on our websites to share emergency preparedness plans with our listeners. This is a developing story. We expect more cases to be reported as testing is conducted and more closure impacts as people begin to seriously take CDC and WHO recommendations regarding social-distancing, tele-work, proper hand-washing techniques and other methods to “flatten the curve” I urge all readers and listeners to visit https://www.who.int/emergencies/ diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/advice-for-public/myth-busters and review the “Myth Busters” page to combat the non-scientific misinformation spreading on social media. KUYI itself is updating its emergency response plan in order to keep our staff and volunteers safe so we can continue to report to the Hopi sinmuy. ross 4 . Qö ö tsa 5 . navo ta 7 . Talwiipi 9 . Tayati 11. aa'awna 13. Haaki 14 . to tsa 16 . titapta 18. Tuwi 20 . Kiihu Name: Hopi Tutuveni March 18, 2020 8 1 2 3 Hopilavit - Pertaining to Education 4 5 6 7 9 8 10 11 12 13 14 Across 4. Qöötsa 5. Navota 7. Talwiipi 9. Tayati 11. Aa’awna 13. Haaki 14. Totsa 16. Titapta 18. Tuwi 20. Kiihu Down 1. Homolovi 2. Hongvi 3. Kisonvi 6. Taavi 8. Awatovi 10. Pa’angwu 12. Huuhukya 15. Yokva 17. Sikaangpu 19. Paalangpu 15 16 17 18 19 20 D A T U T U Q A Y K I N T B P V L B I U X I N Z N N A U F A A N E Y O T Y O S S A T W I Z F D S Y A V A S T A N W A W K A W U U S A U V I T U T H A N E O O A A F A N I I T Q N U L New Perspective - Education by: Carl Onsae Submit your comics to consae@hopi.nsn.us Or 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. A W U P U S S U A U H I N A M N Q A A T I N A W A M I W Y U A I K K T U T A A A Y N V A Y U U N S I K R T Y A A T Y O I W F P A K O A M H U P E U P A V U K S V H A U Q K I N G R O O A L P U T B I U E A A I A Y W S O I Y A A S A Q Y Y H X G I A H A A K H O R O K N A F N T U T U V E N I T U M A L A A I K U Y I M A N M A A T A V I T A A W P G A N M A V N E I N S P A I P Q Q U F K N U S Y D Tuhisa - Achievement Pahanlavayi - English Tuwani - Time Limit Wuuhaqta - Add Lang Hölökna - Turn a page Poòtoylànpi - Adding Yuku - Finish Tapamvenpi - Typewriter Sampi - In as much Namiyuki - Understanding Angyori - Inspect Tutuqaynönga - Vacation Pà’asa - Quantity Hìikyaat - Value Tuuvingta - Question Lavayi - Vocabulary Tutuqayki - School Yàasaq - Volume Awtavi - Submit Kyaahaki - Wealth Purita - Analyze Akpeta - Substitute Pasi’nangwa - Well Be- Tatatsi - Ball Playing Aniwna - Successful haved Namihuuya - Bargain Haakho’rokna - Suspend Tumala - Work Pòotoyla - Count Yù’asve - Talkative Tutuveni - Written Matter Peena - Design Nàwki - Take Away Qasuan - Wrong Maatavi - Dismiss Tuwi - Technique Tutuqayna - Educate Wuuwa - Think Answers for March 4th edition Created with TheTeac hers Co rner.net Cro s s wo rd Puz z le Generato r Across Down Machine 2. Finish, 5. Find, 6. Icicle, 8. Five, 10. Raining, 11. Butterfly, 1. Ho12. moNo, lo vi14. Slippery, 15. Black, 16. Melt 17. Beans, 19. Cold Antsana - Adjust 2. Ho ngvi Down 3. Kiiso nvi Namiyuku - Agreement 1. Six, 3. Hunter, 4. Blue, 7. Cantalope, 9. Bamboo, 13. Write, 14. Scared, 18. Snow 6 . Taavi Call 928-734-3283 for hints or answers Answers in next issue 8. Awato vi Sòosoy - All 10 . pa'angwa 12. Huuhukya Nanawakta - Alternate 15 . Yo kva Àasa’- Amount 17 . Sikaagpu 19 . Paalangpu Are you into drawing COMICS? P O O T O Y L A N P I B G Q A 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 or rlaban@hopi.nsn.us Hopi Tutuveni March 18, 2020 9 Larry’s Corner A side…formal address to the “People” By LARRY The CAT The Hopi Tutuveni How many of us can say, “I am proud of the Hopi Tribal Government”? If you ask any Hopi around the reservation, 100% of Hopis who do not have a tribal government job will probably not think twice of the Hopi tribal government. I know I might be exaggerating but I’m pretty sure a number of Hopis have that intention NOT to say, “I am proud of the Hopi Tribal Government.” Now, I’m not saying that we all see our tribal government as a waste of time. We have to give them credit, for giving at least 10% of the Hopi population jobs while the rest of that population depends on selling arts and crafts or to get off-reservation jobs. It’s the sad truth but we live with it everyday. So how can we turn that around? Maybe create a sustainable way of living or having a “tribally owned grocery store” or a Chinese Food restaurant or a Mexican Food restaurant; Natives love tacos and enchiladas. Although, we do have different leadership in our villages, this does not mean we are separate people to make decisions for our different villages, this just means that when a decision is being made to protect or to change our way of thinking, we all come together and make sure we make the right choice for our people. So many of you are probably wondering how do we live like this, you know…the poverty, the third world outlook of our reservation? Well most of us don’t see the poverty and the third world outlook, but we see the land as it should be. Of course we combine our love for the land with our broken cars that take up our yard, but we still see beauty in our land. So we don’t see ourselves as living in poverty or living in a “third world” kind of situation, we see ourselves living in a self-sustaining land where we can raise a family without sickness, diseases, or danger to our future generation with hopes just like any other person seeking a good life. Although, our tribal government lacks certain qualities to help the Hopi people, sometimes you have to give them credit where it matters. So there has been a sickness going around the USA or I should say the “world” and it has many people panicking to buy in bulk, because in their minds it’s the “END OF THE WORLD!” it’s the apocalypse, it’s what the white man standing on the corner of a street calling, “The end of times.” And that leaves many of us, worried about what will happen to “us.” See, if you didn’t know already, Hopis have this certain quality where, we can survive anything. We have survived the black plaque, smallpox, genocide, and forced religion, and the reason why we survived these “mass killers” is that we live in a place where no one wants to live. We live so desolate that many people visit here, think it’s a third world place and say, “why would you live in a place like this? There is no water; there is no way a person would survive here.” But, are the Hopis truly safe from the harm of the “outside” world? Or course not, we can’t be safe from harm anywhere, we just have had to learn how to survive. We have had to learn how to stay calm, humble, and tolerant. Plus, we had the training for over ten decades or more to learn how to survive in this desolate place. Our elders had this wisdom where they saw into the future and saw that the Hopi people will survive the worst of times. Although, we have lost some of our wisdom, we still retain that certain knowledge of how to survive, which is partially due to the fact, we are so dependent on a government handout we’ve “kinda” lost touch with some parts of how to survive the HOPI way. Of course, this knowledge is still embedded in us somewhere; it’s like riding a bicycle, once you learn you never forget. Some may think but not say that our Hopi tribal government lacks the leadership during theses drastic times so I will address the Hopi people with my cat-like leadership to make sure the Hopi people have hope and understanding that we all need to keep calm and listen to ourselves. -A formal Address from Larry the Cat My fellow Hopi senom, We are in a time where mass hysteria and media are confusing our minds on this sickness called Covid-19 or Coronavirus. I assure you that we are safe from harm but this should not make you step aside from taking precautions to keep you safe. Please take precaution as with any sickness here on the reservation. Keep calm, stay humble and wash your hands in case you find yourself wanting to access help or give help to and from the Hopi people. Although, this sickness may seem like something new and foreign, as in all sickness from the outside world, I assure you that we Hopi people are survivors of any adversity and we will survive through this, too. We truly will. If you must buy supplies for yourself please be considerate of the elders who do not have money to buy in bulk. Perhaps buy an elder an extra item or two while you are purchasing something for yourself. I assure you that our “leaders” are doing their best to make sure each village here on the Hopi reservation is being taken care of. The Hopi people need to be role models to the outside world, to show the outside world that the Native people are the forefront of this land and this future. Itam mopekya. I thank you my fellow readers for keeping your head on straight, because there are people out in the world who just want to watch the world burn, and there are people in the world who still see the beauty in human nature and want to save them. So my advice to you is that, even though media is telling you this is a “world pandemic” trust your instincts in dealing with any type of disease or sickness. Stay clean and wash your paws as much as possible whether at home or in public. Plus, in the end, we should hope that there is pizza for everyone, because that’s survival food…next to our corn, of course. Stay calm… Want a FREE Larry sticker? - Email me and I will send one your way Want to ask Larry something? Email him: meowatlarry@gmail.com • Write a Letter to Larry: PO BOX 123 Kykotsmovi AZ, 86039 Current Indian World News 10 One active Native judge is less than one-quarter of 1 percent of the federal bench Judge Diane Humetewa, Hopi, is the first Native American woman to serve on the bench. (Photo by Patty Talahongva, Indian Country Today) Kalle Benallie Indian Country Today There are 870 Article III judges in the United States. Two are Native American. One in Arizona and one in the Eastern District Court of Oklahoma. There are no American Indians or Alaska Natives serving on one of the U.S. Courts of Appeals. Or the Supreme Court. That works out to .229 percent or less than one quarter of one percent. But even that number requires an asterisk because one of the judges is Frank H. Seay, Cherokee, who took senior status in 2003 and has been inactive for many years. The Center for American Progress examined the federal judiciary and found a lack of female judges, judges of color, and judges self-identifying as LGBTQ across the entire federal judiciary. The report’s findings paint a bleak picture of demographic representation across the Matthew Brown Associated Press BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) — Montana regulators have reached a deal allowing the state to enforce environmental laws at a large coal mine bought by a Navajo-owned company, officials said Thursday. For months, executives from the Navajo Transitional Energy Company and state officials had been unable to resolve demands the company waive its immunity as a tribal entity from future lawsuits. The mine shut down briefly in October when the dispute over sovereignty first emerged. Thursday’s agreement came a day before a temporary waiver agreement was set to expire. The Navajo company bought the lower federal courts. That’s unfortunate because “judges from different backgrounds and with different life experiences bring their unique and invaluable perspectives to bear on the cases that come before them. For litigants, diversity on the federal bench offers real, substantive benefits, including fairer judicial decisions.” “I don’t focus on it,” said Judge Diane Humetewa, Hopi, with the U.S. District Court of Arizona. “I focus primarily on the job I’m here to do. But at the same time, 275-worker Spring Creek strip mine along the Wyoming border and two mines in Wyoming last year from bankrupt Cloud Peak Energy. Spring Creek is Montana’s largest coal mine. It produced almost 14 million tons of the fuel in 2018, ranking it the eighth largest mine in the U.S. in terms of coal production. The ability to take a company to court over environmental violations is a key enforcement tool for mining industry regulators. But as a sovereign tribal entity, the Navajo-owned company couldn’t normally be sued in state court. CEO Clark Moseley said in a statement that the company was “extremely pleased to have the final limited waiver in place.” The agreement does not change the company’s Cont. On Page 14 studies like the one that came out remind me of how there is a lack of diversity.” When she was nominated by President Barack Obama in 2013, then later confirmed unanimously by the Senate, she was shocked to learn the historical significance as she would be the first Native American woman to ever serve as a federal judge. “Being female and Native American, people aren’t used to seeing us as lawyers, at least when I was practicing back in the 90s,” she said. Humetewa said Native American judges are needed in states that have Native populations like North Dakota, New Mexico and Arizona. “It gives the community the perception that people that they see on the district court reflect their community and some familiarity with the environment,” she said. And during her time as a prosecutor for Arizona’s U.S. Attorney’s Office, Cont. On Page 14 Montana, Navajo-owned company reach deal on sovereign immunity Cont. On Page 16 Hopi Tutuveni March 18, 2020 BREAKING NEWS: Tribes begin casino closures Patty Talahongva Indian Country Today BREAKING NEWS: San Manuel announces closure of its California casino (Last update 8:13 pm Mountain Standard Time) Tribal casinos begin announcing closures this weekend to keep up with the fast-growing coronavirus pandemic. The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians said “wholeheartedly stand with all of those directly and indirectly affected” by the pandemic. The announcement was made Saturday night. The casino will close at 5 pm on Sunday. The casino will be closed through the end of the month. “The health and safety of our guests, team members, and Tribal Citizens is our highest priority,” the news release said. “We feel this is the best course of action for our community.” San Manuel said during the closure it will continue to pay employees. San Manuel was one of the first tribal governments to take action, limiting travel for its employees and canceling public events including its annual philanthropic lunch. Saturday night the Pechanga Casino and Resort announced it would be temporarily closing. “The closure will be effective Monday, March 16th at 12PM through the end of March,” the casino said on its Facebook page. “As a Tribal Government and major employer of thousands of people, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily close Pechanga Resort Casino for the health and safety of our Team Members, Tribal Members, and guests due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Tribal Chairman Mark Macarro. “No matter what, the Pechanga family will rise to this challenge together with the strength, compassion, determination, and resilience that our ancestors instilled in us.” Pechanga Team Members will receive their base pay and benefits during this temporary closure. On Monday the Pueblo of Pojoaque will close its three casinos for two weeks. In a news release Saturday the pueblo said it voluntarily made the decision to cease gambling operations beginning 4 am Monday. How American Indians Members of Congress Voted on Coronavirus Response Act 11 “Our highest priority has always been the health and safety of our Team Members, our Guests and our Community” said Governor Joseph M. Talachy. “Although there have been no known cases of COVID-19 on any of the Pueblo of Pojoaque businesses, we are suspending operations at our three casinos: Buffalo Thunder Resort Casino, Cities of Gold Casino and Jake’s Casino, out of an abundance of caution and to promote the social distancing recommended by health officials.” The news release said employees will be paid during the two-week closure and all of the social service programs as well as all other businesses operated by the Pueblo of Pojoaque will remain open. The three hotels on the Pueblo, The Hilton at Buffalo Thunder, Homewood Suites and Cities of Gold Hotel will all remain open. “Our team is committed to creating a safe and healthy environment for all of our customers and our employees.” Talachy said. “Know that as our forefathers always did, we shall flourish and thrive long after this time has passed.” Tribes that have announced closures of casinos include: -- Glacier Peaks Casino and Lil Peaks Casino, Blackfeet, Montana. Other tribal enterprises and the casino industry itself is still debating a course of action. Some tribal casinos have posted, mostly on Facebook, about plans to continue operations but include a new cleaning protocol. The Navajo Nation Gaming Enterprise posted a notice saying it is closing the food buffets as a precaution. The nation operates four casinos in two states. Carla Johnson, executive director of the Arizona Indian Gaming Association, spent a busy Friday the 13th on the phone contacting as many tribal casino operations in Arizona. By late afternoon she had comments from approximately four. Had any mentioned closing their doors? “At this moment, no,” she said. “I know that all the tribes are closely following the direction provided by the Center for Disease Control. They are also increasing sanitation stations.” The Tohono O’odham Nation operates four locations and has increased hand sanitizer stations and Cont. On Page 15 Native News online staff costs for uninsured patients. The legislation also guarantees two weeks of paid sick leave and up to three months of paid family and medical leave for employees of businesses with fewer than 500 employees. New Mexico’s Haaland worked hard for an inserted provision into the bill that ensures tribes, tribal organizations, urban Indian health organizations, or health service providers to tribes are included and eligible for emergency funding and programs. “Families in this country deserve support during a time of crisis, but for too long worker protections have been put on the backburner. Today, we’re passing much needed programs that will ensure our families have what they need to stay healthy and manage the economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak,” said Haaland. “After President Donald Trump declared a national emergency and outlined new efforts to combat the coronavirus in the United States, I am grateful the House could come Cont. On Page 14 WASHINGTON — Just after midnight on Saturday morning, the House of Representatives passed the Families First Coronavirus Response Act, legislation (H.B. 6201) to provide assistance to combat the coronavirus. The legislation was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support with a vote of 363-40. The legislation that passed Saturday builds on an $8.3 billion emergency coronavirus spending package enacted into law on March 6. Three of four American Indians in Congress voted in favor of the Families Frist Coronavirus Response measure: Rep. Tom Cole (R-Ok), Chickasaw; Rep. Deb Haaland (D-N.M.), Pueblo of Laguna; and Rep. Sharice Davids (D-KS), Ho-Chunk. The fourth American Indian in the House, Rep. Markwayne Mullin (R-OK), Cherokee, did not vote on the bill. The legislation will provide access to free COVID-19 testing, increases federal payments to state Medicaid programs and allocates $1 billion to reimburse testing Hopi Tutuveni March 18, 2020 12 Do you like what you’re reading? Call or email us to tell us if we are doing a good job. We need your feedback If you have a question on content or pictures let us know and we can gladly help you. 928-734-3283 or rlaban@hopi.nsn.us JOB OPENINGS Would you like to put your legals into the Newspaper? For a single price you can put your legals into the Hopi Tutuveni Call 928-734-3283 Cat got your tongue? Don’t know which color to pick or how to layout your ad? Hopi Tutuveni can help you with creating an ad to your specific need. Call or email us to find out how Call 928-734-3283 or email: consae@hopi.nsn.us Hopi Tribal Council Timothy L. Nuvangyaoma, Chairman Clark W. Tenakhongva, Vice Chairman Dwayne Secakuku, Interim Tribal Secretary Wilfred Gaseoma, Tribal Treasurer Violet Sinquah, SergeantAt-Arms Village of Upper Moenkopi Robert Charley Philton Talahytewa, Sr. Hubert Lewis, Sr. Michael Elmer Village of Bakabi Dwayne Secakuku Clifford Qotsaquahu Village of Kyakotsmovi David Talayumptewa Phillip Quochytewa, Sr. Danny Honanie Herman H. Honanie Village of Sipaulavi Rosa Honanie Alverna Poneoma Dennis Koeyahongva Village of Mishongnovi Craig Andrews Ronald Humeyestewa Merwin Kooyahoema Annette F. Talayumptewa First Mesa Consolidated Villages Albert T. Sinquah Dale Sinquah Wallace Youvella, Sr. Wallace Youvella, Jr. Hopi Tutuveni March 18, 2020 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 CIRCULATION OBITUARIES JOB OPENINGS We offer available space for obituaries, and they are always free. If you plan on publishing an obituary call or email today Call: 928-734-3283or email: ads@hopi.nsn.us Have a Job Opening? ANNOUNCEMENTS Announce Here... 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) 13 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. We offer available space for any kind of announcements, call for pricing and availability call or email today Call: 928-734-3283or email: ads@hopi.nsn.us BIRTHDAY/CONGRATS! HAPPY_________DAY... 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Call or email TODAY to learn more Call: 928-734-3283   HOPI TRIBAL HOUSING AUTHORITY POSITION: EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT: ADMINISTRATION POSITION OPEN: 2-24-2020 CLOSING DATE: 3-20-2020 CONTACT: Sherry Lomayestewa, HR Generalist 928-737-2800 Visit our website at WWW.HTHA.ORG for more detailed information regarding this vacancy announcement   HOPI TRIBAL HOUSING AUTHORITY POSITION: FINANCE DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT: FINANCE POSITION OPEN: 3-16-2020 CLOSING DATE: 3-30-2020 CONTACT: Sherry Lomayestewa, HR Generalist 928-737-2800 Visit our website at WWW.HTHA.ORG for more detailed information regarding this vacancy announcement Hopi Tutuveni March 18, 2020 14 One active Native judge is less than one-quarter of 1 percent of the federal bench, Cont. she discovered how she was different from her peers. “I noticed none of the other prosecutors used to visit tribal lands,” she said. “My belief was you can’t do your job appropriately if you don’t go to the area where the event happened and not meet with the people.” Before she worked as a prosecutor at the U.S. Attorney’s office in Arizona, she was a victims advocate there. Her peers noticed her ability to establish a rapport and communicate well with Native crime victims, so they urged her to apply to law school. “I have that level of familiarity that other people have to learn about,” Humetewa said. She said despite the low numbers of American Indian judges, the data is improving considering the 2010 U.S. Census data says American Indians make up only 1.7 percent of the national population, Native children are just beginning to attend colleges and other demographics have generations of family members who are lawyers. “It’s going to take an amount of time,” she said. “I think it’s a natural progression of what we’re seeing.” Humetewa also said her journey to the U.S. District Court wasn’t a sudden occurrence. “A lot of people overlook the fact that I’ve been a lawyer before I got the nomination, I was practicing law for 20 years,” she said. She recommends that Native Americans who want to be part of the judicial system gain experience with federal cases and court practices. “In my view, Native people who are interested in these kinds of positions eventually have to have in depth experience in practicing federal courts, at least some familiarity in state positions to the extent of state judgeships,” she said. She mentions that selecting federal judges are political decisions, too. “Sadly if you don’t have the right political affiliations, that is going to be a detriment to any Native American person if they are of the wrong political stripe,” she said. John Echohawk, executive director of the Native American Rights Fund, a non-profit organization dedicated to provide legal assistance to Indian tribes, organizations and individuals, agrees that the political scene is one obstacle Native Americans face to join the judiciary field. “We just need to keep recruiting and keep educating young law students coming up about the need and hope for the best, everyone is working on it,” he said. One initiative the Native American Rights Fund is part of is the Federal Judicial Selection Project that was developed by tribal leaders in 2001. It was created to educate both federal judiciary about tribal laws and vice versa. “These programs are on-going and hopefully will produce some results,” Echohawk said. From his perspective in the beginning of his law education, Native Americans in law are gradu- Montana, Navajo-owned company reach deal on sovereign immunity, Cont. status as a "contract operator" of Spring Creek under the mine's existing permit held by Cloud Peak. Before the permit can be transferred, the Navajo Transitional Energy Company must acquire bonds sufficient to cover an estimated $110 million in future reclamation costs. In a separate action, the Montana Department of Environmental Quality also on Thursday gave preliminary approval to a 977-acre expansion of Spring Creek. The expansion includes about 72 million tons (65 million metric tons) of coal and would extend the life of the mine by about four years, to approximately 2031. Final approval is pending. The Navajo Transitional Energy Corporation in February reached a deal with Wyoming regulators that waived immunity for the Antelope and Cordero Rojo mines. TICK-TACK-TOE ally increasing, but it’s a waiting game. According to the Federal Judicial Center, only three Native Americans have been federal judges in history. “From the time I was in law school, 50 years ago, we had 25 Native American attorneys who were able to be identified nationally, now we have over 2500 Native American lawyers.” The Center for American Progress found that “people of color make up just 20 percent of all sitting judges and 27 percent of active judges. In all, African Americans comprise 10 percent of sitting judges and 13 percent of active judges, while Hispanic judges make up about 7 percent and 9 percent of sitting and active judges, respectively. Asian Americans comprise an even smaller proportion of the lower federal courts: Only 2.5 percent of active judges and 4 percent of sitting judges are Asian American.” The data for women is similar. “Five district courts, or 5 per- cent, have no sitting female judges. That number doubles when considering active judges: In all, 10 federal district courts, or 11 percent, have no actively serving female judges on the bench,” the report said. And on the other side of the metric, among active judges, there are 39 courts, almost half, that are entirely composed of white judges, the report said. “Active judges of color comprise at least half of the bench on only 13 district courts — 14 percent. Just one district court—the District Court of Puerto Rico—entirely comprises judges of color.” And at the appellate court level, although people of color comprise roughly 40 percent of the U.S. general population, they make up just 17 percent of sitting circuit court judges and 23 percent of active judges. The report said “there is not a single circuit court where judges of color comprise more than 36 percent of the bench and the 7th Circuit has no judges of color at all.” How American Indians Members of Congress Voted on Coronavirus Response Act, Cont. together several hours later to provide reassurance for concerned American families and communities,” Cole said. “With more cases confirmed of COVID-19 every day across the nation and the numerous disruptions to our daily lives, the American people need to know that we will get through the unknowns ahead and that testing will be available and accessible for everyone who needs it. Between the funding already provided by Congress last week, the Administration’s bolstered response efforts and this second installment of relief, it is clear that we are united in protecting our citizens and their livelihoods during this emergency.” Among other features of the legislation are: Supports strong unemployment benefits; Expands food assistance for vulnerable children and families; Protects frontline health workers; Provides additional funding to states for the ongoing economic consequences of the pandemic; and Protects home-delivered meals, personal care, and health services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. The legislation now heads to the Senate for passage before it becomes law and then sent to the president for signature. Hopi Tutuveni March 18, 2020 15 BREAKING NEWS: Tribes begin casino closures, Cont. have enhanced their cleaning procedures with state of the art disinfectant equipment. Apache Gold operated by the San Carlos Apache Tribe issues a release saying, among other sanitation protocols, that all cups have been removed from the courtesy drink stations to prevent unnecessary touching. “All cups will be handed to our Guests by gloved Team Members,” wrote CEO Matt Olin. On March 6 Johnson said the association held its monthly meeting and brought in a physician to talk to tribal leadership about the coronavirus. “We provided the presentation from the doctor, he shared his views and links to on-line support for this,” Johnson said. From that meeting a week ago, Johnson says tribes immediately implemented new protocols. “They are also continuing educating their employees in the prevention of illness. They are posting hand washing reminders for both employees and patrons." The Bay Mills Indian Community in Michigan closed two of its casinos. Chairman Bryan‌‌Newland‌said: “We're in the hospitality business ... we're‌n‌ ot‌ ‌chasing‌ ‌people‌ ‌away,‌ ‌but‌ ‌we‌ ‌don't‌ ‌wanna‌ ‌put‌ ‌money‌ ‌over‌ ‌people's‌ ‌health‌ ‌either.‌ ‌If‌ ‌you're‌ ‌65‌ ‌years‌ ‌old,‌ ‌and‌ ‌you‌ ‌have‌ ‌COPD‌ ‌or‌ ‌you're‌ ‌recovering‌ ‌from‌ ‌lung‌ ‌cancer,‌ ‌you‌ ‌should‌ ‌probably‌ ‌not‌ ‌be‌ ‌out‌ ‌in‌ ‌public‌ ‌right‌ ‌now‌ ‌touching‌ ‌things‌ ‌other‌ ‌people‌ ‌are‌ ‌touching.”‌ Oklahoma casinos continue to operate with increased sanitation stations. The WinStar World Casino and Resort, owned by the Chickasaw Nation, said it continues to monitor the situation. "We have signifi- cantly enhanced our cleaning and disinfecting, particularly in the heavy traffic areas of our property," the casino said on its Facebook page. "Additionally, our facilities undergo thorough cleaning daily to protect against transmission of communicable disease, including the coronavirus." However WinStar and several other have shut down planned concerts. "We have made the decision to postpone all concerts at the Global Event Center for the month of March. While we pride ourselves on providing world-class entertainment to our patrons, our top priority is your health and safety," WinStar said. The Washington Indian Gaming Association issued a media release echoing the new sanitation protocols the Arizona tribal casinos are taking. “Tribes are committed to maintaining safe and healthy communities and businesses. We rely on gaming to provide revenue for essential services and self-sufficiency. Simply put, gaming allows us to provide housing, healthcare, education, natural resources and jobs,” wrote Rebecca Kaldor, the executive director. W. Ron Allen, chairman and CEO of the Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, also commented in the release, “We are doing all we can to avoid shuttering these important business enterprises because of the devastating economic and personal impact closure would have on both tribal and non-tribal communities. But the health of our guests, employees and community are our top priority, so we will continue to monitor and evaluate the situation as it unfolds.” The tribal casino employees are adhering to the state’s directive to limit events For back issues of the Hopi Tutuveni visit: https://www.hopi-nsn.gov/news/hopi-tutuveni/ to 250 people and employees are following guidelines that limit business travel. In Las Vegas a casino hotel already has reported an incident. The Southern Nevada Health District announced last week that there are three new presumed positive cases of COVID-19 in Clark County, bringing the total to 5 , plus seven across the state. MGM Resorts said a woman from New York had attended the Women of Power Summit at The Mirage hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip. MGM also announced it was closing the buffets at its casinos, including Aria, Bellagio, Excalibur, Luxor, MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, and The Mirage. In Ohio, the state's Casino Control Commission ordered the state's casinos to close after an order by Gov. Mike DeWine barring gatherings of more than 100 people. California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday said he was in talks with tribal leadership about casino closures in that state but he didn’t mention which tribes he is speaking with. California has 35 tribal casinos. The California Nations Indian Gaming Association website did not have any notices posted. Nor does the National Indian Gaming Association website. But one day ago it did postpone the 2020 Indian Gaming Tradeshow and Convention that was set for late March in San Diego, California. Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr. said in the release, “The health and safety of our tribal gaming attendees are of paramount concern and postponing the Indian Gaming Tradeshow, for now, is the safest course of action. Our Board of Directors and Association staff will work diligently on the best path forward for all impacted attendees in light of this postponement.” Across the country at the Foxwoods Resort Casino, owned and operated by the Pequot Nation in Connecticut, is a notice on its Facebook page. “Foxwoods Cares About Your Health,” and lists that more than 330 new sanitizing stations have been added. The notice says casino management is monitoring the latest news and consulting with the tribe’s chief medical officer as well as local authorities to determine what events to close and perhaps eventually, the casino. Understandably, closing tribal casinos will have a huge impact on the hundreds of thousands of employees and the states that receive revenue sharing profits. In Arizona alone tribal casinos employ more than 15,000 people, Johnson says. Last June the Arizona Department of Gaming reported contributions from tribal gaming revenue was approximately $26.9 million for the previous quarter. “As Arizona’s economy continues to thrive, we have now seen nine (9) consecutive quarters of strong and steady growth in tribal gaming contributions to the state,” wrote Directo Ted Vogt. “Our tribal-state gaming partnership funds critical services and programs that benefit Arizonans’ quality of life, such as making sure that hospital trauma services are available on a 24-hour, seven days per week basis.” As the COVID-19 pandemic unfolds, that gaming revenue could be critical for such health facilities. If you have a story to submit or want a story to be featured in the Hopi Tutuveni Call or email us and tell us your story. If you have a question on submitting content or pictures call: 928-734-3283 or consae@hopi.nsn.us Advertise in this 6 column x 1” for only $80 FULL COLOR! CALL TODAY TO RESERVE THIS BANNER AD 928-734-3283 Hopi Tutuveni March 18, 2020 16 Hopi Tribal Council Holds Emergency Meeting on COVID-19 By: Romalita Laban, Managing Editor Hopi Tutuveni Kykotsmovi, Ariz. – Tuesday, March 17, 2020 Hopi Tribal Council requested an update report from Hopi Chairman and Vice Chairman’s Offices regarding measures being taken to address Covid-19 on the Hopi reservation. Hopi Tutuveni staff arrived at approximately 9:25 a.m. after being called by Berdella Nasingoetewa, Hopi Tribal Secretary Staff Member, at 9:21 a.m. who requested Tutuveni’s attendance at the meeting. No other requests or notifications were provided to Hopi Tutuveni about the meeting’s occurrence. An audience, with Tribal employees, Directors and local Hopi School Community School Advisors filled all, except for approximately three vacant seats, in Tribal Council Chambers. Hopi Vice Chairman, Clark Tenakhongva, was explaining to Council members and those in the audience that as of that moment, the front doors to the Hopi Health Care Center are the only doors which are currently open for the public to enter. He went on to further explain that all dialysis patients are being required to call in before arrival and that they would be escorted in to receive services and that his office continues to advise people through the local radio public service announcements and that Hopi Tutuveni would be utilized. There was further explanation that social media posts and information being shared, via that source should be taken with caution. Because of that caution, Tribal Leadership was taking the lead of Indian Health Services with regard to legitimate information about Covid-19 protocols and procedures. Tenakhongva mentioned that a meeting with local Hopi schools was scheduled for later at 1 p.m. to ensure communication was up to date and not misleading for the public and stakeholders. Overall the audience was quiet and attentive while the Vice Chairman continued explaining that local Village Community Service Administrators would be depended on to determine if restrictions and closures of villages would take place within their authority and oversight. Discussion surrounding precautions taken to guide Tribal employees who recently travelled to New York and who have since returned and been required to self-quarantine also took place. Mention of a enacting a Incident Command Station and all that is entailed, including setting aside funding for that purpose, appointing personnel and point of contacts also was made by Tenakhongva before he asked Tribal Council for input. Tribal Council members expressed varying perspectives with Dale Sinquah expressing not being pleased with measures being taken and described them as “inadequate” and went on to further describe that schools are “doing their own thing” because “this body has to have a method/guidelines, whether villages agree or not.” He went on to state, “Leadership has to step forward…to say the virus is not here, we have to treat it like it’s here, NOW.” Sinquah went on to state, “We need to take control…we need to take our assets…let’s step up, let’s attend briefings every day, and let’s give our input.” Wilfred Gaseoma, Hopi Tribal Treasurer was asked about funding, to which he responded, “Financially, should have no problem, we have funds in Wells Fargo that is accessible, with a couple of accounts we can access with the least amount being $67,000 and highest amount being $27 million. Three accounts can be accessed.” It was then determined that the Treasurer along with the Chairman and Vice Chairman would work on an Action Item to be presented on Thursday, March 19, 2020 to address a Declaration of Emergency before the meeting was recessed just around the noon hour. Hopi Tutuveni had been in contact with the Hopi Chairman and Vice Chairman’s office regarding a statement from the their office about an emergency declaration, no word has been issued to Hopi Tutuveni at this time. Want to Advertise with the Hopi Tutuveni? YOUR BUSINESS NAME HERE Are you confused on how to advertise in the local newspaper? The Hopi Tutuveni can help you. With our friendly staff to help you with your advertisement, advertising is now made Easy! Call or email today. Call: 928-734-3283 Email: consae@hopi.nsn.us --- Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/documents/tribal%3Ahopi_arizona%3A8b74ef42723de7fd. Public record. Not legal advice.