For centuries, Native Americans have used talking circles to solve problems and provide healing. During the pandemic, these practices moved online and outdoors to help those in need.

(Audio by Gianluca D’Elia/Cronkite News)

Indigenous groups maintain talking circle traditions during COVID-19

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) discusses efforts to address the U. S. Supreme Court decision in McGirt v. Oklahoma.

The 2020 decision confirmed the existence of Indian Country in eastern Oklahoma, meaning tribes and the federal government exercise jurisdiction over most criminal activity. But Cole said the federal government has failed to provide adequate funding for tribal justice systems.

"There's clearly a federal trust responsibility to provide for justice and law enforcement on Indian reservations," Cole said during a meeting of the House Committee on Rules on July 26, 2021.

Through an amendment to an appropriations bill, Cole sought an additional $154 million in federal funds to address the situation. The money would have been added to the budget for the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Lawmakers, however, rejected the amendment as part of a vote that took place on the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives on July 27. Despite the setback, Cole said he plans to continue working on the issue.

The funding bill is H.R.4502. It passed the House on July 29.

'A federal trust responsibility'

Arizona’s senators are being urged to support the “Build Back Better” budget to provide funding for clean energy initiatives and jobs to address the effects of climate change as extreme heat becomes more common.

(Audio by Emma VandenEinde/Cronkite News)

Climate advocates urge Sinema, Kelly to support Biden budget plan

Q&A between Gaylord News reporter Nancy Marie Spears and US Poet Laureate and author Joy Harjo.

A conversation with Joy Harjo

The Gila River Indian Community is seeking payouts from the federal
government to conserve water in Lake Mead. Plus, why a shipping-container wall along the Arizona-Mexico border is likely to be challenged in court, and airports in the state work to become more sustainable.

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Host:  Damon Fairall
Producer: Athena Ankrah
Contributors: Alexia Stanbridge, Michelle Aerin, KUNC

Gila River tribe reverses decision on conserving water

Justis Brokenrope (Sičháŋǧu Lakȟóta) is a musician and educator currently residing in Bdé Óta Othúŋwe, Mní Sóta (Minneapolis, Minnesota). Wathéča Radio is an offshoot of Wathéča Records, a label and archival project focused on North American indigenous artists who were often overlooked in the canons of rock, folk, and country music.

Brokenrope hosts his radio shows completely in Dakhóta, the eastern dialect of the Očhéthi Šakówiŋ (the seven Lakota and Dakota tribal nations), and the original language of the land he presently resides on. Anáǧoptaŋ po! 
https://www.nts.live/shows/guests/episodes/watheca-radio-w-justis-brokenrope-27th-october-2023

Wathéča Radio w/ Justis Brokenrope 271023

Road Is Calling

Sundowns Are No Lie

Lotafiasco

An old track from the 80s I repurposed and pieced together. 

Mixed by Dan Kearley

Unceded

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'A federal trust responsibility'

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