Tips of the Day Archive

May 5, 2021

How Governments Can Make The Most of Federal COVID Relief Funding, read article here.

April 27, 2021

The Spirit Lake Nation in east central North Dakota developed a case investigation and contract tracing program in the fall of 2020 and effectively reached tribal citizens to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Read the research findings here.

Tip: Building capacity from within saves valuable time and ensures culturally-appropriate information sharing.

April 9, 2021

❇️ New Policy Brief from the Harvard Project and NNI ❇️

The American Rescue Plan Act provides the largest infusion of federal funding for Indian Country in the history of the United States. More than $32 billion dollars is directed toward assisting American Indian nations and communities as they work to end and recover from the devastating COVID-19 pandemic – which was made worse in Indian Country precisely because such funding is long overdue.

Below, we set out recommendations which we hope will promote the wise and productive allocation of ARPA funds to the nation’s 574 federally recognized American Indian tribes. We see ARPA as a potential “Marshall Plan” for the revitalization of Indian nations. The Act holds the promise of materially remedying at least some of the gross, documented, and long-standing underfunding of federal obligations and responsibilities in Indian Country. Yet, fulfilling that promise requires that the federal government expeditiously and wisely allocate ARPA funds to tribes, and that tribes efficiently and effectively deploy those funds to maximize their positive impacts on tribal communities. Read the full paper here.

February 22, 2021

NCAI: 2021 State of Indian Nations; watch recording here.

February 1, 2021

UIHI releases: "Strengthening Vaccine Efforts in Indian Country" Read Survey Results

January 29, 2020

Our COVID-19 toolbox partners at Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health have released new PSA transcripts, including this one on COVID-19 vaccine safety and effectiveness. Get your vaccination when it becomes available and protect yourself and your community.

January 27, 2021

Paycheck Protection Program Resumes Jan. 11, 2021. SBA Website.

January 26, 2021

“We know the place we could reach the most people was at Shiprock chapter,” said Chris Percy, director of Community Health Services at [Northern Navajo] medical center. The vaccination clinic held on January 6 was an overwhelming success, vaccinating 2,400 people in a single day. Read article here.

Tip: Vaccination clinics can be successful with a well-coordinated team

January 21, 2021

Native nations are rising to the challenge of acquiring and administering the COVID-19 vaccine. Included in Phase 1a for The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde are tribal clinic staff, but instead of vaccinating the entire staff immediately, they limited vaccine delivery to 20 per day to avoid staff shortages due to side effects.

Tip: Consider staffing mitigation strategies when rolling out your vaccination plan. CDC also offers staffing strategies along with ways to optimize facemask supplies. Read more here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/mitigating-staff-shortages.html

January 13, 2021

Paycheck Protection Program Resumes Jan. 11, 2021. SBA Website.

The Chickasaw Nation has been a three-time Honoring Nations awardee. To learn more about these exemplary programs, visit:

Chuka Chukmasi Home Loan Program, 2003 Awardee:

https://hpaied.org/.../Chuka%20Chukmasi%20Home%20Loan...

Chickasaw Press, 2008 Awardee:

https://hpaied.org/.../publications/Chickasaw%20Press.pdf

Chickasaw Nation Sick Child Care Program, 2016 Awardee: https://hpaied.org/.../pub.../SickChildCareProgram-FINAL.pdf

December 18, 2020

AIAN Head Start Family and Child Experiences Survey: COVID-19 response in Region XI. Webinar Recording.

December 3, 2020

Bringing WiFi access to Indian Country’s most rural areas is an ongoing hurdle for educators, families, and students. What if Wifi was on wheels? See how a Navajo Nation school district is supporting students after equipping 14 school buses with wifi. Read article here.

Tip: Investing in a mobile wireless bridge allows for families to continue residing on nation lands, protecting cultural continuation.

December 2, 2020

BANNER: 12/3 Indian Country COVID-19 Update Call, 4-5:30 EST

HOME PAGE: As we head into winter, there’s always the question of how bad it will be. It used to be that “bad” meant a few extra storms that reached into April, but now we know the reality is much worse. Over the last ten years, weather patterns have grown increasingly difficult to predict. However, our elders remember, and they tell us with no uncertainly that our land is changing, not for the better. Milder temperatures across the country and extreme climate events have precipitated significant ice melts and a devastating fire season that consumed more than 5 million acres in California, Oregon, and Washington.

Indigenous communities are some of the most vulnerable when it comes to the immediate and long-term effects of climate change. Statistically under or unrepresented—"something else” most recently—in national data, Native nations are developing their own climate risk assessment plans and taking action. The Washington Post recently highlighted the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community (2014 Honoree), frontrunners in climate adaptation, and it’s a must-read. Their 2007 Climate Proclamation and subsequent 2010 Climate Adaptation Action Plan have become models not only for other tribal nations but also for non-native jurisdictions. The Swinomish have created six Indigenous Health Indicators (IHIs): cultural use, community connection, self-determination, resiliency, education (intergenerational knowledge transfer), and natural resource security. These traditional, these Swinomish markers are the basis of a world-class, scientific study led by tribal citizens on their homelands.

Across North America, more and more Indigenous communities are answering Swinomish’s call to action, and we need more to follow. The Lummi Nation’s Wetland and Habitat Mitigation Bank was a fellow 2014 Honoree. Their work to address land scarcity with innovative mitigation credits is helping to protect nearly 2,000 acres of wetland resources.

December 1, 2020

BANNER: December 9 - Treasury Tribal Advisory Committee Public Meeting

HOME PAGE: Virtual engagement isn’t second-nature to most educators or to service-delivery professionals. Lessons for successful virtual engagement are the topic of a Thursday, December 3 Seminar panel co-hosted by the OHSU Northwest Native American Center of Excellence, and the Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board.

Register here

Tip: Identifying the limitations for virtual engagement can unlock creative ways to effectively reach your constituents and community!

November 23, 2020

Economic Recovery Starts Within: COVID-19's Wake-Up Call for Indian Country. NCAI Recording here.

Living well (Yuuluaqallerkaq) is possible even when physical distancing is a must. Teleconferencing as a means to deliver important community services strengthens families!

TIP: Provide several dates to encourage greater participation, like the Healthy Families program is at the Association of Village Council Presidents.

November 12, 2020

NCAI 77th Annual Convention, Live Town Hall

November 11, 2020

According to an online article published last year by the National Indian Council on Aging, “American Indians and Alaska Natives serve in the Armed Forces at five times the national average and have served with distinction in every major conflict for over 200 years.” A sentiment echoed throughout many media posts from and about Native servicemen and servicewomen was a call to defend and protect their land, their homes, regardless of leadership.

This commitment to heroic service is what Honoring Nations, 2020 semi-finalist Hopi Veterans Services (HVS), seeks to honor and repay by providing quality care and advocacy through the Hopi values of “Kyavtsi” (respect); “Sumi’nangwa” (benefit all); and “Nami’nangwa” (help one another). Since 1995, HVS has been assisting Hopi and Tewa Veterans, military members, and their families to obtain Veteran health, compensation, and pension benefits. Eugene Talas, program manager, shared that over 2000+ Hopis have served in all branches of the military from World War II through the present day. HVS views their work through four related fields: time, in the form of community outreach and personal visits; distance, help to ease the burden of a rural location through reliable transportation; income, state and federal advocacy to improve and realize entitlements for Native Veterans; and logistics, such as cultural awareness training for Veterans Affairs staff. Learn more about Hopi Veteran Services here.

One year ago, PBS premiered "The Warrior Tradition", a documentary that gives voice to some of the many untold stories from Native warriors and their families. Watch the film here.

This Veterans Day, the National Museum of the American Indian unveiled the new National Native American Veterans Memorial designed by Harvey Pratt, a veteran and citizen of the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes of Oklahoma. Virtual programming for the event can be found here.

November 4-6, 2020

UPDATE - EXTENDED DEADLINE

HHS is urging Tribes with Indian health care facilities to choose a method for the COVID-19 vaccine distribution by this Friday, November 6. Tribes can choose to receive the vaccine through their IHS or the state authority.

Tip: Notify your IHS Area Office by 11/6.

IHS Area Vaccine Point of Contacts

· Alaska – Evangelyn (Angel) Dotomain - evangelyn.dotomain@ihs.gov

· Albuquerque - CAPT Wil Darwin – Wil.darwin@ihs.gov

· Bemidji - Melissa Opsahl – Melissa.opsahl@ihs.gov

· Billings - Janice Roth – Janice.roth@ihs.gov and Angela Trout - angela.troutt@ihs.gov

· California - Rachel Harvey - Rachel.Harvey@IHS.gov

· Great Plains - Dayle Knutson – dayle.knutson@ihs.gov and Brent Rohlfs – brent.rohlfs@ihs.gov

· Nashville - Nathan Wyatt - Nathan.Wyatt@ihs.gov

· Navajo - Sherri Helton - sherri.helton@ihs.gov

· Oklahoma City - CAPT Brian Wren - brian.wren@ihs.gov

· Phoenix - CDR Loretta Haven - Loretta.haven@ihs.gov

· Portland - CAPT Roney Won – Roney.won@ihs.gov

· Tucson - Dr. Rodrigo Villar – Rodrigo.villar@ihs.gov

EXTRA Tip: Review the most recent draft of the IHS COVID-19 Pandemic Vaccine Draft Plan here. https://www.ihs.gov/sites/coronavirus/themes/responsive2017/display_objects/documents/IHS_COVID-19_Pandemic_Vaccine_Plan.pdf

October 23-27, 2020

Tribal communities faced an uphill battle securing internet access when school closures forced students to begin remote learning. The Lower Brule Sioux Tribe spent $250,000 in CARES Act funding and found a solution by working directly with MuralNet, a non-profit focused on increasing tribal broadband access, to bring internet to its 207-square-mile reservation using digital waves.

Read more here.

Tip: Improve internet access on your nation by using your land’s airwaves

October 21, 2020

WEBINAR: Environment Justice, Equity, and Inclusion for Indigenous Americans. Watch webinar recording here.

October 17, 2020

New IRS Income Tax Guide for Native American Individuals & Sole Proprietors. Read document here.

October 14, 2020

It’s Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and we’d like to highlight the work of some incredible Honoring Nations programs. Together, they give the 20,000-foot view of family and wellness services helping to address domestic violence in Indian Country. These are blueprints ready to use; every Nation could have a version of Project Falvmmichi operating within the year. Seriously, please send us news of your success stories when you do!

Choctaw Nation, Project Falvmmichi, 2008 Honoree

Project Falvmmichi (PF) aims to reclaim Choctaw Nation youth from the pervasive cycle of domestic violence. The program was conceptualized by a 16-year-old Choctaw citizen who believed high school mentors could partner with elementary children and change the narrative on physical violence in the classroom, at home, and within their community. PF has been seamlessly integrated into school-based classrooms and curriculum with overwhelming success. This program is easily transferable and affordable and lends itself well to zoom or in-person class format. Learn more about Project Falvmmichi here.

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Family Violence and Victim’s Services, 2003 Honoree

The strength of the Family Violence and Victim’s Services Program (FVVS) is twofold. First, it has established comprehensive coordination of interagency services that readily offer broad victim support. Second, the Mississippi Choctaw have drafted and expanded tribal codes and fully enforced laws that address and abate domestic violence. This program reaffirms the importance of effective governance based on clear rules of law.

Yurok Nation, Wellness Program, 2018 Honoree

There are many models of restorative justice and wellness courts across Indian Country, and each has important lessons to share. The Yurok Nation Wellness Program is multifaceted and includes a domestic violence component worthy of exploration and replication. Hey-wech-ek’ Program is asset-based and focuses on three areas to foster healing from intergenerational trauma: talking to an Elder, building cultural competence, and developing a family tree. This approach works to help root an individual to the community, their family, and, most importantly, themselves. Many participants of Hey-wech-ek,’ available to both native and non-native individuals, chose to continue to stay enrolled in the program well after completing the state mandate of 52 weeks. Learn more about Yurok Nation Wellness Program here. A documentary, Tribal Justice, that features the work of Yurok and Quechan justice systems can be streamed here.

Cherokee Nation, ONE FIRE, 2020 Semi-Finalist

ONE FIRE stands for Our Nation Ending Fear, Intimidation, Rape, and Endangerment. It seeks to meet victims’ immediate needs while also working to provide tools for long-term healing and the complete eradication of violence in the Cherokee Nation. Learn more about ONE FIRE here.

October 9-13, 2020

It's harvest season for the Tohono O'odham Nation (TON) and the lifeways of the Sonoran Desert. The O'odham Je:wed or O'odham land, is providing what the community needs. Last week we shared a video produced by Google, featuring the Native American Advancement Foundation (NAAF) whose work in partnership with the GuVo District of TON can be seen as part of that bounty. We were so moved by the faces and stories that bloomed throughout the video that we wanted to learn more.

In 2011, a group of GuVo District families met to discuss ways to support youth education and community wellness. They understood that any program's successes had to be rooted in Tohono O'odham himdag (lifeway principles) and i:mig (identity, kinship, and geography). Native American Advancement Foundation was born from the vision of these planning sessions and the dedication of these people. The mission of NAAF is intentionally inward-facing. Each project is sculpted from Tohono O'odham tradition and consults with elders, GuVo District Council, and citizens for guidance. The After School and Summer Adventure programs are NAAF's longest-running programs, and each proudly boasts a 100% graduation rate, which corresponds to graduation in elementary, middle, and high schools. Some of their additional programs include General Education Development and Grad Solutions, Healthy People Coalition, Tohono O'odham language learning, and The Store, a non-profit entity for food and household items. Many, if not all, of these projects incorporate multi-generational learning where academic and cultural education walk hand-in-hand like language arts and storytelling or weaving, math and O'odham brick making, and earth science and traditional agriculture. Everything is connected, and NAAF seeks to bring those connections to life.

Since COVID-19, NAAF expanded programming to ensure basic needs are being met. GuVo District experiences food insecurity due to a remote rural geography—75 miles from the nearest grocery. NAAF works with District Council to provide access to provisions and daily home meals for children with enrichment materials in Tohono O'odham culture and wellness. With each challenge, there is always an opportunity for growth, and NAAF is breaking new ground. Since school closures, NAAF provides families with educational resources from laptops to home-based learning packets and a socially distanced internet café. The increase in academic services again brought the community together, and NAAF and GuVo families developed a plan to provide a Remote Learning Center to support K-12th grade education. Ruth's Garden is an integral part of this plan. Named for a beloved GuVo elder and education advocate, this multi-generational learning site will create a space to teach traditional growing and irrigation methods while restoring the original foods. During a time of such loss and uncertainty, children, teens, and elders are working together to tend the soil, bring forward life from ancient seeds, and ensure the future for generations to come.

October 8, 2020

10/8 3pm EDT Virtual Listening Session w/ NCUIH, IHS, & CDC to discuss vaccine planning & distribution. Register here.

October 7, 2020

White House & HHS & IHS, Indian Country COVID-19 Update Call 10/8. RSVP Here

Seven months into the pandemic, and we understand more than ever the interconnectedness of the world around us and how important, fragile even, our collective health can be. In March, homes ceased to be afterthoughts as they quickly became offices, schools and playgrounds, gyms and restaurants, and places where e v e r y s i n g l e b r e a t h was lived. People began to take stock of what they have and what they needed. Long forgotten corners were cleaned to make room for a makeshift desk and obstacle courses for the kids. People fixed what was broken and began tending to what still worked. Now, as everyone begins to venture out more, they have an eye to look after their homelands, too. We want to help.

Since 1987 and 1998 respectively, the Harvard Project on American Indian Economic Development and Honoring Nations have created space for tribal nations to share their housekeeping success stories. Last week we revisited 2002 Honoring Nation award winner, the Iroquois Nationals. Today, we want to share with you Blue Lake Rancheria, 2020 Honoring Nation semifinalist, who addresses climate change while supporting their community’s needs and building energy independence; they think of it as creating an island in the woods, and we love it.

Blue Lake Rancheria is located in rural Northern California, where wildfires, earthquakes, and climate change can regularly disrupt electricity. In 2009, the Tribe created a Strategic Energy Plan to achieve zero net greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. They partnered with Siemens to build microgrid infrastructures that provide reliable and resilient energy and reduces its carbon footprint. During regional power outages, the Tribe now disconnects from Pacific Gas and Electric system and operates in island mode, where they use tribal generation to provide electricity to their reservation, which serves as an American Red Cross shelter and an alternative emergency command center. When you can, take a look at Blue Lake Rancheria and see the amazing work they are doing. There are resources to be shared and learned.

October 6, 2020

Building an Indigenized Future: Seventh Generation Philosophy, 10/12 1pm EDT. Free to register.

September 30-October 5

New Google film: Tribal schools embrace distancing learning with Google tools. Watch here.

September 29, 2020

NIHB Released 2019 Public Health in Indian Country Capacity Scan Report. Read full report here.

September 28, 2020

NIHB hosts session on COVID-19 Vaccine Planning for Tribal Communities. Watch recording here.

Issuing facial masking mandates begins with officials modeling the desired behavior.

Tip: Use data when you advocate with other levels of government

Learn the latest breakdown of public health information for leaders here.

September 24, 2020

NIHB hosts session on COVID-19 Vaccine Planning for Tribal Communities. Read more and register here.

Masking reduces the amount of virus you are exposed to, reducing the severity of the disease. Learn more on masking and COVID-19 recent information here.

Tip: Incorporate scenario analysis into a local response plan

September 22-23, 2020

In order to vote, you must REGISTER! State by state registration guide. Find your state here.

September 16-21, 2020

Insights from Congressional and Tribal Leaders Virtual Seminar. Watch Now.

September 14-15, 2020

Native Nation Rebuilding & Tribal Royalty

These young women help enforce their nations’ self-determined forms of safety by communicating safe mask and social distancing practices and by providing mental health advocacy, as well as help encourage leadership values that match their nation’s governing structure by advocating 2020 Census completion, gathering school supply donations, and so much more. Read the CNN article here.

Tip: Integrating cultural and governance values in the next generation of leaders comes in many forms.

September 11, 2020

Indian Country Counts: Demand a Complete 2020 Census, 9/10 4:30 PST. Take action.

Indigenized Communication During COVID-19

This communications resource created by the Native Governance Center is designed with tribal leaders in mind. Based in a Native nation rebuilding framework, this tool looks to Indigenize public health and community messaging.

Tip: Using communications to implement solutions that protect your people is self-determination in action. Rely on community values to customize your message.

September 10, 2020

Indian Country Counts: Demand a Complete 2020 Census, 9/10 4:30 PST. Take action.

Phased Reopening and Federal Joint Coordination

For nations who not only want to avoid a second wave but are also home to popular tourist destinations, lifting travel restrictions also welcomes some risk.

Tip: Fostering relationships with departments like the National Park Service can serve to reinforce tribal sovereignty during emergency situations.

September 8-9, 2020

Adapting Evidence Based Practices in Tribal Communities. Watch here.

From advisor to collaborator, co-management of public lands between tribes, state, federal and commercial entities is an ongoing tension point for Native nations. A recent webinar Conservation Conversations "Another Way of Knowing: Indian Tribes, Collaborative Management & Public Lands" discusses the value of integrating traditional Indigenous knowledge, and provides recommendations for real collaboration.

Tip: Approaching a new political landscape in January 2021, nations can prepare now to formulate interagency relationships and public education in defense of lands and water conservation.

September 1-7, 2020

Four Recommendations for Tribal Suicide Prevention. Watch here.

The National Indian Health Board (NIHB) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are pleased to announce the third cycle of funding for Strong Systems, Stronger Communities (SSSC) for Tribes.

Request for Applications: Strong Systems, Stronger Communities: Strengthening Tribal Public Health Systems

Applications due Friday, September 4, 2020

For additional information and resoucess, visit NIHB's site at https://www.nihb.org/tribalasi/

August 28-31, 2020

SAMHSA Responding to COVID, Mental Health Resources. Recordings & Upcoming Webinars

Our children are our most valuable asset!

The Cheyenne River Youth Project held a youth art contest "Cheyenne River Fights COVID-19". Enjoy the inspiring talent from the applicants here.

Tip: Rely on what you already know and look to culture when creating ways to engage youth. Reflections of culture reinforce protective factors for strong families and nations.

August 27, 2020

NCAI: A Guide to 2020 Census Data Privacy Webinar. 8/27 Webinar

August 26, 2020

Tips for Managing Stress During the Pandemic. Wallet Card

August 24, 2020

In order to vote, you must REGISTER! State by state registration guide.

Tip: Participating in the Census is an act of sovereignty. It's also a commitment to the well-being of future generations and a way to secure needed resources for our nations. The Census makes us strong.

Video created by Native Governance Center and made possible with grant funding from the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). Apply for a mini-grant from NCAI to create marketing for your community around the 2020 Census.

August 18-19, 2020

IHS Urban Indian Organization Leader Call - COVID-19 Update. 8/18 4pm Eastern.

August 13, 2020

NIHB Tribal School Readiness Mini-Grant, up to $2,000 Grants. Applications due 8/28.

From strict lockdown measures to critical oxygen levels check during tracing efforts, the Navajo Nation and the White Mountain Apache Tribe each customized their responses to the spread of COVID-19.

Articles:

"Members of Navajo Nation Reflect on COVID-19's Devastating Impact: 'We Have to Do Better" - People

*Special mention: JHUCAIH, Dr. Laura Hammitt

Read article

"On Native American Land, Contact Tracing Is Saving Lives" - New York Times

Read article

Tip: Major decisions around health challenges is consistent with asserting self-governing power.

August 10-12, 2020

Must look: See how all 50 states are reopening (and closing again). New York Times article.

"As the pandemic has brought home the importance of the global movement for food sovereignty, members are planting and sharing." New York Times

Read more

Tip: Control of your food supply is good governance and is a foundational issue for better health care outcomes.

August 6, 2020

Reopening during COVID-19: Considerations for tribal nations

National Indian Health Board - Reopening Factsheet

Tip: Don't forget our most vulnerable populations. Here are tips for elders and their caregivers about COVID-19. Source: Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health

August 5, 2020

8/6 FEMA Webinar for tribal partners on Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide. 2pm eastern.

Native Nation Building Resources:

Native Nations Institute, University of Arizona

nni.arizona.edu

Native Governance Center

nativegov.org

Harvard Project, Nation Building Toolboxes

nationbuildingtoolbox.com

Tip: Strengthening governance doesn't have to be isolated work. Look to these trusted sources for guidance!

August, 3, 2020

Understanding Coronavirus Relief Fund (CRF) Reporting Requirements. Participate August 5 @ 1pm eastern.

Main Street Lending Program: Applicability for Tribal Businesses

The Federal Reserve will provide an overview of the Main Street Lending Program's applicability to Tribal Businesses. Register here for this Tuesday, August 4 @ 2:00pm eastern session.

Tip: Stay updated on tribal finance issues by following NAFOA at www.nafoa.org

July 31, 2020

Native Americans Feel Devastated by the Virus Yet Overlooked in the Data. Read article.

"If you eliminate us in the data, you have effectively eliminated us for the allocation of resources." - Abigail Echo-Hawk, Director at the Urban Indian Health Institute.

Data Resources for Indian Country:

Indian Country Today COVID-19 Syllabus

Explore more

Johns Hopkins Dashboard, Coronavirus Resource Center

Explore here

Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health

Explore here

Tribal Epidemiology Centers

Explore more

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (acquired by the New York Times)

Read more

Tip: By relying on these powerful data tools, communities can better prepare a response and allocations to implement place-specific policies.

July 28-30

Help tribal leaders and policymakers understand the impact of COVID-19. Take the Indigenous Futures Survey.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, nations are investing in public service announcements to bridge the gap between public health safety and practice. Ysleta del sur Pueblo created this short video called “Let’s Talk COVID 19” to educate and arm children with ways they can protect themselves and their Pueblo.

Tip: Empowerment is effective when we engage our intended audience with clear messaging. Consider resharing this video to reach your youth and help protect your community.

July 27, 2020

FEMA Announces Webinar for Tribal Partners on the Individual Assistance Program and Policy Guide. Participate August 6

BREAKING - Two additional Policy Briefs were released on Friday from the Harvard Project and Native Nations Institute aimed at assisting tribal nations navigate the COVID-19 cirsis, strengthen their governments, and emerge stronger than before.

Read Policy Brief #4 here;

Emerging Stronger than Before: Guidelines for the Federal Role in American Indian and Alaska Native Tribes' Recovery from the COVID-19 Pandemic

Read Policy Brief #5 here:

Federal COVID-19 Response Funding for Tribal Governments: Lessons from the CARES Act

July 22-26

Workforce Wellness: What to Know About Behavioral Health for Remote and On-Site Teams. Webinar

Indian Country including Native-serving community based organizations are finding creative ways to encourage public health while uplifting cultural values during the pandemic. The Los Angeles City/County Native American Indian Commission and LA-based organizations produced a PSA for Los Angeles Tribal and Urban Indian communities. Watch the video "We Are Resilient".

Tip: Brainstorm ways to deliver important public health messaging by referring to the PSA scripts in the Health Communications section of the toolbox. This resource is provided by the Center for American Indian Health.

July 17, 2020

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in the Wake of COVID-19

These key messages were developed by the Action Alliance's Media Messaging Workgroup - a collaboration of nearly 20 mental health and suicide prevention partners and federal agencies - in response to the pandemic. Check out the key messaging here.

Tip: This week, Indigenous youth from UNITY spoke before the House Natural Resources Committee Democrats Subcommittee for Indigenous Peoples. The hearing was called "Native Youth Perspectives on Mental Health and Healing". View the July 16, 2020 hearing.

Call for volunteers to receive training and conduct tracing throughout Indian Country.

The Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health is working with Indian Country Today to collect and publicly share data describing the number of Native American people infected or killed by COVID-19 across the U.S. While data are currently under-estimating the toll of the pandemic, updated numbers will be used to inform journalists, government agencies, and advocates who can increase and better target support for COVID-19 pandemic relief in Native American communities.

Volunteer form.

Tip: Johns Hopkins continues to offer a free online course about how to conduct COVID-19 contact tracing, and more. Register for free here.

July 16, 2020

RESOURCE: Supporting a Family Member Who is a Health Care Worker. Read more.

Main Street Lending Program Made More Accessible for Tribal Businesses

According to a recent notice from NAFOA: Effective July 15, 2020, the Federal Reserve granted a waiver for tribal government businesses from the dividend prohibition of the Main Street Lending Program. The Main Street Lending program was created to support the economy by ensuring small and medium-sized businesses have the credit they need during the COVID-19 crisis. While tribal businesses were deemed eligible for the program on April 30, 2020, the restrictions on dividends prevented tribes from applying for this program.

According to newly released FAQs on the Main Street Lending Program, a tribal business with ownership interests either wholly or majority-owned by a tribal government may pay dividends or make capital distributions to the tribal government. Tribal governments then use these dividends or capital distributions to fund essential government services such as healthcare, education, and public safety.

Tip: Check out the Philadelphia Federal Reserve Bank's webinar series - Research for Equity in Recovery - for research and best practices to promote equitable recovery. A July 30 session discusses how governments can help small businesses with programs such as PPP, as well as how small business programs may need to evolve to promote an equitable recovery. Register for the July 30 session here.

July 15, 2020

Faith-based Orgs and Partnerships Address COVID-19 and Behavioral Health Needs in Communities of Color. Register here.

July 14, 2020

Salish & Blackfeet hip-hop artist Foreshadow sends message in new release "Protect Your People". Listen here.

July 10, 2020

The effects of COVID-19 on the mental health of Indigenous communities. Read more.

From our toolbox partner, Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health.

We are pleased to share with you a powerful video produced by our parent organization, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, about the Center for American Indian Health’s COVID-19 response, featuring Dr. Laura Hammitt, Director of Infectious Disease Prevention Programs, and colleagues Jamie Begay, Shardai Pioche, and Deionna Vigil. The video, accompanied by a Hopkins Bloomberg Public Health Magazine article, is part of a series called COVID-19 Real-Time Response.

The video focuses on our Center’s work on the Navajo Nation. We are also supporting COVID-19 response efforts in other tribal communities across the Southwest and country.

We are grateful for our tribal and IHS partners as well as CORE for their tremendous support of the expanded testing and contact tracing work featured in the video. The generosity of CORE, World Central Kitchen, and many, many other caring donors has helped us provide wellness boxes, health information, water, and other critically important resources to Native American families during this difficult time.

July 7-8, 2020

Treasury Department: June 30 Coronavirus Relief Fund Guidance for State, Territorial, Local and Tribal Governments. Read Guidance.

The Harvard Global Health Institute introduced a COVID risk level map and COVID suppression guidance for policy makers and the public.

This tool warns if and how big an outbreak is forming in your community.

Go to www.globalepidemics.org.

Tip: Guide your own decision-making when considering a visit to family and friends by following this tool.

July 3, 2020

June 10 Native Nations Institute discussion: Nation Building & CARES Act, Watch

IHS COVID-19 All Tribes Call

Please see below for call information to the IHS' All Tribes Call on Thursday, July 2nd at 4:00 PM Eastern. This call is intended to update Tribes on the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). Tribal Leaders will have an opportunity to provide comments and ask questions to federal officials. IHS has also scheduled a COVID-19 call for the following week at the same time-call info is the same for both calls.

Date: Thursday, July 2nd

Time: 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM (Eastern)

Conference Call: 800-857-5577 | Participant Passcode: 6703929

Webinar Adobe Connect: https://ihs.cosocloud.com/r4k6jib09mj/ | Participant Password: ihs123

June 30, 2020

Webinar: Impact of COVID-19 on Childhood Immunizations Services at IHS. 1pm Eastern

House Democrats Introduce the Moving Forward Act

Included in this legislation are several provisions related to transportation, community, and infrastructure development in Indian Country. The Moving Forward Act seeks to improve tribal governments access to tax credits and promote investment in tribal infrastructure projects.

Learn more from NAFOA.

June 29, 2020

NIHB Webinar, 6/30. Intimate Partner Violence and Child Abuse During a Pandemic: What's Happening? Register

"What did help push us along was the lack of certainty of the funding not having been received from Treasury, the delay and the big unknown," [Pechanga Band of Luiseño Indians, Chairman Mark] Macarro said. "And frankly, the fear that the amount received at that point by my tribe and many others in California because of our small populations was so paltry, were we even going to see anything that approached a level of helpfulness in the next round of distribution under CARES? And a lot of tribes said, 'You know what, we need to get open.'"

Read more from Chairman Macarro and HPAIED's Miriam Jorgensen in an analysis: Federal Virus Relief Snags Bedevil Tribes' Recovery

Tip: See how Native nations have set plans to reopen by going to our Tribal Response section under Tribal Nations in Action!

June 26, 2020

Save the Date and Call for Public Comments

U.S. Commission on Civil Rights Virtual Public Briefing: Assessing COVID-19 and the Broken Promises to Native Americans

July 17, 2020, 10:00 a.m. EDT

The Commission will hear testimony from experts on how the pandemic has impacted Native American communities with respect to healthcare, housing, and infrastructure components such as access to water and broadband, and whether the federal government is meetings its obligations to Native American people in this current crisis.

Read more.

June 25, 2020

How a Lengthy Delay in COVID-19 Stimulus Funding Impacted Tribal Governments. Listen

Indigenous Data in the COVID-19 Pandemic: Straddling Erasure, Terrorism, and Sovereignty.

Critical discussion on access to data during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read article.

June 24, 2020

NIHB Webinar, June 25. Suicidality and COVID-19: How to Help. Register

NAFOA has recently been in conversations with an investor interested in working within Indian Country. The investor is interested in financing any project within Indian Country that would have a high positive impact for the community as well as provide some return-on-investment. They are looking to invest their capital long-term. While they are not tied to any specific sector or investment type, they mentioned particular interest in renewable energy projects in the southwest, opportunity zone investments, and real estate. NAFOA plans to discuss a handful of tribal projects that will best fit the interests of the investor.

If your tribe is interested in submitting a project for review, please fill out this brief form.

June 23, 2020

NIWRC Disaster Planning for Tribal Domestic Violence Programs and Shelters. Resources & Webinar

The Center for American Progress recently developed policy recommendations to address the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Native nations due to systemic and historic federal policy and trust failures. Read the full report that includes immediate policy solutions and long-terms policy solutions on each of the following issues:

• Ensure the inclusion of AI/AN people in COVID-19 data

• Develop executive branch infrastructure to address bureaucratic barriers

• Support the development of tribal economies

• Address the chronic underfunding of the Indian Health Service system

• Support the development of Indian Country’s critical infrastructure

• Support vulnerable populations by funding tribal public safety and justice needs

• Restore tribal homelands and support tribal ecocultural resource management

June 18-21, 2020

Washington state's Governor Inslee signs law allowing sharing of sales tax with tribes. Tribes now have a path for collecting taxes from non-tribal member businesses operating on reservations.

Tip: See how two other Native nations are approaching this sovereignty and revenue tax question: 1) Honoring Nations 2005 awardee, Navajo Nation Sales Tax (see lessons below), and 2) Honorings Nations 2020 Semifinalist Swinomish Tax Authority.

LESSONS:

• Revenue generated from taxes can decrease government dependency on other, less sustainable sources such as non-renewable resources and federal grants.

• By exercising their right to tax, tribal governments can help sustain critical government functions; build infrastructure; and provide necessary public services like road maintenance, waste management, child care, education, health care, and law enforcement, to name a few.

• Formulas for revenue-sharing between communities within a Native nation can mitigate the impact of uneven development, while also providing smaller areas with limited tax bases more financial resources to both serve their citizens and seed growth.

June 17, 2020

6/24 NIWRC Webinar: Trauma-Informed Advocacy in the Time of a Pandemic, Register here

Don't miss the open application for Federal Communications Commission (FCC) 2.5GHz Rural Tribal Priority Window, open thru 8/3. Read more.

Tip: Request an extension on these deadlines. See this template letter.

June 16, 2020

COVID-19 has closed tribal casinos and cut off other vital revenue sources. Listen here.

Secure Your Digital Future: Broadband Opportunities in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund

Webinar: Wednesday, June 17

Register here

Tip: Join NCAI, tribal practitioners, and Federal Communication Commission (FCC) presenters on June 17 from 4-5:30PM EDT on a webinar to discuss the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). The RDOF will provide up to $20.4 billion over 10 years to communicate providers for communities that are unserved or underserved by broadband internet.

June 15, 2020

National Men's Health Week, June 15-21. Learn more about COVID-19 and effects on the body. Learn more.

Office of Indian Energy and Economic Development (IEED) is soliciting applications for the Tribal Energy Development Capacity (TEDC) grant program. Grants range from $10,000 to $1,000,000. Proposals are due by August 24, 2020. To learn more, go to the Federal Register and Grants.Gov.

June 12, 2020

Using the Lens of Ambiguous Loss to Treat COVID-19 Pandemic Fear and Anxiety, June 12 1pm CT. Read More

Get caught up on this week's testimony before federal committees by NCAI President Sharp, IHS Director Weahkee, NIHB President Bohlen, and NCUIH Executive Director Crevier.

Tip: NCAI's Task Force on Violence Against Women is holding a two day virtual meeting to discuss the impact of COVID-19 on victims and advocates, policy updates, and upcoming consultation with the DOJ. Register for this June 15 & 16 digital meeting.

June 11, 2020

To honor Native cancer survivors, we want to bring attention to June as National Cancer Survivor Awareness Month. As the number one cause of death for Native women, and the second leading cause of death for Native men, we can't ignore the importance of raising awareness and celebrating resiliency. In recognition of this month, the American Indian Cancer Foundation will host a virtual survivor support group on Saturday, June 13th, 2020 at 12 PM CST. Register for the meeting here.

Tip: If you're curious how to manage the emotional impacts of a cancer diagnosis, using traditional healing along with western medicine can help. The American Indian Cancer Foundation put together these helpful questions a patient can ask their provider.

Watch this PSA by AICAF: Celebrate Indigenous Life: AICAF's National Cancer Survivor Awareness Month PSA

June 9-10, 2020

2020 Tribal Consultation, Administration for Children and Families, June 10 & 11

Read More

Economic Relief to Tribes and Tribal Small Businesses Under the CARES Act

Tip: Check out this comprehensive resource list for economic relief programs. Tribes and tribal small businesses may be eligible to receive funding under multiple programs:

• Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

• SBA's Emergency Economic Injury Disaster Loans (EIDL)

• Treasury's Tribal Economic Stabilization Fund

• government contractor paid leave

• guarantee loans

• FEMA relief

• HUD assistance

• USDA Commodities Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) assistance

• BIA Direct Tribal Assistance funds

• Healthcare and Education funding

• IHS

• BIA

• BIE

• CDC funds for PPE, surveillance efforts, testing, tracing, infection mitigation, and public health preparedness

• HRSA assistance to rural health, urban indian health organizations, and tribal health

• Indian Child Care Development Block Grant

• Administration for Community Living assistance

Head to YouTube for helpful tutorials on how to complete application forms. This video goes through how to apply for SBA Disaster Loan forms.

June 5-8, 2020

Introducing Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health's children's book, Our Smallest Warriors, Our Strongest Medicine: Overcoming COVID-19. This is a book for Indigenous children and families that instills hope and provides COVID-19 education and coping strategies. Find coloring pages, activity worksheets, and parent resources on their website, also below.

June 3, 2020

The Sequoyah Fund has established COVID-19 Assistance for North Carolina tribes and businesses.

Tip: Economic stimulus packages that are tribe-specific are attainable with development funding.

Eg. Eastern Band Cherokee Indians, also here.

Eg. Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana

June 1, 2020

UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School produced COVID-19 Small Business & Economic Development Resources list

May 29, 2020

Consumer Protection for Native Americans in the Age of COVID-19, Register here

Thursday, May 28, 2-3:15pm Central

Tip: Speakers from FDIC, HUD, Native Bank On ONAC will address the following topics: safety of insured deposits, safe accounts and account access, prioritizing bill payments when funds are limited, protecting one's credit score, and HUD 184 mortgage forbearance.

BONUS Tip: Native nations are alerting their citizens to coronavirus-related scams. Listen to this episode of Natives on a Budget to learn how vulnerable Native communities are being targeted, and hear from an FBI-Albuquerque agent on how to protect yourself.

On the Front Lines: Tribal Nations Take on COVID-19, May 26 virtual seminar - Watch Seminar

May 28, 2020

DISCUSSION: Joe Kalt, "From Devastation to Recovery: Indian Nations' Battle w/ COVID-19"

May 22 - 26, 2020

NEW POLICY BRIEF - Proposal of fair distribution of $8 billion CARES Act funding to tribes

May 21, 2020

Guidance to Tribes for Completing Supplemental Request for Information (Department of Treasury), Deadline May 26

Tip: Stay current on deadlines and informational webinars by following NAFOA at www.nafoa.org, also on Twitter @nafoaorg, and Facebook @NAFOAorg.

May 20, 2020

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP: Build Your Digital Skills and Online Presence, May 21, 12-12:40 PM EDT, Register here

Tip: Learn from Native experts and small business owners to grow an online presence.

POLICY BRIEF: Harvard Project & NNI, Dissecting Relief Funding to Tribes

May 18-19, 2020

Harvard Project and Native Nations Institute at the University of Arizona release policy brief on Round 1 CARES Act funding to tribal governments

*watch related video below

May 15, 2020

UCLA addresses AI/AN data invisibility with new interactive COVID-19 Graph Tracker *updated weekly

Tip: Track COVID-19 cases in American Indian and Alaska Native communities

Dr. Randy Akee can be reached at rakee@ucla.edu

*watch related video below

2020 Census Listening Session for Tribes, 3:00-4:30 EDT. Register here

May 14, 2020

NAICJA Rapid Response Webinar Series: Domestic Violence Issues & Emergency Protection Orders, Register here

Tip: Tribal court resources and sample court orders are available at the National American Indian Court Judges Association

MHTTC Native Youth Telehealth Initiative, 2pm Central

May 13, 2020

ANNOUNCEMENT: Check out our new toolbox section -- Reopening

Tip: The CDC recommends a tracing strategy to stop the chain of transmission. Take this FREE Johns Hopkins 5-hour course on tracing to prepare for reopening. *Course at your own pace

Make Health a Priority! #WomensHealthWeek

May 12, 2020

The Census is too important to ignore

Tip: Data gathering ends mid-August, don't wait! #IndianCountryCounts

Tribes are eligible for Economic Development Administration Recovery Assistance. Awarding now! Apply today

May 11, 2020

Telemedicine and things to consider when developing a virtual patient room (VPR)

Tip: Look to those who have relied on telehealth prior to the pandemic for resources and lessons

The Harvard Gazette

For Native Americans, COVID-19 is 'the worst of both worlds at the same time'

May 8, 2020

Native Governance Center

New Series: Building an Indigenized Future

Mental Health Providers and Vicarious Trauma During National Emergencies

Tip: May is Mental Health Month - follow SAMHSA's Mental Health Technology Transfer Center Network for ways to support your clinical team & tribal community

May 7, 2020

COVID-19 and the Ninth District economic indicators: MN, MT, ND, SD, WI

Tip: Following economic data helps to judge the overall health of the economy and assists with investment decisions

May 7, Indian Country COVID-19 Response Update Call (occurs weekly)

May 6, 2020

Radio PSA Transcripts for COVID-19 Symptoms

Tip: Consider a PSA both in English and your Indigenous language

May 5, 2020

Seeking a roadmap to Pandemic Resilience?

Tip: Massive Scale Testing, Tracing, and Supported Isolation (TTSI)

*watch related video below

$4.8 Billion COVID-19 Funding Released to Tribes

May 4, 2020

The New York Times' Nicholas Kristof names Johns Hopkins Center for American Indian Health a key global responder to Coronavirus Pandemic

Tip: Exciting announcement coming next week, stay tuned

Behind Those COVID-19 Numbers: Research on the Virus in Indian Country

Tip: Watch today's interview with public health researcher, Stephanie Carroll

*watch interview with Dr. Stephanie Carroll below

April 30, 2020

Tohono O'odham's western GuVo district meeting community's needs by NAAF's services and programs

Tip: Look at the resources already in place and ask how they can pivot operations to address the nation's needs

April 28, 2020

BREAKING NEWS: Last night, U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled on CARES Act allocation of $8 Billion relief funding

*watch interview with Del Laverdure for a response to the ruling below

April 27, 2020

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis seeks tribes' participation to understand economic impact from the pandemic

*watch interview below

Tip: Real-time public policy requires updated data. The deadline to complete the survey is Monday, April 27, at 7pm CDT. Please participate.

April 25, 2020

Sunday 4/26 Teleconference: Host, USDA - How to Apply to PPP Round 2

April 24, 2020

CARES Act (SBA) eligibility update: Tribal gaming enterprises with 500 or fewer employees now eligible for Paycheck Protection Program (PPP)

Tips per NAFOA:

1. Seek a financial services provider that is local or seek out a nationally-chartered bank like Native American Bank.

2. Seek loans through Native owned banks and CDFI's that are providing SBA 7(a) loans: Native Owned Banks

Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis seeks tribes' participation to understand economic impact from the pandemic

Tip: Real-time public policy requires updated data. The deadline to complete the survey is Monday, April 27, at 7pm CDT. Please participate.

April 23, 2020

Mexico's community radio network shares critical COVID-19 info in Indigenous languages

Tip: Embrace the types of communication already in use in your community, and broadcast updates on safety, health, education, and government. Also, speak directly to your Native and Engligh speakers in each language.

April 22, 2020

Indian Country could gain valuable funding for increased wifi hotspots

Tip: Contact your representative in the US House and encourage them to support this bill

April 21, 2020

Interview with Harvard Project's Kalt and Jorgensen on CARES Act funding

April 20, 2020

Tribes file suit to limit CARES Act TITLE V funding to federally recognized tribal governments