Native America

The Supreme Court has ruled against the Navajo Nation in a case centered on the tribe’s rights to the drying Colorado River. The tribe claimed it was the federal government’s legal duty to help figure out their future water needs, and aid them in using their rights. But in a 5-4 decision, the justices said an 1868 treaty included no such promises.

Last month, Utah State University announced the development of a new scholarship for Native American students.

After a Colorado River conservation agreement between California, Arizona and Nevada, states and tribes are turning their attention to a new round of pre-2026 negotiations.

Diné College in Tsaile, Arizona, has a leading role in serving the educational needs of the Navajo Nation, but also has helped foster economic development in the area. One professor shares how her program has shaped life on the reservation.

Tribal leaders from the eight federally recognized tribes in Utah gathered at a news conference at the state Capitol this week and called on state lawmakers to pass House Bill 40, Utah's version of the Indian Child Welfare Act.

Prior to the Indian Child Welfare Act, 80% of Native families living on reservations lost at least one child to the foster care system. 85% of those children were placed outside of the family and community, even when willing and able family members were available.

On this episode, we talk about a food associated now with Oklahoma but which has its origins in earlier indigenous communities in North America, and which is often featured at events such as regional powwows or fairs.

The Indian Child Welfare Act was challenged in the Supreme Court last week.

As part of a social media campaign, they are highlighting Utah places whose names come from Indigenous languages.

Tau Dance Theater, a Hawaiian dance company, and members of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation held a land recognition ceremony to connect their Native Hawaiian culture to local Shoshone culture.