News

“Like many other businesses, Treasure Island Resort & Casino in Minnesota had to completely close its doors for two months last year during the pandemic and that mean it’s been 21 months since the facility hosted a concert. During that time, they lost revenue, had to furlough employees and canceled several of its usual events. But now, live entertainment is back. ‘We’re looking forward to this. We’re looking forward to getting people back out here.’”

“Prairie Island Indian Community President Shelley Buck says the tribe wants a net-zero community to change the energy story at Prairie Island. ‘It’s always centered around the nuclear power plant and the waste accumulated there, and we want to change our story and make our story.’”

“Crooks-Stratton said the idea arose from conversations among tribal council members in 2019. The group was discussing the lack of tribal representation at the State Fair, she said. ‘[We were] thinking, with all the work we’re doing on educating folks … wouldn’t it be great to have the opportunity to educate a large segment of Minnesota not just about the SMSC but tribes in general?’ she said. State Fair officials were enthusiastic and found the tribe a spot, she said.”

“Hospitality workers were laid off in some of the highest numbers during the pandemic, but getting them back is proving to be difficult for employers – even during the peak summer season, said Luke Greiner, an economic analyst for the state Department of Employment and Economic Development…That’s particularly concerning for casinos as many of them have been top employers in the regions where they are located, he said.”

“Bois Forte Tribal Chairperson Cathy Chavers publicly thanked organizers of the Sah Gii Bah Gah Powwow held last week in Nett Lake and announced the Lake Vermilion Traditional Powwow scheduled for June 18-20…’We’re very fortunate, but we’re not out of the woods yet.’”

“The launch comes at a time when history itself is being retold, rediscovered, and recontextualized.”

“Correcting those myths and looking at the evolution of Native American identity over the last 400 years is the mission of The 400 Years Project, a pictorial collection of Native American life. It includes photo essays, text essays and a digital library of Native photographers from the mid-1800s to the present.”

“Smith held a hearing that included tribal leaders, housing experts, and fellow politicians to discuss the unique challenges in providing tribal housing.”

“‘For generations, a lack of infrastructure investment in Indian Country has left tribes further behind in the digital divide than most areas of the country,’ Haaland said…The program will prioritize the deployment of broadband to underserved households on tribal lands, according to a release. It also invites proposals that address the digital divide, including those related to telehealth, education and workforce development.”

“In the latest reversal of a Trump-era policy, the Biden administration’s Environmental Protection Agency is restoring a rule that grants states and Native American tribes authority to block pipelines and other energy projects that can pollute rivers, streams, and other waterways.”