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Before taking office this week, President Donald Trump promised swift and decisive actions to get his agenda moving. In addition to major reforms for immigration and pardons for participants in the Jan. 6, 2021 riot at the Capitol, he also signaled policy directions that affect Native Americans. Among them are proposed cuts to Medicaid, changes that affect Native foster care, and reductions in protected lands. He also eliminated federal government diversity programs and took steps to reverse the decision to name North America’s highest peak that refers to the traditional Koyukon Athabascan word. We’ll take stock of some of Trump’s immediate priorities.
GUESTS
Nagruk Harcharek (Iñupiaq), president of the Voice of the Arctic Iñupiat
Evon Peter (Gwich’in and Koyukon), board member of the Gwich’in Council International and former chief of Arctic Village, Alaska
Nazune Menka (Koyukon and Lumbee), assistant professor of law and faculty director at the center for Indian Law and Policy at Seattle University School of Law
Juanita Cabrera Lopez (Maya Mam), executive director of the International Mayan League
Break 1 Music: Crossroad Blues (song) Lakota John (artist) Lakota John and Kin (album)
Break 2 Music: Come On Down (song) Blue Moon Marquee (artist) Scream, Holler, and Howl (album)
Trump needs to quick bullying our Native peoples. He will not get their lands. And they and all of us will support them. He is just making peoples lives harder instead of better. Nothing except a bully.
I am inspired by all the advocates that spoke from an informative space and were able to combat the Trump Administration, yet again. I would encourage these Agichida (Warriors) to remain ready for the four years ahead! chi-miigwetch!