Native American Issues

White Mesa hosts Bear Dance this weeekend

by David Boyle News Director The annual Ute Mountain Ute Tribe White Mesa Bear Dance is once again being held in San Juan County starting on Friday, August 29, and concluding on Monday, September 1. A full schedule of events can be found on page A4 in the San Juan Record. The event is open to the...

Foster Care shortage for Native populations

by David Boyle News Director While there is a shortage of foster parents nationwide, Utah Foster Care Native American Specialist Stephanie Benally says that the shortage is particularly pronounced in tribal communities. In an August 4 interview with Red Rock 92.7 FM, Benally said preserving...

Children from Bluff Elementary School recite the Pledge of Allegiance and sing the National Anthem in Navajo at the Utah Navajo Health System 25th Anniversary Celebration in Blanding on June 6. Courtesy photo

Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. celebrates 25 Years: A closer look at UNHS then and now

by Sally Jack Contibruting Writer This year marks the 25-year anniversary of Utah Navajo Health System, Inc. To celebrate “25 Years Strong,” UNHS hosted anniversary celebrations at Navajo Mountain, Monument Valley, and Blanding, with a final celebration to take place at their headquarters in...

Delegate Curtis Yanito (left) meets in Washington DC. Courtesy photo

Navajo Nation advocates for weatherization program in Utah

Navajo Nation Council Delegate Curtis Yanito recently met with Utah’s Congressional delegation to advocate for housing weatherization on the Utah Navajo Strip. According to a release from the Navajo Nation Council Yanito was in Washington D.C. on March 25 to advocate for a $20 million Community...

Delegate Curtis Yanito speaks with colleagues at the Navajo Nation Council. Courtesy photo

The Navajo Nation Council approves an additional 80 acres of an oil and gas lease

Navajo Nation Council approved an addition of 80 acres to a BIA oil and gas lease in the Red Mesa Chapter, located in San Juan County. The council passed the resolution in a split vote 14-7, with council delegate Curtis Yanito, who represents the area, voting against. Council Delegate Curtis Yanito...

New beginnings Students at Utah State University Blanding. Courtsy photo

USU awarded $500,000 in USDA grants to aid Native Americans

By Dana Rhoades Faculty at Utah State University’s Statewide and Logan campuses have been awarded $500,000 in grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for programs to increase retention and graduation rates among Native American students. The grants will help provide mentorship,...

Stewardship Utah Foundation and Navajo Utah Commission apply for $20 million grant from EPA

Stewardship Utah Foundation and Navajo Utah Commission Apply for $20 Million Community Change Grant from EPA In November, the Rural Utah Project Education Fund officially submitted a grant for $20 million through an EPA program that is part of the Inflation Reduction Act. If awarded, this grant...

DOI announces $7 million for electrifiction on Navajo

The Department of the Interior (DOI) announced a $71 million investment in 13 Tribal communities across Indian Country, on September 26. This investment from the Inflation Reduction Act – the largest ever investment in climate – is described by the DOI as a critical step toward the goal of...

Attendees of the Indigenous Men’s Conference are encouraged to wear blue to support men’s health awareness.

Indigenous Men’s Conference returns for a second year in Montezuma Creek on Sept. 19

by Sally Jack Contriburting Writer The second annual Indigenous Men’s Conference will be held Thursday, September 19 at the Montezuma Creek Community Health Center, located at 1478 E. Highway 162 in Montezuma Creek. The conference is sponsored by Utah Navajo Health Services and is designed to...

White Mesa Bear Dance this weekend

by David Boyle News Director The annual Ute Mountain Ute Tribe White Mesa Bear Dance is returning to the White Mesa community this weekend starting on Friday, August 30, and concluding on Monday, September 2, The event is open to the public. Friday starts with the sunrise prayer and blessing at 6...