Mykhailo Viktorovych Polyakov, a 24-year-old US national, was arrested in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands for illegally entering the restricted North Sentinel Island. He meticulously planned his trip, using GPS navigation and a small inflatable boat, leaving offerings and collecting sand samples before returning. Facing charges under the Foreigners Act and the Andaman & Nicobar Islands (Protection of Aboriginal Tribes) Amendment Regulation, Polyakov is currently in police custody; this was not his first attempt to access the island, having made prior reconnaissance trips. His actions violate protections for the Sentinelese, a particularly vulnerable and hostile indigenous group.
Read More
After serving 50 years of a life sentence for the killing of two FBI agents, Leonard Peltier, a Native American activist who has always maintained his innocence, was released from prison on Tuesday. President Biden commuted his sentence, allowing Peltier, whose health has been declining, to serve his remaining time under home confinement in his native North Dakota. His release has been met with celebrations from Indigenous advocacy groups but condemnation from law enforcement, citing concerns about his lack of remorse. The case, long debated due to contested evidence and accusations of prosecutorial misconduct, continues to raise questions about justice and the treatment of Native Americans.
Read More
In a message to the UN’s 7th Indigenous Peoples’ Forum, Pope Francis underscored indigenous peoples’ right to self-determination, emphasizing their inherent connection to land, water, and food as essential for their cultural preservation and dignified existence. He decried the harmful land seizures by corporations and states that threaten this right and indigenous communities’ livelihoods. The Pope championed the valuable contributions of indigenous heritage and traditions to society, advocating for their protection as a matter of justice and sustainable global progress. He concluded with a prayer for successful efforts to safeguard indigenous rights and ensure a future where all humanity thrives.
Read More
The Inuit community’s decision to close off access to the Nuvvuagittuq Greenstone Belt, home to some of Earth’s oldest rocks, highlights a crucial conflict between scientific pursuit and the rights of Indigenous communities. Years of damage inflicted by researchers, characterized by excessive sampling and even the online sale of rock samples for profit, led directly to this drastic measure. This isn’t simply about lost scientific opportunity; it’s about a profound breach of trust and respect.
The sheer scale of the damage inflicted by some researchers shocked the Inuit community. Reports describe scientists arriving with heavy excavation equipment, removing vast quantities of material, far exceeding what was ethically or scientifically justifiable.… Continue reading
Since Wednesday, at least fifteen Indigenous people in Arizona and New Mexico have reported being stopped, questioned, and asked for citizenship proof by federal law enforcement during immigration raids, sparking widespread fear in tribal communities. These incidents, still under investigation, are occurring amidst a national increase in undocumented immigrant arrests. While the involvement of ICE remains unconfirmed, Navajo Nation officials have contacted various agencies to address these concerns, emphasizing the distress and trauma experienced by those targeted. The Navajo Nation is advising members to carry proper identification and has created resources to aid those encountering such situations.
Read More
President Trump’s executive order to rename Denali, Alaska’s highest peak, to Mount McKinley sparked significant controversy. While the name change aimed to honor President William McKinley, it was widely opposed by Alaskans, who view Denali—its Alaska Native name—as culturally significant. The debate highlights a clash between historical perspectives and the recognition of Indigenous heritage. Despite the executive order, many Alaskans, including those in the tourism industry, continue to use the name Denali, reflecting a strong local preference.
Read More
Increased ICE activity has prompted serious concerns among urban Indigenous communities, particularly the Navajo Nation, regarding the detention of tribal members despite possession of tribal identification. Reports of detentions and questioning have led to calls for emergency protocols and legislative action to address the lack of recognition of tribal identification by ICE agents. Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren, while acknowledging the concerns, has stated that his office is still verifying reported cases before issuing an executive order, a position that has drawn criticism from tribal council members. The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for Indigenous rights and recognition, particularly concerning the misinterpretation of historical legal precedent regarding Indigenous citizenship. This issue also underscores the need for improved tribal identification systems and increased legal support for affected individuals.
Read More
Increased ICE activity has prompted concerns among urban Indigenous communities, particularly the Navajo Nation, regarding the detention of tribal members despite possessing tribal and state identification. Navajo leaders report numerous instances of questioning and detention, highlighting the lack of recognition of tribal documentation by ICE agents. While President Nygren’s office is gathering information and contacting relevant authorities, the Navajo Nation Council criticizes this reactive approach and advocates for immediate emergency legislation to support affected individuals and improve tribal identification systems. This legislation would encompass resources such as a toll-free hotline and legal aid, emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration between tribal, state, and federal entities. The situation underscores the vulnerability of Indigenous communities to immigration enforcement and the ongoing struggle for recognition of tribal sovereignty.
Read More
President Biden commuted Leonard Peltier’s sentence, releasing him from prison after decades of advocacy from Indigenous activists and human rights groups who claimed his conviction was unjust. This decision, which was opposed by law enforcement who cited the 1975 murders of two FBI agents, grants Peltier clemency but not a pardon. The commutation considers Peltier’s age, health issues, and lengthy imprisonment, culminating in a historic moment for Indigenous communities. His release follows years of lobbying efforts and support from various prominent figures and organizations.
Read More
Thousands participated in nationwide protests against the Treaty Principles Bill, culminating in a large march to Wellington. The bill, introduced by ACT New Zealand, seeks to reinterpret the Treaty of Waitangi, sparking outrage from Māori who view it as undermining their rights. While the bill passed its first reading with support from coalition partners, Prime Minister Luxon and other parties confirmed they will not support further progress, signaling its likely failure. Indigenous leaders performed a haka in Parliament to demonstrate their opposition.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood