News from around the Nations

FEMA Supports Legislative Change to Allow Tribal Governments to Directly Apply for Federal Disaster Aid

WASHINGTON - June 12, 2012 - FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate released a letter of support for specific legislation in both the United States Senate and House of Representatives that would allow federally recognized tribal governments to make a request for a federal emergency or disaster declaration directly to the President.  In December last year, FEMA announced its support to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to allow tribes to make a request directly to the President for declarations.  Currently, only states and their governors can make such requests. Federally recognized tribes are excluded from making such a direct request for a Presidential declaration.

 “Our country’s tribal nations and leaders are an integral part of our national fabric,” said Fugate. “FEMA is committed to supporting Indian Country in its efforts to build resilient communities that are prepared for all hazards. “FEMA and the Obama Administration support a legislative change to the Stafford Act that would authorize tribal governments to make requests directly to the President for a federal emergency or disaster declaration.  Additionally, FEMA supports a legislative change that would also give tribal governments the option to receive assistance as they do presently, as part of a declaration for a specific state.

National Chief Marks Anniversary of Residential Schools Apology with Call to Action  

 (Ottawa, ON) - On the fourth anniversary of Parliament’s Apology for the Indian residential school system, Assembly of First Nations (AFN) National Chief Shawn A-in-chut Atleo continues his call for action now to achieve the change required for reconciliation.

 “The apology was a critical moment for all of Canada and requires a full commitment to action and reconciliation,” said AFN National Chief Shawn Atleo. “Now is the time for action implementing our rights and ensuring First Nations education that is culturally and linguistically relevant and delivers excellence for all of our students.  The integral place of First Nations in Canada’s history, economy and future must be affirmed.”

   Today over 5000 people are expected to gather at Parliament Hill in support of culturally-based equity for First Nations children.  “Our Dreams Matter Too” is a letter-writing campaign initiated by the First Nation Caring Society of Canada, encouraging all Canadians to act now so First Nations children have the opportunities to grow up proud of their cultures, safe and healthy at home with a good education.  For more information visit http://www.fncaringsociety.com.

Wampum Belt Returned to Onondagas

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – A wampum belt on display at the Onondaga Historical Association was returned to the Onondaga Nation on Tuesday. The wampum belt has been at OHA since 1919. Under the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, objects of historical, traditional or cultural importance to any Native American group must be returned. The law, however, only covers federally funded museums. OHA is not federally funded, but chose to return the items. OHA has also returned bones, masks and other items to the Onondagas. The Onondagas made the OHA a replica belt for display to educate visitors about native culture. Nation leaders say they have struggled with getting back sacred and significant artifacts from people and museums.