Who can believe it’s already February 2021? January was an extraordinarily busy policy month with changes that would give anyone whiplash. As our new crew gets up to speed, we look to onboard another this month as we continue to grow. Watch for an announcement at the end of the month with introductions and a program launch.
Indian Country
The AIPI are saddened to hear of the loss of Arizona state lawmaker and former Navajo Nation President, Albert Hale. Hale’s dedication to public service is an inspiration to all of us and will continue to influence our work. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. We join those who mourn his loss, and we want to take a moment to recognize a few of Hale’s many significant accomplishments.
Arizona State Representative Arlando Teller (D-7) has resigned to take a position with the Biden administration. Teller is the new Deputy Assistant Secretary for Tribal Affairs with the Department of Transportation. “It has been a privilege to represent my constituents in District 7,” wrote Rep. Teller (Navajo) in his resignation letter (see below). “I am honored and humbled to have been selected by President Biden to work for his administration,” added Teller, a member of the State Legislature since 2019.
Yá’át’ééh. Shí éí Emily McDonnell yinishyé. Hello, my name is Emily and I am a proud member of the Navajo Nation. My Navajo clans are Near the Water clan, and the Many Goats clan. I am of Greek-Irish descent from my father's side. I am so excited to be part of the AIPI team! My position as the new Policy & Communications Coordinator allows me to combine two passions of mine---storytelling, and advocacy, both of which have been shaped by my upbringing and have led me to where I am today.
We are so excited to have E.J. John, JD, as part of our team! In the short time that he’s been here, E.J. has risen to the challenge and jumped right in to the many changes taking place in Indian Country. His work at AIPI includes providing monthly legislative updates, so be sure to subscribe to our website so you don’t miss anything!
Below, you can learn more about E.J., including his experience and interests.
Afammi Himitta' Ayokpa (Happy New Year). We all hope this will be a better year than 2020. Yet, we cannot overlook the good work that took place in 2020, despite the dire circumstances. At AIPI, it was a very productive year and our staff rose to the occasion and produced high-quality work that served tribes. Watch for our forthcoming Annual Report to learn more about our work in 2020.
The 2020 elections featured the highest number of ballots cast in American history and was a landmark election for Indigenous representation at the Federal and State levels. In 2018, the first Native American women were elected to Congress as Representatives Deb Haaland (D-NM-1), and Sharice Davids (D-KS-3) were elected alongside incumbent Representatives Markwayne Mullin (R-OK-2) and Tom Cole (R-OK-4).
Nannakya ilánchi. Everything is changing. Everything has changed. The election is over, and as we struggle with how we as a nation go forward, not back, our communities need compassion, and they need leadership. And as we continue as a nation to struggle with COVID as new infections surge, this winter promises to be as bad as or worse than the summer. This virus has changed everything about our lives. Whether we like it or not, we are not going back to the world as we knew it. But let me tell you why I am looking forward.
Native American Heritage Month was declared in 1990 by George H.W. Bush via Joint resolution designating November 1990 National American Indian Heritage Month. Similar proclamations have been issued annually each year since 1994. You can learn more about this and view a comprehensive inventory of Public Laws, Presidential Proclamations, and congressional resolutions related to Native American Heritage Month here.