Oklahoma truth, chopped elm mystery, and Intertribal Symposium
VNN Weekly Digest April 29- May 5
Here’s a look at the week’s top stories:
In Oklahoma, theft of Indigenous land was swift and relentless following statehood
(OKLAHOMA) As Oklahoma closes the book on another year of ‘89er Day” celebrations, the real history of the land continues to be overlooked by most, including the state’s governor. “The first land run in our state was in 1889— it opened the unassigned lands to pioneers and settlers who built the foundation of Oklahoma,” Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt said in a post on social media. “During ‘89ers Week, we celebrate that awesome history.”
But for many Native Americans living in Oklahoma, that history was not so awesome.
Mystery of the Million Dollar Elm
(OSAGE NATION) In what was thought to be a simple review of camera footage over a 24-hour period, may now require a review of the past six months.
On the morning of May 1, Casey Johnson, Secretary of Development, arrived at his office located in the Executive Branch building on the Osage Nation Campus.
Intertribal symposium to explore American Indian history and present-day impacts this July
(OKLAHOMA) Oklahoma is home to 39 tribes. As the state’s executive branch continues to push back on tribal sovereignty, a significant lack of information and resources regarding Indigenous facts and perspectives surround these issues. Following the McGirt Supreme Court ruling in 2020, which affirmed most of Eastern Oklahoma is reservation land, Indigenous issues have not only become a political weapon but an increasingly volatile topic.
New Affiliate Alert
1 Girl Revolution: Medicine Wheel Ride – Shelly Denny
The announcement of 1 Girl Revolution’s first publication on the VNN app coincides with MMIW AWARENESS DAY, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit People (MMIWG2S).
Uplifting Update
Stellar Human celebrates three-year milestone
(NEW YORK) In 2021, Binghamton’s fashion scene was transformed when La’Rue Simmons opened Stellar Human, a thrift store dedicated to taking upcycling to the next level. At the time, Simmons told VNN Stellar Human was more than just a thrift store; it was also a space for creatives.
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WEATHER ACROSS AMERICA
(NATIONAL) A deep upper low will bring windy and much colder weather across a large portion of the western U.S., a high threat of heavy rain and severe thunderstorms quickly emerging over the north-central Plains, a rapidly intensifying cyclone will bring wind-swept rain across the northern High Plains, and critical fire danger is forecast for the southern Rockies.
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