Tribal Medicaid cuts, Osage Nation thriving, and AI in Greenwood
VNN Weekly Digest March 17 - March 23
Top Stories + Tracking Policies
In addition to the top stories in this week’s VNN Weekly Digest, we’re also including stories about decisions made at the federal level that impact Indian Country.
By including stories and updates written by sources we trust alongside important stories told by VNN Oklahoma journalists and VNN affiliates, our goal is to help our audience stay as informed impossible during these times of increased uncertainty.
Here’s a look at the week’s top stories:
Tribal Health Leaders Say Medicaid Cuts Would Decimate Health Programs
(NATIONAL) As Congress mulls potentially massive cuts to federal Medicaid funding, health centers that serve Native American communities, such as the Oneida Community Health Center near Green Bay, Wisconsin, are bracing for catastrophe.
That’s because more than 40% of the about 15,000 patients the center serves are enrolled in Medicaid. Cuts to the program would be detrimental to those patients and the facility, said Debra Danforth, the director of the Oneida Comprehensive Health Division and a citizen of the Oneida Nation.
Chief Standing Bear says Osage Nation thriving despite federal changes
(OSAGE RESERVATION) In celebration of the Osage Nation’s sovereignty, Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear said the Nation is doing well and is also watching the ongoing federal government changes and downsize efforts sought by the President Trump administration to prepare for any needed reactions.
In his opening 2025 State of the Nation remarks, Standing Bear noted the Ninth ON Congress approved funding requests at 100% for its most popular services for enrolled Osages including higher education scholarships, health benefit programs and burial assistance. He added other government programs and services continue to operate with no recent employee layoffs and “our Gaming Enterprise is doing well, we have great promise in the UAS unmanned aerial systems for the (Osage) LLC, and the (ON) Ranch is doing well.”
Tulsa's Greenwood AI/AS Center of Excellence aims to drive innovation and economic growth
(OKLAHOMA) The path of artificial intelligence is widening in Tulsa, and Greenwood is poising to set an accelerated pace. On March 6, Black Tech Street hosted a pivotal Greenwood AI/AS Center of Excellence (G-ACE) Community Information Session at the Greenwood Cultural Center, providing community members the opportunity to learn how the new initiative is leading the charge in shaping the future of AI (artificial intelligence) and AS (autonomous systems).
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NATIVE COMMERCE NEWS
Oklahoma AG praises economic contributions of Oklahoma’s tribes
Native Commerce News is sponsored by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO), dedicated to expanding Indian Country commerce across the globe.
(MUSCOGEE NATION) This month's AICCO Tulsa Chapter Luncheon at River Spirit drew a sold-out crowd as attendees gathered to hear from Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond, who has also announced his candidacy for the 2026 governor’s race.
While addressing the audience, Drummond acknowledged the significant economic impact of Oklahoma’s Tribes.
UPDATES FROM SOURCES WE TRUST
Over the past week, several developments have emerged concerning President Donald Trump's executive actions that impact Indigenous communities:
Removal of Missing Indigenous Peoples Report
The Trump administration has taken down the final report of the Not Invisible Act Commission, which addressed the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous individuals. This report, a collaborative effort involving the Departments of Justice and Interior, provided crucial data and recommendations. Its removal has left activists and communities concerned about the lack of resources and support. Organizations like the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women (CSVANW) and MMIW Chahta are now considering creating and maintaining their own databases to ensure vital information remains accessible.
Termination of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Programs
President Trump issued an executive order ending federal DEI programs. Consequently, the Department of Defense removed thousands of pages recognizing the contributions of women and minority groups, including the Navajo Code Talkers who served during World War II. This action raised concerns about the erasure of significant historical contributions from minority communities.
Trump Signs Order To Begin Dismantling Education Department, Raising Alarms for Native Americans
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 20, 2025, directing the dismantling of the U.S. Department of Education, aiming to shift educational authority back to states and local communities. Native American leaders and education advocates responded, saying the federal government holds trust and treaty obligations to provide education to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and Native Hawaiians.
The summaries in the UPDATES FROM SOURCES WE TRUST section above were generated using Artificial Intelligence to provide a quick overview, and our team has reviewed them for accuracy. Help us improve our AI transparency! Share your thoughts on our use of AI by taking this quick survey.
WEATHER ACROSS AMERICA
(NATIONAL) Snow developing across the upper Midwest to the upper Great Lakes as severe weather and heavy rain threat emerge across the Mid-South, more wet weather expected for the Pacific Northwest before a drying trend sets in, and a fire weather threat across large portions of the Central to Southern Plains.
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