COVID-19 Response: Tribal Concerns
In Episode 33, we learn about obstacles for tribes as they try to quell the virus’ spread, including bureaucratic hurdles in accessing billions in federal funding that’s been allotted to sovereign nations. National Native News anchor Antonia Gonzales tells us what she’s learned from the reporting she’s done. We also get to listen to her interviews with Navajo Nation President Jonathan Nez and Stacy Bohlen, CEO of the National Indian Health Board. Our host Khalil Ekulona interviews Cabinet Secretary Lynn Trujillo of the state’s Department of Indian Affairs. Then Chili Yazzie, president of the Shiprock Chapter, let’s us know what his top concerns are. And community organizer Brad Charles, who lives in Sanostee, tells us about what things are like for folks living out where he is in the Navajo Nation. Special thanks to all of our guests, and to National Native News anchor Antonia Gonzales and New Mexico PBS for contributing to the show. Find her reporting on these issues here. And a news update: Around the state, there are 48 new cases, bringing the total to 363. There have been six deaths, one of them Tuesday. She was in her 90s. In the Navajo Nation, there have been 174 people diagnosed and seven deaths, according to the Navajo Department of Health. Projections are showing that we will see the peak of the pandemic in New Mexico around April 25, according to KRQE. That’s if social distancing goes well. We’re keeping a complete list of the resources and volunteer opportunities that we find for each episode here. Today’s list in included below. Resources:
- The National Indian Health Board launched its COVID 19 resource center for tribes. It’s here: www.nihb.org/covid-19
- Here’s the Navajo Nation website: www.navajo-nsn.gov
- Look into the Notah Begay Foundation
- Northern Dine COVID-19 relief effort
How are things going for you? We want to know. Share your quarantine stories by calling: (505) 218-7084 and leaving us a message. We could roll them into a future episode.
This segment is part of the “Your New Mexico Government” Project (#YourNMgov), a collaboration between New Mexico PBS, KUNM Radio, and the Santa Fe Reporter. This endeavor is funded by the New Mexico Local Journalism Fund with public media support provided by the Thornburg Foundation.