NASP News Roundup July 2023

This month, our community has been at the forefront of significant events, partnerships, and milestones that resonate not only within tribal boundaries but also on national and global stages. From groundbreaking collaborations in the automotive industry to the relentless pursuit of justice and celebrating cultural heritage in the arts, the Indigenous spirit continues to shine brightly. Here’s a roundup of some of the most notable news clips that capture these pivotal moments for July 2023. 

Tesla Showrooms on Tribal Land: Elon Musk’s Tesla is set to open showrooms on Native American tribal lands, offering a unique partnership. The move is seen as a strategic step to sale to consumers. Read more. The Mohegan Tribe announced this week that the California-based electric automaker will open a showroom with a sales and delivery center this fall on its sovereign property. The news comes after another new Tesla showroom was announced in June, set to open in 2025 on lands of the Oneida Indian Nation in upstate New York.

Crisis of Missing People: Native American police forces are taking significant steps to address the crisis of missing individuals within their communities. Their efforts aim to improve response times and ensure their people’s safety. Read more

Montana Tribe Sues Biden Administration Over Police Funding: The Fort Belknap Indian Community in Montana has taken legal action against the U.S. government, citing inadequate police funding. Despite the community’s repeated requests for increased funds since 2018, their police force’s budget has remained stagnant for nearly 30 years. Read more

Jeffrey Gibson at Venice Biennale: Renowned artist Jeffrey Gibson, known for his works incorporating elements of his Choctaw and Cherokee heritage, has been chosen to represent the U.S. Pavilion at the 2024 Venice Biennale. Read more

Young Native American-Jewish Racer: Meet Thomas Poretsky, a 10-year-old racer who proudly displays Israeli and Quechan Nation flags on his race car. He’s not just racing for fun but also to inspire others to follow their dreams. Read more

First Female Native American Federal Judge: Diane J. Humetewa is a beacon of inspiration as the first female Native American federal judge. She beautifully merges her life in Phoenix with the traditions and values of the Hopi tribe. Read more. In January 2007 Humetewa was recommended as a United States attorney by both of Arizona’s senators, John McCain and Jon Kyl, nominated by President George W. Bush in November, and was confirmed by the United States Senate and sworn in as the United States Attorney for the District of Arizona on December 17, 2007. The investiture for Humetewa was held on February 6, 2008 at the Sandra Day O’Connor Courthouse in Phoenix. She is the first Native American woman to serve as a United States Attorney.

Klamath River Dam Removal: U.S. history’s largest dam removal project is on the California-Oregon border. While this aims to restore the river’s natural flow, it has sparked concerns among certain groups, fearing irreversible consequences. Read more “local tribes fear it’s ‘a huge mistake you can’t turn back from“

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