Republican US Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, who is challenging Democratic Senator Jon Tester with the backing of former President Donald Trump, has found himself in a pickle over his&nbsp;comments about Native Americans.

Tribal leaders in Montana are demanding his apology after Sheehy made offensive comments about Native Americans, saying that they are “drunk at 8:00 AM”.

Char-Koosta News shared audio recordings where Sheehy can be heard making remarks&nbsp;about the native Americans. In one recording, Sheehy talks about his ranching partner, who is a member of the Crow Tribe and describes their activities on the Crow Reservation in southeastern Montana. “Great way to bond with all the Indians, to be out there while they’re drunk at 8:00 AM,” Sheehy says.

In another recording, he says, “If you know a tough crowd, you want to go to the Crow res.&nbsp;They let you know whether they like you or not — there’s Coors Light cans flying by your head riding by,” he added.

The Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, which represents 11 tribes and First Nations in the western US and Canada, criticised Sheehy's comments for reinforcing harmful stereotypes about Native Americans. Council Chair Bryce Kirk sent a letter to Sheehy's campaign on Tuesday, calling for an apology.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-multiple-students-injured-casualties-expected-in-shooting-at-georgia-high-school-755931">US: Four dead, over two dozen wounded in shooting at Georgia high school</a>

“You ask for our votes and then you go to your fundraiser, ironically with alcohol flowing and laughter at our expense behind closed doors, and you insult us with a stereotype that only seeks to severely diminish and dishonour our people,” Kirk said in the letter, cited by news agency AP. “The Crow people are not your punchline. Native Americans are not your punchline,” he added.

Sheehy’s campaign did not challenge the authenticity of the recordings, which the tribal newspaper reported were from fundraising events in Montana last November.&nbsp;

Jack O’Brien, the spokesperson of Sheehy's campaign, said that Sheehy, a former U.S. Navy SEAL with no prior political experience who moved to Montana a decade ago, has a working relationship with the Crow Tribe. “He works with them, he brands with them,” O’Brien said. “What folks are insinuating about him, that’s just not who he is.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Republican US Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, who is challenging Democratic Senator Jon Tester with the backing of former President Donald Trump, has found himself in a pickle over his comments about Native Americans.

Republican US Senate candidate Tim Sheehy, who is challenging Democratic Senator Jon Tester with the backing of former President Donald Trump, has found himself in a pickle over his comments about Native Americans. Tribal leaders in Montana are demanding his apology after Sheehy made offensive comments about Native Americans, saying that they are “drunk at 8:00 AM”. Char-Koosta News shared audio recordings where Sheehy can be heard making remarks about the native Americans. In one recording, Sheehy talks about his ranching partner, who is a member of the Crow Tribe and describes their activities on the Crow Reservation in southeastern Montana. “Great way to bond with all the Indians, to be out there while they’re drunk at 8:00 AM,” Sheehy says. In another recording, he says, “If you know a tough crowd, you want to go to the Crow res. They let you know whether they like you or not — there’s Coors Light cans flying by your head riding by,” he added. The Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council, which represents 11 tribes and First Nations in the western US and Canada, criticised Sheehy's comments for reinforcing harmful stereotypes about Native Americans. Council Chair Bryce Kirk sent a letter to Sheehy's campaign on Tuesday, calling for an apology. Also read: US: Four dead, over two dozen wounded in shooting at Georgia high school “You ask for our votes and then you go to your fundraiser, ironically with alcohol flowing and laughter at our expense behind closed doors, and you insult us with a stereotype that only seeks to severely diminish and dishonour our people,” Kirk said in the letter, cited by news agency AP. “The Crow people are not your punchline. Native Americans are not your punchline,” he added. Sheehy’s campaign did not challenge the authenticity of the recordings, which the tribal newspaper reported were from fundraising events in Montana last November. Jack O’Brien, the spokesperson of Sheehy's campaign, said that Sheehy, a former U.S. Navy SEAL with no prior political experience who moved to Montana a decade ago, has a working relationship with the Crow Tribe. “He works with them, he brands with them,” O’Brien said. “What folks are insinuating about him, that’s just not who he is.” (With inputs from agencies)

Tribal leaders slam Trump-backed Senate candidate for offensive comments; 'not your punchline'

Data revealed California police have stopped and searched black residents and Native Americans the most compared to all racial groups & white residents.

California police's racial bias revealed

Hollywood has a longstanding history of underrepresentation and misrepresentation of marginalised communities, and Native Americans are no exception. Throughout the years, Native American characters have often been reduced to stereotypes or simply ignored altogether, reinforcing cultural biases and perpetuating harmful narratives. While some films have attempted to shed light on the rich and diverse Native American cultures, the overall portrayal has been far from accurate and respectful. With the upcoming release of Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, which explores just one of the many instances in history when the indigenous people of the Americas were persecuted by white European settlers, there is hope that Hollywood's treatment of Native Americans may finally be challenged and transformed.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-explained--osage-indian-murders-that-inspired-martin-scorseses-killers-of-the-flower-moon-592892">Explained | Osage Indian Murders that inspired Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon</a>

<h2>Historical neglect and stereotyping</h2>

Native Americans have frequently been relegated to peripheral roles, existing only as background or one-dimensional characters. Often, their stories have been told through the lens of non-Native filmmakers, resulting in a skewed representation of their cultures and histories. The limited range of roles has given way to inaccurate stereotypes, such as the noble savage, the mystical shaman, or the aggressive warrior, not just in film but also literature. These portrayals fail to capture the complexities and diversity of Native American experiences and contribute to a distorted public perception.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EG0si5bSd6I" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Underrepresentation in films</h2>

Native American actors and filmmakers face numerous challenges in Hollywood, including a lack of opportunities, limited access to resources, and a dearth of authentic Native American stories being told. The underrepresentation extends to the behind-the-scenes roles, where their voices are rarely included in the decision-making processes. This sustains a cycle of misrepresentation and reinforces the dominant narrative imposed by non-Native perspectives.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-watch--killers-of-the-flower-moons-riveting-new-trailer-martin-scorsese-promises-an-epic-western-drama-612366">WATCH | Killers of the Flower Moon's riveting new trailer: Martin Scorsese promises an epic western drama</a>

<h2>Killers of the Flower Moon</h2>

Killers of the Flower Moon, based on the non-fiction book by David Grann, tells the story of the Osage Nation murders in the early 20th century, shedding light on a tragic and often overlooked chapter of American history. With Martin Scorsese at the helm and a cast that includes Native American actors such as Lily Gladstone (apart from your Robert De Niros and Leonardo DiCaprios), the film has the potential to challenge the status quo and set a precedent for more accurate and respectful Native American representation. By giving voice to Native American stories through a Native-led production, the film presents an opportunity to rectify past missteps and usher in a new era of authenticity.

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EP34Yoxs3FQ" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>The responsibility of filmmakers</h2>

To truly break the mould and effect lasting change, filmmakers must collaborate with Native American consultants, writers, and actors&nbsp;to begin an informed approach to filmmaking. There is also a need to dismantle the existing power dynamics and give agency to Native American communities, allowing them to tell their own stories, on their own terms.

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<h2>Progress and hope</h2>

While Hollywood's track record with Native American representation is deeply flawed as we have seen above, recent years have witnessed some positive shifts. Films like Smoke Signals (1998), Wind River (2017), and Neither Wolf Nor Dog (2016) have made strides in portraying Native American characters and stories with more nuance and authenticity. Additionally, the success of filmmakers such as Sydney Freeland and Sterlin Harjo demonstrates that there is a demand for diverse narratives and Native American talent.

Furthermore, audiences have a vital role to play. By supporting and demanding more inclusive and accurate representation, viewers can influence Hollywood's decisions and encourage the industry to prioritise diverse narratives. It is essential to recognise and challenge the stereotypes, educate ourselves about the cultural heritage of Native Americans, and actively seek out and amplify indigenous voices in the media we consume.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

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You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Hollywood has a longstanding history of underrepresentation and misrepresentation of marginalised communities, and Native Americans are no exception. Throughout the years, Native American characters have often been reduced to stereotypes or simply ignored altogether, reinforcing cultural biases and perpetuating harmful narratives.

Hollywood has a longstanding history of underrepresentation and misrepresentation of marginalised communities, and Native Americans are no exception. Throughout the years, Native American characters have often been reduced to stereotypes or simply ignored altogether, reinforcing cultural biases and perpetuating harmful narratives. While some films have attempted to shed light on the rich and diverse Native American cultures, the overall portrayal has been far from accurate and respectful. With the upcoming release of Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon, which explores just one of the many instances in history when the indigenous people of the Americas were persecuted by white European settlers, there is hope that Hollywood's treatment of Native Americans may finally be challenged and transformed. Also Read: Explained | Osage Indian Murders that inspired Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon Historical neglect and stereotyping Native Americans have frequently been relegated to peripheral roles, existing only as background or one-dimensional characters. Often, their stories have been told through the lens of non-Native filmmakers, resulting in a skewed representation of their cultures and histories. The limited range of roles has given way to inaccurate stereotypes, such as the noble savage, the mystical shaman, or the aggressive warrior, not just in film but also literature. These portrayals fail to capture the complexities and diversity of Native American experiences and contribute to a distorted public perception. Underrepresentation in films Native American actors and filmmakers face numerous challenges in Hollywood, including a lack of opportunities, limited access to resources, and a dearth of authentic Native American stories being told. The underrepresentation extends to the behind-the-scenes roles, where their voices are rarely included in the decision-making processes. This sustains a cycle of misrepresentation and reinforces the dominant narrative imposed by non-Native perspectives. Also Read: WATCH | Killers of the Flower Moon's riveting new trailer: Martin Scorsese promises an epic western drama Killers of the Flower Moon Killers of the Flower Moon, based on the non-fiction book by David Grann, tells the story of the Osage Nation murders in the early 20th century, shedding light on a tragic and often overlooked chapter of American history. With Martin Scorsese at the helm and a cast that includes Native American actors such as Lily Gladstone (apart from your Robert De Niros and Leonardo DiCaprios), the film has the potential to challenge the status quo and set a precedent for more accurate and respectful Native American representation. By giving voice to Native American stories through a Native-led production, the film presents an opportunity to rectify past missteps and usher in a new era of authenticity. The responsibility of filmmakers To truly break the mould and effect lasting change, filmmakers must collaborate with Native American consultants, writers, and actors to begin an informed approach to filmmaking. There is also a need to dismantle the existing power dynamics and give agency to Native American communities, allowing them to tell their own stories, on their own terms. Progress and hope While Hollywood's track record with Native American representation is deeply flawed as we have seen above, recent years have witnessed some positive shifts. Films like Smoke Signals (1998), Wind River (2017), and Neither Wolf Nor Dog (2016) have made strides in portraying Native American characters and stories with more nuance and authenticity. Additionally, the success of filmmakers such as Sydney Freeland and Sterlin Harjo demonstrates that there is a demand for diverse narratives and Native American talent. Furthermore, audiences have a vital role to play. By supporting and demanding more inclusive and accurate representation, viewers can influence Hollywood's decisions and encourage the industry to prioritise diverse narratives. It is essential to recognise and challenge the stereotypes, educate ourselves about the cultural heritage of Native Americans, and actively seek out and amplify indigenous voices in the media we consume. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hollywood's long neglect of Native Americans: Will Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon bring change?

Human migrations have be part of human history and prehistory. Humans were hunter-gatherers to start with. And even with development of agriculture, the migration went on due to variety of reasons. And study of human migrations as a whole sometimes yields fascinating results.

A study has now found that some of the ancestors of Native Americans in the Americas included people from China! It does appear counterintuitive as China and the US are separated by the vast Pacific Ocean and human migrations, particularly in prehistoric periods did not appear to involve crossing of large water bodies. It was widely held before that ancestors of Native Americans came from modern-day Siberia. They crossed the prehistoric land bridge that joined eastern tip of Russia with Alaska and entered the American continent.

But now, a research says that the some of those people who migrated to the Americas included those from China.

“Our findings indicate that besides the previously indicated ancestral sources of Native Americans in Siberia, the northern coastal China also served as a genetic reservoir contributing to the gene pool,” said Yu-Chun Li, one of the report authors as quoted in a report by The Guardian.

Li also added that during what was called the second migration, some of the people of that lineage settled in Japan.

Kunming Institute of Zoology researchers studied the lineage known as D4h. It is associated with Mitochondrial DNA which is passed on to next generation only by mothers.&nbsp;

The team of researchers analysed 100,000 modern and 15000 ancient DNA samples to hunt for D4h. The researchers at the end, landed on 216 contemporary and 39 ancient individuals.

They studied the mutations that had occurred over time. By looking at the samples' geographical location and by using carbon dating, the researchers were able to get an idea of D4h's origin and expansion history.

The second migration of people occurred between 19,000 and 11,500 years ago during melting period of the then prevalent ice age. And through this study, the reasearchers have been able to find surprising link between Native Americans and some of their ancestors who came from China.

“However, we don’t know in which specific place in northern coastal China this expansion occurred and what specific events promoted these migrations,” said Li, as quoted by The Guardian.&nbsp;

“More evidence, especially ancient genomes, are needed to answer these questions.”

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Human migrations have be part of human history and prehistory. Humans were hunter-gatherers to start with. And even with development of agriculture, the migration went on due to variety of reasons.

Human migrations have be part of human history and prehistory. Humans were hunter-gatherers to start with. And even with development of agriculture, the migration went on due to variety of reasons. And study of human migrations as a whole sometimes yields fascinating results. A study has now found that some of the ancestors of Native Americans in the Americas included people from China! It does appear counterintuitive as China and the US are separated by the vast Pacific Ocean and human migrations, particularly in prehistoric periods did not appear to involve crossing of large water bodies. It was widely held before that ancestors of Native Americans came from modern-day Siberia. They crossed the prehistoric land bridge that joined eastern tip of Russia with Alaska and entered the American continent. But now, a research says that the some of those people who migrated to the Americas included those from China. “Our findings indicate that besides the previously indicated ancestral sources of Native Americans in Siberia, the northern coastal China also served as a genetic reservoir contributing to the gene pool,” said Yu-Chun Li, one of the report authors as quoted in a report by The Guardian. Li also added that during what was called the second migration, some of the people of that lineage settled in Japan. Kunming Institute of Zoology researchers studied the lineage known as D4h. It is associated with Mitochondrial DNA which is passed on to next generation only by mothers. The team of researchers analysed 100,000 modern and 15000 ancient DNA samples to hunt for D4h. The researchers at the end, landed on 216 contemporary and 39 ancient individuals. They studied the mutations that had occurred over time. By looking at the samples' geographical location and by using carbon dating, the researchers were able to get an idea of D4h's origin and expansion history. The second migration of people occurred between 19,000 and 11,500 years ago during melting period of the then prevalent ice age. And through this study, the reasearchers have been able to find surprising link between Native Americans and some of their ancestors who came from China. “However, we don’t know in which specific place in northern coastal China this expansion occurred and what specific events promoted these migrations,” said Li, as quoted by The Guardian. “More evidence, especially ancient genomes, are needed to answer these questions.” You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Some ancestors of Native Americans came from China, says study

Using a new method of analysing family lineages with DNA fragments from long-dead people, a group of scientists have figured out that a South Dakotan man was indeed the grandson of the 19th-century Native American leader Sitting Bull.<o:p></o:p>

Researchers took a strand of hair from which was being preserved at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. Through this hair, they were able to establish a familial relationship between the famed Sitting Bull and Ernie LaPoint of South Dakota. <o:p></o:p>

The 73-year-old from Lead, South Dakota, has expressed relief after this revelation. He says this has come as a piece of good news as several people had been questioning his relationship with his ancestors for years.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/archeologists-make-shocking-revelations-after-dna-analysis-of-mummies-in-china-424720">Archeologists make shocking revelations after DNA analysis of mummies in China</a></o:p>

"I feel this DNA research is another way of identifying my lineal relationship to my great-grandfather," said LaPointe. "People have been questioning our relationship to our ancestor as long as I can remember. These people are just a pain in the place you sit - and will probably doubt these findings, also."<o:p></o:p>

This study is not only a milestone for LaPointe but is also a scientific marvel as this was the first time that a familial relationship has been established between a living man and a historical figure with the help of DNA of a long-dead person.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egyptian-mummies-to-pass-through-cairo-in-ancient-rulers-parade-375153">Egyptian mummies to pass through Cairo in ancient rulers' parade</a></o:p>

The new method was developed by scientists led by Eske Willerslev, director of the Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre at the University of Cambridge. It had taken the researchers 14 years to develop this new method of extracting usable DNA from hair.<o:p></o:p>

When Willerslev read about LaPointe handing over hair of Sitting Bull to Smithsonian, he reached out to him to conduct this research. "LaPointe asked me to extract DNA from it and compare it to his DNA to establish relationship," said Willerslev, senior author of the research published in the Science Advances. "I got very little hair and there was very limited DNA in it. It took us a long time developing a method that, based on limited ancient DNA, can by compared to that of living people across multiple generations."<o:p></o:p>

Sitting Bull, whose Lakota name was Tatanka-Iyotanka, was known for leading Native American warrior who then wiped out federal troops of George Custer at the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn.<o:p></o:p>

Using a new method of analysing family lineages with DNA fragments from long-dead people, a group of scientists have figured out that a South Dakotan man was indeed the grandson of the 19th-century Native American leader Sitting Bull.

Using a new method of analysing family lineages with DNA fragments from long-dead people, a group of scientists have figured out that a South Dakotan man was indeed the grandson of the 19th-century Native American leader Sitting Bull. Researchers took a strand of hair from which was being preserved at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington. Through this hair, they were able to establish a familial relationship between the famed Sitting Bull and Ernie LaPoint of South Dakota. The 73-year-old from Lead, South Dakota, has expressed relief after this revelation. He says this has come as a piece of good news as several people had been questioning his relationship with his ancestors for years. Also read | Archeologists make shocking revelations after DNA analysis of mummies in China "I feel this DNA research is another way of identifying my lineal relationship to my great-grandfather," said LaPointe. "People have been questioning our relationship to our ancestor as long as I can remember. These people are just a pain in the place you sit - and will probably doubt these findings, also." This study is not only a milestone for LaPointe but is also a scientific marvel as this was the first time that a familial relationship has been established between a living man and a historical figure with the help of DNA of a long-dead person. Also read | Egyptian mummies to pass through Cairo in ancient rulers' parade The new method was developed by scientists led by Eske Willerslev, director of the Lundbeck Foundation GeoGenetics Centre at the University of Cambridge. It had taken the researchers 14 years to develop this new method of extracting usable DNA from hair. When Willerslev read about LaPointe handing over hair of Sitting Bull to Smithsonian, he reached out to him to conduct this research. "LaPointe asked me to extract DNA from it and compare it to his DNA to establish relationship," said Willerslev, senior author of the research published in the Science Advances. "I got very little hair and there was very limited DNA in it. It took us a long time developing a method that, based on limited ancient DNA, can by compared to that of living people across multiple generations." Sitting Bull, whose Lakota name was Tatanka-Iyotanka, was known for leading Native American warrior who then wiped out federal troops of George Custer at the 1876 Battle of the Little Bighorn.

DNA testing proves South Dakota man is grandson of famed Native American Sitting Bull

President-elect Joe Biden has tapped Deb Haaland to lead the Interior Department, according to people familiar with the matter, putting the Democratic representative in line to become the first American Indian cabinet secretary in US history.

Tribal leaders and activists around the country, along with many Democratic figures, cheered Haaland’s selection after urging Biden for weeks to choose her. They stood behind her candidacy even when concerns that Democrats might risk their majority in the House if Haaland yielded her seat in Congress appeared to threaten her nomination.

With Haaland’s nomination, Indigenous people will for the first time in their lifetimes see a Native American at the table where the highest decisions are made — and so will everyone else, said OJ Semans, a Rosebud Sioux vote activist who was in Georgia on Thursday helping get out the Native vote for two Senate runoffs. “It’s made people aware that Indians still exist,” he said.

The Interior Department is a vast agency of more than 70,000 employees overseeing the country's natural resources, including national parks, and oil and gas drilling sites, as well as tribal lands -- home to 578 federally recognized tribes.

In Congress, the 60-year-old Haaland has prioritized the improvement of services to tribal communities, especially assistance during the coronavirus pandemic, which has disproportionately hurt Native American families.

"It would be an honour to move the Biden-Harris climate agenda forward, help repair the government-to-government relationship with tribes that the Trump Administration has ruined, and serve as the first Native American cabinet secretary in our nation's history," Haaland said in a statement published by The New York Times.

Biden also has reportedly tapped Michael Regan, a top North Carolina environmental regulator who brokered the nation's largest coal ash cleanup, to be the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Regan, who is Black, served at the EPA in the Clinton and Bush administrations. He would be tasked with helping to carry out Biden's ambitious climate plans, which call for embracing clean energy and crafting higher fuel-efficiency standards for the country's automobiles and trucks.

(With inputs from agencies)

President-elect Joe Biden has tapped Deb Haaland to lead the Interior Department, according to people familiar with the matter, putting the Democratic representative in line to become the first American Indian cabinet secretary in US history.

President-elect Joe Biden has tapped Deb Haaland to lead the Interior Department, according to people familiar with the matter, putting the Democratic representative in line to become the first American Indian cabinet secretary in US history. Tribal leaders and activists around the country, along with many Democratic figures, cheered Haaland’s selection after urging Biden for weeks to choose her. They stood behind her candidacy even when concerns that Democrats might risk their majority in the House if Haaland yielded her seat in Congress appeared to threaten her nomination. With Haaland’s nomination, Indigenous people will for the first time in their lifetimes see a Native American at the table where the highest decisions are made — and so will everyone else, said OJ Semans, a Rosebud Sioux vote activist who was in Georgia on Thursday helping get out the Native vote for two Senate runoffs. “It’s made people aware that Indians still exist,” he said. The Interior Department is a vast agency of more than 70,000 employees overseeing the country's natural resources, including national parks, and oil and gas drilling sites, as well as tribal lands -- home to 578 federally recognized tribes. In Congress, the 60-year-old Haaland has prioritized the improvement of services to tribal communities, especially assistance during the coronavirus pandemic, which has disproportionately hurt Native American families. "It would be an honour to move the Biden-Harris climate agenda forward, help repair the government-to-government relationship with tribes that the Trump Administration has ruined, and serve as the first Native American cabinet secretary in our nation's history," Haaland said in a statement published by The New York Times. Biden also has reportedly tapped Michael Regan, a top North Carolina environmental regulator who brokered the nation's largest coal ash cleanup, to be the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Regan, who is Black, served at the EPA in the Clinton and Bush administrations. He would be tasked with helping to carry out Biden's ambitious climate plans, which call for embracing clean energy and crafting higher fuel-efficiency standards for the country's automobiles and trucks. (With inputs from agencies)

Joe Biden picks Deb Haaland as first Native American interior secretary

Life on Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota can be harsh but women of the Lakota tribe are taking their lives and their future into their own hands. Watch report.

Plight of indigenous people in Dakota: Native women living in poor conditions

Native American activists in North Dakota have said they are still hopeful about halting the construction of a controversial oil pipeline that will run to Illinois, after a federal court said that it needed more time to decide if indigenous rights were violated when the project was approved, The Guardian has reported.&nbsp; 
 
The federal court will now reach a decision by September 9, the report says.&nbsp; 
 
North Dakota is simmering with tension from the past two weeks with protests on its prairies and outside the court in Washington DC against the 1,000-mile long pipeline that environmental activists believe will threaten local waterways. 
 
According to media reports, the pipeline will run close to the Standing Rock Sioux tribe’s reservation, crossing several rivers that supply drinking water to millions of people. 
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<h5>Native Americans constitute roughly 5.4 per cent of the region’s population and the protests come three years after a massive oil boom in North Dakota.</h5>
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Thousands of people from different tribes have trickled in to join the Standing Rock Sioux tribe to protest at the construction site of the Dakota Access Pipeline &nbsp;and the government has ordered police to cut water-supply 
 
“North Dakota homeland security director Greg Wilz has ordered the removal of state-owned trailers and water tanks from the protest encampment, despite the heat, because of alleged disorderly conduct," &nbsp;reports the Bismarck Tribune.&nbsp; 
 
Native Americans constitute roughly 5.4 per cent of the region’s population and the protests come three years after a massive oil boom in North Dakota. 
 
The issue has also come&nbsp;under Amnesty International United States’ s (AIUSA) scanner.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Right2Protest?src=hash">#Right2Protest</a> update: Our human rights observers have been gathering info at the Oceti Sakowin camp in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NorthDakota?src=hash">#NorthDakota</a> <a href="https://t.co/Frz4gvOEhk">pic.twitter.com/Frz4gvOEhk</a>
— AmnestyInternational (@amnesty) <a href="https://twitter.com/amnesty/status/768930824041353216">August 25, 2016</a></blockquote>
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AIUSA sent a letter to the North Dakota Highway Patrol and the Morton County Sheriff Department on Wednesday notifying them of a delegation and indicating how authorities should act in accordance with international human rights standards and the US Constitution during the policing of the protests. 
 
“It is the legitimate right of people to peacefully express their opinion,” the letter reads. 
 
“Public assemblies should not be considered as the ‘enemy.’ The command hierarchy must convey a clear message to law enforcement officials that their task is to facilitate and not to restrict a peaceful public assembly.“&nbsp; 
 
A petition to stop the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline and protect water that is a “crucial part of our lives” has more than 94,000 signatures, including those of actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo, according to The Guardian.&nbsp; 
 
(WION) 
 
 
&nbsp;

Environmental activists believe the 1,000-mile-long pipeline will threaten local waterways

Native American activists in North Dakota have said they are still hopeful about halting the construction of a controversial oil pipeline that will run to Illinois, after a federal court said that it needed more time to decide if indigenous rights were violated when the project was approved, The Guardian has reported. The federal court will now reach a decision by September 9, the report says. North Dakota is simmering with tension from the past two weeks with protests on its prairies and outside the court in Washington DC against the 1,000-mile long pipeline that environmental activists believe will threaten local waterways. According to media reports, the pipeline will run close to the Standing Rock Sioux tribe’s reservation, crossing several rivers that supply drinking water to millions of people. Native Americans constitute roughly 5.4 per cent of the region’s population and the protests come three years after a massive oil boom in North Dakota. Thousands of people from different tribes have trickled in to join the Standing Rock Sioux tribe to protest at the construction site of the Dakota Access Pipeline and the government has ordered police to cut water-supply “North Dakota homeland security director Greg Wilz has ordered the removal of state-owned trailers and water tanks from the protest encampment, despite the heat, because of alleged disorderly conduct," reports the Bismarck Tribune. Native Americans constitute roughly 5.4 per cent of the region’s population and the protests come three years after a massive oil boom in North Dakota. The issue has also come under Amnesty International United States’ s (AIUSA) scanner. #Right2Protest update: Our human rights observers have been gathering info at the Oceti Sakowin camp in #NorthDakota pic.twitter.com/Frz4gvOEhk — AmnestyInternational (@amnesty) August 25, 2016 AIUSA sent a letter to the North Dakota Highway Patrol and the Morton County Sheriff Department on Wednesday notifying them of a delegation and indicating how authorities should act in accordance with international human rights standards and the US Constitution during the policing of the protests. “It is the legitimate right of people to peacefully express their opinion,” the letter reads. “Public assemblies should not be considered as the ‘enemy.’ The command hierarchy must convey a clear message to law enforcement officials that their task is to facilitate and not to restrict a peaceful public assembly.“ A petition to stop the construction of the Dakota Access pipeline and protect water that is a “crucial part of our lives” has more than 94,000 signatures, including those of actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Mark Ruffalo, according to The Guardian. (WION)

Tension in North Dakota as Native Americans protest against oil pipeline

Trump&nbsp;called a Democratic rival &quot;Pocahantas&quot; while hosting Native Americans veterans at the White House Monday.&nbsp;

The Native Americans had been &quot;wind talkers&quot; -- Navajo Indians who helped keep Allied operations secret during World War II.&nbsp;

&quot;You were here long before any of us were here,&quot; Trump said to one of them.

&quot;Although we have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas,&quot; he added.

Trump has continuously referred to Democratic senator Elizabeth Warren as &quot;Pocahontas&quot;.

White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders disagreed that Trump&#39;s remark was a racial slur and said that Warren&#39;s lies about her ancestry were the offensive part.

Warren has spoken about her mother&#39;s Native American ancestry and has been a political thorn in Trump&#39;s side.

&quot;I think what most people find offensive is Senator Warren lying about her heritage to advance her career,&quot; Sanders told reporters.

Trump and the veterans, as they spoke, had been standing beneath a portrait of controversial President Andrew Jackson -- who ordered the forced removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands, causing thousands to die.

Trump has continuously referred to Democratic senator Elizabeth Warren, who has spoken about her mother's Native American ancestry, as 'Pocahontas'

Trump called a Democratic rival "Pocahantas" while hosting Native Americans veterans at the White House Monday. The Native Americans had been "wind talkers" -- Navajo Indians who helped keep Allied operations secret during World War II. "You were here long before any of us were here," Trump said to one of them. "Although we have a representative in Congress who they say was here a long time ago. They call her Pocahontas," he added. Trump has continuously referred to Democratic senator Elizabeth Warren as "Pocahontas". White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders disagreed that Trump's remark was a racial slur and said that Warren's lies about her ancestry were the offensive part. Warren has spoken about her mother's Native American ancestry and has been a political thorn in Trump's side. "I think what most people find offensive is Senator Warren lying about her heritage to advance her career," Sanders told reporters. Trump and the veterans, as they spoke, had been standing beneath a portrait of controversial President Andrew Jackson -- who ordered the forced removal of Native Americans from their ancestral lands, causing thousands to die.

Trump cracks Pocahontas 'joke' while hosting Native American veterans

Thanksgiving, the&nbsp;national holiday may have originated in America but it is widely celebrated in Canada, Puerto Rico, Grenada, and Liberia.

It is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada&nbsp;and on fourth of November in the US, and around the same part of the year in other places.

Thanksgiving is a day of thanking for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year.&nbsp;

The celebrations of&nbsp;Thanksgiving started in 1621 when Plymouth colonists and native Americans shared an autumn harvest feast in the colonies.

While Plymouth colonists were&nbsp;trying to establish themselves in the North of America, pilgrims of Plymouth harvested corn successfully with the help of Native American allies and to celebrate that successful harvest&nbsp;Plymouth colonists&nbsp;celebrated Thanksgiving with native Americans.

The second Thanksgiving celebration was&nbsp;held in 1623 to mark the end of a long drought that had threatened&nbsp;that year&#39;s harvest and prompted calls&nbsp;for a religious fast.

Later days of fasting and thanksgiving on an annual or occasional basis became common practice in other New England settlements&nbsp;as well.&nbsp;

For more than two centuries, Thanksgiving day was celebrated by individual colonies and states until in&nbsp;1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November.

Also in contemporary celebrations, desserts like Pumpkin pies and cakes have made their place as traditional dishes but it was not included in the first meal of thanksgiving as pilgrims of Plymouth had no oven and sugar was also kind of&nbsp;a rare. It later became a tradition of Thanksgiving celebrations. Same applies to cranberry sauce as well which is also a tradition because there is no confirmation that Cranberry sauce was even invented back then.

Similarly having Turkey in feast is also new tradition because there is no written confirmation of pilgrims eating Turkey. It gained traction as the Thanksgiving meal of choice for Americans after Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863.

According to Edward Winslow, author of &quot;Mourt&#39;s Relation: A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth,&quot;&nbsp;pilgrims enjoyed five deer as part of their feast and meat category also included fish and shellfish.

So next time when you are having lobster or some oysters instead of Turkey, you can defend your self from being called historically inaccurate.

Thanksgiving celebrations started in 1621 when Plymouth colonists and native Americans shared an autumn harvest feast in the colonies

Thanksgiving, the national holiday may have originated in America but it is widely celebrated in Canada, Puerto Rico, Grenada, and Liberia. It is celebrated on the second Monday of October in Canada and on fourth of November in the US, and around the same part of the year in other places. Thanksgiving is a day of thanking for the blessing of the harvest and of the preceding year. The celebrations of Thanksgiving started in 1621 when Plymouth colonists and native Americans shared an autumn harvest feast in the colonies. While Plymouth colonists were trying to establish themselves in the North of America, pilgrims of Plymouth harvested corn successfully with the help of Native American allies and to celebrate that successful harvest Plymouth colonists celebrated Thanksgiving with native Americans. The second Thanksgiving celebration was held in 1623 to mark the end of a long drought that had threatened that year's harvest and prompted calls for a religious fast. Later days of fasting and thanksgiving on an annual or occasional basis became common practice in other New England settlements as well. For more than two centuries, Thanksgiving day was celebrated by individual colonies and states until in 1863, in the midst of the Civil War, that President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national Thanksgiving Day to be held each November. Also in contemporary celebrations, desserts like Pumpkin pies and cakes have made their place as traditional dishes but it was not included in the first meal of thanksgiving as pilgrims of Plymouth had no oven and sugar was also kind of a rare. It later became a tradition of Thanksgiving celebrations. Same applies to cranberry sauce as well which is also a tradition because there is no confirmation that Cranberry sauce was even invented back then. Similarly having Turkey in feast is also new tradition because there is no written confirmation of pilgrims eating Turkey. It gained traction as the Thanksgiving meal of choice for Americans after Lincoln declared Thanksgiving a national holiday in 1863. According to Edward Winslow, author of "Mourt's Relation: A Journal of the Pilgrims at Plymouth," pilgrims enjoyed five deer as part of their feast and meat category also included fish and shellfish. So next time when you are having lobster or some oysters instead of Turkey, you can defend your self from being called historically inaccurate.

Do you know the first Thanksgiving dinner did not include Turkey?

North Dakota officials on Tuesday moved to block supplies from reaching oil pipeline protesters at a camp near the construction site, threatening to use hefty fines to keep demonstrators from receiving food, building materials and even portable bathrooms.&nbsp;

Activists have spent months protesting plans to route the $3.8 billion Dakota Access Pipeline beneath a lake near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, saying the project poses a threat to water resources and sacred Native American sites.&nbsp;

State officials said on Tuesday they would fine anyone bringing prohibited items into the main protest camp following Governor Jack Dalrymple&#39;s &quot;emergency evacuation&quot; order on Monday. Earlier, officials had warned of a physical blockade, but the governor`s office backed away from that.

Law enforcement would take a more &quot;passive role&quot; than enforcing a blockade, said Maxine Herr, a spokeswoman for the Morton County Sheriff&#39;s Department.&nbsp; 
&quot;The governor is more interested in public safety than setting up a road block and turning people away,&quot; Herr said by telephone.&nbsp;

Officers will stop vehicles they believe are headed to the camp and inform drivers they are committing an infraction and could be fined $1,000. These penalties should serve as a hindrance, according to Cecily Fong, a spokeswoman for the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services.

&quot;So that effectively is going to block that stuff (supplies), but there is not going to be a hard road block,&quot; Fong said by telephone.

A spokeswoman from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe was not immediately available for comment. North Dakota Governor-elect Doug Burgum, a Republican, declined to comment.&nbsp;

The 1,172-mile (1,885 km) pipeline project, owned by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners LP , is mostly complete except for a segment planned to run under Lake Oahe, a reservoir formed by a dam on the Missouri River.

Thousands of people are protesting at camps located on US&nbsp;Army Corps of Engineers land, north of the Cannonball River in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The main protest camp near Cannon Ball is called Oceti Sakowin, the original name of the Sioux, meaning Seven Council Fires.

Protest leaders said state officials and local law enforcement officers were &quot;bullying&quot; demonstrators with the threat of fines.&nbsp;

&quot;It&#39;s bogus and I don&#39;t know about the legality of it,&quot; said Kandi Mossett, an organizer with Indigenous Environmental Network. &quot;We`re not afraid. We`re moving in and out of the camp at will. So people shouldn`t be afraid of coming and supporting the water protectors. They`ve been bullying us since day one.&quot;

 
&#39;Harsh winter condition&#39; 
Dalrymple&#39;s evacuation order was issued on Monday due to the &quot;harsh winter conditions.&quot; Snow and wind gusts up to 45 mph (73 kph) were forecast for Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service.&nbsp;

Despite the sub-freezing temperatures, law enforcement on November 21 used water cannons to disperse protesters who had blockaded a highway.&nbsp;

Demonstrators and law enforcement have clashed over the months since protests began, with demonstrators claiming excessive use of force by law enforcement. 
On Tuesday, the National Lawyers Guild filed a class action in US&nbsp;District Court in North Dakota on behalf of injured protesters, claiming local authorities in Morton and Stutsman counties used excessive force.&nbsp;

The civil rights complaint said there were no orders to disperse or warnings issued before local police turned water cannons and tear gas on the protest. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages.&nbsp;

Stutsman County Auditor Casey Bradley said the county sheriff&rsquo;s office was unaware of the lawsuit and unable to comment on the allegations.&nbsp;

Officers were justified in using water cannons because of the threat posed by demonstrators, Fong and Herr said. Law enforcement gave numerous warnings for protesters to disperse, they said.&nbsp;

North Dakota officials have issued several requests for additional help from federal law enforcement in light of the demonstrators. However, the Army Corps said Monday its order to evacuate the primary protest camp by December 5 would not include forcibly removing people from the land.

The Obama administration in September postponed final approval of a Army Corps&#39; permit required to allow tunnelling beneath the lake, a move intended to give federal officials more time to consult tribal leaders.&nbsp;

White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a Tuesday news briefing that Obama believes law enforcement has &quot;an obligation&quot; to show restraint and protesters have a &quot;responsibility&quot; to protest peacefully.

In a related protest, prosecutors suspended charges against Deia Schlosberg, a documentary maker arrested while filming as environmental protesters attempted to shut down the flow of oil through pipelines carrying crude from Canada to the United States in October.

 
Reuters) 
&nbsp;

Officers will stop vehicles headed to the camp and inform drivers they are committing an infraction and could be fined $1,000

North Dakota officials on Tuesday moved to block supplies from reaching oil pipeline protesters at a camp near the construction site, threatening to use hefty fines to keep demonstrators from receiving food, building materials and even portable bathrooms. Activists have spent months protesting plans to route the $3.8 billion Dakota Access Pipeline beneath a lake near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation, saying the project poses a threat to water resources and sacred Native American sites. State officials said on Tuesday they would fine anyone bringing prohibited items into the main protest camp following Governor Jack Dalrymple's "emergency evacuation" order on Monday. Earlier, officials had warned of a physical blockade, but the governor`s office backed away from that. Law enforcement would take a more "passive role" than enforcing a blockade, said Maxine Herr, a spokeswoman for the Morton County Sheriff's Department. "The governor is more interested in public safety than setting up a road block and turning people away," Herr said by telephone. Officers will stop vehicles they believe are headed to the camp and inform drivers they are committing an infraction and could be fined $1,000. These penalties should serve as a hindrance, according to Cecily Fong, a spokeswoman for the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services. "So that effectively is going to block that stuff (supplies), but there is not going to be a hard road block," Fong said by telephone. A spokeswoman from the Standing Rock Sioux tribe was not immediately available for comment. North Dakota Governor-elect Doug Burgum, a Republican, declined to comment. The 1,172-mile (1,885 km) pipeline project, owned by Texas-based Energy Transfer Partners LP , is mostly complete except for a segment planned to run under Lake Oahe, a reservoir formed by a dam on the Missouri River. Thousands of people are protesting at camps located on US Army Corps of Engineers land, north of the Cannonball River in Cannon Ball, North Dakota. The main protest camp near Cannon Ball is called Oceti Sakowin, the original name of the Sioux, meaning Seven Council Fires. Protest leaders said state officials and local law enforcement officers were "bullying" demonstrators with the threat of fines. "It's bogus and I don't know about the legality of it," said Kandi Mossett, an organizer with Indigenous Environmental Network. "We`re not afraid. We`re moving in and out of the camp at will. So people shouldn`t be afraid of coming and supporting the water protectors. They`ve been bullying us since day one." 'Harsh winter condition' Dalrymple's evacuation order was issued on Monday due to the "harsh winter conditions." Snow and wind gusts up to 45 mph (73 kph) were forecast for Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service. Despite the sub-freezing temperatures, law enforcement on November 21 used water cannons to disperse protesters who had blockaded a highway. Demonstrators and law enforcement have clashed over the months since protests began, with demonstrators claiming excessive use of force by law enforcement. On Tuesday, the National Lawyers Guild filed a class action in US District Court in North Dakota on behalf of injured protesters, claiming local authorities in Morton and Stutsman counties used excessive force. The civil rights complaint said there were no orders to disperse or warnings issued before local police turned water cannons and tear gas on the protest. The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages. Stutsman County Auditor Casey Bradley said the county sheriff’s office was unaware of the lawsuit and unable to comment on the allegations. Officers were justified in using water cannons because of the threat posed by demonstrators, Fong and Herr said. Law enforcement gave numerous warnings for protesters to disperse, they said. North Dakota officials have issued several requests for additional help from federal law enforcement in light of the demonstrators. However, the Army Corps said Monday its order to evacuate the primary protest camp by December 5 would not include forcibly removing people from the land. The Obama administration in September postponed final approval of a Army Corps' permit required to allow tunnelling beneath the lake, a move intended to give federal officials more time to consult tribal leaders. White House spokesman Josh Earnest said in a Tuesday news briefing that Obama believes law enforcement has "an obligation" to show restraint and protesters have a "responsibility" to protest peacefully. In a related protest, prosecutors suspended charges against Deia Schlosberg, a documentary maker arrested while filming as environmental protesters attempted to shut down the flow of oil through pipelines carrying crude from Canada to the United States in October. Reuters)

North Dakota officials block supplies, hope to quell pipeline protests with fines