Diabetes affects a staggering number of adults and children across the United States — 37.3 million, or 1 in 10 — and rates are even higher in Native communities. American Indians and Alaska Natives (AI/AN) are almost three times more likely to be diagnosed with diabetes and two times more likely to die from diabetes, according to the U.S Department of Health and Human Services. Diabetes is a life-long disease that affects the way your body handles glucose, a kind of sugar, in your blood.
The United States Census Bureau has released a Facts for Features which presents key statistics for the American Indian and Alaska Native population in honor of Native American Heritage Month for November. In 1990, President George H. Bush signed into law a joint resolution designating the month of November as the first National American Indian Heritage Month. Moving forward to 2023, we now celebrate National Native American Heritage month every November.
The Department of Interior announced a $327 million investment to continue fulfilling settlements of Indian water rights claims. The funding will support major water projects across the West to secure reliable water supplies for Tribes. The funding comes from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Reclamation Water Settlements Fund through President Biden’s Investing in America agenda.
First Lady Dr. Jill Biden met with tribal officials from the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin on Tuesday, October 10, to learn how federal investments are making a difference in tribal community located in central Wisconsin. Menomonee Chairwoman Gena Kakkak said in a press release that she was thrilled to learn of the visit.
Several survivors who attended the Tomah Indian Industrial School in Tomah, Wisconsin and others gathered on Friday, September 29, 2023, to commemorate an annual observance called "Orange Shirt Day." The commemoration holds significant meaning to tribal citizens who attended boarding schools decades ago. The Tomah Indian Industrial School was one of 11 Indian boarding schools that operated in the state of Wisconsin.