#GivingTuesdayNow is May 5

#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020. It is an emergency response to the unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. As we work together for our own safety and well-being, it also is a priority to protect the most vulnerable in our midst. Since the onset of COVID-19, our team has been fighting to defend Native communities whose rights are threatened during this time of pandemic. We need your support now to stand strong during crisis!

Please get involved this #GivingTuesdayNow. Support tribes who are fighting to keep their lands and people safe. Help raise awareness and funding during these challenging times. Let's come together and stand strong during crisis! Take action on #GivingTuesdayNow →

Voting By Mail in Tribal Communities

In any move to a vote-by-mail system because of COVID-19, we must provide accommodations for tribal communities to protect their ability to vote. Native American communities face many challenges with vote-by-mail. For example throughout the country, there are homes on reservations that do not have addresses or do not use a street name. The postal service does not deliver to these addresses, so they cannot receive ballots at their homes. Tribes and states must work together and election funding must be provided to tribes to enact the needed changes. Learn more and share our online flyer about vote-by-mail challenges and proposed solutions →

Forced to Choose Between Celebration and Spiritual Beliefs

Last year, Larissa Waln (Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate) was turned away from her high school graduation. As she entered the stadium with her classmates, school officials stopped her at the door and would not allow her to enter and participate in the graduation ceremony. The reason? Because Larissa was wearing religious attire, namely a beaded graduation cap that included an eagle plume that had been blessed for the occasion. On Friday, April 24, 2020, the Waln family, represented by the Native American Rights Fund and Rothstein Donatelli brought suit against the school district for its illegal denial of Larissa’s rights. Read about the case at our website →

Keystone XL Construction Continues Despite COVID-19

Despite ongoing legal challenges, on April 1, 2020, KXL construction began. The occupation of the pipeline’s “man camps” is expected before the end of the summer. These camps will house the thousands of temporary transient workers. Studies have shown that crime and violence—especially against Native women—grows exponentially in communities near these camps. But even more outrageous is that, notwithstanding the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing requirements, man camps filled with workers from across the country will be built and occupied so close to fragile Native communities whose health care facilities often already are stretched thin. The danger is so great that it calls to mind smallpox blankets and the other instances of outside diseases putting entire Native communities at risk. NARF Director of Development Donald M. Ragona (Matinecock) calls on us to end the policy of putting profits over people →