Indian Country and Covid-19 Information and Updates

We hope the following posting finds you well. As we all know, these times have become very difficult for our Indigenous peoples, families and our leadership. This is especially concerning for our elders and those struggling with their health. While the coronavirus affects all people in North America, and throughout the world, the effect it has on our Indigenous peoples looks different.

Many of our friends and relatives are more at risks with high rates of diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, weakened immune systems, with conditions of overcrowding in our homes and in some areas, access to water. Whether it is in the rural reservations of the Lower 48, in Alaska, Canada, or the urban cities and towns, our Indigenous peoples are being hit first, but also hit the hardest economically.

Economic relief is needed. Many of our communities have high unemployment and poverty rates with poor economic conditions. Tribal and First Nation leaders rightfully have been demanding U.S. and Canada to fulfill their duties and obligations under treaty and other agreements with funding to allow our Native Nations to have the flexibility to address the coronavirus pandemic in their lands and territories.

The US Congress is moving to pass a series of stimulus relief packages to address the COVID-19 crisis. In response to this, the Indigenous Environmental Network recently developed the “Five Principles for Just COVID-19 Relief and Stimulus” initiative, in partnership with a larger coalition of organizations. IEN worked to ensure tribal and Indigenous communities are represented and supported during this time.

The “Five Principles for Just COVID-19 Relief and Stimulus” will be the foundation for the #peoplesbailout campaign.

The “Five Principles for Just COVID-19 Relief and Stimulus” and the #peoplesbailout are in response to policymakers and the administration’s stimulus plans that attempt to return the economy back to a status quo where safety and security are promised only to corporations and the wealthy few. Gambling trillions of our tax dollars on stimulating the stock market can’t fix the lack of access to medical care, or the pollution in our skies– only a package centered in justice for the people can do that.

A #peoplesbailout is rooted in justice and balances short and long term recovery. The #peoplesbailout demands a just recovery by prioritizing and funding those who have been hit first and worst by COVID-19 and the current recession.

We will not let Congress leave anyone behind — especially our Native nations and Indigenous peoples living in urban cores. Indigenous peoples will be among those hit the hardest and it’s time for the U.S. administration and policymakers to step up and do what’s right in fulfilling its legal obligations to our Native nations who are experiencing shortfalls in essential health care and financial crisis by this unprecedented global pandemic.

Five Principles for Just COVID-19 Relief and Stimulus

(1) HEALTH IS THE TOP PRIORITY, FOR ALL PEOPLE, WITH NO EXCEPTIONS

We support the calls of community leaders, public health organizations, unions, and others for free and accessible testing, treatment, and protective equipment; expanded hospital capacity, including in rural areas, territories, and tribal lands; paid sick leave and paid family medical leave for all workers without exception; expanded federal funding for Medicaid; and full funding for Indian Health Service and urban Indian health centers. Critically, the government must ensure such health protections cover all people, including low-wage workers, health workers, independent contractors, family farmers, Black and Latinx communities, undocumented immigrants, Indigenous peoples, people who are incarcerated, people who are homeless or housing insecure, and others likely to be hit first and worst by COVID-19 and the economic downturn.

(2) PROVIDE ECONOMIC RELIEF DIRECTLY TO THE PEOPLE

We support the urgent calls to expand the social safety net by broadening unemployment insurance, vastly increasing food aid programs, extending housing assistance, expanding childcare for working families, relieving student debt, and halting evictions, foreclosures, and shut offs of water and electricity. As with expanded public health measures, these economic measures must be implemented to ensure coverage of workers and communities likely to be hit first and worst by COVID-19 and the economic downturn. In addition, to counteract the economic downturn, the federal government should immediately direct sizable cash payments to every person. Larger payments should be made to lower-income workers and the poor, who are disproportionately exposed to both COVID-19 health risks and heightened job insecurity. These payments should be made swiftly and regularly throughout the duration of the economic recession.

(3) RESCUE WORKERS AND COMMUNITIES, NOT CORPORATE EXECUTIVES

Any financial assistance directed at specific industries must be channeled to workers, not shareholders or corporate executives. Specifically, any federal loans must be used to maintain payroll and benefits, not executive bonuses or stock buybacks. In addition, such funds should come with pro-worker conditions, such as requiring worker representation on the company’s board of directors, company-wide enactment of a $15/hour or higher minimum wage, and compliance with high-road labor standards such as payment of prevailing wages, use of project-labor agreements, adoption of a neutrality policy with regard to union collective bargaining, and adoption of a “ban the box” hiring policy to ensure fair employment opportunities for all.

(4) MAKE A DOWN PAYMENT ON A REGENERATIVE ECONOMY, WHILE PREVENTING FUTURE CRISES

While we urgently need a large, short-term stimulus to protect the health and economic security of those on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis, it is imperative that policymakers also plan for a large, medium-term stimulus to counteract the economic downturn and ensure a just recovery. This stimulus should create millions of good, family-sustaining jobs with high-road labor standards; counter systemic inequities by directing investments to the working families, communities of color, and Indigenous communities who face the most economic insecurity; and tackle the climate crisis that is compounding threats to our economy and health. All three goals can be achieved simultaneously with public investments to rebuild our infrastructure, replace lead pipes, expand wind and solar power, build clean and affordable public transit, weatherize our buildings, build and repair public housing, manufacture more clean energy goods, restore our wetlands and forests, expand public services that support climate resilience, and support regenerative agriculture led by family farmers. Critically, stimulus packages should include conditions for industries to implement high-road labor standards, workforce development, and reductions in climate emissions and toxic pollution. The response to one existential crisis must not fuel another.

(5) PROTECT OUR DEMOCRATIC PROCESS WHILE PROTECTING EACH OTHER

People must not be forced to choose between exercising their rights as citizens and protecting public health. The federal government must support states, by providing funding and technical support wherever needed, to ensure that every American can vote safely in primary and general elections. Specific life-saving and democracy-defending measures include expanding vote by mail, online or automatic voter registration, among others. The 2020 Census must be fully supported and resourced to achieve an accurate and safe count under the new and evolving conditions. US Congress, state capitals and city halls should not shut down until they have amended rules to ensure continuity of governance in the case that in-person sessions are suspended.

If you have any questions about the “Five Principles for Just COVID-19 Relief and Stimulus” or the #peoplesbailout you can contact Bineshi Albert bineshi@ienearth.org or Jennifer Falcon jennifer@ienearth.org.

PLEASE NOTE: DUE TO OVERWHELMING RESPONSE, WE ARE ONLY ABLE TO FUND A PORTION OF THE APPLICATIONS WE RECEIVE. WE ARE CURRENTLY RAISING FUNDS AND CAN ONLY DISTRIBUTE WHAT WE RECEIVE AND WILL CONTINUE TO DO SO AS RESOURCES BECOME AVAILABLE. WE WILL PRIORITIZE GROUPS AND ORGANIZATIONS WHO ARE OFFERING MUTUAL AID AS PART OF COMMUNITY ORGANIZED EFFORTS. THANK YOU.

This rapid response support will be extended to community-based Indigenous peoples and organizations from the U.S. and Canada (Central and South America on a case-by-case basis), WHO EITHER ARE HELPING THE COMMUNITY WITH TRANSPORTATION AND ESSENTIAL NEEDS OR WHO HAVE LOST THEIR PRIMARY INCOME FROM A HOME BUSINESS.

These small grants of UP to $2,000 are being offered to assist with the following 3 situations:

1) FOR GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS ONLY, WHO ARE HELPING OTHERS: Purchase of essential provisions: food, water, medication, diapers, cleaning supplies, pet food, etc.

2) FOR GROUPS/ORGANIZATIONS ONLY, WHO ARE HELPING OTHERS- Support with transportation for essential needs and provisions, such as medical appointments and clinic/hospital visits, medication, groceries etc.

3) THIS IS THE ONLY GRANT AVAILABLE TO INDIVIDUALS, THOSE WHO’S MAIN SOURCE OF INCOME IS THEIR HOME BUSINESS- Home business slowdowns in sales and other cash flow difficulties (maybe your supplier is shut down, or a big order for an event is canceled). For this support “home business” is referring to things like quilting, regalia making, bead and quill work, moccasin making, basket making, pottery, silversmithing, etc.

This is the link to the Application Form:

All Our Relations,

IEN Leadership Team

In Coronavirus Crisis, 575 Groups Urge Halt to Electricity, Water Shutoffs

Letter to Governors, Utility Regulators Also Calls for Distributed Clean Energy, Equitable Water Payment Systems

WASHINGTON— More than 575 utility justice, labor, faith, consumer and environmental groups urged state governors, mayors and utility regulators today to put a moratorium on electricity and water-utility shutoffs in response to the coronavirus crisis and resulting job losses.

Today’s letter also called for deeper policy changes that deploy distributed solar and establish percentage-of-income water-payment systems to address the systemic issues leading to shutoffs.

The coronavirus crisis will likely cause widespread job losses across America, disproportionately hurting low-wealth households, communities of color, and American Indian and Alaska Native communities. These families face difficulties in affording basic utility services, and some have already been disconnected from water and electricity.

“It’s unconscionable that utilities are cutting off the electricity and water of families who have lost their jobs to the coronavirus crisis,” said Jean Su, director of the Center for Biological Diversity’s energy justice program. “The pandemic is worsening the already dire effects of poverty, climate change and dependence on fossil-fueled utilities. Stopping shutoffs is crucial, but governors should also work to transition families to clean energy systems that aren’t dependent on dirty corporate utility power that can be cut off in a crisis.”

“The rising costs of electricity due to the stressors of our fossil fuel-based economy exerts a crippling financial burden for many, especially workers earning low wages and seniors living on fixed incomes,” said Chandra Farley, just energy director at the Partnership for Southern Equity. “The resulting utility burdens on black, brown and indigenous communities and people of color are being amplified by this crisis, with no long-term economic relief strategy in place. We must remain steadfast in our push for equity-centered, clean energy policies that significantly enhance household economic stability and improve our collective health and well-being.”

“The U.S. needs to live up to its trust and treaty responsibility to American Indian and Alaska Natives to ensure their members, many who live in rural areas, do not experience electricity shut-offs during these times of uncertainty,” said Tom BK Goldtooth, executive director of the Indigenous Environmental Network. “Many tribal residents are on fixed incomes and already experiencing the threat of the coronavirus coming to their homes, bringing all its implications effecting human health and compounded by weakened economies and high unemployment.”

“As minister in the United Church of Christ I am greatly influenced by New Testament theology,” said Reverend Michael Malcom, executive director of Alabama Interfaith Power and Light and the People’s Justice Council. “One theological principle of the New Testament informs us that we are living out our beliefs when we ensure that the widows and the orphans are cared for. It is with this authority that I say that it is immoral to leave the most vulnerable in society without electricity during these uncertain times. This is our opportunity to come together and care for our community.”

Fewer than half of all states and a handful of cities have imposed moratoria on shutoffs over various utilities. According to the Energy and Policy Institute and Food & Water Watch, some electricity and water providers have also voluntarily enacted moratoria on shutoffs, though the majority of the nation’s 3,300 power utilities have not, including energy giant Alabama Power.

Even if moratoria have been implemented, they vary significantly in impact. Many moratoria fail to waive late fees, are short in duration, do not apply to all customer classes, and have no promises to reconnect disconnected customers to these services.
In addition to the call for moratoria, the groups also urge state leaders to tackle the systematic issues driving common utility shutoffs. These include committing to policies that increase the deployment of distributed clean energy systems and that establish percentage-of-income payment plans for water and other utility services, which enhance long-term energy and climate resilience for all families.

Alabama Interfaith Power and Light is Alabama’s moral voice for climate justice and energy efficiency. https://www.alabamaipl.org/
The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.7 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places. www.biologicaldiversity.org
IEN is a national and international alliance of Indigenous peoples working for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and for environmental, climate, energy and economic justice; to protect the territorial integrity and sacredness of Mother Earth. https://www.ienearth.org/
The Partnership for Southern Equity (PSE) is an Atlanta-based nonprofit that advances policies and institutional actions that promote racial equity and shared prosperity for all in the growth of metropolitan Atlanta and the American South through an ecosystem-based model for multi-demographic engagement. www.psequity.org
The People’s Justice Council engages and equips communities with tools and access to build power from the grassroots up to fight for justice at the policy level. https://www.thepeoplesjusticecouncil.org/

Seven Congressional Leaders Join 450+ Progressive Organizations to Demand People’s Bailout in Response to Coronavirus Crisis

Dear Colleague letter to Congressional leaders calls for “down payment” on green economy

WASHINGTON D.C — Indigenous Environmental Network is participating in a large coalition that is developing the “Five Principles for Just COVID-19 Relief and Stimulus” initiative that is the foundation to the People’s Bailout Campaign in order to ensure that tribal and Indigenous communities are represented.

Senator Ed Markey, Senator Tammy Duckworth, Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Mark Pocan, Rep. Debbie Dingell, Rep. Pramila Jayapal, and Rep. Barbara Lee join more than 450 progressive organizations across the country to launch a new People’s Bailout campaign to push Congress to focus on the needs of working people and to address the urgent threat of climate change in any federal response to the coronavirus crisis.

As reports warn of unemployment rates hitting over 2 million Americans soon, the advocates’ push for a People’s Bailout laid out demands in a letter sent by the seven progressive lawmakers to fellow lawmakers in the U.S. House and Senate for any coronavirus response legislation, including providing economic relief directly to people, forbidding bailouts for corporate executives, and encouraging investment in a green economy.

“We will not let Congress leave anyone behind — especially our Native nations and Indigenous peoples living in urban cores. Indigenous peoples will be among those hit the hardest and it’s time for the U.S. administration and policymakers to step up and do what’s right in fulfilling its legal obligations to our Native nations who are experiencing shortfalls in essential health care and financial crisis by this unprecedented global pandemic.,” said Tom Goldtooth, Executive Director of the Indigenous Environmental Network.

“As we work to advance further spending packages to ensure immediate relief and long-term recovery, we need to consider the interrelated crises of income and wealth inequality, racism, and ecological decline, which were in place long before COVID-19, and now risk being intensified,” reads the Dear Colleague letter sent by Reps. Ocasio-Cortez, Pocan, Dingell, Jayapal, and Lee.

“Opportunists in the fossil fuel industry are looking to benefit from the chaos and pain frontline communities who opposed their extractive projects are experiencing right now. This is a moment for policy makers to pivot to a just stimulus bill that centers Black, Indigenous, people of color,.” said Bineshi Albert, Coordinator of Indigenous Movement Building for the Indigenous Environmental Network. “We will be heard or Washington will be held accountable.”

For more information on the Just Stimulus push, including for a full list of participating organizations, click here: https://www.thepeoplesbailout.com

In addition to the call for moratoria, the groups also urge state leaders to tackle the systematic issues driving common utility shutoffs. These include committing to policies that increase the deployment of distributed clean energy systems and that establish percentage-of-income payment plans for water and other utility services, which enhance long-term energy and climate resilience for all families.

Alabama Interfaith Power and Light is Alabama’s moral voice for climate justice and energy efficiency. https://www.alabamaipl.org/
The Center for Biological Diversity is a national, nonprofit conservation organization with more than 1.7 million members and online activists dedicated to the protection of endangered species and wild places. www.biologicaldiversity.org
IEN is a national and international alliance of Indigenous peoples working for the rights of Indigenous Peoples and for environmental, climate, energy and economic justice; to protect the territorial integrity and sacredness of Mother Earth. https://www.ienearth.org/
The Partnership for Southern Equity (PSE) is an Atlanta-based nonprofit that advances policies and institutional actions that promote racial equity and shared prosperity for all in the growth of metropolitan Atlanta and the American South through an ecosystem-based model for multi-demographic engagement. www.psequity.org
The People’s Justice Council engages and equips communities with tools and access to build power from the grassroots up to fight for justice at the policy level. https://www.thepeoplesjusticecouncil.org/

DECOLONIZATION, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND TRANSFORMATION

The following are links to more information that will help provide depth and understanding during this crisis:

CLIMATE CHANGE AND CORONAVIRUS

HEALTH INFORMATION AND RELATED SOURCES

MENTAL HEALTH AND MANAGING STRESS

We are in a unique and unexpected moment. As the pandemic known as COVID-19 spreads across Mother Earth, many of our Indigenous nations and communities are being faced with some tough challenges.

As the staff of the Indigenous Environmental Network, we wish to encourage our network members, native nations and communities to stand strong to their teachings and prepare for this global issue that is COVID-19.

Indian Country & COVID-19

Our first webinar in a series of conversations about COVID-19 and how Indian Country is dealing with the global pandemic.
Host: Dallas Goldtooth
Panelists: Linda Black Elk, Ethnobotanist, United Indian Tribes Technical College.
Stacy Bohlen, CEO National Indian Health Board
Nicole Redvers, ND, MPHc, UND INMED

Building Indigenous Communities of Care During Covid-19: Caution

Watch our first joint webinar with Indigenous Climate Action and the first webinar that explores the theme of caution. In it, we will be discussing taking care of vulnerable members of our communities during the COVID19 pandemic, including disabled folks, homeless folks, the elderly, and remote communities.

Speakers:
Crystal Martin-Lapenskie
Joye Braun
Veronica Fuentes

Moderator:
Dallas Goldtooth

We’re talking about Indigenous compassion!

Monday, April 20, we’re talking about compassion! This webinar will bring together four participants from all over the world to talk about coming together as Indigenous Peoples during this time and what the situation in their regions looks like right now.

Participants:
Hindou Oumarou Ibrahim
Ruth Miller
Leilani Cruz-Martinez Rania Ganser
Leo Cerda