Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect, and Fire Marshal explains how to protect your home, Part 1.
Stage 1 fire restrictions are now in effect. As fire danger is on the minds of many, KSUT’s Sarah Flower talks with Karola Hanks, Fire Marshall for Durango Fire and Rescue Authority on how to keep your home safe.
New bill aims to boost tribal access to clean water
Two recent moves aim to benefit water access for tribal communities in the Colorado River basin. One, a bill in the U.S. Congress, could increase access to clean water.
Covid-19 Cases Increase Raising Concerns Across the State
Cases of COVID-19 are climbing throughout Colorado, causing some counties to increase their levels of concern. The state reports that they are predicting a significant increase in hospitalizations in the coming weeks.
U.S. report identifies burial sites linked to boarding schools for Native Americans
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — A first-of-its-kind federal study of Native American boarding schools that for over a century sought to assimilate Indigenous children into white society –
The Kaw people are choosing a site for a sacred boulder returned to the tribe
The huge red boulder standing bolt upright in a downtown park doesn’t belong here.
Covid-19 News: Increase Cases and Triple Viral loads in Durango Wastewater Surveillance
The wastewater surveillance system for Covid-19 in Durango shows a tripling number of viral load in the community.
High Wind Advisory and Red Flag Warning throughout the region
Weather officials are cautioning residents throughout the region that critical fire weather conditions are in the forecast this week.
Southern Ute Indian Tribe recognizes Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives on National Day of Awareness for MMIP
Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives Awareness Day is officially recognized by the Southern Ute Tribal Council on May 5th. On the same day, the United States Department of the Interior announced its collaboration with the Not Invisible Act Commission, a national group addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People’s crisis in Indian Country.
New Mexico filmmaker picked for program aiming to boost Native representation in Hollywood
Netflix and the Indigenous social justice group IllumiNative recently announced their first cohort in a training program for Native film and TV producers.
San Juan Basin Public Health recommends local public health and dissolving a multi-county district
San Juan Basin Public Health Board of Health works to deliver their public health differently from the one jurisdiction in a multi-county region.
University of California will waive tuition and fees for many Native American students
The University of California system will waive tuition and fees beginning in fall 2022 for Native American students who are state residents and members of federally recognized tribes.
Indian Health Services receives millions to eliminate HIV in Indian Country
Indian Health Services is receiving millions of dollars for the first time from the federal government to help eliminate HIV in Indian Country.
Covid News: Mask mandates on public transportation
Mask mandates on public transportation have dropped across the country. KSUT’s Sarah Flower talks with Liane Jollon, executive director of the San Juan Basin Public Health Department, about how it could affect cases across America and Colorado.
Covid News: New Covid-19 variants
New variants of COVID-19 are popping up throughout the world. KSUT’s Sarah Flower talks with Liane Jollon, executive Director of the San Juan Basin Public Health Department, about these new variants and when and if there is cause for concern.
Out of the dark, Westside Mobile Park celebrates ownership
One mobile home park experienced what they call “a miracle” regarding affordable housing. KSUT’s Sarah Flower has that story.
Local Covid News: Detecting Covid in wastewater
Detection of COVID-19 is being tracked in waste water throughout Colorado and in some water districts in Southwest Colorado.
Interior Department gives tribes more autonomy over water rules
Water is life out West, and now tribes will have more control over water rules on their lands.
Hózhóní Days Powwow returns after two years due to Covid
For the first time in two years, Fort Lewis College and the Native American Center host their first powwow since the pandemic’s beginning.
World Health Organization identifies new Covid variant
The World Health Organization has identified a new Covid-19 variant, and concerns are developing.
Navajo Nation bill would repeal its same-sex marriage ban
The country’s largest tribal nation, the Navajo Nation, is considering legislation to repeal its ban on same-sex marriage.
White House report details barriers for Indigenous voters
The Biden administration released a report Thursday detailing the barriers Indigenous voters face.
Local Covid News: San Juan Basin Public Health
Positive cases of Covid-19 are drastically dropping from the Omicron surge across Colorado. State Health officials say that 9 out 10 Coloradans are immune to Omicron
Colorado bill would shine a light on the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people
Colorado could soon join other Mountain West states that are beginning to address the epidemic of missing and murdered Indigenous people.
High demand starts 4Corners K-9 Search and Rescue on the Navajo Nation
4Corners K-9 Search and Rescue is the latest organization helping Native families find missing loved ones.
John Hickenlooper discusses funding for southwest Colorado after the omnibus spending bill passed
Congress approves a $1.5 trillion omnibus spending package for the Fiscal Year 2022 that includes millions of dollars to southwest Colorado.
Local Covid-19 News
Colorado sees some of the lowest Covid-19 numbers since the pandemic’s beginning. While public health officials welcome the news, many treat this data cautiously.
‘They just didn’t care’: Families’ grief renewed as Interior reviews deaths at tribal jails
A new report commissioned by the Interior Department provides a window into the fatal mistreatment of inmates in its tribal jails.
Durango Independent Film Festival spotlights Indigenous stories
Native American and Indigenous filmmakers humanize cultural values at the Durango Independent Film Festival.
Coronavirus News: the latest updates
For the first time in almost two years, there is no recommendation for masking in La Plata and Archuleta county. KSUT’s Sarah Flower talks with Liane Jollon, executive director of San Juan Basin Public Health Department, about how they power down the community response to COVID-19 to the ongoing pandemic.
Covid-19 the latest updates
The state of Colorado announced a new chapter in mitigation measures to COVID-19 and lessened restrictions across the state. KSUT’s Sarah Flower talks with Liane Jollon, executive director of San Juan Basin Public Health, about this new road map and gives an update about a recent ruling on a lawsuit against the health department.
BLM holds public meetings about plans to expand protections around Chaco Canyon
The Bureau of Land Management wants to expand environmental protections around Chaco Canyon in New Mexico after the Biden Administration first announced the plan last year. This week, it held the first public meetings about its proposal.
San Juan Basin Public Health COVID Update
Positive cases of Covid-19 are drastically dropping from the Omicron surge across Colorado. State health officials say that 9 out of 10 people in Colorado are immune to Omicron. KSUT’s Sarah Flower talks with Liane Jollon, executive director of San Juan Basin Public Health Department, about the next chapter of this pandemic.
Passenger traffic doubles at Durango airport
The Durango-La Plata County Airport welcomed 397,293 passengers arriving and departing in 2021, a significant 101 percent increase compared to 2020, where traffic declined due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Interior addresses National Congress of American Indians
The Department of the Interior addressed the National Congress of the American Indians and outlined improvements in the Bureau of Indian Affairs long-challenged detention program while addressing advancements in their Missing and Murdered Indigenous People. KSUT’s Sarah Flower has that story.
Covid News: San Juan Basin Public Health updates
COVID-19 cases across the state and southwest Colorado are on a sharp decline. In this weekly COVID-19 update, KSUT’s Sarah Flower talks with San Juan Basin Public Health about new quarantine guidance in schools from the state health officials and whether or not we are ready to take off our masks.
Lawmakers question Interior’s contract to review tribal jail deaths
Federal lawmakers are calling for an inquiry into the Interior Department’s handling of a contract that was awarded to a former administrator to review deaths at tribal jails, nearly half of which happened on his watch.
State Health officials stay prepared despite low hospitalizations rates
State Health officials continue to be cautiously optimistic about the decline in the number of COVID-19 cases. For the first time in weeks, the number of individuals hospitalized with the virus is under 1000.
Interior Department hires former top cop to review jail deaths on his watch
Darren Cruzan was teary-eyed when he delivered his retirement speech to family and colleagues at a gathering in Washington, D.C., last May. He was ending a 26-year career in federal law enforcement — more than half with the Interior Department — and was proud of his tenure as an administrator.
San Juan Basin Public Health Update: Covid News
After nearly a month of record high cases, the number of people testing positive for Covid-19 is on the decline from the omicron surge. KSUT’s Sarah Flower talks with San Juan Basin Public Health Department about their cautious optimism and discusses the new variant found in the front range and why they are not concerned just yet.
Children’s Hospital Colorado hires its first Mental Health-in-Chief. What it will mean for rural areas
Children’s Hospital of Colorado has hired its first ever Mental Health-in-Chief. They are the first pediatric hospital in the country to do so. KSUT’s Sarah Flower talks with the new hire about what this position can mean for rural areas.
Fort Lewis College receives grant for Native language revitalization program
Fort Lewis College is adding over $1 million-dollars for revitalizing Native languages. The grant from the Mellon Foundation will support reviving Native language curriculum at the college. KSUT’s Sarah Flower has more.
Covid News: Hospitals are still full as Omicron continues to decline
Durango (KSUT) – The Omicron surge across Southwest Colorado continues to decline. KSUT reporter Sarah Flower talks with Liane Jollon, executive director of San Juan Basin Public Health, about the downward trend during the Omicron surge and Colorado’s recent lift on vaccine mandates required for large public indoor spaces.
A KSUT conversation with writer, musician, and Poet Laureate Joy Harjo
Joy Harjo is America’s 23rd Poet Laureate and in her third term in that position. She’s a member of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and has been writing, teaching, and performing music for more than 40 years. She’s the author of nine books of poetry and seven music albums, including her latest, “I Pray For My Enemies.” Joy Harjo talked to KSUT Tribal Radio’s Crystal Ashike recently about her work, the pandemic, and being fearless for beauty.
The Ute Mountain Ute tribe used to rely on fossil fuels to make money. Now, it’s turning to solar
Driving along a gravel road on the Ute Mountain Ute reservation, it’s easy to see why the landscape is a good place to generate solar power. It’s the high desert of Southwest Colorado, which means there’s a lot of open space and bright sunlight.
Broadband subsidy slow in reaching much of the rural West
A recent report shows most low-income households in the Mountain West aren’t taking advantage of an internet incentive program launched by the Biden administration last year.
Lamar and Yuma schools cling to Savages and Tribe after being told to drop Native American mascots
The Lamar and Yuma school districts were told last week that their preferred team names – Savages and Tribe, respectively — likely would not comply with a new Colorado law that bans the use of Native American mascots.
Indian Health Service’s chief medical officer says, “the People really stepped-up”
Native American tribes across the nation have been disproportionately affected by coronavirus pandemic. KSUT’s Sarah Flower speaks with Dr. Christensen, Indian Health Service’s chief medical officer about the impacts of coronavirus on families, and how tribal nations are preparing for the surge.
KSUT welcomes new board member, Mikki Naranjo
Mikki Naranjo is the newest member of the KSUT Board of Directors, filling one of three open seats to be held by enrolled members of the Southern Ute Tribe.
Colorado’s latest COVID surge is leading to child hospitalizations and a record positivity rate
Many COVID-related metrics are on the increase in Colorado. We spoke to State Epidemiologist Rachel Herlihy, M.D to get the latest.
Public Health update: Local omicron cases rise five-fold, seriously stressing infrastructure
Positive COVID-19 cases are reaching unprecedented numbers in southwest Colorado leaving local public health overwhelmed. KSUT’s Sarah Flower talks with San Juan Basin Public Health about how the new variant is affecting services for the region.
Native Braids: A man recounts the day his father invited him home to pass along spiritual responsibilities
Though he lives in Ignacio Colorado, Russell Blackbird is a member of the Omaha Tribe of Nebraska. In his conversation with Bird Red, Russell recounts one of his proudest moments in life–the day Russell’s father invited him home to pass along some spiritual responsibilities.
Native Braids: A grandmother sings a Ute worship song and talks about the meaning behind the lyrics
Kathryn Jacket and her granddaughter Jeralyne Arnold are close. They spend most evenings together watching their favorite shows and talking on the living room couch. So when they sat down for an interview, Kathryn and Jeralyne were very much at ease with one another.
San Juan County, Utah Commission passes new redistricting maps
San Juan County approved new district maps, but residents of its biggest city, Blanding, say they don’t fairly represent them.
Canada will set aside billions to compensate Indigenous people for residential school harm
This week, the Canadian government said it would set aside billions of dollars to compensate Indigenous people who faced abuse as children in the country’s residential schools. The United States has not announced any similar financial plans.
Powerful windstorm causes widespread power outages across Navajo Nation
60-mile-per hour winds blew through the Navajo Nation Tuesday, leaving thousands without electricity.
Public Health update: State of Colorado research indicates you’re 50 times more likely to not have severe infection or need hospitalization if you’re fully vaccinated and boosted
There have been more COVID-related deaths in La Plata and Archuleta counties over the last 3 months than any other time during this pandemic.
Historically excluded from Colorado River policy, Southern Ute, Ute Mountain Ute, and other tribes want a say in how the dwindling resource is used
Lorenzo Pena pulls off the highway and into a drive-through water distribution center on the Southern Ute Indian Tribe reservation in southwest Colorado. He parks his truck and connects the empty tank it’s hauling to a large hose and thousands of gallons of water quickly rush in.
A college campus in Blanding, Utah is debuting a traditional hogan for its Native American students
Builders at Utah State University’s Blanding campus have been working on a traditional Native American Hogan since May. It’s finally ready. Listen to story.
San Juan Basin Public Health Update, December 7, 2021
Archuleta County has one of the highest case rates of Covid-19 anywhere in the state of Colorado. KSUT’s Sarah Flower spoke with Liane Jollon of San Juan Basin Public Health about that, and what we know about the newly detected omicron variant.
Double your support for KSUT News with a matching grant on Colorado Gives Day
All donations made to KSUT for Colorado Gives Day support its essential local and regional news coverage.
What happens when the lure of outdoor rec starts to pull people onto tribal lands?
When the FBI suspected someone was illegally digging artifacts from the Navajo Nation, an agent called Jonathan Dover for help.
False narratives create more challenges for American Indians struggling with substance abuse
There’s a false narrative that Native Americans are more genetically predisposed to becoming addicted to alcohol than European Americans. New research suggests that simply believing it can be harmful.
Native Braids: a grandmother continues her family’s storytelling tradition
Most Ute kids grow up hearing legend stories. Kathryn Jacket remembers the stories her grandmother used to tell her at night before bedtime. “It was like a storybook, and I would fall asleep halfway through and the next night we would pick up again,” she tells her granddaughter.
San Juan Basin Public Health update, November 30, 2021
Health officials in southwest Colorado are keeping an eye on developments around the recently-discovered Omicron variant of COVID-19. But the big concern continues to be the Delta variant and its effect on hospital capacity. Liane Jollon with San Juan Basin Public Health joins KSUT’s Sarah Flower to talk about it.
Native Braids: An elder shares advice with women who may be living with domestic violence or abuse
Lillian Seibel was a young woman when she realized she had married into an abusive relationship. In this short excerpt of her conversation with her son Shane, Lillian talks about her decision to leave her marriage and shares some advice for other young women who may be living with domestic violence or abuse.
Listen to highlights of Bill Miller’s performance from the 25th Annual Four Corners Folk Festival
Join us for a special Native American Heritage Month celebration of Mohican singer-songwriter Bill Miller at 3 PM on Thanksgiving Day on KSUT’s Tribal Radio and Four Corners Public Radio, or choose the listen button in this post at your convenience.
Native Braids: A youth mentor in Towaoc explains what motivates him to help young people
Mark Wing runs youth programs in Towaoc, Colorado. In this interview with Kateri Bancroft, Mark talks about how his mother inspired his work with young people.
San Juan Basin Public Health update, November 23, 2021
Rates of cases and deaths from Covid-19 are the highest they’ve been in southwest Colorado since the pandemic began. KSUT’s Sarah Flower talked to Liane Jollon of San Juan Basin Public Health about staying safe for holiday gatherings. They also discussed the findings of a recent study of vaccine hesitancy in Western Colorado.
Life without reliable internet remains a daily struggle for millions of Americans
Three days and one hour into the 2021-22 school year, the internet went out at Owhyhee Combined School in northern Nevada. Teachers scrambled to recreate their lesson plans and presentations, and could not log attendance.
Native Braids: A Navajo grandmother shares childhood memories with her granddaughter
Evelyn Edd grew up on the Navajo Reservation at Blackhouse Mesa. In this conversation with her granddaughter Santana, Evelyn looks back on a childhood with little money or material possessions.
The Labor Department’s monthly jobs reports omit most economically stressed demographic – Native Americans
The latest federal jobs report paints a picture of some economic recovery, albeit not across racial and ethnic lines. But the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics monthly analysis does not tell us anything about Native Americans, the most economically stressed demographic.
Senator Michael Bennet discusses benefits of Infrastructure and Jobs Act for Colorado
President Joe Biden finalized a key part of his economic agenda by signing the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act into law this week. KSUT’s Sarah Flower spoke with Senator Michael Bennet about how this bill will affect Coloradans.
Tribes hope infrastructure law means they’ll finally get clean drinking water
Louie Pitt Jr. has a clear memory of a day four years ago when a valve broke on the Warm Springs Reservation in Oregon. He was in a meeting with the tribal operations officer when she was interrupted by a phone call.
Biden orders new strategy in responding to MMIW crisis
President Joe Biden signed an executive order addressing violence against Indigenous people at the White House Tribal Nations Summit on Monday. It gives federal law enforcement agencies roughly eight months to develop a comprehensive strategy for improving public safety and criminal justice in Indian Country.
Native Braids: Bonny Kent, a roper and cattleman, councilman and role model
Alex Cloud remembers his grandfather Bonny Kent. Bonny Kent was a roper and cattleman, served on Southern Ute Tribal Council, and was a role model and father figure for Alex growing up
Dubbing ‘A Fistful of Dollars’ to spread the Navajo language
Ravonelle Yazzie is not an actor. And prior to getting cast in the small, two-line part she’d never recorded a voice over, been in a studio, or even heard of foley work. But she is fluent in Navajo.
San Juan Basin Public Health update, November 16, 2021
Colorado and New Mexico are seeing some of the highest cases of Covid-19 in the country. Both states have approved booster shots for residents 18 and older. As hospitals are reaching capacity, KSUT spoke with San Juan Basin Public Health’s Liane Jollon about booster shots and other plans to ensure citizens can still receive quality health care.
Native Braids: Diabetes diagnosis leads to becoming a runner, and a spiritual experience running a race on Hopi land
When Gordon Hammond found out he was diabetic, he decided to take up running. He spoke with his niece, Amie Hammond, about training in the canyons near Towaoc, Colorado, and the spiritual experience he had running a race on the Hopi reservation.
Students are still struggling to get internet. The infrastructure law could help
Internet access has always been a problem for Faylene Begay, a single mother of four living in Tuba City, Ariz. Before the pandemic, she didn’t have an internet connection at her home on the Navajo Nation Reservation — all she had was an old phone with limited data. Back then, her lack of connection was a nuisance as she worked her way through classes at Diné College.
Spoke + Blossom Magazine features KSUT Tribal Radio in Fall 2021 issue
Tribal Radio on public radio’s KSUT tells the ordinary stories of extraordinary Native American people in Southwest Colorado.
Native Braids: A Vietnam Veteran talks about the intensities of life as a young soldier (part 1 of 2)
Rod Grove landed in Vietnam on his 20th birthday, and served in the army there for just over a year. But the experience left a permanent imprint on his life. In the first of two interview excerpts, Rod talks with Bird Red about the intensities of daily life as a young soldier, the terrifying events, rodents and insects.
Native Braids – a mother gives her daughter advice on motherhood
Jennifer Goodtracks is a member of the Southern Ute Tribe. She sat down with her daughter, Brianna Goodtracks-Alires, for some stories, and advice on motherhood–including why cradleboards work so well for babies. We love the warmth and ease Jennifer and Brianna have with one another in this conversation.
GAO tells feds to improve its response to the crisis of violence against Indigenous women
A new report from the Government Accountability Office has found that the federal government isn’t doing enough to tackle the crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous women. It spotlights a dearth of data and agencies’ failures to meet important deadlines outlined by recently passed legislation.
Native Braids returns with new episodes for National Native American Heritage month
KSUT, in collaboration with independent producer Adam Burke, will be releasing several new episodes of the storytelling project Native Braids over the coming weeks.
Vaccine Rollout for Kids
Colorado is preparing their COVID-19 vaccine rollout as early as next week for children 5-11.
Textbook that asked if treatment of Native Americans was ‘exaggerated’ is recalled
A textbook on U.S. history that published a question of whether treatment of Native Americans was “exaggerated” has now been recalled, the publishing company Hodder Education said.
San Juan Basin Public Health update, October 26, 2021
By SARAH FLOWER The Food and Drug Administration meets today to discuss vaccines for school-aged children. KSUT speaks with Chandler Griffin of San Juan Basin Public Health about preparing for this, plus an update on booster shots and the Durango clinic held over the weekend. Interview Transcription: Sarah Flower Chandler, we’ve got a lot to catch […]
Indigenous advocates seek protections for Avi Kwa Ame following Bears Ears
Indigenous advocates in the Southwest are urging the administration to protect a sacred site in Nevada.
New maps show pandemic impacts on Indigenous people in the U.S.
When Navajo Nation saw its first cases of COVID-19 in March 2020, Jourdan Bennett-Begaye started a spreadsheet. She’s the managing editor of Indian Country Today, and the spreadsheet was a way to track coronavirus cases across Indigenous communities.
‘Know who we are’: Northern Arapaho and Longmont, Colo., forge historic sister city partnership
Many American towns and metropolises have initiated unions with international locales – “sister cities,” where citizens travel to each others’ hometowns and build cultural bridges.
Canada’s Trudeau apologizes for skipping remembrance for Indigenous school victims
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau makes a speech during his visit to Tk’emlups the Secwepemc First Nation in Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada on Monday.
The National Park Service could soon have its first Native American director
Charles “Chuck” F. Sams III is President Biden’s pick to lead the National Parks Service.
San Juan Basin Public Health update, October 19, 2021
By SARAH FLOWER As the Food and Drug Administration has approved booster shots for the Pfizer vaccine, information on the Moderna and Johnson & Johnson boosters is still pending, but expected soon. KSUT speaks with Liane Jollon of San Juan Basin Public Health about the latest on boosters and the recent surge in cases across […]
With 3 bold marks, Indigenous women helped revive a once-banned tradition
Grete Bergman had long wanted to get traditional facial markings, a practice for Indigenous women in Alaska that European settlers tried to extinguish.
San Juan County New Mexico’s number of positive COVID-19 cases are the highest on record since the pandemic started.
KSUT’s Sarah Flower talks with hospital executives from San Juan Regional Medical Center on how they’re handling this latest surge.
The Land Desk: Bears Ears is back
President Joe Biden announced Thursday he will restore Bears Ears National Monument to the boundaries established by President Barack Obama in 2016—with an additional 11,000 acres—and Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument to the boundaries in place on Jan. 20, 2017.
Goodbye, Columbus? Here’s what Indigenous Peoples’ Day means to Native Americans
President Biden issued a proclamation on Friday to observe this Oct. 11 as a day to honor Native Americans, their resilience and their contributions to American society throughout history, even as they faced assimilation, discrimination and genocide spanning generations.
Biden will restore protections for the Bears Ears monument. Trump had downsized it
President Biden will restore the boundaries of Bears Ears, Grand Staircase-Escalante and Northeast Canyons and Seamounts national monuments at a signing ceremony on Friday, the administration announced on Thursday evening.
School Board races and statewide issues top local election ballots as La Plata County Clerk & Recorder assures voters about election security
By SARAH FLOWER Mail-in ballots for registered voters across Colorado should arrive in mailboxes next week. KSUT’s Sarah Flower reports on what to expect in this year’s election. Interview Transcription: Sarah Flower 00:002021 is not a major election year, but in Southwest Colorado, contentious school board races across the region are filling this year’s ballot, in […]
A Colorado town is about as vaccinated as it can get. But it still has COVID
By Rae Ellen Bichell/Kaiser Health News Published October 4, 2021 at 10:04 PM MDT This story was originally published in the Colorado Sun. San Juan County, Colorado, can boast that 99.9% of its eligible population has received at least one dose of covid-19 vaccine, putting it in the top 10 counties in the nation, according to data from the […]
