Indigenous Rights
Republican proposes bill to penalize cities dropping Columbus Day
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Ohio Republican Representative Michael Rulli has introduced legislation to withhold federal funding from cities and states that replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day. The proposal follows President Donald Trump's recent proclamation honoring Christopher Columbus and Italian American heritage. Rulli emphasizes preserving the holiday's cultural significance without undermining Native American recognition.
Alaska graphite mine pushes forward without tribal consent
A proposed graphite mine on Alaska's Seward Peninsula is advancing toward federal approval despite lacking required consultation with a local Indigenous tribe. The project, backed by the U.S. Department of Defense, aims to secure domestic supplies of the mineral critical for batteries. Tribal leaders from the Native Village of Solomon warn that it threatens their traditional lands and subsistence way of life.
Trump officials open Alaska refuge to drilling amid industry reluctance
The Trump administration has announced plans to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to oil and gas drilling, restoring leases previously canceled by President Biden. Despite the push, major oil companies show little interest, leaving the state-funded Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority to spend millions propping up the effort. Indigenous leaders decry the move as a violation of their rights and a threat to sacred lands.
IUCN rejects moratorium on genetically modified wildlife releases
The International Union for Conservation of Nature has voted against imposing a moratorium on releasing genetically engineered species into the wild for conservation purposes, despite opposition from Indigenous groups. The decision, made in Abu Dhabi, also supports the use of synthetic biology in research. Critics argue that such technologies pose irreversible risks without proper safeguards and consent.