The National UNITY Council (NUC) Executive Committee first suggested the idea of waiving affiliation fees as a way to be more inclusive and assist those who have been impacted by the pandemic. UNITY acted on the recommendation and is excited to waive this year’s affiliation fees for youth councils and individuals in hopes to reach even more Native youth through the upcoming virtual events. Those who have already paid their membership dues will automatically be in ‘good standing’ through July 1, 2020.

UNITY Quarantine Dance Party for Native Youth!


July 23, 2020
2:30 PM Eastern // 1:30 PM Central // 12:30 PM Mountain // 11:30 AM Pacific //

A Prize Drawing for a $100 Cash Prize and UNITY Swag for Dance Video Submissions!
Native Youth have an opportunity to win big by submitting a video dancing to your favorite songs.

To make this Dance Party a success we need your Dance Videos by

 By submitting your video or photo you agree to give the UNITY, Inc. full rights to the video, photo, name, images, and likeness to use for UNITY, Inc. purposes.

A link will be sent to you to upload your Video(s).

Join the Dance Party Team. Find a UNITY Buddy and Make a Video Together.

You all have great ideas! EmceeOne is going to do a Music MIx.

If you have any questions email Tami at t.patterson@unityinc.org

Visit our Website for further information: 

https://unityinc.org/events/national-conference/

2020 UNITY Virtual Conference

This forum will share the stories of five tribal nations working to protect their tribal homelands in the face of baseless and arbitrary attacks by the federal government, and discuss how the federal government must recommit to its trust and treaty obligations to all tribal nations in this critical area.

Protecting Tribal Lands in 2020: Current Violations across Indian Country

Join a virtual event with NCAI President Fawn Sharp, artists, performers, and special guests to kick off a movement to get out the vote.

Four-million young people turn 18 this year and will be able to vote for the first time. Rock The Vote is making sure they have the correct resources all summer with this kick-off event.

Democracy Summer 2020

Hosted by Contemporary Artist, Gregg Deal Pyramid Lake 

Advocacy and Art! Join us in elevating our collective voices in voting through painting and showing the world why we count in the census! Follow along with an Indian Country artist as they guide us through making impactful art that we can use in Indian Country Counts (census) and Native Vote outreach. Hear from tribal advocates speak about civic engagement work in their communities. Don't forget to fuel your creativity by making or enjoying some delicious snacks with us virtually! Share your favorite snacks or recipes in the comments as we create together. SET REMINDER: 

https://www.facebook.com/ncai1944/videos/269083937479268/

Paint & Snack Night

For more information, please contact: Jennifer Vigario - 

Second Quarterly NIHB Board Meeting

Broadband Opportunities in the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF)

Join NCAI, tribal practitioners, and Federal Communication Commission (FCC) presenters on Wednesday, June 17, 2020, from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m. EDT to discuss the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF). The RDOF will provide up to $20.4 billion over 10 years to communications providers for communities that are unserved or underserved by broadband internet. The RDOF auction includes a tribal lands bidding preference to include more eligible tribal locations in this opportunity. This webinar will provide an overview of the RDOF auction, discussion from tribal practitioners, and a Question & Answer session between the FCC and attendees.

Nearly 80 percent of the $20.4 billion is available in Phase I, which is scheduled to begin October 2020. The deadline for letters of interest for Phase I is July 15, 2020.

If no entity expresses interest in providing broadband over your lands, then your nation could be entirely left out of RDOF funding for the next 10 years.

For those nations that do not operate a broadband network, partnerships with service providers could provide opportunities to bring broadband to your nation without construction, operation, and maintenance of broadband networks. Local service providers are often unaware of FCC broadband funding opportunities and bidding preference for service over tribal lands.

Timing for this opportunity is crucial and all nations are encouraged to submit a letter of intent to the FCC for the RDOF Phase I auction. We hope you will join us in bridging the digital divide in Indian Country as we discuss the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund!

NCAI Contact: Tyler Scribner, Policy Analyst, 

Secure Your Digital Future

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) Task Force on Violence Against Women serves as a unified tribal voice working to end violence against Native women.

During our two day virtual meeting, the task force will cover the impact of COVID-19 on victims and advocates in Indian Country, policy updates, and the upcoming special consultation on Department of Justice tribal grants and programs.

Monday, June 15, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT

une 16, 2020, from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. EDT

(NCAI) Task Force on Violence Against Women

This webinar will split time between both Native Vote and Indian Country census efforts. The webinar will begin with a briefing on the current voting landscape of Indian Country and feature information on the Native Vote featuring highlights from North Dakota before moving to the latest updates on 2020 Census operations and how to adjust census outreach efforts given COVID-19.

Civic Engagement Taking Action in 2020

Thank you to those who attended the Tribal training yesterday. If you were unable to attend or would like a refresher on the Lifeline Program, please join us on 

 for the Tribal training to learn more about the Lifeline Program, application process, and temporary changes to provide relief to Lifeline stakeholders during the pandemic.

The webinar will review information specific to tribal consumers, and the agenda is as follows:

An introduction to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC),

Lifeline's new application system, the National Verifier, and

You can register for the upcoming webinar here. Please feel free to share this webinar invitation with colleagues and other tribal community advocates.

To submit questions in advance of the webinar, email us at LifelineProgram@usac.org.

The Lifeline Program is one of the four federal benefit programs administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Lifeline helps households obtain affordable connectivity services by providing a discount to low-income consumers.

Lifeline subscribers may receive up to $9.25 off their monthly phone or internet bill and Lifeline subscribers that live on federally recognized tribal lands may receive up to $34.25 off their monthly bill. Consumers qualify for Lifeline through participation in government programs (such as SNAP or Tribal TANF) or if their income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

For more information about the Lifeline Program, visit Lifeline Support. Review information about the enhanced tribal discount by visiting Lifeline's Tribal Lands page or the Tribal flyer.

For questions about the Lifeline Program, call 

Universal Service Administrative Co.[USAC] Lifeline Program will offer a second Tribal Training

12 noon-1:00 PM EST [11 AM CT; 10 AM MT]

This is a parent/caregiver ONLY event. This experience is designed to be responsive to the interest and needs unique to historically underserved families. We encourage attendance from parents/caregivers with different backgrounds, including, but not limited to:

• Families with varied religious backgrounds

• Families of children with disabilities

• Families from lower socioeconomic backgrounds

• Non-traditional families (i.e. LGBTQ+ parents/caregivers, foster families, grandparent caregivers)

Wondering how other parents and caregivers are balancing the roles of “teacher” and “caregiver” during the COVID-19 pandemic? This Families Learning from Families Virtual Roundtable event, facilitated by scholar-mother Dr. Jada Phelps-Moultrie, Assistant Professor at Michigan State University, provides a great opportunity for parents and caregivers from different backgrounds to share their concerns, offer ideas, and learn about strategies related to balancing family roles with their new roles as educators at home in the age of COVID-19.

We invite you to join this online event where families can connect, share, and learn!

Dr. Jada Phelps-Moultrie is an Assistant Professor of K-12 Educational Administration in the College of Education at Michigan State University. Her scholarship includes family engagement, culturally responsive leadership and equity in education. She takes an intersectional approach to exploring families and communities and their educational pursuits, extending to online education. She often examines the intersection of race and racism with other forms of oppression. In that aim, she includes how leaders support or detract family/community pursuits. Currently, her work includes how African refugee families support the education of their children in xenophobic climates. She has served on several national research organizations, including the Critical Race Studies in Education Association (CRSEA) and the Graduate Student Council for the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA). Jada was also a NCAA Division-I All-American and an Olympic Trial Qualifier in Track and Field. She desires to serve student-athletes at MSU.

The Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center (MAP Center)—a project of The Great Lakes Equity Center, approaches resource and service delivery that is grounded in a multi-tiered framework of technical assistance. Our goal is to engage in well-defined, content-rich technical assistance such that knowledge and expertise are shared in a way that results in transformative systemic change, as well as personal reflection and growth. The Region III Midwest & Plains Equity Assistance Center Families Learning from Families Virtual Roundtable Series is a project within our Tier Two: Learning Networks tier. To that end, we aim to make this unique learning experience available to others across Region III by providing a recording and transcriptions of the Series on our website, as well as posting pictures on our social media platforms. This will not pertain to any concurrent virtual activities with youth.

Region III Midwest and Plains Equity Assistance Center’s Families Learning from Families Roundtable: Balancing Caregiver & “Teacher” Roles

This training is geared toward tribal/first nations child welfare workers who want to improve on their basic skills. The training will strengthen the workers capacity to work with children and families by developing effective interviewing skills, assessment, service planning, case planning and service coordination. Participants will learn the essential elements for successfully working with substance-abusing families in child welfare. Following these core practice skills the participants will learn about writing effective court reports, and finally the basic values, principles, and standards for child and family centered and case records and documentation.

 on a range of child welfare skills. Choose between a 

. You won’t want to miss out on this opportunity to join Terry Cross, the nation’s leading expert in tribal child welfare, as he reviews best practices and shares his over 40 years of experience in the field. CEUs are currently pending. Note that the training will be hosted on Zoom. The instructor will implement instructional design created specifically for effective adult learning. Participants will experience large and small group learning, participate in facilitated discussion groups, and work through case-based exercises. This approach is made possible by new video conferencing capacity that allows breakout groups and live chat sessions. You will need a computer, internet access, speakers, and a microphone (or telephone) in order to access the training.

Enhancing Basic Skills for Tribal/First Nations Child Welfare Workers

Last year, NCAI and the Native Vote campaign helped make history by co-hosting the first-ever Native American Presidential Candidate Forum. Now we’re looking to continue the momentum and kickoff this year’s election cycle strong by launching our Native Vote 2020 efforts with a high-energy, fun Native Vote Rally!

Join NCAI’s Civic Engagement Team as we hear from Native Vote Coordinators from across Indian Country, chat with special guests, and watch our world premiere of our first promotional videos for Native Vote 2020!

Topics to include: What is Civic Engagement?; What is Native Vote?; Why does the Native Vote Matter?; Native Representation Matters: Running For Office; Updates on the 2020 Native Vote Landscape; Native Vote Coordinators Across Indian Country; How to Become a Native Vote Coordinator

BACKGROUND ON NATIVE VOTE:
Native Vote is a nonpartisan campaign initiated by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI). It is designed to encourage American Indian and Alaska Native people to exercise their right to vote. With the heightened political participation of Native people, Indian Country has become an increasingly powerful voting bloc. In recent years, the Native vote has been publicly acknowledged as making a pivotal difference in national, state, and local elections.

Native Vote Taking Action in 2020 Rally

Learn the stories of how four tribal governments are using CARES Act funding to protect their communities and help them recover in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. Register for the Tribal Governments in Action: Leveraging CARES Act Funding for Response and Recovery forum, happening tomorrow at 

Leveraging CARES Act Funding for Response and Recovery Forum

PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE ON MISSING AND MURDERED AMERICAN INDIANS AND ALASKA NATIVES TO RESUME REMOTE LISTENING SESSIONS

WASHINGTON – The Presidential Task Force on Missing and Murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives announced four listening sessions to be conducted by teleconference in May and June. In response to the COVID-19 health emergency, previously scheduled in-person sessions have been postponed and will be rescheduled as soon as it is safe to do so.

American Indians and Alaska Natives experience disproportionately high rates of violence. President Trump has called the crisis of missing and murdered Native Americans “sobering and heartbreaking.” The task force, designated Operation Lady Justice, has been empowered to review Indian Country cold cases, to strengthen law enforcement protocols, and work with tribes to improve investigations, information sharing and a more seamless response to missing persons investigations.

Tribal Listening Session Webinars are open to Tribal Leaders and others. Sessions will include a short presentation about the current activities of the task force, followed by a listening session.

Registration information for the following listening sessions is available at 

Tribes in Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA)’s Eastern Region (Tribal land located in Louisiana, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and all states to the east coast)

Tribes in BIA’s Southern Plains, Southwest, Western and Rocky Mountain Regions (Tribal land located in Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Colorado New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Montana and Wyoming)

Tribes in BIA’s Midwest and Great Plains Regions (Tribal land located in Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Wisconsin, North Dakota, North Dakota and Nebraska)

Tribes in BIA’s Pacific, Northwestern and Alaska Regions (Tribal land located in California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho and Alaska)

Katharine (Katie) Sullivan, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Office of Justice Programs, designee for the Attorney General;

Tara Sweeney, Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, designee for the Secretary of the Interior;

Terry Wade, Executive Assistant Director, Criminal, Cyber, Response and Services Branch, Federal Bureau of Investigation;

Laura Rogers, Acting Director, Office on Violence Against Women;

Charles (Charlie) Addington, Deputy Bureau Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services;

Trent Shores, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Oklahoma and Chair of the Native American Issues Subcommittee of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committee; and

Jean (Jeannie) Hovland, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Native American Affairs and Commissioner, Administration for Native Americans, Department of Health and Human Services.

Marcia Good, of the Department of Justice, serves as the Executive Director of the Task Force. The Task Force will present a progress report to the President by Nov. 26, 2020, and a final report detailing its activities and accomplishments by Nov. 26, 2021.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice. Learn more about the history of the Department of Justice at 

. 2020 also marks 171st anniversary of the Department of the Interior. Learn more about the history of DOI at 

PRESIDENTIAL TASK FORCE on missing and murdered American Indians and Alaska Natives to resume remote listening sessions

This forum, hosted by the National Congress of American Indians, shares the stories of how four tribal governments are using CARES Act funding to protect their communities and help them recover in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Shelley Buck, President, Prairie Island Indian Community Robbie McGhee, Vice Chairman, Poarch Band of Creek IndiansAnthony Sampson, Sr., Chairman, Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe Mike Williams, Chief, Akiak Native Community

Tribal Governments in Action: Leveraging the CARES Act for Response and Recovery Forum

 NCAI will be hosting “Census Roundtable Discussion: What’s Next with the 2020 Census in Indian Country.”

• To join, please register via this link:

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3816962719404290574

• To listen by phone, call (562) 247-8422 and use Attendee code 665-250-484.

This forum, hosted by the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI), will feature a discussion with top officials from the U.S. Census Bureau to discuss their commitment to a full and accurate count in Indian Country for the 2020 Census. This session will provide key operations information, communications and advertising updates, as well offer information for the audience on how to get involved with outreach in your local tribal communities.

Moderated by Lycia Maddocks, Vice President of External Affairs, NCAI

Dee Alexander, Tribal Affairs Coordinator, U.S . Census Bureau 

Timothy Olson, Associate Director for Field Operations, U.S. Census Bureau

Michael Gray, President and Creative Director, GnG Advertising

Matt Johnson and Saundra Mitrovich, Civic Engagement Team, NCAI

“Census Roundtable Discussion: What’s Next with the 2020 Census in Indian Country.”

We are pleased to offer the Artesian Online Art Market for 2020. The online market presents an opportunity to enjoy fine art from Southeastern First American artists from the comfort of your home. We are excited to share beautiful original works of art and connect buyers and First American artists. The Artesian Online Art Market will be available through July 31, 2020. Be sure to visit often as new art will be added throughout the online market.

Artesian Online Art Market


Good Medicine Comedy is a fundraiser benefiting tribal communities impacted by COVID-19. Native Americans and tribal communities have been some of the hardest hit by COVID-19 in the country, yet the federal government has thus-far offered only minimal aid. According to leading policy experts, it could be weeks or months before federal support reaches tribal nations who need it right now. All proceeds benefit the 

 COVID-19 Response Fund.

Our incredible lineup features some of the biggest names in Native comedy as well as nationally-recognized comedians who have signed on to support the cause, including: 

 (1491s), our host Jackie Keliiaa (Amazon Prime Video), with more comedians to come!

The big show will stream live Friday, May 22 at 8pm PT (9pm MT/10pm CT/11:00pm ET). Make a donation through Eventbrite (

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/good-medicine-comedy-fundraiser-tickets-105047102712

) to receive the livestream link. We suggest a $20 donation per viewer, but feel free to be more generous! Your tax-deductible donation saves lives and provides on the ground support to tribal nations in the fight against COVID-19.

Invite your friends to like our page and use 

Good Medicine Comedy Fundraiser

Facebook 101 Training
In light of the need to shift communications online given the growing concerns with in-person gatherings and outreach due to COVID-19, we would like to invite you to join a 101 webinar on best practices and engagement on Facebook. Join this level one training to learn about the latest tools, products and resources that you can use to connect and engage with your community, constituents and followers.

Facebook will cover how you can leverage tools like Charitable Giving, Live, Groups, Ads, and Pages to continue outreach and advocacy efforts during this uncertain time.

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