Tribal leaders are in the nation’s capital this week for the State of Indian Nations from Jefferson Keel, which took place this morning and for the winter session of the National Congress of American Indians. Indianz.com reports President Donald Trump and Congress — divided between Republicans and Democrats — remain far apart on a deal to fund the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service and other federal agencies. If a deal isn’t reached by Friday, another government shutdown is in store. The shutdown is expected to be a huge topic of discussion this week as tribes share their stories, hear from key members of Congress and press the Trump administration for results. Rep. Deb Haaland of New Mexico), a citizen of the Pueblo of Laguna and Rep. Sharice Davids of Kansas and from the Ho-Chunk Nation, are at the State of Indian Nations this morning are hosting an open house this afternoon at the U.S. Capitol. Listen to Native American Calling this morning at 10:00 on KWSO for their coverage of the State of Indian Nations.
The California Fish and Game Commission last week recommended the Klamath-Trinity spring-run chinook as a candidate for the California Endangered Species Act list. This recommendation stems from a petition filed in 2017 by the Karuk Tribe and the Salmon River Restoration Council. A final decision to list the species as endangered or threatened will be made in 12 months, according to a press release from the Karuk Tribe. In the meantime, the Klamath-Trinity spring chinook salmon will be afforded the protections of a listed species, according to the release. A similar petition to list Klamath-Trinity spring chinook under the federal Endangered Species Act is also under review, according to the press release.
Unsafe driving conditions have prompted Jefferson County 509-J officials to cancel school for today. No school in Warm Springs, Madras and Metolius. Culver schools are open however buses are operating on snow routes. South Wasco County schools are closed today.