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Members of the Native community in Los Angeles, Calif. gathered Monday evening, for a prayer and healing circle as wildfires continue to burn in Southern California.
The gathering at United American Indian Involvement (UAII) was intended to bring together community members and raise awareness about the resources being provided to those in need by the urban Indian organization.
UAII has set up an emergency response center – among efforts the organization is providing temporary shelter, coordinating housing, distributing emergency supplies, and coordinating transportation for those impacted by the fires.
The organization held a press conference before the gathering.
UAII board member Laura Escobar says that, among challenges they’re hearing from Native community members in fire zones, there are power outages – and people unable to leave secured areas and not being able to get necessities like food and water.
UAII board member and elder Keith Vielle says their effort is what community is all about that even though they may be far away from their reservations, they have Native values and traditional ways, which include helping one another.
They’re also offering hotel accommodations and meals, and working on long-term plans to offer assistance after the fires.
The organization is accepting donations and has a telephone helpline for those impacted by the wildfires.
According to the UAII, it serves a large urban Native population with more than 200,000 Native people living in Los Angeles County.
Neighboring tribes are among those offering support to fight the wildfires.
The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians in San Bernardino County says as its neighbors face overwhelming challenges of the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles County, the tribe is responding to mutual aid requests.
It has sent the San Manuel Fire Department to the Eaton Fire in Altadena to help battle the blaze.
In a statement, the tribe says during this difficult time, the tribe “stands united with the courageous first responders, fully committed to help safeguard homes, loved ones, and the spirit of community.”
Other California tribes and tribes across the country have sent fire trucks and crews to help battle the wildfires.
Courtesy C-SPAN
Nomination hearings for President-elect Donald Trump’s cabinet are scheduled to begin this week.
Tribal leaders from across the country are closely watching and are preparing for the incoming administration.
Discussions took place at the Biden administration’s final White House Tribal Nations Summit last month in Washington.
Tribal leaders also talked about the transition at a U.S. Department of Justice tribal consultation held in Santa Fe, N.M., leading up to the White House summit.
Leaders like Mark Mitchell with the Pueblo of Tesuque say regardless of which political party is in office, tribal treaty and trust responsibilities need to be kept.
He says the work of tribal leaders includes advocating for Native American issues and concerns, and for his tribe in New Mexico, that includes environmental and sacred site protection.
“How do we bridge the gap? How can we educate them, the incoming administration, as to their foresight? Because right now, I don’t think they’re looking at that. We understand the issue of having funding and relying on natural resources, et cetera, but at what costs to the tribes? Those are some of the questions we’re asking internally. So hopefully we come up with a strategic plan as we move forward.”
Mitchell says as the process for selecting the cabinet moves forward, he hopes there’s insight into Indian Country.
“I hope they have some type of Native person on there advising them that, hey, this is another route we can secure and address the issues of the Native communities. And I hope they’re doing that. I haven’t seen anything as of yet, but I sure hope they’re doing that.”
Senate hearings for nominees are scheduled to begin Tuesday.
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