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KNAU's Morning Rundown: Wednesday, May 5

Local Events Acknowledge MMIW Crisis

Today — May 5 — is recognized as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. The Window Rock Unified School District, along with non-profit Missing and Murdered Diné Relatives and other groups, will host a remembrance walktoday spanning from Window Rock to Fort Defiance. MMDR will also hold a virtual education seminar this evening. For years, data on missing and murdered Indigenous people has been limited, though the Urban Indian Health Institute documented 5,712 reported cases of missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls in 2016.

 

KNAU’s Ryan Heinsius reports, President Joe Biden has declared today a Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day.

 

Flagstaff High School Adviser Receives National Recognition  

An advisor at Flagstaff High School has received a prestigious Profile in Courage Award. Darrell Marks serves as the Native American academic advisor at FHS. He’s one of several people to receive the award this year— along with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Wittmer and Utah Sen. Mitt Romney. The award is organized by the John F. Kennedy Foundation and acknowledges courage and leadership. Marks was recognized for his service in coordinating food and supply deliveries to Navajo and Hopi households. He spoke with KNAU last fall about the difficulties students face taking online classes on tribal lands.

 

Ducey Approves Four-Year Community College Programming

Governor Doug Ducey signed law Tuesday allowing community colleges to offer four year baccalaureate degrees. More than 20 other states already give community colleges a four-year programming option. The bill was introduced by Republican State Sen. Paul Boyer and passed with bipartisan support. 

 

The AP reports the Maricopa Community Colleges system says it’s planning to begin four-year bachelor’s degree programs as soon as the fall of 2023.  Yavapai College President Lisa Rhine told the Arizona Republic the four-year program could be a draw for students, though YC has not released an official statement or plans concerning the new law. 

 

Through the legislation, community colleges are permitted to raise tuition by 150% for the final two years of four-year programs.

 

Hopi Cases Remain Low, Vaccine Clinic Slated Next Week 

COVID-19 cases on the Hopi Nation remain relatively low compared to a January surge; tribal officials on Monday reported four cases over the last two weeks. The tribe reported late last month more than 53% of residents had been vaccinated. The Hopi Health Care Center will administer first doses of the Moderna vaccine at a drive-thru clinic on May 12 in several villages including Kykotsmovi and Shungopavi.

 

Possible CCC Housing Project In The Works For Page

Coconino Community College officials announced earlier this spring they plan to partner with a real estate firm to establish housing in Page for students. The college announced earlier this spring it’s working with GenTerra, a Flagstaff-based company that’s worked on construction projects at Northern Arizona University and Spectrum Healthcare. Officials announced the collaboration could also include permanent affordable housing for people who work in Page, along with housing for seasonal workers. 

 

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