Tell me what you want from me, what’s the best of ‘23?

Editorial, News, Kossin and Meme

We’re officially at the end of our first year

Like that old saying goes, time really flies when you’re having fun.

Creating and publishing this Native newsletter for our readers has been extremely challenging at times, but well worth it.

We’ve tried to keep our ideas fresh, our editorials concise and our communication clear and enjoyable.

It’s not easy focusing on the positive in the world. Especially in space where negative news and controversial clickbait reigns supreme.

 (But that’s not us, and never will be.)

Having said that, we need your help. We need you to make your selections of your favorite content of the year.

But why?

Creating an All-Star Edition

 My plan is to take the feedback from our subscriber base and curate an All Star year end issue.

This will consist of our readers favorite editorial, news, kossin and meme of ‘23.

Make sure you vote for the best of the year content today.

You will find the polls located at the bottom of this editorial section.

We love to hear from our readers

I love to hear how we’re doing. I’m trying to build a positive relationship between our audience and our newsletter.

It’s not an easy task to hear that all of your hard work is unappreciated, or even worse uninspiring.

However, I would much rather hear the truth, adjust the delivery and redeploy much improved quality content for our readers.

I can’t do that without the feedback of you all.

Remember only one vote per category and thank you in advance for your feedback.

If you don’t know, now you know, a Native. 

FRANKIE JOE MYERS

DECLARES CANDIDACY FOR CA ASSEMBLY DISTRICT 2

Myers Would Be the Second Native Californian Elected to CA Legislature in History 

Official Press Release 

 Eureka, CA – Today, Yurok Tribe Vice Chairman Frankie Joe Myers declared his candidacy for California Assembly District 2. “I have spent my entire adult life working with tribal, state and federal lawmakers, local communities, and private corporations to solve some of the North Coast’s most pressing issues. I am eager to use my experience to build a brighter future for District 2 and the entire state.” 

Myers, a Democrat, decided to run for the District 2 Assembly seat because he wants to apply his leadership skills, experience, vision and values to serve the people of California. “We have a mental health and fentanyl crisis in our communities, climate change is threatening our environment, and too many Californians work full time but still can’t afford healthcare, let alone buy a home. Improving access to healthcare and high-paying jobs are just a few of the issues I want to take on as your next Assemblymember,” said Myers. “I can’t do it alone, but if the people of the district elect me, I am committed to building a broad coalition to tackle the big problems that affect all of us.” 

For more than two decades, Myers was a leader in the successful effort to remove four fish-killing dams on the Klamath River. He helped build a diverse coalition of tribes, fishermen, conservation groups, farmers and even the dam owners to address this complex challenge. Currently underway, the Klamath dam removal is the most ambitious salmon restoration project in world history. 

“Frankie Myers brought people from all walks of life, all backgrounds and all income brackets together to un-dam the Klamath River. He took on big government and big business to do something that many thought was impossible – remove four large dams and restore one of America’s greatest salmon fisheries. I know he’s not afraid to take on the big fights and I know his constituents can depend on him to stand and deliver no matter the challenge,” said California’s first elected Native American state legislator, James Ramos, Serrano/Cahuilla. Ramos added, “Representation matters, and electing Native voices into the legislature will allow for greater diversity and perspectives from California’s First People.” 

Myers has served as Yurok Vice Chair since 2018. The Yurok tribal government is one of the largest governing bodies in District 2. The Tribe employs approximately 600 local community members and administers nearly 50 departments and programs, including police and fire departments, education, transportation, planning and community development, housing, social services, fisheries, watershed restoration, wildlife, environmental protection, forestry, food security, substance abuse treatment and elder nutrition. 

As Vice Chairman, Myers led many of the Tribe’s high-profile initiatives. Myers oversees three Tribal for-profit corporations in commercial construction and river restoration that collectively provide hundreds of living wage jobs. These efforts brought more than a half billion dollars to the region for infrastructure and environmental restoration projects and $61 million to install fiber optic cable connecting Humboldt and Del Norte Counties. The project will provide access to high-speed internet for thousands of residents, create more than 200 local jobs and fortify broadband services in the region. 

Other significant achievements include: 

• The Yurok Tribe’s California condor reintroduction initiative. In 2022 the Tribe released the first of these sacred birds to fly over the North Coast in more than 100 years; 

• Raising national awareness of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People crisis, co-hosting the first annual Northern California Conference on MMIP; 

• The 2023 launch of Condor Aviation. The tribally owned company administers a fleet of aircraft equipped with cutting-edge aerial imaging technology serving clients across the nation. 

Myers grew up on the Yurok Reservation near Weitchpec in the same village where his ancestors lived since time immemorial. While Myers has served two terms as the Vice Chairman of California’s largest Tribe, his career in politics didn’t start there. “My father, a Vietnam War veteran, mother, aunts and uncles, served on Tribal Council, local school boards and housing commissions. Public service has always been important to my family. This feels like something I have been preparing for my whole life,” Myers said. 

Many local Tribal leaders celebrated the announcement. Hoopa Valley Tribal Chairman Joe Davis noted, “I can think of no better way to close out Native American Heritage Month than to see the next generation of tribal leaders step up to represent not only their tribe, but all of the people of the district.” 

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Irene Bedard - Inupiat,Yupik,Cree

Irene Bedard is an accomplished Native actress, widely recognized for her compelling performances in both film and television. Born on July 22, 1967, in Anchorage, Alaska, Bedard is of Inupiat, Yupik and Cree decent.

 Her acting journey began in the early 1990s, she quickly garnered attention for her natural talent and emotive performances.

Her breakthrough role came in 1995 when she voiced the main character in Disney's animated film "Pocahontas." This role not only brought her widespread acclaim but also made her a role model for young Native girls. Her portrayal of Pocahontas was praised for its depth and authenticity, contributing significantly to the film's success.

 Beyond "Pocahontas," she has had a prolific career in both television and film. She starred in my personal favorite "Smoke Signals" (1998) and "The Tree of Life" (2011), showcasing her versatility as an actress. Her television appearances include roles in popular series like "Westworld" and "Longmire," where she continued to portray complex characters.

 Apart from acting, she is a passionate advocate for Native rights and representation in the media. She has spoken out about the importance of accurate and respectful portrayals of Natives in film and television, emphasizing the need for diversity and inclusion in Hollywood.

 Throughout her career, Irene Bedard has received numerous accolades and recognition for her work. Her dedication to her craft and her Tribal community has established her as a prominent figure in the world of acting, and she continues to inspire and influence both on and off the screen.

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If you enjoy our memes don’t forget to follow on Twitter now known as X.com, Instagram and Tik Tok for more exclusive content. The profile links are listed below. @LouistheNative on all platforms. 

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