The ICT Newscast for Friday, April 17, 2026, covers the proposed budget for Native healthcare, Colorado’s anniversary, updates to federal reports, language and Indigenous sports! Check out the ICT Newscast on YouTube for this episode and more.
IHS Gets $9B Boost But Tribal Leaders Say It’s Far Short of the $70B Needed
The Trump administration and RFK Jr. have backed a $9 billion budget increase for the Indian Health Service (IHS) in 2026, a record figure that Native leaders say still falls dramatically short of real needs. AC Locklear of the National Indian Health Board called it “a drop in the bucket,” noting tribal health needs are closer to $70 billion. The announcement comes as simultaneous Medicaid cuts threaten to offset gains, adding new pressure to an already strained Native healthcare system.
Colorado at 150: Indigenous Artists Launch the ‘Breathing Healing Bus’ Reframing the State’s History
As Colorado marks its 150th anniversary, and America prepares for its 250th, Indigenous artists, activists and historians are hitting the road with a bold message. The Breathing Healing Bus, a traveling art installation and educational project, brings Native American history and hard truths to communities across the state. “We want to show that truth and healing can exist in the same place,” said educator Terri Bissonette, emphasizing that the project is not about shame but about inspiring understanding for Native and non-Native Coloradans alike.
100 Years Later, a New Report Replaces the Racist Meriam Report That Shaped Federal Indian Policy
The 1928 Meriam Report, a deeply biased document that shaped U.S. federal policy on Native American land, treaties, healthcare, law enforcement, and education for nearly a century — is finally getting a replacement. The Indian Land Tenure Foundation, Brookings Institution and American Indian College Fund have jointly released a new report to supersede the original, which promoted assimilation and what ILTF President describes as ethnic cleansing. The new framework aims to reorient government policies rethinking ideas on land, treaties, healthcare, law enforcement, social services and education.
Over 1,000 Gather for Anishinaabemowin Language Conference in Landmark Indigenous Immersion Event
More than 1,000 participants came together in March for the landmark Anishinaabemowin Teg language conference, one of the largest gatherings dedicated to the Ojibwe language. Tribal members, elders and educators joined workshops, speakers and cultural activities designed not just to teach the language but to equip attendees with tools to carry Anishinaabemowin forward in their communities.
Native Athletes Make Waves in March Madness, the NBA, and Beyond
ICT’s Kolby Kickingwoman and NDNSports.com’s Brent Cahwee break down a milestone stretch for Indigenous athletes in college and professional sports. Houston Cougars head coach Kelvin Sampson’s team bowed out in the Sweet 16 despite a top-5 ranking, but the program’s future looks bright. Treysen Eaglestaff of the West Virginia Mountaineers capped an uneven season by winning the College Basketball Crown. Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs honored Native American Heritage Night with Jacob Tobey performing the national anthem. Plus: updates on NBA players Marjon Beauchamp, Lindy Waters, Kyrie Irving and standout gymnast Ciena Alipio.
View previous ICT broadcasts here every week for the latest news from around Indian Country.
Keywords: Native American news 2026, Indigenous news, Native American news today, Tribal news, First Nations news, Native American athletes, Native American representation.
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