By GILLIAN FLACCUS, FELICIA FONSECA and BECKY BOHRER, Associated Press

WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (AP) — The massive infrastructure bill signed earlier this year promises to bring change to Native American tribes that lack clean water or indoor plumbing through the largest single infusion of money into Indian Country.

It includes $3.5 billion for the federal Indian Health Service, which provides health care to more than 2 million Native Americans and Alaska Natives.

It also delivers money for water projects through other federal agencies.

Continuing Pandemic Weighs On Native American Economies
FILE PHOTO:
MOENKOPI, ARIZONA - DECEMBER 17: A food and holiday gift basket distribution is held in the Hopi community of Moenkopi on December 17, 2021 in Moenkopi, Arizona. The event, which distributed food and other items to over 250 families, was organized by the 'Walking in Beauty' foundation and consisted of multiple groups from several religious denominations. The percentage of residents living in poverty in neighboring Tuba City IN 2020 was 26.9%, making the area one of the most economically challenged regions in the United States. (Photo by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)
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Tribal leaders say the funding is welcome but won't make up for decades of neglect from the U.S. government.

A list of sanitation deficiencies includes more than 1,500 tribal projects, from septic systems to pipelines.

Wreaths Across America Ceremony December 18, 2021

More than 2.4 million wreaths were placed on veterans’ headstones at 3,136 locations across the United States on December 18, 2021. The initiative is spearheaded every year by the non-profit group Wreaths Across America. The group was started in 1992 by Morrill Worcester, a businessman from Maine was began laying wreaths at Arlington National Cemetery. Now, with the mission of “Remember, Honor, Teach,” the groups lays wreaths at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations. 

The Utica Fire Department 'Firehouse Lights' Competition

Here you can view each of the light displays outside each of the firehouses in the Utica Fire Department. You can vote on their Facebook page and are welcome to take a walking tour of each of the houses.

LOOK: Food history from the year you were born

From product innovations to major recalls, Stacker researched what happened in food history every year since 1921, according to news and government sources.
 

2021 Gift Guide For Film and TV Fans

The movie or television lover in your life will love these fun, cool, silly gifts.

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