'Fight the Cherokee Nation until hell freezes over' (November 17, 2004)

Responding to a court's revocation of his tribe's federal recognition, the chief of the Delaware Tribe of Oklahoma said he "will fight the chief of the Cherokee Nation until hell freezes over." Delaware Chief Joe Brooks told The Bartlesville Examiner-Enterprise...

Senate committee holds hearing on climate change (November 17, 2004)

The Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on climate change on Tuesday with the incoming and outgoing chairmen disagreeing on the cause. Incoming chairman Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) acknowledged the problem, pointing to erosion at Native villages that is forcing...

University of New Mexico seeks Indian students (November 17, 2004)

The University of New Mexico has enrolled 1,500 Indian students and is trying to recruit more. The school's American Indian Student Services recently held American Indian Student Day. About 800 Indian high school students toured the campus, attended seminars and...

Ghana's ambassador to U.S. visits Navajo Nation (November 17, 2004)

Fritz K. Poku, Ghana's Ambassador to the United States, visited the Navajo Nation to learn how the tribe is using technology to improve its way of life. Poku and other Ghana officials met with President Joe Shirley Jr. and toured...

Indian lawmakers in Montana set priorities (November 17, 2004)

State-tribal relations, education and economic development are some of the priorities set by Montana's Indian legislators. Eight Native Americans are serving in the Montana Legislature. Voters re-elected seven Native incumbents and chose a new one. The lawmakers hope to have...

Lawyer in $25B abuse case to file claim with BIA (November 17, 2004)

The lawyer in the $25 billion Bureau of Indian Affairs boarding school abuse case plans to file a claim with the agency now that a court has dismissed the lawsuit. The students say they suffered physical, sexual and emotional abuse...

Janklow asks court to clear manslaughter charge (November 17, 2004)

Former South Dakota governor and congressman Bill Janklow (R) asked the state Supreme Court to clear him of felony manslaughter or grant him a new trial. Janklow was convicted of killing a motorcyclist in an August 2003 accident. He was...

LaDuke urges students to do more than vote (November 17, 2004)

Activist and author Winona LaDuke spoke to students at North Carolina State University on Tuesday. LaDuke, a member of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe, challenged students to make their communities a better place. "Voting is not enough -- be...

Editorial: Indian center needs to restore credibility (November 17, 2004)

"It's up to the FBI to investigate the allegations of embezzlement or other possible wrongdoing at the Mid-America All-Indian Center. It's up to Indian Center leaders, having already gotten the organization's nonprofit status restored, to see that bills are paid,...

Indian women in Wisconsin earn less than most (November 17, 2004)

Native American women in Wisconsin earn just 60.7 cents for every dollar a white man earns, according to a report released on Tuesday. Native women also earn less than white and African-American women, The Women’s Fund said. Native women earn...

Police union blames First Nations for firing (November 17, 2004)

The police union in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, is blaming First Nations for the firing of two officers linked to the death of a Cree Native teen. The union says the police chief buckled to political pressure from Native leaders. Due to...

First Nation says every home contaminated by mold (November 17, 2004)

The Dakota Plains First Nation of Manitoba has filed suit against the Canadian government, saying every home on the reserve is contaminated by mold and other toxins. The suit says the government knew about the problem but did nothing about...

Soboba Band diversifies with purchase of golf club (November 17, 2004)

The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians is finalizing the purchase of a 165-acre golf club located off the reservation. Chairman Robert Salgado would not disclose the price for the property, which includes an 18-hole course, a banquet room and...

Oklahoma honors achivements of state's Natives (November 17, 2004)

The state of Oklahoma recognized the achievements of Natives and non-Natives at the official Native American Heritage Celebration on Monday. Cinda Hughes, a member of the Kiowa Tribe, was honored for her role as Ms. Wheelchair America and Ms. Wheelchair...

Seneca-Cayuga Tribe hopes DOI won't block deal (November 17, 2004)

Now that it has come to a settlement with the state of New York, the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma hopes the Interior Department won't stand in its way. Scott Wood, an attorney and business committee member, told The Daily Oklahoma...

Court rejects federal recognition for Delaware Tribe (November 17, 2004)

The federal government's decision to recognize the Delaware Tribe of Oklahoma as a distinct political entity was "unlawful," an appeals court ruled on Tuesday. In a 30-page decision, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals said the Department of Interior misinterpreted...

Campbell defends two-word change to NAGPRA (November 17, 2004)

Outgoing Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colorado) says a bill that would change the definition of Native American does not mean four Pacific Northwest tribes will be able to claim the Kennewick Man. Campbell is sponsoring a technical corrections bill that...

Coushatta Tribe sues ex-lobbyists for $32M (November 17, 2004)

The Coushatta Tribe filed a lawsuit in Louisiana court on Tuesday against ex-lobbyists Jack Abramoff and Michael Scanlon. The tribe gave $32 million to Abramoff, formerly of the Greenberg Traurig law firm, and Scanlon, a public relations consultant. The tribe...