Johnson expects tough times for Indian initiatives (January 18, 2005)

Getting pro-Indian legislation through the Republican-controlled Congress will be difficult, a leading Democratic senator said last week. Sen. Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota) promised to work with both parties on initiatives to benefit Indian Country. Health care, trust reform and economic...

Major Utah site may hold clues to tribal past (January 18, 2005)

Archaeologists hope a major site in Utah holds can explain cultural changes that occurred in the Southwest several hundred years ago. Around 1300 A.D., ancestors of tribes in present-day Utah, Arizona, Colorado and New Mexico started to move to more...

IAIA seeking $37M for multidisciplinary center (January 18, 2005)

The Institute of American Indian Arts in Santa Fe, New Mexico, is raising $37 million to build a multidisciplinary center. The Achein Center will promote tribal traditions, art, culture and self-determination. It is part of an expansion of the college's...

Crow tribal members challenge permit for power plant (January 18, 2005)

Three members of the Crow Tribe are protesting an air-quality permit issued to a coal-fired power plant. Since the plant is within a mile of the Crow Reservation, the tribal members are worried that pollutants will affect land, water quality,...

Birds and squirrels threaten national monument (January 18, 2005)

The Casa Grande Ruins National Monument in Arizona is dealing some unusual threats: birds and squirrels. Pigeons and other birds have been and building nests and pecking at the site's structures, which date back several hundred years. Squirrels have dug...

Klamath Tribes renewing effort to regain homeland (January 18, 2005)

The Klamath Tribes of Oregon are renewing an effort to restore the homeland they lost after being terminated by the federal government. The tribes were terminated in 1954. At the time, the Klamath homelands covered about 1.2 million acres. The...

Tribally-controlled university seeks federal funds (January 18, 2005)

Officials with Si Tanka University in South Dakota hope their financial problems will end with the help of the federal government. Si Tanka used to be eligible for federal funds under the Tribally Controlled College Assistance Act. But when the...

Tim Giago: Calvary re-enactors should know better (January 18, 2005)

"Every year when annual parades are held in Rapid City, SD, many Lakota people protest the appearance of the men dressed in the uniforms of the 7th Cavalry, but always to no avail. The Lakota suffered and died at the...

First Nations weigh lawsuit over health care (January 18, 2005)

Native leaders in Manitoba are considering a suit against the Canadian government for failing to provide adequate health care to Native children. The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs is exploring the issue. Native leaders say children who live on reserves receive...

Bill extends Alaska Native control of welfare funds (January 18, 2005)

Alaska Gov. Frank Murkowski (R) has introduced a bill to make permanent a program to allow Alaska Native organizations to manage temporary assistance programs. A pilot program established in 2000 is due to end in June. Three regional organizations currently...

Washington tribe prepares for tsunami disaster (January 18, 2005)

The Quileute Tribe of Washington is preparing for a potential tsunami disaster that scientists and officials says is inevitable. The tribe held a tsunami drill in LaPush. The coastal town is considered especially vulnerable to tidal waves and earthquakes. The...

BIA cuts scholarships for college students (January 18, 2005)

The Navajo Nation will be forced to deny scholarships to even more college students due to a $407,000 cut by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The tribe was told it would only receive $10.75 million for scholarships. No explanation was...

Vote scheduled on tribal same-sex marriage ban (January 18, 2005)

The Navajo Nation Council is set to vote on legislation that would outlaw same-sex marriages. Council delegate Larry Anderson Sr. introduced the bill. He said Navajo traditions define marriage as between a man and a woman. Wesley K. Thomas, a...

California tribe fights housing development (January 18, 2005)

The United Auburn Indian Community is challenging a proposal to build nearly 700 homes in an area that contains burial grounds and ancient tribal villages. The tribe only recently became aware of the project and has joined forces with the...

Seminole Tribe confident on tax-free bonds (January 18, 2005)

Leaders of the Seminole Tribe of Florida say they aren't worried about a recent crackdown by the Internal Revenue Service. The IRS issued a preliminary adverse determination last month against a $410 million bond deal that allowed the tribe to...

Navajo man sees latest post as stepping stone (January 18, 2005)

Having served in tribal and state governments, Jack Jackson Jr., a member of the Navajo Nation, has set his sights on the U.S. Congress. Jackson, an attorney, has served in the Arizona House and the Senate. He was just appointed...

Maori activists won't apologize for treaty protest (January 18, 2005)

Maori activists won't apologize for spitting and swearing at a tribunal hearing a treaty rights claim. The activists protested the Waitangi Tribunal during a welcome ceremony in the Urewera Ranges area on Sunday. They said they were treating the judges...

Commentary: Tighten up lobbyist rules (January 18, 2005)

"The case of Washington lobbyist Jack Abramoff underscores the need for tighter rules in the influence-pedaling business. Between 1999 and 2003, Mr. Abramoff allegedly facilitated fundraising events for several congressmen in four Washington-area luxury stadium skyboxes - boxes paid for...