Contracts still an issue despite Supreme Court win (April 14, 2005)

The Indian Health Service is still not treating tribes fairly despite the U.S. Supreme Court's unanimous ruling in favor of self-determination contracts, tribal leaders said on Wednesday. On March 1, the high court ruled 8-0 that the IHS must fully...

Opinion: McCain bill will block study of ancient remains (April 14, 2005)

"If a lucky paleoanthropologist ever unearths hobbit bones on federal land, scientists won’t get to study them — at least not if Sen. John McCain and his allies have their way. That’s because McCain has proposed adding two words to...

Tragedy at Red Lake: Major grand jury activity (April 14, 2005)

An update on the latest developments involving the March 21, 2005, fatal shootings on the Red Lake Reservation in Minnesota. THE INVESTIGATION ONLINE RESOURCES • Star Tribune: Red Lake School Shootings • Pioneer Press: Red Lake shooting A federal grand...

BIA can't get into locked file cabinet at tribe's office (April 14, 2005)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs was unable to complete its emergency review of a California tribe's finances because an employee locked a file cabinet and didn't leave a key. The BIA went to the Mesa Grande Reservation at the request...

Cabazon Band to challenge IRS over tax-exempt bonds (April 14, 2005)

The Cabazon Band of Mission Indians plans to challenge a preliminary determination that went against the tribe's $145 million tax-exempt bond deal. The tribe used the bonds to finance the expansion of its casino and hotel. But the IRS says...

Jodi Rave: 'No Media' sign at Red Lake not for me (April 14, 2005)

"I looked at the sign: "Absolutely No Media or Press Allowed." I dismissed it. I didn't think it applied to me. And I had good reason. But to understand why, one must understand the story behind the sign, and why...

Navajo veterans excited about 'Extreme Makeover' (April 14, 2005)

Navajo veterans and their families are excited that ABC program "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" will construct a new home for the Navajo Nation Veterans Office. A crew of 300 already began work on the new veterans center. The facility is...

County to challenge Cayuga Nation sovereignty (April 14, 2005)

A second county in New York says it will challenge the Cayuga Nation's sovereignty over the tribe's land claim area. Officials in Seneca County say they will enforce their laws on the tribe's properties, including a gas station. The county...

New trial sought in state police raid of reservation (April 14, 2005)

The state of Rhode Island is seeking a new trial in the raid of the Narragansett Reservation after a tribal member won a $301,100 verdict. Adam Jennings was awarded the money after a federal jury found that a state trooper...

Mashantucket Tribe, town in talks to end water feud (April 14, 2005)

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut and a nearby town are near an agreement over who has the right to provide water. The tribe sought permission to control water rights for a new golf course. But the town of...

Chief of Mohegan Tribe named Citizen of the Year (April 14, 2005)

Ralph Sturges, the longtime chief of the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, was named Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut. Sturges, 86, was recognized for his commitment to the tribe. He was a leader of...

Kansas study shows disparities in minority health (April 14, 2005)

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment released a study on Wednesday outlining health disparities affecting American Indians and other minorities. According to the report, nearly one in three Indians smoke, the highest rate in the state. Among youth, Indian...

Supreme Court reviews case compared to peyote (April 14, 2005)

The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a religious freedom case that has drawn comparisons to the Native American Church's use of peyote. The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals allowed a religious group in New Mexico to use hoasca, a sacred...

Tribe says thousands at risk due to water crisis (April 14, 2005)

A lawyer for the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe of South Dakota said 14,000 people on the reservation are at risk of losing their water due to a major shortage on the Missouri River. Attorney Rebecca Kidder said many of the...

County to oppose Oneida Nation's trust land bid (April 14, 2005)

A New York county that received land stolen from the Oneida Nation says it will fight the tribe's land-into-trust request. Gov. George Pataki (R) is also questioning the tribe's move. Madison County officials accused the tribe of "trying to get...

Crow man encourages students to follow dreams (April 14, 2005)

Russell Stands Over Bull spoke at the opening day of the Native Nexus Conference at Montana State University on Wednesday. Stands Over Bull, a member of the Crow Tribe, encouraged students to seek success. He shared his story of going...

South Dakota tribe donates $280K to school district (April 14, 2005)

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe of South Dakota has donated $280,000 to a local school district in need of cash. The Flandreau Public School District has a major budget deficit. So the tribe gave $165,000 to the Reading Recovery Program,...

Editorial: Tribes should play by the same rules on taxes (April 14, 2005)

"The argument being made is that tribes are governments, just as cities and counties are governments. If cities and counties can get tax exemption on bonds from the state, tribes ought to be able to do the same. That's a...

Editorial: Tribes can't have it both ways on taxes (April 14, 2005)

"California's casino-owning Indian tribes can't have it both ways. Already granted exemption from state taxes on their lucrative casinos, they also want the right to use state tax-exempt bonds — which are intended to pay for public improvements such as...

House panel puts ANWR drilling in energy package (April 14, 2005)

The House Resources Committee voted 30-13 on Wednesday to keep drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in the energy policy legislation. Democrats tried to remove drilling from the measure but were outnumbered by Republicans. Supporters of development said it...