Report finds low graduation rate for Natives (February 26, 2004)

Native American students at public high schools only have a 50-50 chance of graduating, according to a study released on Wednesday that contradicts how states measure drop-out rates. By looking at student enrollment per year, the non-partisan Urban Institute has...

Challenges await Anderson on federal recognition (February 26, 2004)

After Dave Anderson spoke to the National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) on Tuesday, he took the usual questions about the budget, land-into-trust and the way the federal government works with tribes. But the new head of the Bureau of...

Tim Johnson to undergo surgery for prostate cancer (February 26, 2004)

Sen. Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) will undergo surgery next week after being diagnosed with prostate cancer. Johnson, 57, credited regular checkups for the early detection of the cancer. He expects a full recovery when his prostate is removed next Wednesday. Prostate...

Seneca-Cayuga Tribe could fund arts center in N.Y. (February 26, 2004)

Lawmakers in New York said they might support the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe's gaming plans if the tribe funds a performing arts center in Rochester. The tribe, based in Oklahoma, has been reclaiming ancestral territory in New York but has run into...

Navajo Nation continuing work on water settlement (February 26, 2004)

The Navajo Nation is continuing work on a water settlement with the state and federal government amid concerns over the impact on non-Indians. Tribal leaders still expect to send the agreement to Congress by the end of March. In the...

Northern Cheyenne Tribe sues BLM to stop drilling (February 26, 2004)

The Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana filed suit against the Bureau of Land Management on February 18 to challenge expansion of a drilling project. The tribe says federal officials violated the National Historic Preservation Act and failed to consult with...

Seminole Tribe works with NIGC to keep casinos open (February 26, 2004)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has been meeting with the National Indian Gaming Commission to ensure their gaming operations are complying with federal law. Tribal officials who attended the United South and Eastern Tribes conference in Washington, D.C., earlier this...

State seeks tribal participation for Lewis & Clark (February 26, 2004)

The Kansas Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission is sending a delegation to Oklahoma next month to secure tribal participation in upcoming events. The vice-chairman of the commission is a member of the Pawnee Tribe. "Too often the tribes are left...

Bill to provide funds to fight tribal recognition (February 26, 2004)

Three Connecticut lawmakers introduced a bill on Wednesday to provide federal funds to fight the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-Conn.), sponsor of the bill, claims the BIA is biased towards tribes seeking federal recognition even though the...

Mich. tribe facing opposition over health clinic (February 26, 2004)

Officials in Michigan say they will fight the Hannahville Indian Community's plans to open an magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) clinic in metro Detroit. The tribe sees a need to offer MRI tests in the area because the local hospital does...

Pueblo woman raising funds to cover heart operation (February 26, 2004)

A woman from San Ildefonso Pueblo in New Mexico is raiding funds to cover costs associated with her recent heart surgery. Renee Roybal, 45, suffered from a viral infection that required replacement of her heart. She underwent a successful transplant...

Wax museum would depict Native life in SE Alaska (February 26, 2004)

A business owner and artist is leading efforts to build a 117,000-square-foot wa museum in Ketchikan, Alaska, that would depict Haida, Tlingit and Tsimshian culture. Marvin McCloud, owner of a gallery, said the facility would cost between $14 million and...

Tribal chair denies wrongdoing over enrollment (February 26, 2004)

The chairman of a California tribe whose membership has grown in recent years to include Bureau of Indian Affairs employees and their families is denying any wrongdoing. Matt Franklin said all members of the Ione Band of Miwok Indians were...

Indian housing council holding legislative conference (February 26, 2004)

The National American Indian Housing Council is holding is 10th annual legislative conference in Washington, D.C., today. Speakers slated to address tribal leaders include Michael Liu, assistant secretary for public and Indian housing, and Sen. Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). The lunch...

Comments sought on No Child Left Behind Act rules (February 26, 2004)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is taking comments until June 24 on proposed regulations under the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, and March 26 on an information collection requets related to the rule. According to a notice published...

BIA to publish replacement school construction list (February 26, 2004)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is publishing a new replacement school construction priority list, assistant secretary Dave Anderson announced on Wednesday. The list determines which schools will receive federal funding. Based on need, the BIA is placing 14 facilities, including...

Senate panel to hold hearing on BIA reorganization (February 26, 2004)

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will hold a hearing March 10 on the reorganization of the Bureau of Indian Affairs and expansion of the Office of Special Trustee. Tribal leaders have been pressing members of Congress to delay changes...