9th Circuit rules on Alaska Native land selections (February 27, 2004)

In a unanimous decision, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday ruled in a dispute over the selection of lands by Alaska Native village corporations. The case stems from a difficult and drawn-out selection process among five village corporations...

Sculpture in honor of late activist returns home (February 27, 2004)

A wooden sculpture in honor of Bernie Whitebear, the late activist who led the 1970 occupation of a park in Washington, is returning to its roots. "Blue Jay" was created 30 years ago by Lawney Reyes, Bernie's older brother. It...

Expedited appeal of Pequot recognition opposed (February 27, 2004)

Opponents of federal recognition for the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut don't want to speed up the already lengthy appeal process. The state, three towns and another group that claims Indian ancestry have challenged the tribe's pending federal status....

Housing campaign seeks to build 100,000 homes (February 27, 2004)

The National American Indian Housing Council on Thursday launched a major initiative to help tribes build 100,000 homes in the next 10 years. With the assistance of some prominent Indian leaders, NAIHC plans to raise $10 million for "Housing First...

Kiowa Chair: 'Indians do not want to be governed' (February 27, 2004)

The outgoing chairman of the Kiowa Tribe of Oklahoma is criticizing efforts to recall him and his vice-chairman. Chairman Clifford McKenzie, who is already scheduled to leave office in June, told The Oklahoman that tribal members are "crazy to do...

Crow reservation man sentenced for brother's death (February 27, 2004)

A man from the Crow Reservation in Montana was sentenced to 14 months in prison for a drunk driving accident that caused the death of his younger brother. Larny M. Stewart, 23, pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter. He was driving...

Pueblo man seeks city council spot to work with tribes (February 27, 2004)

A Pueblo man running for city council in Espanola, New Mexico, hopes to improve relations with area Pueblo tribes. Norman Martinez, a former director of senior programs for Eight Northern Indian Pueblos Council, is a newcomer to city politics. He...

Mass. high court to hear tribal immunity case (February 27, 2004)

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court has agreed to hear a case testing the limits of the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe's sovereign immunity. Federal law gives the state civil and criminal jurisdiction over tribal lands. But local officials also say it gives...

Several pow-wows on the circuit at Utah universities (February 27, 2004)

Get ready for pow-wow season in Utah. There are several pow-wows, drum competitions and Indian pageants taking place at Utah universities in the coming months. First up is the 31st annual Utah State University Native American Student Council American Indian...

Navajo police captain gets special FBI assignment (February 27, 2004)

A Navajo Nation police captain is on a six-month temporary assignment for the FBI, The Farmington Daily Times reports. Randy John, 44, will work at FBI headquarters in Quantico, Virginia. He hopes to bring what learns there back to the...

Rock the Native Vote concert to take place in Okla. (February 27, 2004)

In an effort to register thousands of young Native Americans, the first-ever Rock the Native Vote will take place Saturday, June 5, in Oklahoma City. With a lineup featuring Hopi reggae artist Casper Lomayesva, the bluesy Chebon Tiger Band and...

Bill introduced to allow tribes to thin federal forests (February 27, 2004)

A bipartisan group of lawmakers in the House and Senate introduced a bill on Thursday that seeks to protect tribal lands from wildfires. The Tribal Forest Protection Act is sponsored by Senators Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.), Dianne Feinstein (R-Calif.) and...

Mohegan chairman says recognition bill unfair (February 27, 2004)

The chairman of the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut says a bill to give money to local communities to fight federal recognition won't level the playing field. Chairman Mark Brown said the bill is unfair to tribes that don't have many...

Strong race seen for tribal member's political bid (February 27, 2004)

Mary Ann Andreas hopes to be the first tribal member elected to the California Assembly. Political observers say she has a good chance at succeeding, according to The Palm Springs Desert Sun. Andreas is best known as the former chairwoman...

University narrowing field for Native program director (February 27, 2004)

A screening committee at Central Michigan University is reviewing applications for the director of the school's Native American Programs. The school hopes to fill the post by the fall semester. The Native program's budget was cut from $118,000 to $67,000,...

Investigators in six states probe murders of women (February 27, 2004)

Investigators from six states are meeting in Oklahoma today to consider the deaths of several women, including several Indian women. The murders in Oklahoma, Texas, Arkansas, Louisiana, Tennessee and Mississippi date back two years. Since all have common elements, authorities...

Column: Florida Seminoles a tribe of 'high rollers' (February 27, 2004)

"The old extravagance must have hung over the meeting like smoke. The chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission was in Hollywood Wednesday, ostensibly to warn Seminole tribal leaders to stop using illegal gambling machines in their Florida casinos. That's...

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe signs roads deal with state (February 27, 2004)

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has signed a five-year agreement with the state of South Dakota to promote Indian preference in road construction projects. Tribal chairman Charles Murphy said the agreement will improve roads and services on the reservation. Over...

McCain calls for investigation into tribal spending (February 27, 2004)

Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said he will hold a hearing on the "disgraceful" fees of a lobbying firm and public relations firm that received more than $45 million from four tribes. McCain told The Washington Post he was upset with...

Campbell treated at hospital for chest pains (February 27, 2004)

Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) was treated at a Washington, D.C., hospital on Thursday for experiencing chest pains. His doctor said they were caused by common acid reflux, also known as heartburn. Campbell, 70, went to the hospital in the...