Judge won't block drilling near sacred site in Calif. (March 11, 2004)

A federal judge last month refused to overturn the Bush administration's approval of a power plant on sacred land in California even though two federal agencies acknowledge the project will have significant "adverse" impacts on several tribes. A coalition led...

Opinion: Teaching Native culture reduces racism (March 11, 2004)

"Juneau is an open community, friendly and on the surface is tolerant of diverse ideas and views. I read with interest about a plan or lack thereof to mitigate racism in our schools. It is easier to discuss a problem...

New name sought for Indian center in Oklahoma City (March 11, 2004)

First it was called the Native American Cultural Center and Museum. Now it's just the American Indian Cultural Center. But the Native American Cultural and Educational Authority doesn't think that's good enough. "There are already many cultural centers focusing on...

Senate panel hears conflicting views of reorganization (March 11, 2004)

Bush administration officials defended their shakeup of two agencies serving Indian Country on Wednesday amid tribal criticism of the "one size fits all" initiative. At a crowded hearing, the Senate Indian Affairs Committee took testimony from Department of Interior officials...

Senate hearing on Bush pick to be broadcast online (March 11, 2004)

NOMINEE: Sue Ellen Wooldridge, aide to Interior Secretary Gale Norton, to go before Senate Energy Committee for confirmation hearing. File Photo © The Daily Triplicate. The Senate Energy Committee will hold a hearing today on the nomination of Sue...

Thomas in line to head Senate Indian Affairs panel (March 11, 2004)

Sen. Craig Thomas (R-Wyo.) said he is interested in taking over the chairmanship of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. Thomas is the third Republican in line for the spot but Sen. Pete Domenici (N.M.) said he won't take it, while...

Testimony for Senate hearing on BIA reorganization (March 11, 2004)

Some of the testimony for the March 10 Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing on the ongoing reorganization of the Bureau of Indian Affairs is linked below. Statement Senator Tom Daschle, Minority Leader, South Dakota Panel I Dave Anderson, Assistant Secretary...

Domenici fears vote against Navajo water projects (March 11, 2004)

A spokesperson for Sen. Pete Domenici (R-N.M.) said Congress might not approve $871 million in projects that are part of the Navajo Nation's water rights settlement. The tribe, the state of New Mexico and the federal government came to an...

Udall drops short bid for Campbell's Senate seat (March 11, 2004)

Rep. Mark Udall (D) will win this year's award for shortest political campaign. After announcing his bid for the Senate seat being vacated by Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R), he dropped out on Wednesday to endorse Colorado attorney general Mark Salazar....

Yankton Sioux Tribe boycotting S.D. town over police (March 11, 2004)

The Yankton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota is boycotting the town of Lake Andes over a police chief that tribal leaders and members say is racist. Tribal members say they won't do business in the town until Chief Jerry Nelson...

Native students oppose revival of Savages mascot (March 11, 2004)

Native students and faculty at Eastern Washington University are criticizing the revival of the school's old "Savages" mascot. The mascot was retired in 1973 when the student body voted to change to the "Eagles." But a student has created a...

Police team at issue in inquiry of Native teen's death (March 11, 2004)

The inquiry into the death of a Native teen in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, more than 13 years ago is focusing on an "issue team" police set up. The team planned to gather information about Neil Stonechild, 17, and his family, the...

School to poll students on Chief Illiniwek mascot (March 11, 2004)

The University of Illinois plans to poll students on the use of the school's controversial Chief Illiniwek mascot. Most students and alumni support the mascot, which is heavily criticized by Indian groups. The school senate, however, voted 14-5 in 2002...

Sheriff says tribe politicizing law enforcement (March 11, 2004)

The sheriff in the Nebraska county with the highest percentage of Native Americans refused to allow one of his officers to testify in a domestic violence dispute on the Omaha Reservation. The deputy had been called as backup to an...

GOP Congressman withdraws from recognition bill (March 11, 2004)

Rep. Rob Simmons (R-Conn.) has withdrawn his support for a bill to overhaul the federal recognition process. Simmons said he will focus on more "doable" issues, a spokesperson said. "Doable" includes a bill to award $8 million in grants to...

Snoqualmie Tribe opposes expansion of lodge (March 11, 2004)

The Snoqualmie Tribe says it opposes the expansion of the historic Salish Lodge in Snoqualmie, Washington. The tribe considers the entire area around the lodge sacred. The land includes burial sites and the falls near the lodge connect heaven and...

U.S. considers rule to protect battered women (March 11, 2004)

The Department of Justice is considering changes in immigration regulations that would allow for political asylum to battered and abused women. Attorney General John Ashcroft will make the final decision. Officials have urged him to accept the changes, The New...

Cowlitz Tribe blasts campaign against land bid (March 11, 2004)

The Cowlitz Tribe of Washington is trying to dispel a "wave of misinformation" about its plans to have 152 acres placed into trust. The tribe wants to establish an initial reservation in Clark County. The tribe gained final federal recognition...

San Manuel Band donates $4M to Indian law center (March 11, 2004)

A ceremony was held at the University of California - Los Angeles on Wednesday to accept a $4 million donation from the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians. The tribe donated to the UCLA Native Nations Law and Policy Center....

Pala Tribe tries to remove alleged trespasser (March 11, 2004)

The Pala Band of Mission Indians is trying to get rid of a junkyard the tribe says is polluting the reservation. But Eric Thomson says he won't let the tribe remove hundreds of old cars, trucks and sport utility vehicles...