BIA caught in debate over off-reservation gaming (July 14, 2004)

The Bush administration won't adopt a "blanket" policy on off-reservation gaming, a top Bureau of Indian Affairs official said on Tuesday. In testimony before the House Resources Committee, principal deputy assistant secretary Aurene Martin said officials take off-reservation casino proposals...

Editorial: Campbell, vote no on marriage amendment (July 14, 2004)

"Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell says he isn't sure what to think, and so for now he is carefully weighing the nuances of Senate debate. That makes his an especially valuable vote as the Senate gets ready to decide - no,...

Klallam village in Washington called significant find (July 14, 2004)

A 22-acre site that was once home to the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe is being called one of the most significant finds in Washington. Archaeologists working with the tribe and the state uncovered a village that could be at least...

More San Pasqual families to get new homes (July 14, 2004)

Within several months, families on the San Pasqual Reservation in California will be able to move into new homes being constructed to replaces the ones they lost in last year's deadly fire. Three dozen families are currently living in Federal...

Janklow won't have to pay for role in traffic death (July 14, 2004)

American taxpayers will foot the bill in a civil lawsuit filed by the family of a man who was killed by former South Dakota governor Bill Janklow (R). The family of Randy Scott sued Janklow over the fatal August 16...

New England tribes debate route to recognition (July 14, 2004)

Three New England tribes who have been denied federal recognition are considering their next moves. The Golden Hill Paugussett Tribe of Connecticut hasn't filed a challenge to the Bureau of Indian Affairs yet. A source told The Norwich Bulletin that...

ITMA hosting trust reform sessions in Montana (July 14, 2004)

The Intertribal Monitoring Association on Indian Trust Funds (ITMA) is holding listening sessions in Billings, Montana, this week. The two-day conference starts tomorrow. The goal is to solicit information on problems Indian beneficiaries have with the Indian trust system. ITMA...

Shakopee Tribe working with city on trust land deal (July 14, 2004)

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is working on a deal with the city of Prior Lake, Minnesota, to have 186 acres placed into trust. The tribe wants to use the land for housing. In exchange for the city's support, the...

New Fond du Lac Band chairman sets priorities (July 14, 2004)

The Fond du Land Band of Ojibwe in Minnesota swore in a new chairman on Tuesday. Peter Defoe is the tribe's first new chairman in 16 years. He has previously served 16 years as secretary-treasurer. Defoe said he would work...

Vizenor finally sworn in as White Earth Band chair (July 14, 2004)

The White Earth Band of Ojibwe in Minnesota swore in its first female chair on Tuesday. Erma Vizenor said her top priority was reforming the tribal constitution. She also plans to combat high unemployment, homelessness, hunger and poverty. Vizenor defeated...

Hundreds of dead birds raise concern in village (July 14, 2004)

Residents of the Alaska Native village of False Pass are being advised not to eat marine mammals due to concern over the deaths of as many 200 birds of several species. Villagers are worried what might be causing the deaths....

Inquiry opens into police shooting of Native man (July 14, 2004)

The government of Ontario, Canada, opened a public inquiry on Tuesday into the death of a Native man who was shot by police during a Native rights protest. Members of the Stoney Point First Nation were protesting at Ipperwash Provincial...

Villages given chance to make aboriginal rights case (July 14, 2004)

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday said five Alaska Native villages should be given the chance to show whether they have aboriginal rights on federal waters. In a long-running case, the villages asserted aboriginal hunting and fishing rights...

Appeals court restores flows to Trinity River (July 14, 2004)

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday upheld a Clinton-era decision to restore flows to the Trinity River in order to fulfill treaty and trust responsibilities to northern California tribes. In a unanimous decision, a three-judge panel sided with...

Wampanoag man arrested in lobster catch incident (July 14, 2004)

A member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts was arrested and faces several charges stemming from a lobster-catch incident. Under a 1999 state court ruling, tribal members have aboriginal rights to shellfish without a permit. But on Sunday local...

Police call off search for missing Native girl (July 14, 2004)

Police in Saskatchewan have called off a search for a missing five-year-old Native girl, saying there is little likelihood that Tamra Jewel Keepness is still safe. Regina police are offering a $25,000 reward to anyone who can provide leads. The...

Tule River Tribe completing purchase of 855 acres (July 14, 2004)

The Tule River Tribe of California is completing the purchase of an 855-acre ranch. The tribe plans to use the additional land for housing. Currently, 175 families are waiting for housing with about 300 existing housing structures. The tribe will...