Alaska Native corporation invests in wireless deal (February 21, 2005)

An Alaska Native regional corporation is making its first venture into the wireless market with an $80 million investment. Together, Cook Inlet Region Inc. and T-Mobile USA were the high bidders on 36 wireless licenses in major markets throughout the...

Idaho Legislature to debate Nez Perce water deal (February 21, 2005)

The Idaho Legislature is holding two days of hearings on a proposed water settlement with the Nez Perce Tribe. The agreement ends one of the longest running water rights disputes in the West. The tribe would receive 50,000 acre-feet of...

Officials praise Navajo methamphetamine law (February 21, 2005)

Tribal officials are praising the passage of the Navajo Nation's new methamphetamine law. The Navajo Nation Council voted 64-0 last week to approve the measure. It criminalizes the sale, possession and manufacture of the drug. Hope MacDonald-LoneTree, sponsor of the...

Oklahoma bill bans use of Redskins and Savages (February 21, 2005)

The Oklahoma Legislature is considering a bill to outlaw the use of "Redskins" and "Savages" as mascots in public schools. Senate Bill 567, the Oklahoma Racial Mascots Act, is sponsored by Sen. Judy Eason McIntyre, a Democrat. She backs tribal...

Cherokee Nation seeks role in Freedmen lawsuit (February 21, 2005)

The Cherokee Nation is seeking to intervene in a lawsuit between the Cherokee Freedmen and the federal government. The Freedmen, descendants of African slaves who were made members of the tribe after the Civil War, sued after they were denied...

Reward offered for deaths of dozens of bald eagles (February 21, 2005)

A reward of $10,000 (Canadian) is being offered for information about the deaths of 40 bald eagles in British Columbia. The Tsleil-Waututh First Nation has joined other groups in offering the reward. "Our community is still in shock from this...

Duwamish Tribe wants burial ground protected (February 21, 2005)

The Duwamish Tribe of Washington is asking the state to use Foster Island for a bridge construction project. Chairwoman Cecile Hansen says the island is home to a burial ground. She said any work done there might "desecrate" such a...

Mark Trahant: Social Security debate all about 'me' (February 21, 2005)

"This is a news story told as a master narrative: America is getting older. President Bush promised last week that he would talk about this a lot to "convince people that we have a problem." The president is focusing on...

Yellow Bird: 'Fighting Sioux' needs to be changed (February 21, 2005)

"Three cheers for the National Collegiate Athletic Association for asking the question, "Why do schools such as UND continue to use American Indian nicknames and logos?" The NCAA survey should bring the issue of the moniker and logo to the...