Law
Indian inmates in Nebraska settle lawsuit


Indian inmates in Nebraska will get to hold two pow-wows a year, have more time for religious ceremonies and be able to use traditional foods as part of a settlement reached with state prison officials.

The settlement comes out of a lawsuit filed by an Indian inmate. Richard T. Walker said prison officials were limiting access to a medicine man.

A federal judge has to approve the settlement, which would replace a 1974 consent decree that allows Indian inmates to conduct religious ceremonies and to have access to medicine men and ceremonial tobacco.

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Deal sets rules for Native inmates (AP 11/12)