Urban Indians in the Detroit, Michigan, area filed a class action lawsuit against the federal government last Thursday.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of three urban Indians who say they are unable to get adequate health care. They say the American Indian Health and Family Services in southwest Detroit is woefully underfunded in violation of treaties and federal laws.

About 40,000 Native Americans live in the metro Detroit area, The Detroit Free Press reported. About 75 percent lack insurance, the paper said. <>

The Detroit clinic faces loss of funds and potential closure under President Bush's fiscal year 2007 budget, which eliminates the entire $33 million urban Indian health program.

Get the Story:
Mich. American Indians sue over health (UPI 4/10)
In Detroit, Indians file suit over health care (The Detroit Free Press 4/7)

Relevant Links:
National Council of Urban Indian Health - http://www.ncuih.org
Indian Health Service - http://www.ihs.gov

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