Missed our stories? All the headlines for the week can be found
here.
Land Claims
This week, one tribe made an attempted settlement over lands and another tribe
saw settlement talks fall apart. After a 20 year battle (including the ruling of a federal
judge siding with Sandia Pueblo in 1988) the pueblo agreed to relinquish their land claim to
the west face of the Sandia Mountains, provided that the land remain undeveloped, available for
religious purposes, and the pueblo retain veto privileges over any
proposed activities. Not surprisingly, the proposal greatly angered non-Native
residents, including the local members of Congress, claiming the pueblo would
have too much control. But isn't that what land is about?
On the other side of the country, the Oneida Nation's ongoing settlement talks with
the state of New York fell apart this week for undisclosed reasons after allegedly being 90%
complete. Back in 1985, the US Supreme Court ruled that
lands purchased in the late 18th and early 19th century were seized
illegally and that the Oneidas were entitled to just compensation. Parties
close to the negotiators expect it will take quite some time for the
settlement to be reached, and expect it will require further judicial
intervention. Let's just hope the Oneidas don't suffer the same fate as the Cayuga's land
settlement, believed to be largely undervalued.
Get the Story:
Sandia Deal Faces Battle (4/6)
Sandia Pueblo Drops Land Claim (4/5)
Oneida Nation v New York State (4/5)
Tribe bans alcohol
In an a bold effort to help curb the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs, the
Yakama Nation this week voted to ban the use and sale of alcohol within the
nation's borders. But tribal and non-tribal businesses were not so pleased.
The Tribe maintains that they have explicit authority to regulate alcohol,
supported by its treaty rights. We applaud the Yakama Nation and their efforts to
encourage wellbriety within their borders--if only Ian Frazier's
tribe were the Yakama instead of the Oglala...
Get the Story:
Businesses fear Yakama alcohol ban will hurt tribal economy (4/7)
Yakama Nation passes Alcohol Resolution (4/6)
BIA credit card scandal
The BIA announced this week that a "department-wide" problem existed--employees had
been misusing and failing to pay bills of credit cards issued for government purposes.
The BIA disciplined, fired, and may file criminal charges against some employees.
When will the government start firing at the top? The Secretaries of the Treasury and the Interior
come to mind...
Get the Story:
BIA credit card misuse widespread, officials say (4/5)
In the Talking Circle - Issues to discuss, debate, and ponder
Maine got around to protecting its Native population, in particular, women, by
outlawing squaw from use in all public place names...Are race relations better or worse in the year 2000?
Judging from a federal report, it doesn't look that way! And in the Its About Time category, tribes
and Natives across the country are challenging the tactics of Sen. Slade Gorton.
You can do your part by not buying Gorton food products...
Get the Story:
Maine outlaws 'squaw' in public place names (4/4)
Race Relations in the Year 2000 (4/4)
Native Americans Challenge Gorton (4/3)
From Money Matters - News & Resources about tribal businesses including gaming
The Narangansett Tribe of Rhode Island is in for a long battle, the least of which is a possible
lawsuit by a former business partner..Potentially trouble-some potential casinos in Florida,
Connecticut, and New York...Oklahoma tribes must pay taxes, and its not even April 15th yet!
Get the Story:
Naragansett Tribe faces difficult battle (4/7)
Locals fear Seminole Casino (4/7)
Trump may have casino site (4/7)
Feds OK Mohawk Casino Plan (4/7)
OK tribes told to pay pull-tab taxes (4/6)
Company threatens suit against Naragansett Tribe (4/4)
From First Nations - News from Canada
Fishing this year might not be as furious as last year, if religious leaders from the states
have anything to say about it.
Get the Story:
Oromocto reaches interim fishing agreement (4/7)
Peacemakers arrive at Fishery (4/5)
Religious group to observer Mi'kmaq fishery (4/3)
From Tribal Law - Laws, courts, treaties, and tribal sovereignty
Violence over fishing closer to home is hopefully a thing of the past. Well, this year at least,
when Ojibwe bands in Wisconsin begin exercising sprear-fishing treaty rights.
Get the Story:
Ojibwe fishing to have no effect on non-Native catch (4/6)
From Indian U. - News from Academia including repatriation headlines.
Nebraska area tribes demand action from university over bones of their ancestors...While said
university holds a conference honoring bison. When will they honor the people themselves?
One can never know...
Get the Story:
Tribes, UNL at impasse over bones (4/5)
Bison Subject of Symposium (4/7)
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