ending October 28
Gore belts out a pow-wow song.
Photo © AP.
Missed our stories? All the headlines for the week can be found here. Countdown to Election Day
They say its the tightest Presidential race in 40 years. But if you ask humorist John Potter, Al Gore and George W. Bush ain't seen nothing yet, because they've never been involved in tribal politics. While that may be true, Indian voters are still being urged to non-tribal polls for various reasons. Protecting sovereignty, ensuring a balanced Supreme Court, and getting Indian issues on the radar are all goals this year by tribes and Indian political activists. Many might say the race for US Senate in New York is more interesting than the Presidential one. With Rep. Rick Lazio fighting First Lady Hillary Clinton, one couldn't find two candidates more opposed to one another. But a look at their positions on Indian land claims reveals some questionable statements and claims by both sides. Who will win? Will either actually introduce legislation to live up to their position on land claims? The world will know soon. Get the Story:
Kennedy: Senate is 'white men's club' (10/23)
John Potter: Tribal Politics (10/23)
Indian Country: Get out and vote (10/25)
Supreme Court Justices important (10/25)
Candidates favor settlements (10/26)
Land claims might last forever (10/24)
Cheney wants dams to stay (10/25)
Races close in Washington (10/26)
Inter-tribal organization eyed (10/27) Kennewick Man still lives
The biggest proof that Kennewick Man is a true Native American is the fact that he won't go away, despite having passed onto the spirit world over 9,000 years ago. Like tribes and Native Americans who have persisted despite every indication otherwise, the Ancient One considers to be a source of contention and controversy. Now that a lawsuit filed by eight scientists seeking to study him has been reinstated, the battle over his bones won't end for at least a year to come. So what is a Native American? One Associated Press writer would have you believe Vikings would be considered "Native American" under NAGPRA, despite the fact that Viking settlements have never been found in the United States, where the law applies. But a federal judge in Oregon will be the final arbiter and he's already chastised the government for the way it has handled the case. Now, he's questioning if the Department of Interior, the agency responsible for much of what used to be Indian land and for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, knows who or what a "Native American" is. Get the Story:
Kennewick Man lawsuit to proceed (10/26) more top stories
But wait, there's more! Read the other top stories of the week.