Busy Indian Affairs Committee hits snag on big issues (June 17, 2004)

High-profile bills to apologize to Native peoples and to make changes to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act were delayed on Wednesday over objections from members of the Senate. The Senate Indian Affairs Committee was due to consider a slew of...

California sacred site bill slimmed down (June 17, 2004)

A bill to protect sacred sites in California has been simplified in response to concerns that it would give tribes too much power. $p The new version requires builders to consult with tribes in advance of projects. Last year, builders...

Virginia tribes press case for federal recognition (June 17, 2004)

A bill to recognize six Virginia tribes is stalled in the Senate pending resolution of gaming issues, a spokesperson for Sen. George Allen (R-Virginia) said. $p But federal recognition is more than just gaming, Tex G. Hall, president of the...

Film to expose dangers of meth on Navajo Nation (June 17, 2004)

The Indian Health Service is sponsoring a film to expose the dangers of methamphetamine use on the Navajo Nation. $p Two Navajo filmmakers are producing the documentary, which includes interviews with users, addicts, former users, law enforcement, tribal leaders and...

Sacred site provision rejected in House vote (June 17, 2004)

The House voted 215-209 against a measure designed to strengthen protections for sacred sites located on federal land. $p Rep. Nick Rahall (D-West Virginia), the ranking member of the House Resources Committee, offered the provision as an amendment to the...

Obituary: Neakok, 'mother' of Inupiaq village (June 17, 2004)

Sadie Brower Neakok, considered the "mother" of the Inupiaq village of Barrow, died Sunday. She was 88. $p Neakok was known as an educator, foster parent, subsitence rights advocate and traditional seamstress. She was the first Alaska Native to serve...

House Republican drop bid to open ANWR to drilling (June 17, 2004)

House Republicans on Wednesday dropped a vote on a bill to open the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge to drilling. $p Supporters said they didn't have enough votes to pass the measure even after adding a provision aimed at benefiting coal...

University board to discuss fate of Chief Illiniwek (June 17, 2004)

The University of Illinois board of trustees is meeting today to consider the future of the controversial Chief Illiniwek mascot. $p The board will take up a resolution not to remove Illiniwek but to consider options for its use. Possibilities...

BIA recognizes new chairman of Fort Peck Tribes (June 17, 2004)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs hopes its recognition of a new chairman of the Fort Peck Tribes of Montana will calm controversy. $p But the man ousted from the position says he will fight for his job. John Morales was...

Editorial: Indian vote hearings won't do any good (June 17, 2004)

"A group called the Four Directions Committee has said it will file a federal civil rights lawsuit and that it has statements from 15 to 20 people who were not allowed to vote on June 1 because they didn't have...

Aquash to be reburied on Mi'kmaq reserve (June 17, 2004)

Slain American Indian Movement activist Anna Mae Pictou Aquash will be reburied on her home reserve in Canada this Monday. $p Aquash was born on the Indian Brook Mi'kmaq Reserve in Nova Scotia. Her family and friends are planning a...

Herseth seeks visibility on Indian issues (June 17, 2004)

Rep. Stephanie Herseth (D-South Dakota), whose election depended on the turnout of Indian voters, has been seated on the House Resources Committee, the panel with jurisdiction over Indian affairs. $p Herseth said she will focus on issues affecting nine tribes...

Nipmuc tribes cautiously await answer on recognition (June 17, 2004)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is set to issue a decision on the federal status of two Nipmuc tribes from Massachusetts. $p On the last day of the Clinton administration in January 2001, the BIA gave a favorable decision to...

Problems with Metis election lead to funding threat (June 17, 2004)

The Metis Nation of Saskatchewan could lose up to $700,000 in provincial and federal funds over problems with a recent election. $p Saskatchewan's original Affairs Minister Maynard Sonntag said his office has received many complaints about the election. A loss...

Complaints prompt probe into BIA education (June 17, 2004)

Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colorado) announced on Wednesday that he has requested an investigation into allegations that the Bureau of Indian Affairs reorganization is hurting the education of Indian children. At an oversight hearing on the No Child Left Behind...

Fraudulent former chief's group claims tax immunity (June 17, 2004)

The Western Mohegan Tribe of New York is trying to avoid paying taxes on a 203-acre resort property it owns. $p The group doesn't have state or federal recognition. Its former chief, Ronald Roberts, is due to be sentenced today...

British Columbia First Nations thwart move of orca (June 17, 2004)

Members of two First Nations in British Columbia thwarted the move of a orca they believe is the spiritual embodiment of a late tribal chief. $p Scientists set up a pen to capture the killer whale, nicknamed Tsuxit, or Luna....

Mashantucket Tribe donates to Republican convention (June 17, 2004)

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut is among the major donors to the Republican National Convention, according to The New York Times. $p The paper said the New York City Host Committee for the convention has raised millions. But...