Off-reservation casinos spur action in California (January 28, 2005)

An influential tribal leader added his voice on Thursday to the growing number of California Indians concerned about off-reservation gaming. Richard Milanovich, chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, said his tribe hasn't adopted a position on the...

Ousted Mescalero leader seeks recall of chairman (January 28, 2005)

The former president of the Mescalero Apache Nation of New Mexico is trying to recall the tribe's current leader Sara Misquez is leading the effort against President Mark Chino. She presented the council with a petition she says is valid...

Professor sparks controversy with 9/11-Nazi link (January 28, 2005)

A University of Colorado professor who is active on Indian issues is sparking controversy for comparing the victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks to Nazis. Ward Churchill, chairman of the ethnic studies department at CU-Boulder, is speaking at...

Column: Columbus Day is only a parade for protesters (January 28, 2005)

"The ironic truth about Denver’s October ritual is that if not for the protesters – those who will be arrested and those of us watching the shindig curbside - no one would see the parade at all. Nobody comes to...

New Mexico infant law said to conflict with ICWA (January 28, 2005)

The New Mexico Indian Affairs Committee heard testimony on Thursday on a bill designed to ensure state law complies with the federal Indian Child Welfare Act . The state's Safe Haven for Infants Act allows a person to leave a...

Bingaman reintroduces Indian School Bus legislation (January 28, 2005)

Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) introduced the Indian School Bus Route Safety Reauthorization Act on Thursday to provide more funds to improve school bus routes in Indian Country. The bill reauthorizes the Indian School Bus Route program that was created...

Canada won't remove asbestos from Native homes (January 28, 2005)

The Canadian government says it won't pay to test or remove asbestos from at least 600 Native homes across the country. The Department of Indian and Northern Affairs audited records that showed homes on scores of First Nations contain an...

Gila River Tribe's garden promotes healthy living (January 28, 2005)

The Gila River Indian Community of Arizona is tackling rising rates of diabetes and obesity among its youth. The tribe is introducing young Natives to the agricultural tradition of their ancestors. At two school gardens, students learn how to cultivate...

Tribally-owned bank helps expand Indian housing (January 28, 2005)

A bank owned by the Chickasaw Nation has greatly expanding housing opportunities for Indians in Oklahoma. According to federal statistics, Bank2's is the second-largest provider of Indian home loans. The tribe's institution is second only to banking giant Wells Fargo....

Review: 'Better-n-Indins' challenges stereotypes (January 28, 2005)

The Providence Journal gives a mixed yet upbeat review of "Better-n-Indins," an Indian-authored play that addresses stereotypes and misconceptions about Native Americans. The paper says "Better-n-Indins" is marred by amateur acting and some ineffective sections. But playwright William S. Yellow...

Suit challenges South Dakota county's voting districts (January 28, 2005)

The American Civil Liberties Union filed a lawsuit on Friday against a South Dakota accused of diluting the voting rights of Native Americans. On behalf of four members of the Yankton Sioux Tribe, the ACLU says Charles Mix County created...

Meetings set in Mdewakanton trust fund lawsuit (January 28, 2005)

Two meetings in Nebraska will be held on Saturday to discuss the Mdewakanton trust mismanagement suit. The plaintiffs in Wolfchild v. US say the federal government breached its responsibilities by failing to hold land and the proceeds from it in...

One charge dropped against indicted Goshute leader (January 28, 2005)

The indicted chairman of the Skull Valley Band of Goshutes will face one less charge when his trial for stealing tribal funds and income tax fraud begins in April. Leon Bear is accused of embezzling about $160,000 from tribal accounts...

Tribal officer won't be charged for deadly shooting (January 28, 2005)

A reserve police officer for the Suquamish Tribe of Washington won't face charges for fatally shooting a man last October. David Quichocho was justified in shooting Hunter M. Shearer because his life was in danger, the Kitsap County Prosecutor's Office...

Forum in Montana looks at ways to end racism (January 28, 2005)

Members of the Indian community in Billings, Montana, were among the participants in a forum that focused on ending racism in the city. Janine Pease, a member of the Crow Tribe, told of her first experience with racism at age...

Blackfeet Nation testing building for asbestos (January 28, 2005)

The Blackfeet Nation of Montana closed its main administrative building on Monday over concerns about asbestos contamination. The tribe has begun testing the 30-year-old complex. Results should be back soon. In the meantime, about 300 employees are working out of...

Dealer verifies reward for stolen Pueblo artifact (January 28, 2005)

A New Mexico antiques dealer with a checkered past says a $75,000 reward for the return of a stolen Pueblo kachina is real. Claudio Ortega of Santa Fe said an anonymous tribe is fronting the money, no questions asked. The...

Southern Ute Tribe elects Frost as new chairman (January 28, 2005)

The Southern Ute Tribe of Colorado elected Clement C. Frost as its new chairman on Thursday. Frost, a former chairman, won by a margin of 25 votes. His closest competitor was former vice chairwoman Pearl Casias, who wanted to be...