Lobbying Report: National Indian Gaming Association (May 9, 2005)

Thanks to Indian gaming, tribes have emerged as major players in Washington, D.C. In the past two election cycles alone, tribes poured $13.8 million into Republican and Democrat interests, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. But this figure doesn't...

Lobbying scandal prompts new look at tribal rules (May 9, 2005)

As the Jack Abramoff scandal continues to unfold with new revelations surfacing nearly every day, attention is turning toward lobbying rules that affect Indian Country. Democrats have already unveiled legislation aimed at overhauling the way lobbyists work in the nation's...

Oneida Nation families hope tribe won't evict them (May 9, 2005)

Four Oneida Nation families are refusing to leave their homes on their New York reservation, hoping the tribe won't evict them. The tribe ordered the evictions of the four families, citing safety and other problems with their homes. But the...

Editorial: Hearing a first step in tackling suicide problem (May 9, 2005)

"Talking about suicide is uncomfortable. It's painful. And it's necessary. At a field hearing of the Senate's Indian Affairs Committee Monday in Bismarck, Sen. Byron Dorgan opened an uncomfortable, painful, necesary dialogue. As reported by Tony Spilde in Tuesday's Tribune,...

Group accuses Native village of killing two children (May 9, 2005)

A group that opposed the Makah Nation's whale hunt is stirring up strong sentiments in Alaska after accusing a Native village of killing two children on a recent whaling expedition. The Sea Shepherd Conservation Society issued a statement [Text] last...

New center to address abuse, violence on reservations (May 9, 2005)

A new center will provide services to address child abuse, sexual assault and domestic violence among Native Americans in northern Minnesota. The Family Advocacy Center of Northern Minnesota will be located in Bemidji, near the Red Lake Ojibwe Reservation. It...

Editorial: Indian education will benefit all students (May 9, 2005)

"The 2005 Legislature and Gov. Brian Schweitzer made the first substantial state appropriations toward fulfilling the Indian education goal stated in the Montana Constitution 30 years ago. Over the next two years, $4.4 million will be available to develop educational...

Stevens complains again about Native village funding (May 9, 2005)

Sen. Ted Stevens (R-Alaska) is again complaining about the way some Alaska Native villages are receiving federal funds. At a recent hearing, Stevens complained to Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alfonso Jackson. "Your department has recognized now what I call...

Red Lake Nation hopes to improve its tribal court (May 9, 2005)

Officials of the Red Lake Nation say they are taking steps to improve their tribal court in response to criticism from tribal members, experts and outsiders. Last year, the tribe commissioned a study by Mary Pearson, an attorney and tribal...

Editorial: Don't close Civil Rights offices (May 9, 2005)

"The recent decision by the U.S. Civil Rights Commission to close its regional offices in Denver and Kansas City will have an impact on civil rights activities in the region, said former commission member Elsie Meeks of Interior. She said...

New Mexico to install statue of Pueblo Revolt leader (May 9, 2005)

The state of New Mexico will be installing a statue of Po'pay, a leader of the Pueblo Revolt of 1680, in the National Statuary Hall in Washington, D.C., this year. The statue was sculpted by Cliff Fragua of Jemez Pueblo....

Navajo Nation launches 'Just Move It' campaign (May 9, 2005)

The Navajo Nation celebrated mothers and promoted healthy living in its first "Just Move It" event of the year on Sunday. The campaign is a partnership with the Indian Health Service aimed at preventing diabetes and other health problems....

Cabazon officials say tribe not on brink of bankruptcy (May 9, 2005)

Leaders of the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians say the tribe that helped pave the way for the expansion of tribal gaming is not about to go bankrupt. Instead, the tribe is taking steps to make sure things don't get...

Indian entrepreneurs hope to pass on success (May 9, 2005)

First-generation Indian entrepreneurs in South Dakota are hoping their success stories will inspire a new generation into launching businesses on the reservation. The number of Indian-owned reservation businesses is small but their ranks are growing. Helping them to succeed are...

Abramoff scandal an issue in Georgia campaign (May 9, 2005)

The Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal is surfacing as an issue in Georgia's GOP campaign for lieutenant governor. Ralph Reed, a Christian activist, is facing questions over his ties to Abramoff. The two have been close friends since the 1980s when...

Abramoff tied to yet another Congressional trip (May 9, 2005)

Disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff led a delegation of lawmakers to Pakistan in 1997 without telling them he was representing the Pakistani government, The New York Times reports. Abramoff was registered as Pakistan's lobbyist up until 1997. But he told the...

Column: Ho-Chunk Nation on verge of bankruptcy (May 9, 2005)

"In gambling, the house never loses - unless the house happens to be owned by the Ho-Chunk Nation, operators of one of the most profitable Indian casinos in the country. Despite estimated annual casino profits of more than $100 million...

Virginia tribes to mark Jamestown in England (May 9, 2005)

Tribes in Virginia who were among the first to greet European settlers will be headed to England next year as part of the 400th anniversary of the founding of Jamestown. The tribes have agreed to stage a Jamestown event in...

San Pasqual leaders placed on administrative leave (May 9, 2005)

Three leaders of the San Pasqual Band Of Mission Indians have been placed on administrative leave after being served with recall papers. Chairman Allen Lawson, Secretary-Treasurer Angela Martinez-McNeal and Councilman Dave Toler were locked out of the tribal office on...

Foul play suspected in case of missing Native teen (May 9, 2005)

The Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Nova Scotia suspects a Native teen who has been missing for more than two months may be he victim of foul play. Terrilynne Poulette, 17, was last seen on February 25. There have been...

Christian college offers little beyond religion (May 9, 2005)

A Christian college in Alaska that predominantly serves Alaska Natives isn't accredited, doesn't offer degrees and has few other non-religious based classes, The Washington Post reports. Yet the Alaska Christian College has received more than $1 million over the past...

John Potter: I love everything about the buffalo (May 9, 2005)

"I love the buffalo. I love everything about the buffalo. From an artistic standpoint, I love their shape, size and color; their marvelous bulk and their magnificent grace and power. From a spiritual standpoint - well, hey, I'm an Indian....

Mark Trahant: Social Security debate masks failures (May 9, 2005)

"The Social Security debate is a great mask. We wear the mask to avoid talking about failed promises. Go behind the mask and consider each facet. Medicare is, perhaps, the nearest thing this country has to national health insurance. Its...

Yellow Bird: Talking with a World War II veteran (May 9, 2005)

"To help the Herald commemorate the 60th anniversary of V-E Day this weekend, I had the honor and privilege of interviewing Louis Bogan, a field artillery veteran of World War II, for the Prairie Voices feature in Sunday's Herald. He...