9th Circuit allows tribal suit against mine company (July 5, 2006)

Members of the Confederated Colville Tribes sue to a Canadian company over pollution in the Columbia River, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals said on Monday. Tribal members sued Teck Cominco in 2004 under the federal Superfund law. They say...

Homeless center allows residents to drink freely (July 5, 2006)

A new homeless center with a large Indian clientele provides residents with a home and a place to drink. About a third of the residents at 1811 Eastlake in Seattle, Washington, are Native American. They include Rodney Littlebear, who...

BIA questions dam's reach onto Cherokee land (July 5, 2006)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is questioning whether the operators of a dam concealed information in order to avoid sharing revenues with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians in North Carolina, The Smoky Mountain News reports. Duke Energy's permit to...

Burn restrictions put sacred ceremonies on hold (July 5, 2006)

A ban on open fires in Gilpin County, Colorado, has tribal members upset that they can't hold their sacred ceremonies. Bobbie Gleason, a Northern Cree woman, was denied a permit for a sweat lodge she holds every year. Ray...

Grand Traverse Band hosts Heritage powwow (July 5, 2006)

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians held a powwow on Tuesday. The powwow took place in Traverse City, Michigan, as part of the National Cherry Festival's Heritage Day. Dancers and drum groups shared their culture with...

Hundreds walk in memory of slain Shoshone child (July 5, 2006)

A "Walk for Hope" was held on Monday in memory of Marcela Hope Yellowbear, a 22-month-old Shoshone girl who lost her life in August 2002. Hundreds of Eastern Shoshones, Northern Arapahos and non-Indians took part in the walk, which started...

UKB student wins prestigious Gates scholarship (July 5, 2006)

Marissa Hawley, a member of the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians, has been selected as a Gates Millennium Scholar. Hawley, a senior at Jay High School, plans on attending Northeastern State University. "I feel I have been blessed,"...

Funding cut threatens Indian medical school program (July 5, 2006)

A federal funding cut is threatening the future of a program that has graduated more than 100 Indian doctors since 1990. The Center for American Indian and Minority Health at the University of Minnesota Medical School is only one...

Tribal college educator chosen as new SIPI president (July 5, 2006)

The Southwestern Indian Polytechnic Institute has chosen Jeffrey Hamley, a longtime tribal college educator, as its new president. Hamley, a member of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, previously served as president of Saginaw Chippewa Tribal College in Michigan. He...

Native American Basketball Invitational kicks off (July 5, 2006)

The American Basketball Invitational takes place next week in Arizona. The tournament, in its sixth year, features 32 of the best boys and girls teams. They will play for a chance to compete in the Final Four at US Airways...

Cobell settlement rumored to be in the billions (July 5, 2006)

Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) is close to putting a figure in legislation to settle the Cobell trust fund lawsuit, according to Indian Country Today. McCain, the chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, has a number in mind, said one...

Suspicious fire destroys sacred Karuk dance house (July 5, 2006)

Members of the Karuk Tribe believe someone intentionally burned down a sacred dance house. The fire totally destroyed the Kaatimiin, used for a children's healing ceremony. This was the second time in less than 10 years that the house...

Fires threaten several First Nations communities (July 5, 2006)

Fires in northern Saskatchewan are threatening several First Nations communities. More than 1,900 people have been evacuated from communities in the La Ronge area. Reserves at Wadin Bay, Sucker River, Stanley Mission and Grandmother's Bay are among those affected...

Norquist calls Abramoff report retaliation over Bush (July 5, 2006)

Conservative activist Grover Norquist is accusing Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) of retaliation over the 2000 Republican presidential primary. Norquist and other conservatives like Ralph Reed opposed McCain's bid for the nomination. They supported George W. Bush instead. As chairman of...