Native Hawaiian programs survive big court test (January 16, 2004)

A federal judge has dismissed a legal challenge to programs benefiting Native Hawaiians. A group of non-Natives challenged the constitutionality of the Office of Hawaiian Affairs, a state agency. They claim the state can't restrict benefits based on race. But...

Autopsy: BIA student died of alcohol poisoning (January 16, 2004)

An autopsy blames alcohol poisoning for a Bureau of Indian Affairs student who died at Chemawa Indian School in Oregon. Cindy Gilbert Sohappy, 16, was placed in a holding cell for unruly and intoxicated students. She was found dead on...

Seneca Nation challenges Internet tobacco ban (January 16, 2004)

The Seneca Nation of New York is asking a federal judge to invalidate a state law banning the sale of tobacco products on the Internet. The tribe filed suit to protect the rights of business owners on the reservation. Lawyers...

Campbell reiterates opposition to 'Sand Creek' casino (January 16, 2004)

Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo) says he is being unfairly being thrust in the middle of a debate over a proposed tribal casino in his home state. Campbell told The Denver Post he is being singled out because he is...

New Lumbee tribal leaders sworn into office (January 16, 2004)

The Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina swore in a new chairman and 21 council members on Thursday. Chairman Jimmy Goins, who was elected in November, called on accountability and responsibility in tribal government. He said the tribe should be open...

Shawnee Tribe laying claim to old Army site in Kan. (January 16, 2004)

The Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma has filed suit against the federal government over ancestral land in Kansas. The tribe says a former Army ammunitions plant sits on a former reservation. The lawsuit seeks restoration of rights on the land. In...

Widow still looks for answers in Pine Ridge death (January 16, 2004)

Authorities have never resolved the death of an African-American man who went to the Pine Ridge Reservation in 1973 to support the American Indian Movement. Ray Robinson was reportedly at Wounded Knee when he was killed. His widow says an...

Aquash murder suspect released on bail in B.C. (January 16, 2004)

A man accused of murdering American Indian Movement activist Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash was released from a British Columbia jail on Thursday. John Graham, a Native from Yukon, has to report daily to police. He paid $25,000 for bail and faces...

First Nations blast interference in Mohawk feud (January 16, 2004)

Native leaders in Canada are criticizing the Quebec government's interference in a dispute on the Kanesatake Mohawk Reservation. Tribal leaders were equally critical of the "thugs" who burned down Chief James Gabriel's home. But they said Quebec's actions undermined tribal...

S.D. tribal members can apply for gas tax refunds (January 16, 2004)

The South Dakota Department of Revenue and Regulation is accepting applications for gas tax refunds from tribal members. The state has been illegally imposing its tax on the sale of gas to reservations since the 1920s. The South Dakota Supreme...

Basketball a family tradition for rising player (January 16, 2004)

Illinois State University junior guard Jaci McCormack, a member of the Nez Perce Tribe of Idaho, is gaining accolades for her playing style by teammates and coaches. McCormack credits her family and her "basketball-crazy" tribal community for her skills. "Basketball...

Choctaw chief won't back tribal member for Congress (January 16, 2004)

The head of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma isn't supporting a tribal member's bid for U.S. Congress, The Native American Times reports. Kalyn Free touts her Choctaw heritage. But Chief Greg Pyle is backing rival candidate Dan Boren, a state...

Oil spill called devastating for Suquamish Tribe (January 16, 2004)

Washington state lawmakers held a hearing on Thursday to address an oil spill that damaged prized beachfront on the Suquamish Reservation. A spokesperson for the tribe said the 4,800-gallon oil fuel spill has been a "traumatic event" for tribal members....

Delaware Nation files suit to reclaim land in Penn. (January 16, 2004)

The Delaware Nation of Oklahoma filed suit in federal court on Thursday over 315 acres of ancestral land. The tribe says a Delaware chief was promised 315 acres in what is now northeastern Pennsylvania. The suit claims the land was...

Column: 'Squaw' a racial slur against Native people (January 16, 2004)

"The continuing argument over Piestewa Peak can be settled with just one question. Is "squaw" a racial slur? Forget the history lessons about the word's origins. Here's the test for those who are surreptitiously making a pitch to get the...

Week long festival planned for NMAI opening in Sept. (January 16, 2004)

The new National Museum of the American Indian will open September 21 in Washington, D.C. NMAI is planning a week of events to mark the occasion. The First Americans Festival will include a tribal procession and an honoring ceremony for...

Senate Republicans seek passage of spending bill (January 16, 2004)

Senate Republicans are renewing efforts to pass the $328 billion omnibus appropriations bill, The Washington Post reports. The bill failed to clear the chamber late last year. It includes provisions to change the way Alaska Native tribes receive federal funds....