Dispute over child welfare contract continues (September 6, 2004)

The Northern Arapaho Tribe and the state of Wyoming are still at odds over a child welfare services contract. The state insisted on language that subjected child welfare disputes to state court. But the tribe wouldn't waive its sovereignty. As...

Blackfeet Nation tries to reduce number of bear killings (September 6, 2004)

The Blackfeet Nation of Montana is taking steps to reduce the number of bear killings on the reservation. In a normal year, about three or four bears are killed for causing problems. But so far this year, at least 15...

Sho-Ban students protest council over firings (September 6, 2004)

Students at Sho-Ban High School in Idaho organized a protest on Friday against the tribal council. The students are upset over the tribal council's recent takeover of the school. The council has fired a superintendent and a coordinator. A popular...

Editorial: Lummi totem poles express America's spirit (September 6, 2004)

"In the Northwest, totem poles have always expressed the people's spirit. As the tragic Sept. 11 anniversary approaches, totems are on their way across the country to express America's spirit. It is the third time that the Lummi Nation has...

Mark Trahant: History repeats itself with election (September 6, 2004)

"Presidential elections are about choices over the debatable questions about war, taxes, how the federal government spends and borrows money and what type of judges will be seated. Precisely because of those critical issues, and the stark differences they present,...

Yellow Bird: A worthwhile visit to Nez Perce relatives (September 6, 2004)

"The Nez Perce are fine people. They not only are friendly and hospitable but also a handsome nation. My adopted relatives live on the mountainside. As we sat in the shade of the trees at their house and talked before...

Court rules Jicarilla Apache Nation must pay tax (September 6, 2004)

The New Mexico Supreme Court on Friday ruled that the Jicarilla Apache Nation must pay an increased tax on a 32,000 acre ranch. The tribe's Lodge at Chama was initially valued at $2.1 million. The tax assessor in Rio Arriba...

Miccosukee man faces retrial for sons' deaths (September 6, 2004)

A member of the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida will be retried for the deaths of his two young sons. Kirk Billie drove an SUV carrying the boys into a canal. He has said he didn't know they were in the...

Cherokee chief urges members to get politically active (September 6, 2004)

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith gave his State of the Nation address on Saturday. Smith told a crowd of more than 1,000 to become involved in the political process. He said voting and supporting like-minded politicians were the only...

Meskwaki Tribe starts court to resolve internal disputes (September 6, 2004)

The Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa is launching its first court in hopes of resolving internal disputes like the one that led to the shutdown of the tribe's casino. Civil disputes over politics, casino contracts, family matters and tribal customs and...

Pala Band's anti-landfill measure taken off ballot (September 6, 2004)

A group led by the Pala Band of Mission Indians plans to appeal a decision removing the tribe's anti-landfill referendum from the November ballot. A judge said the language the San Diegans For Clean Drinking Water submitted was too confusing....

Alaska Native rural justice commission appointed (September 6, 2004)

The Department of Justice has appointed the members of a commission that will study law enforcement and jurisdiction issues in rural Alaska. Only one member will represent tribal governments. The members of the Alaska Rural Justice and Law Enforcement Commission...