February 6, 2009

Gabe Galanda: Indian law needed on bar exams (February 6, 2009)

"An Associated Press story ran the day after Christmas about Heather and Clint Larson, non-Indian Utah citizens, and Talon, the 6-month-old boy they adopted. “After a months-long court battle,” the story went, “the couple had to hand him over to...

Yellow Bird: Indian Country loses a friend in Tom Clifford (February 6, 2009)

"American Indian elders say that when a good man passes over, the universe trembles a little, and there’s change in the air. It is the spirits escorting the person to the other world — the spirits will be among...

Editorial: Ken Salazar's new deal at Interior (February 6, 2009)

"Interior Secretary Ken Salazar’s first major decision — to cancel oil and gas leases on 77 parcels of public land in Utah — could not have sent a clearer signal that his department is under new management. It also was...

Louis Gray: No thanks for 'Sioux' awareness (February 6, 2009)

"I have been following the debate on the use of the Fighting Sioux mascot at UND. A lot of the comments have been heard over and over again; but, I’m always amazed at the argument that “the nickname must...

Blog: The many faces of the Jack Abramoff scandal (February 6, 2009)

"The Post's Investigations blog has compiled a summary of the 19 people (17 people have been charged with felonies, one with a misdemeanor and one has pleaded not guilty) charged in connection with the Abramoff case. Here they are,...

Editorial: Measuring and rating federal Indian policy (February 6, 2009)

"The Obama administration has promised protection of sovereignty and a package of programs. Indian policy is ripe for change and needs a stronger, more accountable set of programs that yield measurable results and improvements to communities and individuals living in...

Larry EchoHawk quietly apologizing to tribes (February 6, 2009)

Larry EchoHawk has been quietly apologizing to Idaho tribes for his past stances on gaming despite refusing to comment about his potential nomination as head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs. EchoHawk, a former Idaho attorney general, recently talked with...

Goat Blog: Top to bottom review at Interior (February 6, 2009)

"Illegal and questionable actions have not ceased at Interior with the election. For example, in the Klamath River Basin questions are being raised by a local supervisor and others concerning the legality of closed-door negotiations which have produced controversial...

Kevin Abourezk: Tribes hit by Daschle withdrawal (February 6, 2009)

"Rachel Joseph didn't let the withdrawal of Tom Daschle as a nominee for U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary slow her down this week. As disappointed as she was about Daschle's departure, she didn't let it stop her from speaking...