Federal judge won't interfere in Creek intra-tribal court dispute (January 8, 2013)

A federal judge ruled that he lacked jurisdiction in a dispute between the Thlopthlocco Tribal Town and the Muscogee Nation. The Thlopthlocco Tribal Town agreed to have the courts of the Muscogee Nation resolve certain disputes. But some Thlopthlocco leaders...

Pojoaque Pueblo gets deal to restore police officer commissions (January 8, 2013)

Police officers from Pojoaque Pueblo in New Mexico will be able to stop non-Indians under an agreement with the Santa Fe County Sheriff’s Office. The county revoked the tribe's commissions last September after non-Indians complained. There's also a lawsuit pending...

Navajo Nation charges parents after son found dead in the snow (January 8, 2013)

The Navajo Nation has laid child endangerment charges against a couple whose eight-year-old son was found dead in the snow a day after Christmas. Tribal authorities say mother Yolanda Henio and stepfather Keith Comosona were intoxicated when Tomas Jay Henio...

First Nations challenge bill that spurred Idle No More campaign (January 8, 2013)

The Frog Lake First Nation and the Mikisew Cree First Nation went to federal court today to challenge the bill that spurred the Idle No More Movement. The two bands say Bill C-45 violates their aboriginal rights and treaty rights....

Opinion: First Nations need more funding -- not 'accountability' (January 8, 2013)

"Chiefs across Canada are saying that the real lack of “accountability” lies in the Prime Minister’s Office and not at the level of individual first nation governments. Indigenous people across Canada are owed well in excess of $100-billion, the immediate...

Native parents concerned as students return to school in Ontario (January 8, 2013)

Native parents in Ontario are expressing concerns as their children return to school in Thunder Bay, the site of a recent sexual assault of a Native woman and an alleged police brutality incident of a Native student. Thunder Bay has...

Court in Canada rules Metis and non-status Indians are 'Indians' (January 8, 2013)

A decision today from the Federal Court of Canada is a landmark victory for Metis people and non-status Indians. Judge Michael Phelan determined that Metis and non-status Indians are indeed "Indians" under the Constitution Act of 1867. That means they...

Attawapiskat leader dismisses audit as hunger strike continues (January 8, 2013)

Attawapiskat First Nation Chief Theresa Spence dismissed an audit of the band's finances as a distraction as she endured the 28th day of her hunger strike. Spence has been at odds with the Canadian government ever since the band was...

Dry Creek Rancheria hears appeals over pending disenrollments (January 8, 2013)

Leaders of the Dry Creek Rancheria of California held closed-door hearings on Monday to consider the pending disenrollments of two women. Carmen Cordova Soltanizadeh, 34, and Laila DeRouen, 29, received disenrollment notices after they decided to run for tribal leadership...

Senator Max Baucus: Fighting for tax fairness in Indian Country (January 8, 2013)

As Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, which has jurisdiction over taxes, health care, trade, and Social Security, I’m in a unique position to help introduce and pass legislation that directly affects families across the nation. As the senior Senator...

Johnny Rustywire: Native-born at a ceremony for new US citizens (January 8, 2013)

"There was a small white envelope waiting for me when I got home. It was a subpoena, and it said be at the Federal Court Building at 8 a.m. and don't be late or else bad things will happen. So,...

Tensions growing after fatal arson blamed on Mapuche activists (January 8, 2013)

Tensions are on the rise in Chile after a fatal arson was blamed on Mapuche activists although a link was later disputed by top officials. President Sebastian Piñera immediately flew to Araucania, where many Mapuche live, after a wealthy rancher...

Former Mashantucket Pequot chairman pleads not guilty to theft (January 8, 2013)

Michael Thomas, the former chairman of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut, and his brother entered not guilty pleas to theft charges. Thomas and his brother, Steven, are accused of stealing more than $800,000 from the tribe. Authorities say...