Non-Indian inmates are taking part in religious ceremonies at the Nevada State Prison, a situation criticized by spiritual leaders and tribal advocates.

The Department of Corrections looked into inmates who were participating in a sweat lodge at the prison. The found that eight of them -- including the alleged spiritual leader and the alleged pipe holder -- were actually Hispanic.

At a meeting called by the Nevada Indian Commission, Native leaders said religious ceremonies should be limited to members of federally recognized tribes. Prison regulations allow tribal members, relatives of tribal members and people "with a "credible association with tribal living" can participate.

Get the Story:
Prison officials told to ban non-Indians from ceremonies (The Las Vegas Review-Journal 3/8)

Relevant Links:
Nevada Indian Commission - http://indiancommission.state.nv.us

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