Gillette exits White House for BIA deputy assistant secretary job (January 17, 2011)

Jodi Gillette, a member of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe, is moving to another job within the Obama administration. Gillette has been serving as an associate director of intergovernmental affairs at the White House since February 2009. She'll now be...

Robinson Rancheria getting ready to open 24-hour gasoline station (January 17, 2011)

The Robinson Rancheria of California will be opening a gasoline station. Chairwoman Tracey Avila said the station will be open 24 hours day, seven days a week. The tribe plans to offer gas for "a few cents" less than most...

Another Saginaw Chippewa man charged with assault using shoes (January 17, 2011)

A member of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan was charged for using his shoes as a dangerous weapon, the second incident of its kind on the reservation. Jonathon M. Pego was indicted on one count of assault. He allegedly...

Column: Lacrosse isn't just a game for Indian youth in Minnesota (January 17, 2011)

"Talk about a meeting of the minds. The deal, if you want to call it that, was hatched over handshakes and a couple of beers 18 months ago at a watering hole in Grand Portage, Minn. Two executives from...

Letter: Ask tribes in South Dakota about 'Fighting Sioux' nickname (January 17, 2011)

"I am a proud owner of a 200-year-old Lakota Strong Heart Holy Man’s headdress like the one worn by the man on the horse in front of the Ralph Engelstad Arena as well as Sitting Bull. I also have the...

Cherokee Nation disagrees with decision on Freedmen citizenship (January 17, 2011)

The Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma might appeal a tribal court decision that requires the tribe to enroll the Freedmen, who are the descendants of former slaves. Diane Hammons, the tribe's attorney general, said all options are being considered. “We have...

First Nations boy, 11, returns home safe following disappearance (January 17, 2011)

An 11-year-old First Nations boy went missing for two days in Saskatchewan and his family doesn't know where he went. Kasten Rabbitskin failed to return home from school on Friday. His family and police spent the entire weekend looking...

Betty Mae Tiger Jumper, first woman to lead Seminole Tribe, dies (January 17, 2011)

Betty Mae Tiger Jumper, who was the first and woman to lead the Seminole Tribe of Florida, died on Friday. She was 88. Jumper is believed to have been the first tribal member to graduate from high school. She...

Vice chairman of Lummi Nation resigns after less than two months (January 17, 2011)

The Lummi Nation of Washington has a new vice chairman after the resignation of Bernie Thomas. Thomas was chosen for the post in November 2010. But he resigned due to concerns about his full-time job as the tribe's education director,...

Opinion: Oneida Nation in bad shape despite Supreme Court move (January 17, 2011)

"Regarding the recent action by the U.S. Supreme Court remanding the foreclosure case back to the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals and Madison County government viewing the move as a victory for the counties, Oneida Indian Nation (OIN) spokesman Mark...

Editorial: Time to group after Native Hawaiian recognition bill fails (January 17, 2011)

"Ten years after the race toward federal recognition began, the Office of Hawaiian Affairs leaders look down and find themselves still standing on the starting line — and this following a congressional session in which a win seemed almost a...

Editorial: Arizona moving away from racial harmony in classroom (January 17, 2011)

"Last week’s memorial service in Tucson, which began with a blessing by a professor of Yaqui Indian and Mexican heritage, showcased Arizona’s rich diversity as well as the love and tolerance of many of its citizens. Unfortunately there is another...

Mark Trahant: Real fight over health care reform all about funding (January 17, 2011)

The Republican House of Representatives will make good on its promise later this week to repeal the health care reform bill -- only so far it's all for show. No one, not even Republicans, really believe the Senate or President...

Vi Waln: Ignorance rears its head with posting about 'ugly' prayer (January 17, 2011)

Last week a prayer was offered by Carlos Gonzales, a Pascua Yaqui Indian, at the memorial service held for the shooting victims in Tucson, Arizona. I am one who appreciates prayers by all people even when others don’t. The ignorance...

Tim Giago: Freedom of the press not really alive in Indian Country (January 17, 2011)

Ray Halbritter, Publisher and CEO of Indian Country Today weekly newspaper announced last week that the newspaper will become a weekly magazine to be called This Week from Indian Country Today. Let me give you a brief history of Indian...