NARF director calls for sweeping changes

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2002

John Echohawk, executive director of the Native American Rights Fund, spoke at the Alaska Inter-Tribal Council's annual convention on Thursday.

Echohawk talked about the Supreme Court's erosion of tribal sovereignty. He said the only way to counteract it is through full-scale reform of Indian law by Congress.

Tribes are pushing for legislation to regain civil and criminal authority over their lands. Sen. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) said he plans to introduce a bill next year.

Get the Story:
State, tribal court ties seen as growing (The Anchorage Daily News 12/13)

Relevant Links:
Native American Rights Fund - http://www.narf.org
Sovereignty Protection Initiative - http://www.ncai.org/main/pages/issues/governance/supreme_court.asp

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