More: 9th circuit
Law | National | Politics | Trust
Second federal appeals court chimes in with decision favoring tribal homelands (October 12, 2017)
Where Congress has failed to take action on one of the most consequential Supreme Court cases, tribes are seeing successes elsewhere as they seek to restore their homelands.
Second federal appeals court chimes in with decision favoring tribal homelands (October 12, 2017)
Where Congress has failed to take action on one of the most consequential Supreme Court cases, tribes are seeing successes elsewhere as they seek to restore their homelands.
Law
Supreme Court puts end to case challenging Colorado River Indian Tribes lease (October 10, 2017)
It looks like a long-running lease dispute between the Colorado River Indian Tribes and a non-Indian tenant is finally over.
Supreme Court puts end to case challenging Colorado River Indian Tribes lease (October 10, 2017)
It looks like a long-running lease dispute between the Colorado River Indian Tribes and a non-Indian tenant is finally over.
Business | Environment | Law | National | Politics | Trust
Supreme Court opens term with new justice and with Indian law cases on horizon (October 2, 2017)
The U.S. Supreme Court is back at work this week with a new member and a slew of Indian law cases on the horizon.
Supreme Court opens term with new justice and with Indian law cases on horizon (October 2, 2017)
The U.S. Supreme Court is back at work this week with a new member and a slew of Indian law cases on the horizon.
Environment | Law | National
Treaty tribes upset with appeal in major case amid salmon disaster in Washington (August 29, 2017)
The release of countless farmed salmon into treaty fishing grounds isn't the only crisis facing tribes in Washington -- the state is pursuing an appeal in a critical case.
Treaty tribes upset with appeal in major case amid salmon disaster in Washington (August 29, 2017)
The release of countless farmed salmon into treaty fishing grounds isn't the only crisis facing tribes in Washington -- the state is pursuing an appeal in a critical case.
Law
Appeals court affirms conviction in Northern Cheyenne Tribe manslaughter case (August 22, 2017)
A citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe can be prosecuted by tribal and federal authorities for the same crime because they are separate sovereigns, a federal appeals court ruled.
Appeals court affirms conviction in Northern Cheyenne Tribe manslaughter case (August 22, 2017)
A citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe can be prosecuted by tribal and federal authorities for the same crime because they are separate sovereigns, a federal appeals court ruled.
Environment | Law | National | Politics
Young indigenous activist fights Trump administration in climate change lawsuit (August 11, 2017)
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, a young activist, is a plaintiffs in a lawsuit that seeks to force the federal government to take a more serious stand on climate change.
Young indigenous activist fights Trump administration in climate change lawsuit (August 11, 2017)
Xiuhtezcatl Martinez, a young activist, is a plaintiffs in a lawsuit that seeks to force the federal government to take a more serious stand on climate change.
Law
Court upholds conviction in Northern Cheyenne domestic violence case (August 1, 2017)
A citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe who was convicted of assaulting his common-law wife has lost an attempt to silence his victim.
Court upholds conviction in Northern Cheyenne domestic violence case (August 1, 2017)
A citizen of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe who was convicted of assaulting his common-law wife has lost an attempt to silence his victim.
Law | National
Bishop Paiute Tribe can proceed with sovereignty complaint against county (July 19, 2017)
The Bishop Paiute Tribe is returning to federal court to face off against a longtime nemesis in California.
Bishop Paiute Tribe can proceed with sovereignty complaint against county (July 19, 2017)
The Bishop Paiute Tribe is returning to federal court to face off against a longtime nemesis in California.
Education | Law | National
Cronkite News: Navajo Nation welcomes decision in school jurisdiction case (June 29, 2017)
A federal appeals court ruled that the Navajo Nation Labor Commission can decide a labor dispute between school districts and their employees on Navajo land.
Cronkite News: Navajo Nation welcomes decision in school jurisdiction case (June 29, 2017)
A federal appeals court ruled that the Navajo Nation Labor Commission can decide a labor dispute between school districts and their employees on Navajo land.
Education | Law | National
Appeals court ruling opens door for tribal jurisdiction over public schools (June 28, 2017)
Two public school districts in Arizona have lost their challenge to the Navajo Nation's sovereignty.
Appeals court ruling opens door for tribal jurisdiction over public schools (June 28, 2017)
Two public school districts in Arizona have lost their challenge to the Navajo Nation's sovereignty.
Law | National
Family from Crow Tribe wins right to pursue lawsuit against federal agent (June 27, 2017)
A family from the Crow Tribe is closer to securing some justice for the loss of their loved one in Montana.
Family from Crow Tribe wins right to pursue lawsuit against federal agent (June 27, 2017)
A family from the Crow Tribe is closer to securing some justice for the loss of their loved one in Montana.
Environment | Law | National
Cronkite News: Tribes win decision in water rights dispute in Arizona (June 15, 2017)
A federal appeals court agreed with two tribes who challenged plans to divert water from the Gila River in Arizona.
Cronkite News: Tribes win decision in water rights dispute in Arizona (June 15, 2017)
A federal appeals court agreed with two tribes who challenged plans to divert water from the Gila River in Arizona.
Environment | Law | National
Agua Caliente Band moves forward with next phase of water case (June 8, 2017)
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians already won two landmark rulings in its water rights case and will be looking for another victory in federal court.
Agua Caliente Band moves forward with next phase of water case (June 8, 2017)
The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians already won two landmark rulings in its water rights case and will be looking for another victory in federal court.
Law | Opinion
Carl Tobias: Nominate Diane Humetewa for seat on appeals court (June 5, 2017)
A law professor makes the case for President Donald Trump to nominate the first Native woman to serve on a federal appeals court.
Carl Tobias: Nominate Diane Humetewa for seat on appeals court (June 5, 2017)
A law professor makes the case for President Donald Trump to nominate the first Native woman to serve on a federal appeals court.
Environment | Law | National
Treaty tribes celebrate after court refuses to rehear salmon dispute (May 22, 2017)
The state of Washington has been ordered to remove more then 800 culverts that prevent salmon from returning to treaty fishing sites.
Treaty tribes celebrate after court refuses to rehear salmon dispute (May 22, 2017)
The state of Washington has been ordered to remove more then 800 culverts that prevent salmon from returning to treaty fishing sites.
Law | Federal Recognition
Mishewal Wappo Tribe loses appeal in federal recognition lawsuit (April 26, 2017)
The California tribe waited too long after being terminated to bring the case, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Mishewal Wappo Tribe loses appeal in federal recognition lawsuit (April 26, 2017)
The California tribe waited too long after being terminated to bring the case, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals.
Law
Appeals court won't rehear Santa Ynez Band enrollment dispute (April 6, 2017)
Rosanna Miranda and her relatives haven't decided whether to take the case to the nation's highest court.
Appeals court won't rehear Santa Ynez Band enrollment dispute (April 6, 2017)
Rosanna Miranda and her relatives haven't decided whether to take the case to the nation's highest court.
Environment | Law | National
Agua Caliente Band sees challenge to landmark water rights ruling (March 30, 2017)
Two water districts in southern California are going to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the tribe's victory.
Agua Caliente Band sees challenge to landmark water rights ruling (March 30, 2017)
Two water districts in southern California are going to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the tribe's victory.
Business | Environment | Law | National
Cronkite News: Navajo Nation hails decision on aging power plant (March 27, 2017)
A federal appeals court rejected two cases related to the Navajo Generating Station, one that aimed to tighten environmental restrictions and another questioned the process that calls for the plant’s closure.
Cronkite News: Navajo Nation hails decision on aging power plant (March 27, 2017)
A federal appeals court rejected two cases related to the Navajo Generating Station, one that aimed to tighten environmental restrictions and another questioned the process that calls for the plant’s closure.
Law | National | Politics
Internal tribal disputes continue to trip up federal court system (March 23, 2017)
Tribal citizens who have been punished by their governments are finding few allies in the federal court system but that isn't stopping them from seeking justice.
Internal tribal disputes continue to trip up federal court system (March 23, 2017)
Tribal citizens who have been punished by their governments are finding few allies in the federal court system but that isn't stopping them from seeking justice.
Law | Federal Recognition
Mishewal Wappo Tribe returns to court to seek federal recognition (March 21, 2017)
The California-based tribe was targeted for termination in the 1950s.
Mishewal Wappo Tribe returns to court to seek federal recognition (March 21, 2017)
The California-based tribe was targeted for termination in the 1950s.
Environment | Law
Hopi Tribe and Native activists lose cases over aging power plant (March 20, 2017)
A federal appeals court sided with the Environmental Protection Agency in a complex dispute over the facility on the Navajo Nation.
Hopi Tribe and Native activists lose cases over aging power plant (March 20, 2017)
A federal appeals court sided with the Environmental Protection Agency in a complex dispute over the facility on the Navajo Nation.
Business | Law | National
Water agency dealt setback in challenge to Bureau of Indian Affairs rule (March 7, 2017)
It's been a bad day in court for a local government entity in southern California.
Water agency dealt setback in challenge to Bureau of Indian Affairs rule (March 7, 2017)
It's been a bad day in court for a local government entity in southern California.
Environment | Law | National
Agua Caliente Band wins major decision on rights to groundwater (March 7, 2017)
A federal appeals court sided with the southern California tribe in the critical first stage of the case.
Agua Caliente Band wins major decision on rights to groundwater (March 7, 2017)
A federal appeals court sided with the southern California tribe in the critical first stage of the case.
Law | National
Supreme Court turns down another tribal disenrollment dispute (February 27, 2017)
The #StopDisenrollment movement continues to gain steam across the nation but there's still one place where it hasn't caught on.
Supreme Court turns down another tribal disenrollment dispute (February 27, 2017)
The #StopDisenrollment movement continues to gain steam across the nation but there's still one place where it hasn't caught on.
Law
Paskenta Band seeks to freeze assets in connection with $6M theft (January 10, 2017)
A former official and two former employees have been indicted in federal court for allegedly stealing from the California tribe.
Paskenta Band seeks to freeze assets in connection with $6M theft (January 10, 2017)
A former official and two former employees have been indicted in federal court for allegedly stealing from the California tribe.
Environment | National | Politics
Northwest tribes set to reclaim ancestor known as the Ancient One (December 12, 2016)
The Kennewick Man will finally be coming home once President Barack Obama signs a national water bill into law.
Northwest tribes set to reclaim ancestor known as the Ancient One (December 12, 2016)
The Kennewick Man will finally be coming home once President Barack Obama signs a national water bill into law.
Environment | Law | National
Navajo Nation youth battle coal-fired power plant on reservation (November 18, 2016)
A federal appeals court is hearing arguments in two cases affecting the Navajo Generating Station.
Navajo Nation youth battle coal-fired power plant on reservation (November 18, 2016)
A federal appeals court is hearing arguments in two cases affecting the Navajo Generating Station.
Environment | Law | National
Agua Caliente Band back in federal court to defend water rights (October 20, 2016)
The tribe won a major decision confirming its right to groundwater on the southern California reservation but two local agencies are appealing.
Agua Caliente Band back in federal court to defend water rights (October 20, 2016)
The tribe won a major decision confirming its right to groundwater on the southern California reservation but two local agencies are appealing.
Business | Law
Yakama Nation tobacco dispute goes before federal appeals court (September 1, 2016)
The Washington tribe is challenging a federal tax that was imposed on a business that operates on an allotment within reservation boundaries.
Yakama Nation tobacco dispute goes before federal appeals court (September 1, 2016)
The Washington tribe is challenging a federal tax that was imposed on a business that operates on an allotment within reservation boundaries.
Environment | Law
Gila River Indian Community continues fight against new freeway (September 1, 2016)
The Arizona tribe says the South Mountain Freeway will destroy one of its most sacred sites.
Gila River Indian Community continues fight against new freeway (September 1, 2016)
The Arizona tribe says the South Mountain Freeway will destroy one of its most sacred sites.
Business | Opinion
Harold Monteau: Tribal lending industry facing major challenges (August 26, 2016)
The Tribal Lending Industry is now weathering a 'Perfect Storm' of Private Civil Litigation, CFPB enforcement actions and Criminal Indictments.
Harold Monteau: Tribal lending industry facing major challenges (August 26, 2016)
The Tribal Lending Industry is now weathering a 'Perfect Storm' of Private Civil Litigation, CFPB enforcement actions and Criminal Indictments.
Health | Law | National
Shingle Springs Band wins ruling in dispute over sovereign immunity (August 9, 2016)
The dispute arose after a former employee sued the tribe in California state court.
Shingle Springs Band wins ruling in dispute over sovereign immunity (August 9, 2016)
The dispute arose after a former employee sued the tribe in California state court.
Law | National
Appeals court reverses conviction due to tribal certificate dispute (August 3, 2016)
Even though Edgar Alvirez won a reversal, the case took so long to resolve that he completed the terms of his sentence for an assault on an Indian woman.
Appeals court reverses conviction due to tribal certificate dispute (August 3, 2016)
Even though Edgar Alvirez won a reversal, the case took so long to resolve that he completed the terms of his sentence for an assault on an Indian woman.
Law | Politics | Trust
President Obama endorses land-into-trust foe in Senate contest in California (July 19, 2016)
As attorney general of California, Kamala Harris has repeatedly fought tribes on land-into-trust issues.
President Obama endorses land-into-trust foe in Senate contest in California (July 19, 2016)
As attorney general of California, Kamala Harris has repeatedly fought tribes on land-into-trust issues.
Law | National
Disenrollees of Pala Band ask federal appeals court for rehearing (July 14, 2016)
More than 150 people who were disenrolled say the Bureau of Indian Affairs has a duty to protect their rights.
Disenrollees of Pala Band ask federal appeals court for rehearing (July 14, 2016)
More than 150 people who were disenrolled say the Bureau of Indian Affairs has a duty to protect their rights.
Law | National
Court sides with Bureau of Indian Affairs in disenrollment dispute (July 8, 2016)
Leaders of the Pala Band of Mission Indians in California have removed hundreds of people from the rolls and no one has the power to stop them.
Court sides with Bureau of Indian Affairs in disenrollment dispute (July 8, 2016)
Leaders of the Pala Band of Mission Indians in California have removed hundreds of people from the rolls and no one has the power to stop them.
Business | Law | National
Supreme Court puts an end to another tribal jurisdiction dispute (June 28, 2016)
A case that Indian Country all but forgot was disposed by the nation's highest court without comment after a lengthy delay.
Supreme Court puts an end to another tribal jurisdiction dispute (June 28, 2016)
A case that Indian Country all but forgot was disposed by the nation's highest court without comment after a lengthy delay.
Environment | Law | National
Washington tribes win major fishing rights decision at appeals court (June 27, 2016)
By a unanimous vote, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals determined that the state of Washington continues to violate tribal treaties.
Washington tribes win major fishing rights decision at appeals court (June 27, 2016)
By a unanimous vote, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals determined that the state of Washington continues to violate tribal treaties.
Law
9th Circuit rules Indian defendant can't blame 'historical trauma' (June 17, 2016)
Calvert Woody, a member of the Navajo Nation, tried to suppress incriminating statements he gave in his criminal sexual abuse case.
9th Circuit rules Indian defendant can't blame 'historical trauma' (June 17, 2016)
Calvert Woody, a member of the Navajo Nation, tried to suppress incriminating statements he gave in his criminal sexual abuse case.
Law | National
Supreme Court decision hailed as a victory for tribal sovereignty (June 14, 2016)
Native women and their advocates call the unanimous ruling an important step in their quest for justice in Indian Country.
Supreme Court decision hailed as a victory for tribal sovereignty (June 14, 2016)
Native women and their advocates call the unanimous ruling an important step in their quest for justice in Indian Country.
Law | National
Supreme Court upholds use of tribal convictions in federal system (June 13, 2016)
A unanimous decision from the nation's highest court ensures that Native women in all states can be protected by a federal law that was written to address high rates of violence in tribal communities.
Supreme Court upholds use of tribal convictions in federal system (June 13, 2016)
A unanimous decision from the nation's highest court ensures that Native women in all states can be protected by a federal law that was written to address high rates of violence in tribal communities.
Law | Politics | Trust
Native voters in California face unique choices in Senate election (June 8, 2016)
One candidate fought tribes on land-into-trust issue while the other had to apologize for making offensive remarks.
Native voters in California face unique choices in Senate election (June 8, 2016)
One candidate fought tribes on land-into-trust issue while the other had to apologize for making offensive remarks.
Business | Law | National | Politics
Tribal lenders face pressure as new rule aims to end 'debt traps' (June 7, 2016)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released a 1,341-page proposal that imposes standards on all lenders, including those operated by tribes.
Tribal lenders face pressure as new rule aims to end 'debt traps' (June 7, 2016)
The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau released a 1,341-page proposal that imposes standards on all lenders, including those operated by tribes.
Environment | Law
Supreme Court won't take up dispute over solar plant on sacred land (June 6, 2016)
A group of plaintiffs that included an elder from the Fort Mojave Tribe challenged the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System in southern California.
Supreme Court won't take up dispute over solar plant on sacred land (June 6, 2016)
A group of plaintiffs that included an elder from the Fort Mojave Tribe challenged the Ivanpah Solar Electric Generating System in southern California.
Law | Politics
Timbisha Shoshone Tribe disenrollment fight appears to be over (June 1, 2016)
An attempt to remove 74 people from the rolls left one faction of the tribe on the losing end of a federal court decision.
Timbisha Shoshone Tribe disenrollment fight appears to be over (June 1, 2016)
An attempt to remove 74 people from the rolls left one faction of the tribe on the losing end of a federal court decision.
Environment | Law | National | Politics
Northwest tribes inch closer to reburial of Kennewick Man remains (April 28, 2016)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has once again confirmed that the remains known to the tribe as the Ancient One are Native American.
Northwest tribes inch closer to reburial of Kennewick Man remains (April 28, 2016)
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has once again confirmed that the remains known to the tribe as the Ancient One are Native American.
Environment | Law
Pit River Tribe claims victory in long-running sacred site dispute (April 26, 2016)
The tribe and allies have been fighting to protect Medicine Lake from a geothermal energy plant for more than a decade.
Pit River Tribe claims victory in long-running sacred site dispute (April 26, 2016)
The tribe and allies have been fighting to protect Medicine Lake from a geothermal energy plant for more than a decade.
Law | National
Supreme Court won't hear Indian blood quantum and race case (April 25, 2016)
Damien Zepeda, a member of the Gila River Indian Community, will continue to serve a lengthy prison sentence for a crime he committed in 2008.
Supreme Court won't hear Indian blood quantum and race case (April 25, 2016)
Damien Zepeda, a member of the Gila River Indian Community, will continue to serve a lengthy prison sentence for a crime he committed in 2008.
Law | National
Supreme Court posts audio from hearing in domestic violence case (April 25, 2016)
The hearing ran about 15 minutes shorter than the allotted hour because the justices had fewer questions than normal for both sides in the case.
Supreme Court posts audio from hearing in domestic violence case (April 25, 2016)
The hearing ran about 15 minutes shorter than the allotted hour because the justices had fewer questions than normal for both sides in the case.
Law | National
Self-proclaimed 'Native' church defends drug use and sex healing (April 20, 2016)
The group claims marijuana as a sacrament and has become affiliated with an Arizona woman who was recently found guilty of prostitution.
Self-proclaimed 'Native' church defends drug use and sex healing (April 20, 2016)
The group claims marijuana as a sacrament and has become affiliated with an Arizona woman who was recently found guilty of prostitution.
Law | National | Politics
Supreme Court case prompts spirited defense of tribal judiciary systems (April 19, 2016)
A brief that tried to raise doubts about courts in Indian Country is being called an attack on sovereignty and self-determination.
Supreme Court case prompts spirited defense of tribal judiciary systems (April 19, 2016)
A brief that tried to raise doubts about courts in Indian Country is being called an attack on sovereignty and self-determination.
Law | National | Politics
Supreme Court ready to hear fourth Indian law case on the docket (April 18, 2016)
US v. Bryant will determine whether tribal convictions can be used against offenders who repeatedly abuse American Indian women.
Supreme Court ready to hear fourth Indian law case on the docket (April 18, 2016)
US v. Bryant will determine whether tribal convictions can be used against offenders who repeatedly abuse American Indian women.
Canada | Environment | Law | National
Colville Tribes upset by release of toxic mining chemicals into river (April 15, 2016)
A Canadian company that claims it is above U.S. law has once again released toxic chemicals into the Columbia River system.
Colville Tribes upset by release of toxic mining chemicals into river (April 15, 2016)
A Canadian company that claims it is above U.S. law has once again released toxic chemicals into the Columbia River system.
Law | National
Cronkite News: Navajo man convicted as teen wins resentencing (April 12, 2016)
A federal appeals court ordered a resentencing Monday for a Navajo Nation man who was sentenced to life without parole for murder and conspiracy to murder in 2002, when he was just 16 years old.
Cronkite News: Navajo man convicted as teen wins resentencing (April 12, 2016)
A federal appeals court ordered a resentencing Monday for a Navajo Nation man who was sentenced to life without parole for murder and conspiracy to murder in 2002, when he was just 16 years old.
Law | National
Final brief sent to Supreme Court in Indian blood and race case (April 12, 2016)
A member of the Gila River Indian Community who is serving a lengthy prison sentence is hoping the nation's highest court won't see him as an 'Indian.'
Final brief sent to Supreme Court in Indian blood and race case (April 12, 2016)
A member of the Gila River Indian Community who is serving a lengthy prison sentence is hoping the nation's highest court won't see him as an 'Indian.'
Law
Self-proclaimed 'Native' church loses decision on marijuana use (April 7, 2016)
The controversial Oklevueha Native American Church claims marijuana as a sacrament in addition to peyote.
Self-proclaimed 'Native' church loses decision on marijuana use (April 7, 2016)
The controversial Oklevueha Native American Church claims marijuana as a sacrament in addition to peyote.
Environment | Law
Navajo Nation wins ruling for remains removed from reservation (April 7, 2016)
The National Park Service has been holding onto 303 ancestors that were taken from the Canyon De Chelly National Monument.
Navajo Nation wins ruling for remains removed from reservation (April 7, 2016)
The National Park Service has been holding onto 303 ancestors that were taken from the Canyon De Chelly National Monument.
Law | National
Supreme Court petition presents blood quantum and race issues (March 28, 2016)
A member of the Gila River Indian Community who is serving a lengthy prison sentence is hoping the nation's highest court won't see him as an 'Indian.'
Supreme Court petition presents blood quantum and race issues (March 28, 2016)
A member of the Gila River Indian Community who is serving a lengthy prison sentence is hoping the nation's highest court won't see him as an 'Indian.'
Environment | Law | National
Supreme Court won't review Alaska tribe's victory in roads case (March 28, 2016)
The Organized Village of Kake won a decision that protects the Tongass National Forest from roads, logging and other development.
Supreme Court won't review Alaska tribe's victory in roads case (March 28, 2016)
The Organized Village of Kake won a decision that protects the Tongass National Forest from roads, logging and other development.