Fate of Indian preference in hands of Swimmer (February 4, 2004)

The Department of Interior official overseeing trust reform said this week he is still mulling a decision that would result in the loss of Indian preference for dozens of employees. In hopes of ensuring independence and integrity, the department has...

Idaho GOPs upset over tribe's role in wolf agreement (February 4, 2004)

Idaho Republicans are bickering over an agreement that recognizes the Nez Perce Tribe's role in wolf management. The agreement was reached by Gov. Dirk Kempthorne and the tribe. It covers the roles of the state and the tribe once the...

Towns to join state in tribal recognition appeal (February 4, 2004)

Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal said he expects several cities and towns to join the state's battle against federal recognition for the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. Blumenthal said the appeal will be filed with the Department of Interior's Board of Indian...

N.Y. tribe building energy plant for casino resort (February 4, 2004)

The Oneida Nation of New York is building a $13 million energy plant that will be used to power its casino resort. The tribe recently discovered a source of natural gas that will provide some of the power. The amount...

House leader vows fight against tobacco tax bill (February 4, 2004)

The Congressional Native American Caucus will work to kill tobacco tax legislation that opens up tribes to state jurisdiction, a key House lawmaker said on Tuesday. Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Mich.), the Democratic co-chair of the caucus, said there were efforts...

Vegas trip with Miccosukee chairman raises eyebrows (February 4, 2004)

Three Republican leaders in the Florida Senate say their trip to Las Vegas during Super Bowl weekend with the chairman of the Miccosukee Tribe was personal. But some legislative business was discussed while on a private plane paid by some...

Tulalip Tribes sign deal to host outlet mall (February 4, 2004)

The Tulalip Tribes of Washington signed a multi-million dollar deal to host an outlet mall on tribal land. Chelsea Property Group operates outlet malls throughout the country. The company will bring 100 to 120 stores on 47 acres of land...

Oneida man gives opening prayer for Wis. Senate (February 4, 2004)

A member of the Oneida Nation gave the opening prayer for the Wisconsin Senate on Tuesday. Brian Doxtator, a tribal council member, offered a prayer and song in Oneida and English. He is believed to be the first Oneida tribal...

Tohono O'odham Nation to press for citizenship bill (February 4, 2004)

The chairwoman of the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona said her tribe is strengthening the case for U.S. citizenship for all tribal members. The tribe's reservation was split in two by the drawing of the U.S.-Mexico border. Those on the...

Bill to force non-Indian input into Navajo deal pulled (February 4, 2004)

A proposed memorial to re-open the Navajo Nation's water settlement with the state of New Mexico and the federal government was pulled on Tuesday. Lawmakers said they wanted more non-Indians to be included. But Navajo leaders objected, saying there was...

Lumbee student competing to be next 'American Idol' (February 4, 2004)

A 20-year-old Lumbee student from North Carolina has advanced to the next round of the "American Idol" show. Charly Lowry sang "Proud Mary" in Monday's broadcast of the show. She is one of 117 contestants who were picked out of...

S.D. students call for changes to Indian statue (February 4, 2004)

The city council in Rapid City, South Dakota, took no action on three students' suggestion to remove or change a statue of a bound Indian warrior. Michael Lieberman, 14, Yvonne Bear Stops, 17, and James Skinner, 17, said they consider...

Jury for Anna Mae Aquash murder has one Indian (February 4, 2004)

Opening arguments were held on Tuesday for a man accused of murdering American Indian movement activist Anna Mae Pictou-Aquash. The jury was picked and it includes one Indian. At least one other Indian was excused because he said an Indian...

New budget eliminates or cuts 128 federal programs (February 4, 2004)

President Bush's new budget proposes to eliminate 65 programs and cut funding for 63 others. The list affects programs in education, health, housing and law enforcement, according to The New York Times. The White House said the cuts will save...

Tauzin to retire from House as energy bill scaled back (February 4, 2004)

Rep. W.J. "Billy" Tauzin (R-La.) won't seek re-election at the end of the year and will leave his seat as chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee this month. Tauzin is known as one of the most powerful Republicans...

USET signs 'best practices' agreement with FCC (February 4, 2004)

The United South and Eastern Tribes (USET) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Tuesday to protect sacred sites that may be affected by cellular phone towers. At USET's annual impact week meeting in the...

Kerry wins five states, Edwards and Clark take one each (February 4, 2004)

Sen. John F. Kerry of Massachusetts won the Democratic primaries in Missouri, Arizona, New Mexico, Delaware and North Dakota on Tuesday. Sen. John Edwards of North Carolina took South Carolina while retired Army general Wesley Clark narrowly defeated Edwards in...

Phoenix Suns to host Native basketball tourney (February 4, 2004)

Phoenix, Arizona - Team registration is now underway for the second annual Native American Basketball Invitational, a high school basketball tournament sponsored by the Phoenix Suns comprised of Native American student/athletes from throughout the United States and Canada. In response...

Bush cuts funds, again, for N.D. tribal college (February 4, 2004)

News from the United Tribes Technical College in North Dakota. Bismarck, North Dakota - United Tribes Technical College has no intention of taking the Bush Administration funding cuts lying down. College President David M. Gipp says, "the opportunities for students...

Senate buildings closed after poison found in office (February 4, 2004)

All three Senate office buildings will remain closed for a few more days after investigators confirmed the presence of ricin, a deadly poison, in the office of Bill Frist, the majority leader. A hearing this morning before the Senate Indian...