Opinion: Native American veterans deserve housing assistance (March 8, 2011)

"With American Indians and Alaska Natives more than 2 1/2 more likely to join the armed services than all other ethnicities, care of our veterans is of vital importance to Indian country. Agreeing that our war veterans in need deserve...

ICWA ruling expected to spur tribal-state cooperation in Alaska (March 8, 2011)

A ruling from the Alaska Supreme Court should lead to more cooperation between tribes and the state on Indian Child Welfare Act matters, an attorney for the Native American Rights Fund said. The court ruled that nothing in ICWA prevents...

ABA Journal: Tribal courts forging new territory with ethics rules (March 8, 2011)

"One of the notable trends in the legal ethics field over the past several years has been a gradual movement toward more uniformity in the substance and application of professional conduct rules. There is little, if any, expectation that the...

A&E casts for six Indian roles for Sheriff Walt Longmire mystery (March 8, 2011)

A&E is holding casting sessions for six Indian roles for an upcoming pilot based on the Sheriff Walt Longmire mystery series by author Craig Johnson. The series revolves around Longmire and friend Henry Standing Bear. A&E is looking for someone...

Activists protest Oglala Sioux Tribe handling of elderly program (March 8, 2011)

The Strong Heart Warrior Society says the Oglala Sioux Tribe of South Dakota is mistreating elders. Strong Heart activists have been peacefully occupying the building that houses the elderly meals program since March 4. They are accusing the staff of...

NMAI Blog: Research library donated to tribal colleges across US (March 8, 2011)

"The closing of the Resource Center posed one significant challenge for us: What to do with the approximately 5,500-volume research library? The library was built over a six-year period, and reflected the needs and interests of a diverse crowd—schoolchildren...

Interviews: Tracey LeBeau, director of new Indian Energy office (March 8, 2011)

The Arctic Sounder interviews Tracey LeBeau, a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe who serves as the director of the new Office of Indian Energy Policy and Programs at the Department of Energy. "Question: The Office of Indian Energy...

Navajo Nation appeals decision in dispute over land bid process (March 8, 2011)

The Navajo Nation is appealing a decision in a bidding dispute. On February 28, Judge William Platero ruled that the tribe violated its regulations when it awarded leases for land to the highest bidder. The process forced Loretta Morris and...

Deadline approaches for end to ferry that crosses Lummi Nation (March 8, 2011)

Officials in Whatcom County, Washington, have until April 11 to negotiate a new agreement with the Lummi Nation or face the end of ferry service from a site on tribal land. The tribe's 25-year lease for the Lummi Island ferry...

Northern Cheyenne woman a finalist for national Sullivan Award (March 8, 2011)

Tahnee Robinson, a member of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe of Montana, has been named one of five finalists for the prestigious Sullivan Award by the Amateur Athletic Union. Robinson is a senior at the University of Nevada Reno. She's...

Opinion: 'Indians' mascot helps honor tribes that 'disappeared' (March 8, 2011)

"A few days ago an editorial appeared in your paper re: Berlin should confront mascot question. The Final Thought stated that we should "charter a new mascot that fits the city's proud history." Our mascot already represents our proud history....

Saginaw Chippewa Tribe celebrates opening of first credit union (March 8, 2011)

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan held a grand opening and reception for its new credit union. The Chippewa Eagle Federal Credit Union gained federal approval last year. It will provide services to an estimated 7,800 members and employees of...

Local official claims Chumash Tribe doesn't need land-into-trust (March 8, 2011)

A local official says wealthy tribes like the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians of California don't need the land-into-trust process. The tribe hasn't filed a land-into-trust application for 1,400 acres it recently purchased in Santa Barbara County. But Supervisor...

Guilty plea in connection with bribery case of ex-Soboba leader (March 8, 2011)

A business owner pleaded guilty in connection with the bribery case against Robert Salgado, the former chairman of the Soboba Band of Luiseño Indians of California. Salgado pleaded guilty in October 2010 to accepting bribes and concealing his income. He...

Bill to cap Cobell attorney fees to $50M referred to committees (March 8, 2011)

H.R.887, a bill to limit attorney fees in the Indian trust fund lawsuit to $50 million, has been referred to two committees in the House. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska) introduced the bill on March 2. Rep. Doc Hastings (R-Washington) is...

Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs (March 8, 2011)

The new Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs met today for its first hearing of the 112th Congress. Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), the chairman of the subcommittee, called the hearing to discuss funding for Indian programs. Assistant Secretary Larry...