November 21, 2009
Climate declaration in the works at Mystic Lake
PRIOR LAKE, Minn. – An inimitable gathering of grassroots organizers and environmental advocates representing tribal regions across the United States met Friday to write a declaration on global warming impacts on indigenous peoples.
Alternatives in the works if Carcieri fix legislation fails
LAS VEGAS – The Obama administration is considering alternative ways to “fix” the U.S. Supreme Court’s controversial Carcieri v. Salazar ruling in case proposed legislation doesn’t work.
Tribal embassy opens to great fanfare
WASHINGTON – The week of the White House Tribal Nations Conference was one of many high notes, including strong promises from the president and his administration, unprecedented representation from tribal leadership, and the festive opening of an international Embassy of Tribal Nations.
‘Honor’ settlement act by protecting sovereignty
HOULTON, Maine – The leader of the Houlton Band of Maliseet Indians could not attend the historic Tribal Nations Conference with President Barack Obama; instead she sent him a message.
Skibine promises new federal recognition regulations
WASHINGTON – A top BIA official has promised to reform the federal recognition process.
Questioning a ‘commander-in-chief’ for focusing on Indians
WASHINGTON – In the waning minutes of the day-long White House Tribal Nations Conference, held Nov. 5, President Barack Obama performed two duties: He said goodbye to the hundreds of leaders of sovereign Indian nations whom he invited to Washington, and addressed the horrific shootings at Fort Hood. In doing so, he created a controversy that has perplexed some in Indian country.
Pelosi shares meeting with tribal leaders
WASHINGTON – On the eve of a historic tribal conference with President Barack Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., took time to meet with visiting Indian leaders as well.
USDA on discrimination case: Working on it
WASHINGTON – Dozens of tribal leaders in town for a meeting with President Barack Obama took the opportunity to visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture to discuss some longstanding problems.
Obama administration knocks Carcieri ruling
WASHINGTON – It took a few months for Obama officials to take a clear public stand on the controversial Supreme Court’s Carcieri v. Salazar ruling, but when they did, they came out swinging.
NCAI resolutions focus on health care
PALM SPRINGS, Calif – An 18-page document reaffirming the nation-to-nation relationship in preparation for President Barack Obama’s historic first summit with tribal leaders was the longest and most detailed resolution passed at the National Congress of American Indians annual meeting in October, but it was only one of dozens of important issues the organization addressed.
