ICT - National - Northeast

Labor Department announces $67 million in grants

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration recently announced approximately $67 million in grant funds for the Workforce Investment Act Indian and Native American Program.

Senate passes ‘Termination Era’ PACT Act; tribal leaders will continue fight

WASHINGTON – Handing big tobacco corporations a huge victory, the U.S. Senate has passed the Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act – an act tribal leaders say is an attack on tribal sovereignty and economies that will devastate Indian tobacco businesses across the country.

Proposed cigarette tax regulations will ‘mire’ NY in litigation

ALBANY, N.Y. – The latest scheme by the New York state government to force Indian businesses to pay cigarette taxes on reservation sales to non-Indians is “illegal” and “anti-Indian,” and will be challenged in court, Indian nation representatives have said.

Event honoring film industry icon Robert Redford

The Oneida Indian Nation was a sponsor of a recent gala honoring legendary actor and director Robert Redford. He was presented with an award, established in his name that will become an annual recognition at the University of Southern California: School of Theater in Los Angeles. The event drew more than 500 celebrities and film and entertainment industry leaders from across the country.

Congress hears Cobell critiques; collusion charged

WASHINGTON – Faced with vocal Indian critiques of the proposed Cobell v. Salazar settlement – some happening before the wide eyes of Congress members – the lead plaintiff in the case is showing firm resolve.

Native farmers eagerly watch Obama African-American deal

WASHINGTON – Native American litigants in a long-running case against the U.S. Department of Agriculture are hoping the nation’s first farmers won’t be the last to see resolution by the Obama administration on discrimination claims.

NAIHC asks for funds to be reinstated

WASHINGTON – The National American Indian Housing Council has asked Congress to reinstate part of the big reduction in Indian Housing Block Grant money called for by the president’s fiscal 2011 budget.

Mashantucket’s bond ratings downgraded

NEW YORK – Standard & Poor’s rating services has lowered its ratings to the default category on three special revenue bonds issued by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

Foxwoods awards another Megajackpot; $2.7 million paid this year

MASHANTUCKET, Conn. – Dennis Hubbard won $509,827 when he hit a Temple of Treasure MegaJackpot at Foxwoods Resort Casino Feb. 21.

Cobell critics surface on Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON – Tribal leaders are increasingly raising concerns over a proposed Cobell v. Salazar lawsuit settlement. Some want Congress to put the brakes on the matter to better examine how Indian class members would be affected.