Native Americans

First New Coal Mine in MT in Three Decades

(HELENA) – Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer today joined tribal leaders of the Crow Nation as well as executives from Australian-American Energy Company (AAEC) in announcing that the tribe and company have formed a partnership to move forward on a coal-to-liquid facility and a new mine to be located on the Crow Reservation.

“Montana is on the move,” said Governor Schweitzer. “This project means supplying American energy produced by American workers to the country. This is the first new coal mine in Montana in 30 years and will be a significant contributor to our nation’s energy security.”    » read more »

5/20/2008 -- Hillary Clinton unveiled her proposal to provide increased opportunity and improve the quality of services for South Dakota’s Native American community today. Her plan, grounded in the principle of tribal sovereignty, focuses on job creation, improving the quality of health care and combating crime.

Hillary Clinton: Photo by circulating (CC)    » read more »

May 12, 2008 -- DES MOINES – Today, Iowa Governor Chet Culver signed legislation that creates the Iowa Commission on Native American Affairs. Housed in the Department of Human Rights, the commission will focus on the issues facing Iowa’s Native American community. The creation of the Commission was proposed in one of the Governor’s bills filed by the Governor in January.    » read more »

04/28/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today announced the signing of two related tribal-state gaming compacts with the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians and the Wiyot Tribe. The compacts directly unite the interests of North Fork's 1,700 citizens and the Wiyot Tribe's 600 members, benefiting one of the largest tribal populations in the history of such agreements.    » read more »

04/04/2008 -- California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger released the following statement regarding the death of Vernon Wright, Chairman of the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians:

"Maria and I are deeply saddened by the passing of Vernon Wright, Chairman of the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians. Vernon was a great Native American leader who always stood up for the rights of his tribe.

During the recent Poomacha wildfire, Vernon's outstanding leadership helped to provide aide not only to his own tribe, but also members of tribes in the surrounding area who were affected by the devastating Southern California wildfires. Our thoughts and prayers are with Vernon's family and tribe as they mourn the loss of a dedicated public servant."

Source: California Governor

March 14, 2008 -- Under the leadership of Nevada Senator Harry Reid, the U.S. Senate passed a budget that strengthens our economy. "This is a good budget that focuses on issues important to Nevadans. It lowers taxes for Nevada's middle class and helps make health care, college tuition, and energy more affordable. It is a fiscally responsible, balanced budget that adheres to the pay-as-you-go budget rules that created the surpluses of the late 1990's and created millions of jobs.," said Reid after the Senate passed the federal budget.    » read more »

March 13, 2008 -- WASHINGTON, DC— Today, Senator Edward M. Kennedy released the following statement in response to budget amendment #4198, which will increase the amount allocated to Indian Health Services by $1 billion.    » read more »