Native Americans

January 7, 2008 -- Today, the United States Department of Interior’s approval of the 25-year compact between the State of Florida and the Seminole Tribe of Florida appeared in the Federal Register. Upon federal authorization, the Seminole Tribe of Florida transferred $50 million to the State of Florida.    » read more »

December 20, 2007 -- TALLAHASSEE, FL – Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum today released the following statement regarding a lawsuit to be filed by the Attorney General’s Office on behalf of the State of Florida. The lawsuit seeks an injunction against the Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Interior to prevent him from publishing and making effective the Florida compact on expanded gambling which is currently in litigation before the Florida Supreme Court.    » read more »

December 19, 2007 -- TRENTON - The New Jersey Committee on Native American Community Affairs presented New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine with its report concerning issues confronting the state's three indigenous Native American tribes and other New Jerseyans of Native American descent.

"I want to thank the Committee for their commitment to improving social and economic conditions of those of Native American heritage," said Governor Corzine. "I look forward to reviewing these recommendations so that together we can ensure equality for all New Jerseyans of all backgrounds."    » read more »

12/13/2007 -- SANTA FE-- Governor Bill Richardson has announced the groundbreaking of New Mexico's largest infrastructure project to serve Native Americans. Today's groundbreaking is part of a $15.3 million project connecting Native American and non-Native American communities in New Mexico.    » read more »

December 13, 2007 -- SANTA FE – New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson has announced the groundbreaking of New Mexico’s largest infrastructure project to serve Native Americans. Today’s groundbreaking is part of a $15.3 million project connecting Native American and non-Native American communities in New Mexico.    » read more »

November 30, 2007 -- (BOISE) – Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and officials from the Nez Perce and Kootenai tribes reached agreements this week for the collection and allocation of motor fuel taxes on their respective tribal lands, joining the Coeur d’Alene and Shoshone-Bannock tribes in resolving the issue.    » read more »

November 24, 2007 -- SANTA FE - New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced the investment of nearly $5,000,000 in infrastructure improvements as recommended by the Tribal Infrastructure Fund Board. Money will be used for housing, health facilities, infrastructure and economic development initiatives.

“I am keeping my promise to invest in our Native American communities,” Governor Bill Richardson said. “This is much needed money that will fund critical tribal projects, such as water and wastewater systems, health facilities and infrastructure improvements."    » read more »

Washington, D.C. - 11/19/2007 - American Indian and Alaskan Native children are overrepresented in the nation's foster care system at more than 1.6 times the expected level, according to a new report by the National Indian Child Welfare Association (NICWA) and the national, nonpartisan Kids Are Waiting campaign, a project of The Pew Charitable Trusts. Yet tribal governments are excluded from some of the largest sources of federal child welfare funding.    » read more »

November 14, 2007 -- TALLAHASSEE – Florida Governor Charlie Crist today, along with Mitchell Cypress, Chairman of the Seminole Tribe of Florida, complied with federal guidelines by signing a 25-year compact that has the potential to provide billions of dollars to Florida’s schools. In exchange for significant revenue sharing of profits, the agreement gives the tribe the exclusive right to operate slot machines and card games in the seven existing facilities on tribal lands.    » read more »

Salt Lake City - Since Utah's Navajo Trust Fund statute is set to sunset in 2008, Utah Governor Jon Huntsman and Legislative Leadership have joined together in asking Congress to create a new disbursement system for the royalties.

Currently, 37 1/2 percent of oil and gas royalties derived from the Utah portion of the Navajo Nation are administered by the State of Utah for the benefit of the Utah Navajos. The State of Utah is the only state in the Nation administering a trust fund for the benefit of American Indians whose lands are within state boundaries.    » read more »

November 6, 2007 -- Democratic National Committee Chairman Howard Dean and Frank LaMere, chair of the DNC's Native American Coordinating Council, issued the following statement celebrating National American Indian Heritage Month:    » read more »

Diversity of Endorsements Demonstrates Depth of Support in Indian Country

11/6/2007 -- The Clinton Campaign today announced the endorsements of key tribal leaders and members from across America.    » read more »

11/6/2007 -- Today, Hillary Clinton reaffirmed her support for tribal sovereignty and her respect for the government-to-government relationship. Recognizing that tribes are sovereign nations, as President, Hillary will seek to partner with tribes to improve health care, education, and housing for Native Americans living throughout this country.    » read more »

November 6, 2007 -- By Eat Right Montana:

Learning to respect American Indian traditions is a valuable way to improve health and prevent disease in modern times. Traditional approaches to food and physical activity involved children and adults eating and playing together in ways that taught important lessons and provided amusement at the same time. Tribal teachers emphasize that a whole way of living is the path to health and that the healthiest lifestyles combine traditional wisdom with today’s technology.    » read more »

11/6/2007 -- (HELENA) --- The Montana Governor’s Office of Indian Affairs today announced the release of Monetary Contributions of Reservations to the State of Montana, which quantifies a portion of the revenue Indian Tribes add to Montana’s economy. Utilizing 2003 figures, the study measures the level of monetary contributions derived from the seven Indian reservations and the Little Shell Chippewa Tribe to Montana’s general economy.    » read more »