Native Americans

November 1, 2007 -- Washington, DC — Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada today issued the following statement to mark National American Indian Heritage Month.

“Throughout the years and despite difficult odds, Native American Indians have helped to make America a greater and stronger nation. This month, we pause to recognize their important contributions.    » read more »

10/31/2007 -- SANTA FE, NM-- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced that the All Indian Pueblo Council has endorsed his candidacy for President of the United States. In their endorsement, the Council cited Richardson's long-standing partnership with, and record of service on behalf of, Native Americans.    » read more »

A Proclamation By the President of the United States of America

October 31, 2007 -- National American Indian Heritage Month is an opportunity to honor the many contributions of American Indians and Alaska Natives and to recognize the strong and living traditions of the first people to call our land home.    » read more »

Friday, October 26, 2007, INDIANAPOLIS -- The National Collegiate Athletic Association and the State of North Dakota have settled the lawsuit brought against the Association by the state and the University of North Dakota regarding the NCAA’s 2005 policy prohibiting Native American mascots and imagery at its championships.    » read more »

October 16, 2007 -- (BOISE) – Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Chairman Alonzo A. Coby signed a landmark agreement today, amicably resolving long-standing questions over the collection and allocation of motor fuel taxes on eastern Idaho’s Fort Hall Indian Reservation.    » read more »

With The Help Of "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," A Family Who Have Lived Without Heat, Water, And Electricity Will Have Their Home On The Reservation Rebuilt With Modern "Green" Amenities

October 16, 2007 -- (BOISE) – Idaho Governor C.L. “Butch” Otter and Coeur d’Alene Tribal Chairman Chief Allen signed an historic agreement today, amicably resolving long-standing questions over the collection and allocation of motor fuel taxes on North Idaho’s Coeur d’Alene Indian Reservation.    » read more »

10/15/2007 -- (HELENA) – Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer today announced the selection of the new State Coordinator of Indian Affairs for the office of the Governor.

"I have a commitment to Montana's first people – a commitment to bring Native Americans through the front door of the Capitol," said Governor Brian Schweitzer. "Jennifer Perez Cole has the background to make this office effective for government-to-government relations. A true partnership will enhance our ability to help Tribes in Montana grow their economies, educate their children and develop their communities."    » read more »

October 12, 2007 -- Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today sought to join the United Auto Workers (UAW) in asking federal labor officials to give Foxwoods Resort Casino dealers the opportunity to vote on unionization.

Blumenthal filed a motion to intervene on the side of the UAW in the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) hearing on the union's petition for a vote. If granted, Blumenthal would file briefs and make oral arguments backing the UAW's request for a unionization vote.    » read more »

October 12, 2007, Juneau, Alaska – Alaska Governor Sarah Palin today ordered state flags be lowered to half-staff in memory of the Reverend David Salmon, the first traditional chief of the Athabascan people of the Interior. Salmon, the father of State Representative Woodie Salmon, died Wednesday. He was 95.

“Alaska has lost a true treasure,” said Governor Palin. “Chief Salmon will be remembered as an inspiration to all Alaskans. Todd and I send our thoughts and prayers to his family.”    » read more »

October 3, 2007 -- Connecticut Attorney General Richard Blumenthal today, in testimony submitted to a federal congressional committee, criticized a proposed federal tribal recognition bill that threatens to provide recognition review "do-overs" to Connecticut tribal groups that were denied recognition.

The U.S. House Committee on Natural Resources held a hearing today on the Indian Tribal Federal Recognition Administrative Procedures Act - legislation that Blumenthal called "fatally and fundamentally flawed."    » read more »

September 28, 2007 -- "This petition is epochal - portending huge shifts in the legal and labor landscape at tribal casinos around the country. A vital victory in union recognition would give workers a voice and a choice without fear of retaliation.

"My office fought hard for this historic opportunity - rights exercised by 3,000 Foxwoods dealers in a first ever NLRB union election at a tribal casino. The courts accepted my argument that these casino dealers have the same rights as any workers anywhere, even if their employer is a federally recognized tribe on a sovereign reservation.    » read more »

9/27/2007 -- (HELENA) – Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer today released the 2007 Tribal Relations Report to commemorate "American Indian Day." "American Indian Day" has been designated in Montana and across the Nation as the fourth Friday of September. The full text of the Report is available online at http://gain.mt.gov/reports.asp. The Report showcases the accomplishments of the State of Montana and Indian Nations in working together during the course of the 2007 state fiscal year (July 2006 – June 2007).    » read more »

September 12, 2007 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) made the following statement on the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Indian Health Care Improvement Act of 2007, which passed out of the Senate Finance Committee today:

“For more than 14 years, Congress has failed to reauthorize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and complete a comprehensive review and modernization of Native American health care. This is simply unacceptable.    » read more »

Wednesday, September 12, 2007, WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Barack Obama (D-IL) made the following statement on the Medicare, Medicaid and SCHIP Indian Health Care Improvement Act of 2007, which passed out of the Senate Finance Committee today:

“For more than 14 years, Congress has failed to reauthorize the Indian Health Care Improvement Act and complete a comprehensive review and modernization of Native American health care. This is simply unacceptable.    » read more »