New government for Native Hawaiians gains support Aug 7, 2009
Sam Hirsch, deputy associate attorney general for the Justice Department, told the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Thursday that the department "strongly supports the core policy goals" of a bill allowing for self-governance by Native Hawaiians ... The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held that chamber's first hearing of the year on legislation establishing a Native Hawaiian government, though Sen. (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
New administration means new hope for Akaka Bill Aug 7, 2009
The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held that chamber s first hearing of the year on legislation establishing a Native Hawaiian government, though Sen ... The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs held that chamber s first hearing of the year on legislation establishing a Native Hawaiian government, though Sen. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Delay is latest slap for Little Shell - Tuesday, Aug. 4, 2009 Aug 4, 2009
The Bureau of Indian Affairs recently decided to put off a decision for two more months on whether to grant Montana's Little Shell Tribe federal recognition, citing the need for further review ... One of Montana's two U.S. senators, Jon Tester, is a member of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and in 2007 he introduced legislation that would have granted the Little Shell long-awaited recognition ... This month, it appeared as though a decision might finally be on the horizon when the Little... (Missoulian, MT)
Nenana artist grapples with ethnic identity Aug 2, 2009
"Enrollment Number," for instance, shows her segmented arm, one chunk of which, about 25 percent of the total, shows an apparent tattoo of her Bureau of Indian Affairs identification number. "I get frustrated with blood quantum issues," she said. (Anchorage Daily News)
Senate committee hearing on Akaka bill set for Aug. 6 Jul 31, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. The U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs has announced a hearing to consider the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act of 2009 (S.1011), sponsored by Sen. Daniel K. Akaka (D-Hawaii). (Honolulu Advertiser)
Environmental report for proposed casino released Jul 28, 2009
The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians and other tribes nationwide have been waiting months if not years for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to make crucial decisions ... Byron Dorgan, the North Dakota Democrat who leads the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. (Fresno Bee -- State)
New federal Indian head faces a 'daunting task' Jul 26, 2009
Larry Echo Hawk, the new director of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, attends his swearing-in ceremony in Washington, D.C., June 26, 2009 ... WASHINGTON -- It's a neglected federal agency whose bureaucracy one chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee likened to having the efficiency of "walking through wet cement.". (Anchorage Daily News)
Senator delays action on Native corporation contracting Jul 24, 2009
Lisa Murkowski filed an objection to the amendment in three Senate committees -- Armed Services, Indian Affairs and Small Business & Entrepreneurship -- ensuring that the amendment would face "multiple and difficult hurdles," said Michael Brumas, a Murkowski spokesman. A MATTER OF WHEN. (Anchorage Daily News)
Arcuri and Schumer: No more land into trust without notice Jul 24, 2009
The head of the U.S. Department of the Interior s Bureau of Indian Affairs pledged Thursday not to allow any land to be put into trust without public notice, according to a news release from U.S. Sen ... On Dec. 30, 2008, the Bureau of Indian Affairs took 18 acres of land from the former U.S. Air Force location in Verona into trust for the Oneida Indian Nation. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
New head of Indian affairs acknowledges big challenge Jul 20, 2009
The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians and other tribes nationwide have been waiting months if not years for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to make crucial decisions ... Byron Dorgan, the North Dakota Democrat who leads the Senate Indian Affairs Committee ... WASHINGTON -- It's a neglected federal agency whose bureaucracy one chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee likened to having the efficiency of "walking through wet cement.". (Fresno Bee -- Local)
NRI voting rights bill report stuck in Law Ministry Jul 16, 2009
Replying to a question on the proposed Bill, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said Law Ministry was "examining the report" of the Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances Law and Justice on the Bill. The Bill proposing to grant of voting rights to Indian citizens living abroad was introduced in Rajya Sabha in February 00004000 2006 and subsequently it was sent to the Standing Committee. (India Times, India)
Road commission buys $184,000 grader Jul 16, 2009
He said he is working with the Bureau of Indian Affairs to get funding to upgrade the bridge. He is also working with the water resources commissioner about high water on Williamsville Road in Calvin Township. (Cassopolis Vigilant, MI)
U.S. reps want feds to replace lost revenue Jul 15, 2009
Representatives from both Arcuri's and Schumer's offices said bills were introduced Tuesday in the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs and the House of Representatives Committee on Natural Resources ... The application is currently being considered by the Department of the Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs ... The department will release a final impact statement before the Bureau of Indian Affairs rules on the land trust application. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Committee to hear bill on Little Shell recognition Jul 9, 2009
In 1978, the Little Shell petitioned the Bureau of Indian Affairs for recognition through t h e B u r e a u s Fe d e r a l Acknowledgement Process. Despite a favorable report by the Department of the Interior in 2000 and recognition of the Tribe by the Montana government that same year that procedure is still stalled in Washington. (Havre Daily News, MT)
Kg Sg Buloh squatters will move to Taman Kledang Jul 9, 2009
Adviser to the Mentri Besar on Indian affairs Datuk S. Veerasingam said that the agreement was reached after he held a meeting with the residents and the district land office here Thursday. We have agreed to allow all the families to move to Taman Kledang as was proposed before. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- News)
House committee postpones key vote on Akaka bill Jul 9, 2009
Its first test in the Senate would be before the Indian Affairs Committee, where Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, is a senior member. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Franken sworn in as Minnesota senator Jul 8, 2009
Franken, 58, who made no public comments at his swearing-in, will serve on the Senate Judiciary Committee, Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, the Special Committee on Aging, and the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, but he won't join the latter until the panel finishes its work on the health care bill. Posted. (USA Today -- News)
A new senator arrives in the house Jul 8, 2009
Democrats said Franken will assume seats on the Senate Select Committee on Aging, the Committee 00004000 on Indian Affairs, the Judiciary Committee and the Committee on Health Education Labor and Pensions. Reid said Tuesday that Franken will not join the HELP committee until after the health care bill goes through the budget markup process. (MSNBC -- Politics)
Al Franken takes his job very seriously Jul 7, 2009
By tomorrow, he'll be ready to take seats on committees on health, education, labor and pension, aging, Indian affairs and judiciary -- where he'll join the confirmation hearings for Sonia Sotomayor's nomination to the Supreme Court, in a sort of reprise of (in which he played the late Illinois Sen. Paul Simon chatting up Clarence Thomas about hot women in D.C.). (Salon)
Law enforcement in Indian country to be focus of hearing Jul 7, 2009
Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) held a field hearing of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in Fort Yates, North Dakota, to examine the outcome of Operation Dakota Peacekeeper and what needs to be done to boost law enforcement in American Indian communities in the long term ... The hearing was the second that Dorgan, Chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, has held on this topic on the Standing Rock Reservation, which has had a violent crime rate that was 8. (Devils Lake Daily Journal, ND)
Franken Comes to Washington Jul 6, 2009
Besides HELP and Judiciary, Franken got his wish to sit on the Senate Indian Affairs panel, and he will be a member of the Aging Committee. While the culture shock can be a lot to handle for most freshmen who have not held public office before, Franken has spent the past six months studying the Senate. (Roll Call)
Oneida Nation cool to alternate plan Jul 1, 2009
State meeting Hennessy and legislator Frank Tallarino, D-Rome, met several weeks ago with one of Gov. David Paterson s attorneys and an Indian Affairs attorney, Hennessy said. Matt Anderson, spokesman for the state Division of the Budget, confirmed the meeting occurred, but would not divulge details. (Utica NY Obserer, NY)
Franken Victory Means Dem Supermajority Jul 1, 2009
Mr. Franken announced today that he will be serving on the HELP, Judiciary, Indian Affairs, and Aging committees in the United States Senate. It's been 239 days since Minnesota voters headed to the polls to vote for a U.S. Senator. (ABC News)
Called home: Native Americans pursue the return of ancestral remains to places of origin for reburial Jun 29, 2009
He worked as a civil engineer and fire manager with the Bureau of Land Management and later was employed with the Bureau of Indian Affairs ... (Source: U.S. Dept. of Interior, Bureau of Indian Affairs). (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
Fort Hall official is in D.C. Jun 26, 2009
WASHINGTON--Fort Hall Business Council Chairman Alonzo Coby told the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs Thursday that the United States has a trust obligation to provide for the public safety of tribal communities ... The Shoshone-Bannock Justice Center will have bed space for the Bureau of Indian Affairs to detain inmates from other reservations ... Byron Dorgan, a North Dakota Democrat and chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and Rep. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Tribal chairman to testify Jun 25, 2009
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Fort Hall Business Council Chairman Alonzo Coby will testify during a hearing of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee Thursday regarding future operations at the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Justice Center ... The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes worked closely with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in planning the project to ensure it meets all federal standards. (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli to Testify on Tribal Law and Order Before Senate Indian Affairs Committee Jun 25, 2009
WASHINGTON, June 24 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Associate Attorney General Tom Perrelli will testify before the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs on tribal law and order on THURSDAY, JUNE 25, 2009, at 2:15 P.M. ET. His remarks come a week after the Justice Department announced a new initiative to increase engagement, coordination and action on tribal justice in Indian Country ... WHERE: Senate Committee on Indian Affairs ... Press inquiries regarding logistics should be directed to the Senate... (PR Newswire)
Congress to take up Akaka bill Jun 5, 2009
But the Akaka bill's first test in that chamber would be before the Indian Affairs Committee, where Sen. Daniel Inouye, D-Hawaii, is a senior member. (Honolulu Advertiser)
County Legislature urges public to speak up now Jun 5, 2009
AURELIUS As the Cayuga County Legislature prepares its challenge against the Cayuga Indian Nation's land-into-trust application, legislators are urging the public to formally express their opinions to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. It's one of these things when there is a window, and it's open, and then it closes and it never comes back, Legislator George Fearon said to a small collection of town and village board members and the public during a Committee of the Whole meeting at the... (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Single-payer health care: Baucus keeps getting an earful May 29, 2009
Then Kevin Howlett told Richard Litsey, counsel and senior adviser on Indian affairs for the Senate Finance Committee Baucus chairs, that the senator's plan largely does just that. I can find nothing in his white paper, said Howlett, director of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes' Health and Human Services Department, that provides for Native American health care on a par with the rest of the country. (Missoulian, MT)
Barrasso to hold meeting on Indian Health Care May 28, 2009
Barrasso is vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. The Republican says he wants to hear the health care concerns of the Northern Arapahoe and Eastern Shoshone, as well as those of the surrounding medical community. (Casper Star-Tribune, WY)
Suicide rate rises for 4th consecutive year May 28, 2009
Commission Chairman Mead Treadwell pushed for the research at an Indian Affairs Committee meeting in February. "The mental health problem cries out for research," Treadwell said, according to testimony on the commission's Web site. (Anchorage Daily News)
Senators secure funding to fight Devils Lake flood: Feds will release $40 Million to May 27, 2009
That funding was specifically targeted to repair and raise Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) roads 1, 2, 4, and 5 on the Spirit Lake Nation and ND-20. Dorgan also included a provision in the Supplemental Appropriations bill that will ensure federal funding is available to raise the levees protecting the city of Devils Lake from the rising water. (Devils Lake Daily Journal, ND)
Congress may step into tribe trust fight May 25, 2009
CHARLESTOWN The chairman of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs plans to do something to reverse the Supreme Court's ruling in Carcieri v. Salazar, adding his voice to a growing effort in Congress to undo the decision's effect on Indian tribes. Share your thoughts. (Westerly Sun, RI)
EchoHawk closer to heading BIA May 15, 2009
Former Idaho Attorney General Larry EchoHawk came one step closer to becoming the next assistant secretary for Indian Affairs, following a voice vote by the Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs ... "Larry's diverse background, including experience in law enforcement, in politics and management, makes him an outstanding candidate to head the Bureau of Indian Affairs," Crapo stated in a press release Thursday ... In a statement of introduction last week, Fort Hall Business Council Chairman... (Pocatello Idaho State Journal, ID)
Senate nod likely, though Murkowski objects May 13, 2009
The agency manages more than 200 million acres of land and the activities within Alaska of the National Park Service, the Bureau of Land Management, the Bureau of Indian Affairs and the Fish and Wildlife Service. The administration already has appointed two people to oversee the Interior Department's activities in Alaska: Kim Elton in Washington, D.C., and Pat Pourchot in Anchorage. (Anchorage Daily News)
Speculation focuses on Frankens potential Senate committee assignments9:58 am | (No comments posted.) May 12, 2009
Open seats remained on the Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, the Special Committee on Aging, and the Committee on Indian Affairs. The Health Committee vacancy has widely been viewed as Frankens most likely A committee assignment. (Watertown Public Opinion, SD)
Hawaii delegation recalibrates Akaka Bill May 9, 2009
Yesterday, the four island Democrats reintroduced the version of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act approved by the House and the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in 2007 ... Yesterday, the four island Democrats reintroduced the version of the Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act approved by the House and the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in 2007. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
EchoHawk vows to be effective voice for tribes May 9, 2009
BOISE, Idaho (AP) -- Larry EchoHawk says he will focus on economic development, education and law enforcement if given the chance to head up the Bureau of Indian Affairs. EchoHawk, a law professor at Brigham Young University, answered questions Thursday during a hearing before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. (FOX 11, AZ)
Bill to recognize Native Hawaiians reintroduced May 8, 2009
The Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act was approved by the House and the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in 2007. It was shelved when President George W. Bush threatened to veto the bill. (Fresno Bee -- Nation)
Whitehouse Takes Seat on HELP as Minnesota Court Fight Continues May 7, 2009
Reid left openings on the HELP, Aging and Indian Affairs committees earlier this year, in the event that Democrat Al Franken was seated as Minnesota s junior Senator. But with the recount decision in the Gopher State still pending and with the health care debate gearing up, the Majority Leader opted to fill the HELP vacancy temporarily, a spokeswoman said. (Roll Call)
What tribes need is more police May 4, 2009
This time, their descriptions were verified by information gathered during recent hearings of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, confirming the existence of a longstanding public safety crisis on many Indian reservations ... Byron Dorgan, chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and 13 of his colleagues. (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
Indian Country to get stimulus funds Apr 30, 2009
The funds are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or ARRA, and are part of the $3 billion that the U.S. Department of Interior will invest in the economic recovery plan, according to the Bureau of Indian Affairs ... Tom Udall, D-N.M., and a member of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs. (New Mexico Business Weekly, NM)
Committee chair calls for hearing on tribes Apr 18, 2009
CHARLESTOWN The chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C. has promised tribal leaders a hearing on the U.S. Supreme Court's decision in Carcieri v. Salazar. Share your thoughts. (Westerly Sun, RI)
Tester remiss in voting in favor of Senate Bill 160 Apr 2, 2009
alan_rainey wrote on Mar 20, 2009 8:51 AM:" Purple:Of course, read on for a sampling of of some of Sen. Tester's accomplishments:Successfully secured the first increase in the VA's disabled veterans travel reimbursement program since 1977 -- raising the reimbursement rate from 11 to 28.5 cents per mile.Increased the VA budget by $3.6 billion for 2008 which was more than what President Bush requested -- and $1.8 billion more than the budget for 2007.Worked with the VA to fund a new state... (Helena Independent Record)
10th Circuit Dismisses Oilman's Claims of Royalties Fraud Mar 20, 2009
The court said that a U.S. Senate Select Committee on Indian Affairs in the 1980s had disclosed mis-measurement of oil and gas, and that enabled the government to identify wrongdoers. Other public disclosures included court documents and newspaper reports from lawsuits filed in 1995 by Grynberg against 44 natural gas pipeline companies in the District of Columbia. (Law.com)
Indian plaintiff says Salazar comments insulting Mar 13, 2009
tried to prompt a settlement in the case several years ago, when McCain led the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. But they could not get the two sides to agree on an amount. (Havre Daily News, MT)
Get to bottom of this crisis Mar 11, 2009
Several years ago, as chairman and vice chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, we conducted an extensive bipartisan investigation when reports of possible wrongdoing surfaced concerning lobbyist Jack Abramoff and his cohorts. We hired investigators, issued subpoenas, took testimony and discovered a web of corruption. (Albany Times Union)
Tester takes front-row seat’ in appropriations Mar 10, 2009
As well as Tester s positions he also serves on the Senate s Veterans Affairs, Banking, Homeland Security and Indian Affairs committees Montana s senior Sen. Max Baucus chairs the Senate Finance Committee and sits on the Agriculture Committee and the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee and is a senior member of the Joint Committee on Taxation. (Havre Daily News, MT)
Murkowski moves into leadership role Mar 9, 2009
Committees: Appropriations; Energy al Resources; Health, Education, Labor ons; Indian Affairs. Family: Married to Verne Martell. (Anchorage Daily News)
BIA to send $20,000 to aid Emmonak Mar 5, 2009
The U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs plans to send $20,000 in emergency cash to the lower Yukon River village of Emmonak, Sen. Lisa Murkowski said Wednesday. (Anchorage Daily News)
For Indian tribes, economic needs collide with tradition Mar 4, 2009
There are small cattle ranches, but the biggest employers are the tribal government and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. There's a small casino, the Charging Horse, but Lame Deer is too isolated to attract many people who don't live on the reservation. (USA Today -- Money)
Sen. Kim Elton resigns for Interior post Mar 4, 2009
"Senate leadership has agreed to keep the staff intact until a new senator has been put in places, at which point it will be up to the new senator, said Tim Barry, spokesman for Senate President Gary Stevens, R-Kodiak. Barry said that means Elton's office will continue to handle constituent issues and follow bills in the interim. "Concerns of the electorate don't go away just because there's a brief gap in the representation," he said. The large bipartisan coalition running the Senate means that... (Juneau Empire)
Legislator takes job in Obama administration Mar 3, 2009
The department manages more than 200 million acres of land in the state and includes agencies like the National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Indian Affairs and Fish and Wildlife Service. Elton said he and Obama officials will work out the scope of the job. (Anchorage Daily News)
Senate committee taking a look at youth suicide, impact on tribal community: Dana Lee Jetty from Spirit Lake Nation to testify in Washington, D.C. Feb 27, 2009
(WASHINGTON, DC) U.S. Senator Byron Dorgan (D-ND) announced Feb. 25 that Dana Lee Jetty, a student at Minnewauken Public School and a member of the Spirit Lake Dakotah Nation in Fort Totten, will testify at a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing tomorrow on youth suicide in Indian Country. As the sister of a youth suicide victim, Ms. Jetty will describe how youth suicide impacts a family, Indian youth and entire Tribal community. (Devils Lake Daily Journal, ND)
Governor Riley has high interest in Indian gambling Feb 25, 2009
The investigation was called for by the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs chaired by Senator John McCain. The investigation was conducted by numerous federal agencies, including the Justice Department and the FBI.. (Atmore Advance, AL)
• Former Idaho AG possibly headed to WashingtonLarry EchoHawk 'finalist' for Indian Affairs job Feb 22, 2009
Former Idaho AG possibly headed to WashingtonLarry EchoHawk 'finalist' for Indian Affairs job By Nate PoppinoTimes-News writer A former Idaho attorney general may return to government service soon, this time in the Obama administration. Larry EchoHawk, now a law professor at Brigham Young Univ-ersity, offered no comment when the Times-News asked him Friday if he's being considered for assistant secretary for Indian Affairs ... But on Friday, a spokesman for Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs... (Burley South Idaho Press, ID)
Land into trust won't hurt environment Feb 20, 2009
The document was prepared by AKRF, a consultant out of White Plains hired by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, he said ... The purpose of the meeting is to make citizens aware of the issues involved and the potential environmental impact of land being placed into trust and thereby becoming sovereign territory not subject to local jurisdiction and not subject to property taxation, said Chairman of the Indian Affairs Committee David Dresser, who is also on the board of supervisors in Seneca County. (Auburn Citizen, NY)
Bill would consider state Department of Native Affairs Feb 17, 2009
The Tribal Government Relations Office replaced the former Commission on Indian Affairs, which was established in 1949 and included cabinet members as well as tribal leaders and urban Natives ... Gov. Bill Richardson elevated the former Office of Indian Affairs to the New Mexico Indian Affairs Department in 2003. (Rapid City Journal, SD)
Some Easy Nominations Feb 13, 2009
The Bureau of Indian Affairs will soon lay off some employees, but it's not clear how many. The BIA said it plans 52 furloughs, our colleague Joe Davidson reports, but the administrator of the Federation of Indian Service Employees says that notices the agency sent the union indicated about 200 workers would be laid off. (Washington Post)
In rural Alaska villages, families... Feb 10, 2009
"I find it ironic, tragically ironic, that it takes an economic downturn in the rest of the country for this Congress to consider an economic stimulus for Indian Country," she said during a Senate Committee on Indian Affairs economic stimulus hearing. The villagers hold out hope that the state or federal governments can come through. (CNN -- Law)
Lawmakers, activists defend tribes' inclusion Feb 10, 2009
Dorgan, chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, is among 15 senators who are leading efforts to include tribes in the recovery package. The federal government has more than a 50 billion backlog of tribal projects, including construction of roads, houses, jails and schools. (Missoulian, MT)
Hawaii delegation supports reintroduced Akaka bill Feb 10, 2009
In 2007, Hawai i State Attorney General Mark Bennett testified in strong support of the legislation before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee ... The Senate bill is now referred to the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and the House bill to the House Committee on Natural Resources. (Lihue Garden Island, HA)
Column: Looking back at South Scituates First Decade Feb 8, 2009
The answer, at least partially, lies in the fact that the role of the federal government in people s lives was very limited compared to now: maintaining a military, concluding peace treaties, Indian affairs, establishing and maintaining post offices and post roads. Loco Focos. (Norwell Mariner, MA)
Arizona's 2 senators reversing their roles Feb 8, 2009
McCain remains on the Senate Armed Services and Indian Affairs committees and this year joined the Senate's homeland-security, health, and energy panels. He is the ranking Republican on Armed Services. (AZCentral -- News)
