Reznet

Obama, McCain Fight Will Test Indian Ideals

Native people are increasingly faced with a new question: Barack Obama or John McCain? Considering McCain's long history of supporting Native issues, it's a question likely to force Indians to question their own political ideals.

Young Crow Man Spreading Obama's Message

Samuel Kohn, hired two weeks ago to serve as Sen. Barack Obama's Native American outreach coordinator in Montana, hit the road this week trying to get tribes to support his candidate.

Could Peltier Be Freed in December?

For the first time in 15 years, imprisoned Native American activist Leonard Peltier is scheduled to get a full parole hearing in December. But some say the chances of Peltier, convicted of killing two FBI agents, getting paroled are slim.

Crow Tribal Member to Lead Obama Outreach

Samuel Kohn, a Dartmouth-educated Crow tribal member, will serve as Sen. Barack Obama's Montana state Native American coordinator, a new position the campaign says is further proof of its willingness to get Indians involved.

Could Vice President Daschle Help Tribes?

Former South Dakota Sen. Tom Daschle has become a close adviser to Sen. Barack Obama, a fact that some believe could mean big things for Indian people, especially if Daschle gets the nod to join Obama in his race for the White House.

Leadership No Burden for Young Lakota Man

Wizipan Garriott serves as Barack Obama's Native American outreach coordinator, will graduate from law school this spring and hopes to open a Native college preparatory school. Not bad for a 28-year-old from South Dakota's Rosebud Indian Reservation.

An Unlikely Indian Rights Champion

Indian rights advocates come from all walks of life. Case in point: A. Jay Adler, a Jewish son of Eastern European immigrants who grew up in New York City. Writing in a Jewish magazine, Adler recently took on the ongoing genocidal destruction of Native people.

Native Superdelegates Mulling Candidates

As the Democratic presidential race heats up, the country's two Native superdelegates are getting a lot of attention lately. Regardless of who they endorse and who wins the nomination, they say the future for Indian Country is looking brighter.

Indian Health Bill Passed, Oh And Apology, Too

The Senate passed the Indian Health Care Improvement Act Tuesday to much fanfare. With no fanfare at all, it also passed a resolution attached to the act that issues a formal apology to Native people for centuries of federal misdealings.

Next President Could Lift Hopes With Indian Apology

A Senate resolution that would offer an apology to Native people for centuries of mistreatment is not likely to enjoy support from the current president. But what about the next president?

A Hollow Apology to Indian People

The U.S. Senate could consider an amendment to the Indian Health Care Improvement Act yet this week that would issue a formal apology for the government's mistreatment of Native people.

Bush Seeks to Cut Vital Indian Programs

In his final budget as president, George W. Bush is seeking drastic cuts to many federal programs vital to Indian Country. Coming just four days after Joe Garcia's State of Indian Nations Address, Bush's budget seeks to undo much of what Garcia said Native people need.

In Annual Address, Garcia Puts Focus on Children

In his annual State of Indian Nations Address Thursday, National Congress of American Indians President Joe Garcia focused on Indian children and the need for educational and health care opportunities for children. He also asked for economic stimulus for tribal people.

Hope Rises From the Horror Stories

As Sen. Byron Dorgan of North Dakota issued a plea this week for reform of Indian health care, an unfamiliar sense of hope came over some Native people. Is change on the way for Indian health care?

A Good Time to Remember Standing Bear

As the country honors Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy, it's a good time to remember an earlier civil rights activist: a man who won rights for Native people by simply being a father.

GOP Candidates Silent on Indian Health Bill

Republican presidential candidates were eerily silent last August when surveyed about their views on the Indian Health Care Improvement Act, which the Senate debates Jan. 22. Does this portend hard times for Indian health care should a Republican win?

A Season of Neglect for Native People

As voters in early primary states narrow the list of presidential candidates, it's time to ask: Are those candidates expressing support for Native issues? So far, not really. But hope remains.

Bear Butte: Grand Gesture or Political Move?

Gov. Mike Rounds' proposal to buy easements around South Dakota's Bear Butte has left many Native people wondering: Is this is a sincere gesture or a political move?

We Must Give Back What This Minstrel Gave Us

Floyd Red Crow Westerman's death has left a void in Indian Country and a burden Native people must find a way to shoulder in his absence.

A Day Like Any Other ... Until He Walked In

A day for wrapping and picking out gifts at an Omaha mall turns into a day unlike any other for eight victims of a shooting rampage.

Eyre Talks of New Movie, Hollywood Stereotypes

Prominent Native filmmaker Chris Eyre spoke recently about Hollywood stereotypes of Native people, his favorite Native movies and his newest movie, "Imprint."

Bellecourt Leaves Behind Dual Legacy

To some, Vernon Bellecourt was a champion for Native rights, an Indian leader in the classic sense. To others, he was a villain, a miscreant whose misdeeds never caught up to him.

Is the Ghost of Abramoff at Work Here?

It's not surprising that the Big Three Democratic candidates all failed to show up for the Prez on the Rez forum.

A warriors tale

The building no longer exists but mention the St. Paul Civic Center to any Red Laker and a sense of pride awakes. Vivid memories of Gerald Kingbird dancing around defenders with a basketball still lives amongst the people of the Red Lake Nation, even after 10 years.

Blood quantum, federal recognition and everything in between

American Indian, Native Americans, Aboriginals, Indigenous, Natives … The list goes on. What is correct? What is offensive? What is preferred?

Timmy, get some help

He may not have invented the crossover dribble, but he sure did perfect it. Tim Hardaway’s 6-foot stature was perfect for dribbling the basketball.

Get 'Scalped'

Finally, something quenched my thirst.

Talk show reveals particular racism

Like Mike, well, almost.

He dribbles, spins, leaps high above the defender, floats and dunks the basketball with his trademark tongue hanging out.

Native basketball talent exists

It’s that time of the year again. Echoes of bouncing basketballs can be heard across the nation, including Indian Country.