There was some damned good news that made the front page, but naturally there was stuff that just wasn't damned good enough. Good, but not damned good. So,
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe says State Effort On Tax Will Harm Regional Economy
from the Watertown Daily Times:
Leaders of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe say a renewed state effort to force collection of state sales taxes on reservation tobacco sales will harm the regional economy.
Judge Issues Mixed Ruling in Buffalo Casino Case
from Newsday:
A judge said federal officials should enforce his decision that casino gambling is not legal on land the Seneca Indians bought in Buffalo, but he stopped short of saying a casino already operating there should be shut down.
Chickasaw Governer Disappointed With Turnout for Indian Business Summit
from the Journal Record:
Bill Anoatubby didn't hide his disappointment over turnout for the Indian Country Business Summit.
"I'm not sure what the issue is, but I think it's a very important opportunity for people," said Anoatubby, governor of the Chickasaw Nation. "We have a few people here, but I think we can bring more in. I'm not pointing a finger - there are three of them pointing at me too."
Ute Indian Tribe Pays $2.65 for Clark County Land
from CoStar Group:
The Ute Indian Tribe acquired 2.12 acres of raw land at the southwest corner of Rainbow Boulevard and Oquendo Road from multiple private trusts for $2.65 million or $1.25 million per acre.
Judge May Axe Richmond Casino Deal
from the San Jose Mercury News:
A judge says Richmond violated state environmental laws when it struck a deal with an American Indian tribe seeking to build a casino just outside the city.
In a tentative ruling, Contra Costa County Judge Barbara Zuniga said last week that the city needed to conduct a complete environmental review before entering the 20-year, $335 million pact with the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians. It had agreed to provide emergency services, roadwork and political support for the Las Vegas-style casino.
Obama Organizer: American Indian Votes Crucial
from the Durango Herald:
Record numbers of American Indians won elections to be delegates at the Democratic National Convention, which began Monday.
Many of the delegates, plus other tribal leaders, gathered Monday for the first of two First Americans Caucus meetings this week. Colorado attendees included Ute Mountain Ute Chairman Ernest House Sr. and Vice-chairman Gary Hayes. Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley also was in the crowd.
Howard Dean, chairman of the Democratic National Committee, rallied the crowd of more than 100 and said their communities will be crucial in electing Barack Obama.
"It is time to assume your rightful place in the political system of this country," Dean said.
Natives Now Majority at Cibola County Schools
from the Cibola County Beacon:
The ethnic and economic demographics of the students in the Grants/Cibola County School District were compiled by Gloria Hale, director of Indian Education, for a report to the federal Indian Affairs Committee.
Coeur d'Alene Tribe Pays for Bus
from OPB News:
Climb aboard a CityLink bus in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and you notice something missing: a fare box. You can get on and ride all day without dropping a dime.