Reznet

The cultural and natural resources of New Mexico's Mount Taylor will now be protected by the state, ending a yearlong battle between American Indians and landowners all concerned about preserving their rights to use the mountain without interference.

The baskets were recently donated to the Museum of the North Beach by Barbara Topete, founder of the Ocean Crest Resort. Her donation includes baskets, dolls and beadwork. The majority of her collection is made up of Quinault baskets, but it contains pieces from all over Washington and Canada.

Devils Tower National Monument has imposed a voluntary climbing closure for the month of June out of respect for American Indian cultural activities.

A federal judge has tossed the conviction of a Sonora filmmaker who was accused of trespassing and doing business inside Yosemite National Park without a permit after he shot American Indian ceremonial dances there.

Since Nebo School District started offering language and culture classes after school two days a week, the graduation rate for Native American students has jumped from just 37 percent in 1998 to 88 percent in 2008. San Juan School District, which is nearly 50 percent Navajo, saw similar results after starting its daily language program.

Senators have reversed themselves on a bill that requires state agencies to deal with each of Montana's tribes individually if they seek to represent Indian cultures in exhibits or other materials.