20 Dec 2009: Native News from PECHANGA.net

CROW CREEK: Not for sale (MINNESOTA) -- Brandon Sazue’s camper sitting in the middle of the prairie presented a lonely but inspiring image. Despite the bitter cold and wind, the young Crow Creek tribal chairman was taking a stand against the United States theft of any more Dakota lands, telling us “Crow Creek land is not for sale, and it never will be.”

Alamo officials not happy with outcome of vote (NEW MEXICO) -- Already geographically isolated from the Navajo Nation, Alamo officials feel they will be further isolated from the "Big Rez" following a tribal vote earlier this week.

From 27-year-old governor to lifetime tribal council member (NEW MEXICO) -- Though only 38, Stuart Paisano has done enough living for someone twice his age. He was the youngest person to be chosen as governor of the Pueblo of Sandia in New Mexico at age 27, and for seven years before that he was a Sheriff’s Deputy for Bernalillo County.

Cherokee Nation donates to Watson opponent for Congress seat (OKLAHOMA) -- The Cherokee Nation has donated $7,400 in support of Felton Newell, the primary opponent of California Congresswoman and outspoken CN critic Diane Watson.

OP/ED: A Conservative Vote for Hawaiian Freedom (USA) -- The Democrats may succeed in passing a conservative law for Hawaii that the Republicans rejected. The “Native Hawaiian Government Reorganization Act” failed in a Republican Senate.

Akaka bill changes 'drastic' / Governor objects to Senate version, says state was not consulted (HAWAII) -- Gov. Linda Lingle yesterday said she is "extremely disappointed" with changes to a Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill in the U.S. Senate and will oppose the bill if the state's concerns are not addressed.

Hearing speakers demand action on Whiteclay issues (NEBRASKA) -- Frustrations at the lack of progress on the issue of Whiteclay alcohol sales were evident Friday at a legislative hearing telecast in Chadron, but several solutions were also suggested to rein in alcohol sales and help those dependent on the substance.

Judge dismisses case over controversial UND nickname, paving way for change (NORTH DAKOTA) -- A district court judge has dismissed a lawsuit filed against the North Dakota State Board of Higher Education that sought to prevent the body from retiring the University of North Dakota’s controversial nickname.

Judge rejects Sioux nickname suit (NORTH DAKOTA) -- Though he said he didn’t want to, district Judge Michael Sturdevant on Friday sided with the State Board of Higher Education in a lawsuit involving UND’s Fighting Sioux nickname.

Federal officials: Nuke plant's environmental impacts 'small' (MINNESOTA) -- Environmental impacts created by Prairie Island nuclear plant's two reactors are small enough that the plant should be relicensed, according to Nuclear Regulatory Commission officials.

Climate summit ends with major questions: 'Breakthrough' or 'cop-out'? (DENMARK) -- An international climate summit officially ended here today with an agreement among the world's largest economies to take steps to curb greenhouse gas emissions, no formal consensus from the 193 nations present, and major questions over what comes next in the global negotiating process.

Widespread anger over climate deal (DENMARK) -- FURY has erupted at a gruelling summit in Copenhagen on rolling back climate change as poor nations took to task a draft deal whose supporters even said was less than they sought.

Q & A: Alun Anderson / A dark Arctic tale set after the ice melts (USA) -- It's hard to imagine a world in which polar bears don't exist in the wild. Alun Anderson, former editor-in-chief of New Scientist magazine, asserts that it most likely will occur in our lifetime.

Texas seeks tribe aid in its quest for water / State Lawmakers Oppose Sale Of Oklahoma Resource (OKLAHOMA) -- A north Texas water district has begun negotiations to purchase Oklahoma water from the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma and is asking a federal judge to require Oklahoma to consider out-of-state water permits in the same manner that in-state water permits are considered.

Tarrant water district negotiating deal with Apache Tribe of Oklahoma (OKLAHOMA) -- The Tarrant Regional Water District, vowing to vigorously pursue its lawsuit against Oklahoma, revealed Friday that it has entered into negotiations with the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma as it continues to search for water north of the Red River that it can buy.

Tribes Want to Add Netting to Reduce Lake Trout (MONTANA) -- The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes want to add aggressive netting to an effort to reduce the number of nonnative lake trout in Flathead Lake.

Organic Capital Event Honors 2009 Environmental Heroes (CALIFORNIA) -- Organic Sacramento co-sponsored the Organic Capital Celebration of Sustainability with Friends of the River on the evening of Thursday, December 10 to honor individuals and organizations for their outstanding work on crucial water issues, including the campaigns to restore the Delta and stop the peripheral canal, to stop the Nestle Water Plant in Sacramento and for environmental justice under the Marine Life Protection Act (MLPA).

AT&T and Verizon offer tribal discount (OKLAHOMA) -- Though many people may not know it, AT&T wireless and Verizon wireless offer tribal discounts on cellular phone bills to qualifying customers.

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