05 Jan 2010: Native News from PECHANGA.net

Native Hawaiian tribal rights bill sparks row (HAWAII) -- The next time President Obama vacations in his native Hawaii, there could be something new on the island: an Indian tribe.

Vineyard wins power to ‘veto’ wind projects (MASSACHUSETTS) -- Opponents of commercial wind farms off the Massachusetts coast scored separate victories yesterday at the state and federal levels.

National Park Service says Nantucket Sound eligible for special protections (MASSACHUSETTS) -- Federal officials on Monday agreed to a request by two Indian tribes for special protections for Nantucket Sound, a move that could delay construction of a proposed wind farm off Cape Cod.

Decision looms for Cape Wind; Nantucket Sound eligible for National Historic Register (MASSACHUSETTS) -- The Obama administration today signaled a sudden urgency to resolve the nine-year dispute over building a wind farm off Cape Cod, as US Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced he would summon key parties to a meeting next week.

Wind farm faces new roadblock (MASSSACHUSETTS) -- The U.S. National Park Service announced yesterday that Nantucket Sound is eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, a move that could sink the proposed Nantucket Sound wind farm.

IHCIA passes despite GOP abortion controversy (WASHINGTON, DC) -- Republican abortion-based opposition to the Indian Health Care Reform Act as part of the nation’s health care reform package couldn’t stop the bill from clearing Congress.

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Want Better Relations With Governor Otter (IDAHO) -- Indian tribes in Idaho may soon have a better relationship with State leaders. The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes in Fort Hall are hoping to have better dealings with Governor "Butch" Otter.

MARK TRAHANT: Resolutions, experiements for a new year (USA) -- This New Year I am experimenting, instead of resoluting. (I know, it's not a real word. But it just sounded right.) I'm interested in how technology can play a role in behavior change, how to eat less, drink enough water, exercise more, and sleep better.

MARK TRAHANT: Writing a check for Indian health (WASHINGTON, DC) -- I started my exploration of health care reform in July. “The federal government accepts a double standard: Any discussion about rationing – or government care – is off the table unless you’re a member of an American Indian tribe or Alaskan Native community with a sort of pre-paid insurance program (many treaties, executive orders and laws were specific in making American Indian health care a United States’ obligation),” I wrote back then.

TIM GIAGO: Yes Virginia, Native Americans Do Pay Taxes (SOUTH DAKOTA) -- It is always something special to start a new column in a new year. Many of us just assume that the New Year will be better than the old year. It is that hope eternal that has sustained mankind since the beginning of time.

International rights tribunal to probe ownership of native land (VICTORIA) -- A Vancouver Island native group has won a ruling that will force the Canadian government to defend its domestic human rights record at an international tribunal later this year.

Tribal officials put dent in propane shortage, but more cold expected (SOUTH DAKOTA) -- The Oglala Sioux Tribe has spent about $60,000 on propane purchases for more than 500 homes following a Christmas blizzard and, with more frigid weather on the way this week, propane-related emergency costs are expected to rise as high as $144,000, according to acting emergency management director Monica Terkildsen.

Author, professor to take look at Little Big Horn from Lakota perspective (SOUTH DAKOTA) -- Author and professor Donivin Sprague will host a lecture focusing on the Battle Big Horn at the next Preservation Thursday session at noon Thursday, Jan. 14.

Miccosukee tribe to swear in new leader (FLORIDA) -- The Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida on Tuesday afternoon will swear in a new leader: new chairman Colley Billie. Billie replaces longtime chairman Billy Cypress, who was ousted in an election last year.

Grant to help tribes' fishing operations (OREGON) -- A $160,000 federal grant will help expand markets for Indian salmon fisheries in Oregon, Washington and California.

B.C. VIEWS: Big changes to map of B.C. (VICTORIA) -- A series of B.C. government land management deals with aboriginal people was announced just before Christmas, and quickly lost in the snow flurries and shopping mall traffic jams.

Mummy Island returns to Eyak village (ALASKA) -- The Native Village of Eyak has announced that property on Prince William Sound's Mummy Island was donated to the village on Dec. 7 by Ecotrust, a nonprofit group based in Portland, Ore., whose mission is to inspire fresh thinking that creates economic opportunity, social equity and environmental well-being.

Labrador hydro plan faces Innu rights claim (CANADA) -- The proposed Lower Churchill hydroelectric project in Labrador is facing yet another hurdle as Innu communities in Quebec claim aboriginal rights over land in the Churchill River watershed.

Two mustangs die in Calico roundup north of Reno (NEVADA) -- Two horses died, and a third leaped over a fence and escaped through barbed wire in the first week of a roundup of wild horses in the Black Rock Desert 100 miles north of Reno.

Census counters plan to hit the Bush before breakup (ALASKA) -- Long before spring breakup, when many residents of rural Alaska head off to fish camps, U.S. Census Bureau workers will begin their count of residents living in communities off the road system.

More