2016 is shaping up to be a record year for Native American electoral participation. Eight indigenous candidates are running for Congress, up from two in 2014. Over 90 are running for state legislatures, again exceeding previous years. “This is the best campaign ever in Indian Country,” says Nicole Willis, member of the Confederated Tribes of…
In a significant action that will assist Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Congress has moved to waive the non-federal dollar-for-dollar match requirement for the Native American CDFI Assistance (NACA) program in the FY 2015 Omnibus Appropriations Bill, now Public Law 113-235. The law appropriates $15 million in funding to NACA for financial and technical assistance, training,…
Washington Tribes Seek Econometric Adjustments for Gaming Machine Allocations Video gaming machines are among the most profitable elements of most Tribal casinos, and the number of machines in a casino can significantly impact the profit potential for the Tribe. In Washington state, gaming Tribes are currently negotiating new compacts with the state government that would provide for…
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar and Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk have unveiled the new Tribal Consultation Policy for the Department of the Interior, designed to launch “a new era” of enhanced communication with American Indian and Alaska Native tribes. “This comprehensive initiative reflects President Obama’s commitment to strengthening the government-to-government relationship between…
KUOW Radio in Seattle has posted an interview with Professor Ron Whitener, Director of the Native American Legal Center at the University of Washington, regarding the impact of the federal Tribal Law and Order Act on Tribal justice systems. Last July, Native American leaders gathered in Washington, DC, to celebrate the passage of the new law,…