Author: ilpc

Guest Post, Postcript 2014: Indian Country Completely Shut Out of New Markets Tax Credits … Once Again

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Guest Post by Gavin Clarkson (an update from last year’s post, here):

For the second time in as many years, NO NATIVE CDEs were selected for an award of New Markets Tax Credits.  Despite strong objections from Native financial leaders, The CDFI Fund once again ignored the stark economic development needs of the Nation’s Tribal Communities and froze Native CDEs out of this important economic development financing program.

The case for a Native Carve Out for NMTCs is stronger than ever.  The time for political action is NOW.  Congress will be considering permanent financing of the NMTC Program as part of the Tax Extenders Act of 2014.  Native political leaders should insist that a central component of permanent financing must be a mandatory Native American NMTC Carve Out.

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Article on Tribal-State Collaboration in Family Court

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Here.

The Superior Court of El Dorado County and the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians on the Shingle Springs Rancheria will collaborate to create a court for juvenile and family court cases.

Two judges, Christine Williams of the Shingle Springs Tribal Court and Judge Suzanne N. Kingsbury, presiding judge of the El Dorado County Superior Court, will hear the cases thanks to a grant provided by the Bureau of Justice Assistance, the only grantee this year, a press release stated.

NICWA To Offer CLE’s at National Conference

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For the first time ever the National Indian Child Welfare Association’s Annual Protecting Our Children Conference will be offering CLE’s to participants. We have applied for CLEs in Minnesota and Oregon and many state offer reciprocal CLEs. Also, we will have information about how to apply to CLEs in all states. The 32nd Annual Conference is being held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida April 13–16. For more information about our conference visit http://www.nicwa.org/conference.

Third KU ICWA Panel on the Future of ICWA

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Viven Olsen, attorney at Prairie Band Potawatomi, with Colette Routel, Russ Brien, and moderator Julia Goodfox

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Chrissi Nimmo Speaking at KU ICWA Conference

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With moderator Elizabeth Kronk Warner and co-panelist Mark Fiddler.

First Nations File Suit in Yukon Supreme Court Over Protection of Peel Watershed

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Coverage here.

Chief Ed Champion of the Nacho Nyak Dun First Nation said his community is not against mining and development.

“We have lived closely with mining for over 100 years. Many of my people are miners or work in the mining industry. We have excellent relationships with mining companies that we work hard to maintain,” Champion said.

“That said, we do not want to see mining in the Peel watershed. To us, that land and water is sacred and should be preserved for future generations.”

The government’s decision created uncertainty for mining and industrial developers, as well, the groups said.

Diane Humetewa’s Judicial Confirmation Hearing Set for Tuesday Morning

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Announcement and hearing list here.