Author: Sarah Donnelly – Page 53

In addition to spewing racism and ultra-nationalist vitriol, CERA began 2016 by continuing its work with property rights groups to oppose tribal sovereignty around the country. On January 24, CERA leaders Lana Marcussen-Saucerman and Butch Cranford were slated to host an event with the Central New York Fair Business Association in Verona, New York. The event was to be moderated by CERA Chair Judy Bachman of Vernon. The Business Association has participated in past CERA events and joined CERA in lawsuits opposing Oneida Indian Nation sovereignty.

First Nation Housing Addressed by Government Officials and Report

February 3, 2016Sarah M Donnelly

Link to APTN coverage here.

The price tag to fix homes and infrastructure on Manitoba reserves is $2 billion when $150 million is the government’s annual budget for all First Nations.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Carolyn Bennett said she’s not deterred by the $2-billion price tag. She couldn’t explain exactly how the new Liberal government will tackle the backlog, but said improving First Nations housing is a priority.

“I’ve been in those homes,” Bennett said in an interview. “It is a disgrace for Canadians to watch. There is a consensus in this country that we have got to get going on this.

“The sticker shock on any of these things can’t get in the way of us beginning what has to happen.”

Pamunkey Indian Tribe is First Federally Recognized Tribe in Virginia

February 2, 2016February 2, 2016Sarah M Donnelly

Final Order re Acknowledgment 62ibia122

Download press release here.

On January 28, 2016, the Pamunkey Indian Tribe’s July 2, 2015 Final Determination for Federal Acknowledgment (the “Final Determination”) became effective as a result of a final dismissal of a request for reconsideration entered by the Interior Board of Indian Appeals (the “IBIA”). In re Federal Acknowledgment of the Pamunkey Indian Tribe, 62 IBIA 122 (01/28/2016). The IBIA explained that Stand Up for California! (“Stand Up”), an organization that focuses on gambling issues affecting California, failed to show that it is an “interested party” to the Final Determination within the meaning of the Federal acknowledgment regulations, and therefore the IBIA concluded that Stand Up is not entitled to seek reconsideration of the Final Determination.