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Indian Mascots Video re: Clinton, Michigan
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Uncategorized
Second Circuit Certifies Questions of Indian Taxation to N.Y. Court of Appeals
Here is the opinion in City of New York v. Golden Feather Smokeshop: City of New York v Golden Feather
Here are the questions certified:
(1) Does N.Y. Tax Law § 471-e, either by itself or in combination with the provisions of § 471, impose a tax on cigarettes sold on Native American reservations when some or all of those cigarettes may be sold to persons other than members of the reservation’s nation or tribe?
(2) If the answer to Question 1 is “no,” does N.Y. Tax Law § 471 alone impose a tax on cigarettes sold on Native American reservations when some or all of those cigarettes may be sold to persons other than members of the reservation’s nation or tribe?
Minority Student Group Reforms at U-M
From the Mich. Daily:
Alys Alley, external co-chair of the Native American Student Association, is on a mission to spark dialogue among students about the obstacles minorities face on campus.
Alley, an LSA sophomore who is a member of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, began this dialogue last Friday at an event called “Reflect, Remember, Regroup.” Alley led a discussion with about 20 University students in the multicultural lounge in South Quadrangle Residence Hall to talk about past and current cultural barriers for minority students.
Alley began the dialogue with a movie called “Fight Like Hell,” which describes the history of the controversy surrounding the campus senior society Michigamua, now officially called Order of Angell, to show the difficulties minority students and minority groups face on campus.
Order of Angell is a senior honor society formed in 1902. The society allegedly both used Native American artifacts as part of its proceedings, and members spoke in a dialect that mocked Native Americans during group meetings.
In 2007, Michigamua was renamed the Order of Angell and has since remained mostly secretive about its role on campus, though it now releases the names of its incoming members each year. Continue reading
Opening Brief in Carcieri-Based Challenge to Santa Ynez Chumash Fee to Trust Decision
The case is Preservation of Los Olivos v. Pacific Regional Director, Bureau of Indian Affairs, in the IBIA.
Here: Appellants Opening Brief
News article here, via Pechanga.
Additional materials:
Job Opening: Indian Law Resource Center Attorney Position
January 4, 2010
Position Description and Criteria
The Indian Law Resource Center is now considering applications for an attorney position in the Washington, D.C. office. The attorney will provide legal assistance to Indian and Alaska Native nations, including Indian peoples in Mexico, Central and South America, in matters relating to indigenous rights, sovereignty and international human rights, environmental protection and the rights of Native women. The attorney will play a role in carrying out all of the legal programs of the Indian Law Resource Center.
In addition to legal work, the successful candidate will participate in policy analysis, fund raising, communications activities and other program work of the Center, and will assist in the general administrative tasks of the Center. The attorney will work under the supervision of the Executive Director and the Director of the Center’s Washington D.C. office and with the assistance of other Center attorneys and professional staff.
Substantial knowledge and experience in areas of Indian and Alaska Native affairs, federal Indian law, and indigenous legal issues are required. Federal litigation experience and an understanding of international fora are strongly preferred. Strong research and writing skills and the ability to travel are required. The ability to read and speak Spanish is strongly preferred. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer. Native Americans, women, and all others are encouraged to apply.
An applicant must be admitted to the bar in the United States or must be qualified for admission within a reasonable time. Salary for the position will depend on experience. Excellent benefits are provided.
About the Indian Law Resource Center
The Indian Law Resource Center is a non-profit law and advocacy organization established and directed by American Indians. We provide legal help without charge to indigenous nations in major cases involving indigenous rights, human rights, land claims, and environmental protection. The Center seeks to overcome problems affecting indigenous peoples by establishing national and international legal standards that uphold indigenous human rights and dignity, strengthen indigenous self-determination, and protect indigenous lands and resources. For further information about the Center, visit our website, http://www.indianlaw.org .
Interested attorneys may apply by sending a cover letter, resume, law school transcript, writing sample (exclusively your work), and list of three references to Marilyn Richardson at mt@indianlaw.org or by mail to 602 N. Ewing St., Helena, MT 59601
The link to the announcement on the website. http://www.indianlaw.org/node/526
Federal Court Rules against Yakama Nation in Tax Dispute with Washington State
Here is the opinion in Yakama Indian Nation v. Gregoire (E.D. Wash.): Yakama DCT Order on X-Motions for Summary J
Here are the motions:
Carcieri Fix/Akaka Bill Hearings Postponed
Until December 17 (here).
First Circuit Affirms New Trial for R.I. Trooper that Broke Ankle of Narragansett Employee in Smoke Shop Raid
Vodpod videos no longer available.
The court affirmed the trial court’s decision to grant a motion for a new trial — Jennings v Jones.
Arkansas Court of Appeals Decides ICWA Notice Case
The court held that the trial court was correct in refusing to comply with the ICWA notice requirement when the father claimed Western Cherokee Nation of Arkansas and Missouri heritage.
Here is the opinion in Heard-Masterson v. Arkansas Dept. of Human Services.
Miigwetch and Bamaapii.
This will be my final post to Turtle Talk, as I have accepted a Special Assistant position with the Obama Administration at the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C. I have been assigned to Deputy Assistant Secretary of Interior Del Laverdure, and will begin my new position effective October 13th. My duties as a public servant will preclude me from commenting on nearly all of the issues discussed in this forum.
I want to say chi-miigwetch to those who have read my posts on this site, and to Matthew, Wenona, and Kate for allowing me to participate. Though my contributions to this blog have been small, I hope that I have added something of value to the discussions on several important topics. Great things are happening with the Indian Law Program here at Michigan State, and I am honored to have been a part of that.
I hope to make the most of this new opportunity by doing good work; and, I also hope to make my family, fellow Anishnaabek, and Spartans proud.
Miigwetch and Bamaapii.
– Bryan Newland
Turtle Talk 
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