Native American

After 38 Years of Study, Oregon Backs Tribes’ Water Rights In The Klamath Basin

Amelia Templeton — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 14:50:49 +0000

For the first time, the state of Oregon Thursday recognized that the Klamath tribes hold a senior claim to water in Klamath Lake and several of its tributaries. Amelia Templeton reports, it took the state almost forty years to sort through water rights in the high desert basin and issue an order.

Colville Tribes OK Wolf Hunt On Reservation

Steve Jackson — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 14:39:46 +0000

The Colville Confederated Tribes have authorized a wolf hunt on their reservation. Steve Jackson has more on the story.

Tribes Oppose Oregon Measure to Ban Gillnetting

Courtney Flatt — Fri, 07 Sep 2012 13:43:48 +0000

Columbia River Indian tribes are opposing a ballot measure that would ban commercial gillnet fishing in Oregon. Reporting for EarthFix, Courtney Flatt has more.

Wash. Supreme Court Ruling Clears Way For Lawsuit Over Tribal Gas Stations

Austin Jenkins — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 13:10:06 +0000

Gas station owners in Washington have won the right to proceed with a lawsuit against the state. They’re challenging the policy of gas tax refunds to Native American tribes who operate their own gas stations. Olympia Correspondent Austin Jenkins has more on the implications.

California Tribe Asks Feds to Stop Licensing Klamath Dams

Amelia Templeton — Wed, 30 May 2012 14:03:44 +0000

A California American Indian tribe Tuesday asked federal regulators to order the removal of four dams on the Klamath River. The tribe says a restoration plan for the river is stalled. Amelia Templeton reports.

Great Wolf Lodge Tax Exemption Stands Despite Internal Doubts, Court Ruling

Austin Jenkins — Mon, 14 May 2012 13:20:49 +0000

Since the 1970s, U.S. policy toward American Indian tribes has been to encourage economic independence. Tribal casinos are probably the most visible symbol of that policy. These days, tribes are diversifying into other businesses. In 2005, the Chehalis Indian tribe in southwest Washington partnered with a Wisconsin-based water park chain to build a destination resort. The state of Washington, in turn, granted the project tax exempt status. But now, correspondent Austin Jenkins has obtained internal state documents that question whether Great Wolf Lodge really is a tribal entity and eligible for favorable tax treatment.

Oregon Board Close To Vote On Native American Mascot Ban

Chris Lehman — Mon, 07 May 2012 13:29:46 +0000

Fifteen Oregon schools may have to change their sports imagery soon. A state panel could vote later this month [May 17] on whether to ban Native American-themed mascots. The proposal faces resistance, as Salem Correspondent Chris Lehman found on a visit to the Willamette Valley town of Molalla.

This fall, Denise Everhart's son will become the fifth generation in his family to attend Molalla High School.

Non-Monetary Benefits A Big Part Of $1Billion Tribal Settlement

Jessica Robinson — Fri, 13 Apr 2012 01:00:53 +0000

COEUR D'ALENE, Idaho -- A landmark settlement announced this week between the federal government and American Indian tribes is expected to have long-term effects beyond the $1 billion in the agreement. Nine Northwest tribes are part of the deal: Coeur d’Alene, Nez Perce, Shoshone-Bannock, Colville, Spokane, Tulalip, Makah, Nooksack, Swinomish.

Oregon School District Digs In Its Heels On Native Mascot

Chris Lehman — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:24:04 +0000

An Oregon School District is digging in its heels against a proposed state ban on Native American mascots. The School Board in the Willamette Valley farm town of Lebanon will consider a resolution Thursday to reject the ban.

Klamath Tribes Celebrate, But Cannot Catch, Suckerfish

Amelia Templeton — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:22:31 +0000

CHILOQUIN, Ore. -- You won’t find Lost River suckerfish on any menus in the Northwest. But for years, this fish was a staple for the tribes living in Southern Oregon. Now the fishery is in trouble, and the Klamath tribes are trying to figure out how to bring it back. Amelia Templeton reports.