2013 Archives

Tribal leaders, widely tired of political games surrounding the federal budget - as well as the profound impacts of ongoing sequestration - are frustrated by the government shutdown, to say the least.

The federal government has a trust responsibility to tribes and their citizens. It is a unique relationship, which means there will be unique - and painful - consequences as a result of the government's current shutdown, tribal leaders say.

The shutdown, which began at 12:01 a.m. on October 1, occurred because U.S. House Republicans passed several short-term continuing resolution budgets that included provisions to delay and/or defund portions of the Affordable Care Act, widely known as Obamacare. Both the Democratic Senate and White House would not agree to those provisions, which set the stage for the first federal shutdown in 17 years.

WHAT: 41^st annual Colorado River Indian Tribes Native American Days Fair and Expo
WHEN:  October 2 to 6, 2013
WHERE: Manataba Park, Parker, AZ
WHO: Mohave, Chemehuevi, Navajo and Hopi tribes, Open to Public
ADMISSION: $5.00/day or $10.00 for weekend pass for Oct 4 - 6. Admission is free on Wednesday and Thursday, Oct 2 - 3.

This multi tribe event includes a parade, powwow, pageants, carnival, livestock show, fun run, tug ‘o war, traditional games of peon and shinny, food and craft vendor booths, as well as pre expo events such as a fry bread contest and a native American film festival.

The Colorado River Indian Tribes (CRIT) include the Mohave, Chemehuevi, Navajo and Hopi tribes.

Federal law bans the sale of alcohol on Native American reservations unless the tribal council allows it. Pine Ridge legalized alcohol for two months in 1970s, but the ban was quickly restored. An attempt to lift prohibition in 2004 also failed.

Native Americans on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation have now voted to end prohibition and legalize alcohol so the tribe can use the profits for education and treatment.

Wes Studi, who was arrested last week on a charge of aggravated DWI has apologized for his behavior toward police during the arrest.