🚀 go-pugleaf

Please post the following press release. Thank you.

Scott Gettman
Native American Rights Fund
Development Systems Coordinator

----------------------------------------------------

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                  FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
June 23, 1997                           (907) 276-0680

U.S. SUPREME COURT WILL HEAR ALASKA TRIBAL SOVEREIGNTY CASE

~ Justices to review 9th Circuit decision affirming self-governance for
the Native Village  of Venetie ~

ANCHORAGE, AK - The Supreme Court decided today to hear the case, State
of Alaska v. Native Village of Venetie -- a Ninth Circuit Court of
Appeals decision which upheld Venetie's "Indian Country" status under
federal law and thus its right to govern its own affairs.
"The State has gotten a lot of exercise jumping to conclusions on this
case and spent an inordinate amount of money.  They are obsessed with
stifling tribal sovereignty even though it will benefit all Alaska
residents," says Heather Kendall-Miller, attorney for the Native
American Rights Fund which represents Venetie in the case.   She
explains, "Even though the Supreme Court outcome will only speak to
Venetie, Native Americans everywhere are watching this case since it
underscores the vital nature of self-determination and the steep climb
we face to get there."

The Ninth Circuit ruling affirmed that Venetie -- a tribe situated in
remote wilderness Alaska and accessible year-round only by plane --
possesses the same rights as Indian tribes of the contiguous United
States.  The Supreme Court will now definitively address for the first
time the powers of Alaska Native Villages, most of which have governed
themselves for ages with no challenges from the State.

The Alaska Native Commission, a study group charged with examining and
suggesting resolutions for problems plaguing Native villages, recently
concluded that tribal sovereignty is the key to the survival of Native
peoples.  Yet, fearing political unrest the State launched a $1 million
appeal to the Supreme Court.  Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK) and twenty
state attorneys general publicly sided with the State of Alaska when
filing amicus briefs urging the Court to overturn the "Indian Country"
decision.

Oral arguments on the case will be heard when the Supreme Court returns
from its summer recess.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT:
Gideon James, Native Village of Venetie spokesperson
(703) 920-3230 Room 710



The Native American Rights Fund is a non-profit organization that
provides legal advice and representation to Indian tribes, individuals
and organizations nationwide in the areas of:  the preservation of
tribal existence; the protection of tribal natural resources; the
promotion of human rights; the accountability of governments to Native
Americans; and the development of Indian law.