University Taking Proposals for Ownership/Management of CrowNews.Net

By Courtney Lowery, Adjunct Professor, The University of Montana

The time has come to hand CrowNews.Net off to its community.

The aim with this project has always been to transition CrowNews.Net to someone or some organization that could keep it running in the community. The goal was to have the students of the Rural News Network give the site a head start and then find someone to sustain the project long-term.

To that end, the University of Montana is currently taking proposals from interested parties to take over management and ownership of CrowNews.Net.

No matter who takes the site over, we hope those of you who have contributed your time, energy, writing, photography and input continue to be a part of this project. You are, after all, the ones who have made this project what it is.

Our goal has always been for the site grow into a news hub both for the community and by the community and so the criteria for proposals reflects that sentiment.

You can download the information here on the call for proposals or read on for the memo from the School of Journalism:

Feature article Montana Powwow Overcomes Cutbacks, Setbacks

By Adam Sings In The Timber
Originally published on Reznet

MISSOULA, Mont.—Despite being shorter in length and taking longer to organize, this year’s Native American student-run powwow at the University of Montana attracted more than 500 dancers and 20 drums.

Amber Walks Over Ice, vice president of the Kyi-Yo Native American Student Association, which organized the 41st annual Kyi-Yo Celebration, declared the powwow a success—despite cutbacks and setbacks.

Crows Use Hand Games as Teaching Tool

By Adam Sings In The Timber
Originally published on Reznet

CROW AGENCY, Mont.—Teams from nine districts on the Crow Reservation took part in a junior hand-game tournament that stressed the importance of each player's clan.

In addition to the Pipe, Sacred Tobacco and the Sweat Lodge, the clan system is central to the Crow way of life.

"We want them (the players) to know what clan they come from ... so that they can respect their clans," said Stanley Pretty Paint, a tournament organizer, who described the hand games as "a real good tool to teach" young Crows about tradition and culture.

Supreme Court Denies Certiorari in Friday Case, Remands to District Court

On February 23rd, the United States Supreme Court denied review of the Tenth Circuit's May 2008 decision in United States v. Winslow Friday, a case involving an Arapaho man's challenge to the Interior Department's application of the various federal laws requiring accommodation of Indian religious and traditional uses of eagle feathers.

Winslow Friday, who shot and killed a bald eagle for use in a Sun Dance ceremony without a federal permit, will now face criminal prosecution in federal court in Wyoming and a possible one-year prison sentence and $100,000 fine.

Crow Tribe Well-Represented at 17th Annual NALSA Moot Court Competition

Boulder, Colorado --

The National Native American Law Students Association recently held it's annual moot court competition at the University of Colorado School of Law in Boulder.  The two-day event, which took place on February 27th and 28th, was co-hosted by the University of Colorado and University of Denver NALSA chapters.

Recent NNALSA moot court competitions were held at Arizona State in Tempe, the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, and the University of Washington in Seattle.

Although none of the five Crow Tribal members currently in law school was a competitor, there was a strong Crow presence at this year's event with Crow legal counsel Heather Whitemanrunshim-Oleyte, Big Horn County Attorney Georgette Hogan, and Big Horn County Justice of the Peace Leroy Not Afraid all serving as moot court judges. 

Crow Tribal Chairman Venne Dies at 62

Official Apsaalooke Nation News Release: Date: February 15, 2009

Mr. Carl E. Venne, Chairman of the Apsaalooke Nation passed away sometime during the night of February 14 or in the early morning hours of Sunday February 15. Initial reports indicate by natural causes. Further information, as to the time and cause of death will be determined by the Big Horn county coroner.

Arrangements are being made and notice will be provided soon. The Tribal Administration asks that you respect the family’s wishes during this difficult time.

Vice Chairman Cedric Black Eagle has assumed the duties of the office of Chairman during the interim. The process for filling the vacancy is well established in the Tribal Constitution and Election Ordinance. Full details of this process will be published at a later time when appropriate out of respect for the family.

If you have any questions, please contact Media Spokesman Ben Cloud at 406-665-5235 cell, or office at 406-638-4115. benc@crownations.net

Photo by Adam Sings In The Timber

Secretary Salazar Testifies Before Senate Indian Affairs Committee, Calls Indian Water Rights Settlements a "High Priority"

February 12, 2009 --

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar testified before the Senate Indian Affairs Committee in Washington, D.C. this morning in an oversight hearing.  Watch Video of the Hearing

When questioned by Montana Senator Jon Tester on the pending Indian water rights settlement acts that are awaiting Congressional approval, Secretary Salazar said that he was aware of the settlements, that they were a "high priority", and that he would likely seek to employ a special counsel to assist him in working with Congress on the settlements.

In response to a question from Senator Tester on the future role of tribal colleges in developing reservation economies, Secretary Salazar called tribal colleges very important in developing tribal workforces and that poor economic conditions is a root-cause of a multitude of societal problems on reservations.

The Crow Water Rights Settlement Act, S. 375, has been reintroduced in the 111th Congress.

A "Titan-ic" Finish and a Week in Mexico: Another Tuff Harris Interview

An interview between Jay Harris of CrowNews.net and Tuff Harris of the Tennessee Titans from the evening of Friday, January 16th.

Sports Fans: CrowNews.net Should Be "The Site" for Local Sports News

This winter, high school gymnasiums all across Montana will light up with the sound of pep bands and cheering crowds.  Add the smell of fresh popcorn, some school spirit and the anticipation of a hometown victory, and it is easy to see why high school basketball is such a popular sport. 

Played during the coldest months of the year, high school hoops is an important opportunity for a community to coalesce in support of the local teams.  Of course, high school basketball has always been big on the Crow Reservation.  Hardin, Lodge Grass, and Plenty Coups have all featured state championship teams and many outstanding athletes over the years.

Titans Sign Tuff Harris, Plays against Lions on Thanksgiving

The Tennesse Titans, who boast the best record in the National Football League, signed Crow Tribal member  Tuff Harris to their active roster. The Titans signed Harris before the their game against the New York Jets on November 23. Harris, a defensive back and special teams player, saw action against the Jets and in the Titans 47-10 win over the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day. Harris, number 26, made a notable tackle on a kick-off by the Titans. With the Detroit return specialist looking to make big yardage behind a wall of blockers, Harris knifed in with amazing speed to take the runner down on the 15 yard line. Later in the game, Harris flattened one of the Lions with a block during a punt return by teammate, Chris Carr.

                                                                                               Posted by : Leo Hudetz