NALU: May 2012 - 'Violence Against Women' Update, Indigenous Rights, Energy in Indian Country, and More
Native American Legislative Update: May 2012
Congress has now approved two versions of the Violence Against Women Reauthorization Act. See the differences here.
The House is working on a bill that provides funding for the Department of Justice. Some of the provisions fund law enforcement programs in Indian Country.
In a House hearing, the witnesses expressed frustration about the lack of consultation with tribes on fracking issues. A Senate hearing revealed that witnesses are supportive of Senator Barrasso's energy bill, but would like to see additional provisions added.
The Department of Energy encourages tribes to invest in renewable energy.
The U.S. signed the U.N. Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples in December 2010. As a result a "reporter" recently paid a visit to American Indians across the U.S. to check on progress in Indian Country since the signing of the declaration.
An emerging development may bring attention not just to controlling diabetes, but to finding out why it is so prevalent and so damaging among Native Americans and Alaska Natives.
The first tribal national park is established in South Dakota, an American Indian is recognized for his efforts to implement renewable energy in Indian Country, and Congress schedules more hearings in May on government to government relations and on services for Native American veterans.
