Alternative Energy

UM Native American Lab Snags Big Green Energy Grant

Big dollars for green energy -- and for a unique University of Montana program -- arrived this week at the UM Native American Research Laboratory (NARL), considered the only such research facility in the nation for Native college students.

NARL Director Michael Ceballos said the laboratory has received a $300,000 two-year grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a new process that boosts the efficiency of ethanol production. The goal is to perfect an enzyme technology that makes celullosic ethanol -- a high octane, renewable fuel produced from the stalks and stems of plants -- easier to make and cheaper to buy.

Juneau Ushers in a New Day

Denise Juneau was sworn in as State Superintendent of Public Instruction on Monday. Simultaneously, she made Montana history as the first Native American woman to be elected to a statewide office. Saying that this is important for Montana and for Native Americans is an understatement.

Off the Reservation

Different from the Old Boss

The President Elect shows Indian Country that his promises weren't just lip-service. Enter the First Americans Public Liaison and meet Wizipan Garriott.

Blog: Off the Reservation

Why Isn’t McCain Visiting Indian Country?

Al Franken, the comedian cum Minnesota politician, visited the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, Red Lake Band of Chippewa and the White Earth Band of Ojibwe on Sunday, October 19.

But why isn't Norm Coleman visiting Indian Country?. And for that matter, John McCain?

Blog: Off the Reservation

Taking Columbus Day Off (the Calendar)

The Post Office won't be delivering any mail. Federal Agencies across America are closed for the day. Banks are emptied of personnel. Most of the nation is still at work, some parades are snaking their way through cities and Italian Americans are supposedly celebrating a famous figure. Most notably, a 14.92 percent discount is in effect at clever stores.

It's Columbus Day, everyone.

Blog: Off the Reservation

The University of North Dakota’s “Tribute” a Mockery of Natives

I mentioned in my last blog post how the University of North Dakota has yet to retire their mascot, the Fighting Sioux. It seems they have other plans for the embattled icon.

The flags of the Standing Rock and Spirit Lake reservations are going on display on Oct. 5th. They'll make their grand showing before a men's hockey game with Native musicians lending the closest thing to cultural authenticity in the entire Ralph Engelstad Arena.

Blog: Off the Reservation

Happy Native American Day!

It was the only thing that Ronald Reagan ever did right and marked what was apparently the Year of Reconciliation in South Dakota. Happy Native American Day, everybody!

It's an official holiday in South Dakota and California only, but who needs an official proclamation?

How does one observe or celebrate Native American Day, you ask? There are many ways.

Give Peacekeeper a Chance?

Operation Dakota Peacekeeper is the biggest thing happening in Indian Country that you should know about.

Blog: Off the Reservation

Elouise Cobell and the Maze of Retribution

The 12-year-old Indian Land Trust lawsuit has reached a "final" ruling. But there's a long way to go before the end of the line...