Buffalo’s Fire — Indigenous News & Native Issues Coverage

News from the Northern Plains

Tribal law enforcement academy, requested by South Dakota, will be located in North Dakota

News comes as part of new push from BIA to address violent crime in tribal areas

John Hult, North Dakota Searchlight

Camp Grafton

Report details wide disparity between Native American and white health in South Dakota

Examining the systemic barriers, mortality rates, and the proposed tribal-managed Medicaid solutions aimed at closing South Dakota's life expectancy gap

Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight

‘It’s about safety’: Broadband service uncertain as 150th anniversary of the Little Bighorn battle nears

Tourists, media, historians and tribal officials expected to drive up demand for high-speed internet during commemorative event

On national day of awareness, MMIP crisis takes center stage

Theater campaign involves dozens of Native organizations

The Battle of the Little Bighorn

Little Bighorn Monument

The story of the Greasy Grass remains unfinished. As the 150th anniversary in June 2026 nears, descendants of the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho are asserting their sovereignty. Read our coverage.

North Dakota tribal redistricting case still in limbo after Voting Rights Act decision

Supreme Court ruling did not settle whether private parties can sue under Section 2 in the tribes' map challenge

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

Tribal elder convicted of threatening federal employee receives probation

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe citizen Joseph Lafferty must agree to community service, other conditions

Auditor’s Office claws back $37.3M in wrongful billing targeting Montana’s Native communities

Fraudsters abused Obamacare provision intended to help Indian Country

Keila Szpaller, Daily Montanan

Standing Rock boy airlifted to hospital, student athletes charged with assault

Was there a culture of tolerance among school officials that allowed it to happen?

Montana state Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy withdraws from U.S. House primary amid ‘allegations of serious sexual abuse’

Pennsylvania woman alleges Windy Boy propositioned her underage daughter and niece in the early 2000s

Zeke Lloyd, Nora Mabie and John S. Adams, Montana Free Press

Native administrators rail against Trump’s proposed elimination of funds for TCUs

The administration has attacked tribal education second year in a row

Frybread Face and Me

Best Native American movies, series — the ones worth watching

Beyond the stereotypes. We curate the essential Native-led films and the new wave of Native storytelling you need to see

Dentalium

For the love of dentalium

From Pacific tides to Great Plains regalia, the dentalium shell remains a timeless symbol of status and spirit

Digital Borders

Data sovereignty: Who controls the story?

Listening sessions reveal how tribal data sovereignty and press freedom are connected to accountable governance

North Dakota tribal redistricting case still in limbo after Voting Rights Act decision

Supreme Court ruling did not settle whether private parties can sue under Section 2 in the tribes' map challenge

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

Tribal elder convicted of threatening federal employee receives probation

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe citizen Joseph Lafferty must agree to community service, other conditions

Auditor’s Office claws back $37.3M in wrongful billing targeting Montana’s Native communities

Fraudsters abused Obamacare provision intended to help Indian Country

Keila Szpaller, Daily Montanan

Standing Rock boy airlifted to hospital, student athletes charged with assault

Was there a culture of tolerance among school officials that allowed it to happen?

Montana state Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy withdraws from U.S. House primary amid ‘allegations of serious sexual abuse’

Pennsylvania woman alleges Windy Boy propositioned her underage daughter and niece in the early 2000s

Zeke Lloyd, Nora Mabie and John S. Adams, Montana Free Press

Native administrators rail against Trump’s proposed elimination of funds for TCUs

The administration has attacked tribal education second year in a row

Report details wide disparity between Native American and white health in South Dakota

Examining the systemic barriers, mortality rates, and the proposed tribal-managed Medicaid solutions aimed at closing South Dakota's life expectancy gap

Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight

‘It’s about safety’: Broadband service uncertain as 150th anniversary of the Little Bighorn battle nears

Tourists, media, historians and tribal officials expected to drive up demand for high-speed internet during commemorative event

On national day of awareness, MMIP crisis takes center stage

Theater campaign involves dozens of Native organizations

North Dakota tribal redistricting case still in limbo after Voting Rights Act decision

Supreme Court ruling did not settle whether private parties can sue under Section 2 in the tribes' map challenge

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

Tribal elder convicted of threatening federal employee receives probation

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe citizen Joseph Lafferty must agree to community service, other conditions

Auditor’s Office claws back $37.3M in wrongful billing targeting Montana’s Native communities

Fraudsters abused Obamacare provision intended to help Indian Country

Keila Szpaller, Daily Montanan

Standing Rock boy airlifted to hospital, student athletes charged with assault

Was there a culture of tolerance among school officials that allowed it to happen?

Montana state Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy withdraws from U.S. House primary amid ‘allegations of serious sexual abuse’

Pennsylvania woman alleges Windy Boy propositioned her underage daughter and niece in the early 2000s

Zeke Lloyd, Nora Mabie and John S. Adams, Montana Free Press

Native administrators rail against Trump’s proposed elimination of funds for TCUs

The administration has attacked tribal education second year in a row

Flyers BoardNotices and events

Food Sovereignty
May 12
Food SovereigntyMHA Traditional Food and Seed Summit set for May 18

The Daily Spark

Quick stories, must reads

Strengthen the Circle

Flyers BoardNotices and events

Food Sovereignty
May 12
Food SovereigntyMHA Traditional Food and Seed Summit set for May 18

The Daily Spark

Quick stories, must reads

Strengthen the Circle

What a Superfund site is and how EPA cleanup works

Nearly 200 Superfund sites are on tribal land

By Gabrielle Nelson

How search and rescue technology helps find missing people — and its role in MMIP cases

Missing persons searches use drones, sonar and scent tracking dogs

Jingle Dress dance

Powwow etiquette: A respectful visitor’s guide

From the first drumbeat to the last song, respect carries the tradition forward

By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

Dentalium_IndianFishermen-2222 (1)

From tradition to trend: Where to buy dentalium in today’s market

The shells hold cultural importance and are sought after by artists and crafters — but finding them can be difficult

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American Indian vs Native American: Which term is right and when?

A concise guide to when, why and how to use Native American, American Indian or a tribal name—so you don’t trip over history, law or respectful language

By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

How search and rescue technology helps find missing people — and its role in MMIP cases

Missing persons searches use drones, sonar and scent tracking dogs

Powwow etiquette: A respectful visitor’s guide

From the first drumbeat to the last song, respect carries the tradition forward

By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

Jingle Dress dance

From tradition to trend: Where to buy dentalium in today’s market

The shells hold cultural importance and are sought after by artists and crafters — but finding them can be difficult

Dentalium_IndianFishermen-2222 (1)

American Indian vs Native American: Which term is right and when?

A concise guide to when, why and how to use Native American, American Indian or a tribal name—so you don’t trip over history, law or respectful language

By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

27AFDB48-A39D-46B6-89C4-207595C7F1FF

How search and rescue technology helps find missing people — and its role in MMIP cases

Jingle Dress dance

Powwow etiquette: A respectful visitor’s guide

By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

Dentalium_IndianFishermen-2222 (1)

From tradition to trend: Where to buy dentalium in today’s market

27AFDB48-A39D-46B6-89C4-207595C7F1FF

American Indian vs Native American: Which term is right and when?

By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

Other stories in Explainers

Indian Country needs media pillar for a just society

Civic information, data, local news strengthen Native communities

By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Indigenous groups turn out in Minneapolis for ‘No Kings’ protest, express centuries of resistance to political violence

Speakers and participants reflect on recent political violence

By Darren Thompson

Minnesota’s first Indigenous-owned lab opens for business

Aya Labs is Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate’s first scientific business venture. Profits ‘do not leave Indian Country’

By Darren Thompson

The Battle of the Little Bighorn (Greasy Grass): Why it’s still being fought

150 years after the "Greasy Grass" victory, the Lakota and Cheyenne are planning a massive 2026 commemoration—and still refuse a $1.5 billion settlement for their land

By Pier Paolo Bozzano

‘Our future does not hinge on the limbs of federal decision making,’ keynote speaker tells AIHEC crowd

Tribal college students travel through massive snowstorm to participate in annual education conference

By Darren Thompson

Indigenous groups turn out in Minneapolis for ‘No Kings’ protest, express centuries of resistance to political violence

Speakers and participants reflect on recent political violence

By Darren Thompson

Minnesota’s first Indigenous-owned lab opens for business

Aya Labs is Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate’s first scientific business venture. Profits ‘do not leave Indian Country’

By Darren Thompson

The Battle of the Little Bighorn (Greasy Grass): Why it’s still being fought

150 years after the "Greasy Grass" victory, the Lakota and Cheyenne are planning a massive 2026 commemoration—and still refuse a $1.5 billion settlement for their land

By Pier Paolo Bozzano

‘Our future does not hinge on the limbs of federal decision making,’ keynote speaker tells AIHEC crowd

Tribal college students travel through massive snowstorm to participate in annual education conference

By Darren Thompson

Indigenous groups turn out in Minneapolis for ‘No Kings’ protest, express centuries of resistance to political violence

By Darren Thompson

Minnesota’s first Indigenous-owned lab opens for business

By Darren Thompson

The Battle of the Little Bighorn (Greasy Grass): Why it’s still being fought

By Pier Paolo Bozzano

‘Our future does not hinge on the limbs of federal decision making,’ keynote speaker tells AIHEC crowd

By Darren Thompson

Other stories in Native Issues

Murdered & Missing Indigenous Peoples

LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit MMIP advocates push for inclusion

‘The system often fails our relatives twice: once through violence and again through the paperwork’: Native LGBTQ+ community calls for data sovereignty, gender inclusive language and culturally relevant resources

A year without answers: Renzo Bullhead’s family encourages those with information to come forward

The college student went missing in North Dakota on March 16, 2025

Daughter’s concern for father grows after 11 months without contact

‘I just want to be able to hear my dad’s voice again,’ says Natasha-Marie Powassin

‘Beyond frustrating’: Family claims they weren't properly notified about 16-year-old’s disappearance

Mason Cree’s aunt learns he is missing through social media post

Samantha Houle

Granddaughter searches for missing grandfather nearly 50 years after disappearance

Francis Houle went missing from the Colorado Springs area in 1979

A year without answers: Renzo Bullhead’s family encourages those with information to come forward

The college student went missing in North Dakota on March 16, 2025

Daughter’s concern for father grows after 11 months without contact

‘I just want to be able to hear my dad’s voice again,’ says Natasha-Marie Powassin

‘Beyond frustrating’: Family claims they weren't properly notified about 16-year-old’s disappearance

Mason Cree’s aunt learns he is missing through social media post

Granddaughter searches for missing grandfather nearly 50 years after disappearance

Francis Houle went missing from the Colorado Springs area in 1979

Samantha Houle

A year without answers: Renzo Bullhead’s family encourages those with information to come forward

Daughter’s concern for father grows after 11 months without contact

‘Beyond frustrating’: Family claims they weren't properly notified about 16-year-old’s disappearance

Samantha Houle

Granddaughter searches for missing grandfather nearly 50 years after disappearance

Other stories in Murdered & Missing Indigenous Peoples

Goodbye, cabin fever: Bismarck winter powwow promotes healing

Over 200 dancers participated in the 3rd annual Winter Jam Powwow

By Gabrielle Nelson

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Letting the silence speak: Behind the reporting on the Gathering of Nations Powwow

How we reported a story by listening to people and not quoting them

By Gabrielle Nelson

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Traditional Practices

What is a memorial at a powwow?

A powwow may feature several of these special events

RezFamousLem

Powwow food vendors essential to savoring the experience

Three Native businesses share how food connects them to family, community

By Gabrielle Nelson

UTTC International Powwow

Video Etiquette

A traveler’s guide to Powwows: Understanding protocol and respectful participation

Powwows dos and don'ts: UTTC International Powwow attendees share their rules for a fun and considerate event

Letting the silence speak: Behind the reporting on the Gathering of Nations Powwow

How we reported a story by listening to people and not quoting them

By Gabrielle Nelson

547945785_1545818603514800_1740635778829015175_n

Traditional Practices

What is a memorial at a powwow?

A powwow may feature several of these special events

090725_DancersGRussellGilletteMemUTTC

Powwow food vendors essential to savoring the experience

Three Native businesses share how food connects them to family, community

By Gabrielle Nelson

RezFamousLem

Video Etiquette

A traveler’s guide to Powwows: Understanding protocol and respectful participation

Powwows dos and don'ts: UTTC International Powwow attendees share their rules for a fun and considerate event

UTTC International Powwow

547945785_1545818603514800_1740635778829015175_n

Letting the silence speak: Behind the reporting on the Gathering of Nations Powwow

By Gabrielle Nelson

090725_DancersGRussellGilletteMemUTTC

Traditional Practices

What is a memorial at a powwow?

RezFamousLem

Powwow food vendors essential to savoring the experience

By Gabrielle Nelson

UTTC International Powwow

Video Etiquette

A traveler’s guide to Powwows: Understanding protocol and respectful participation

Other stories in Powwow

Black Hills uranium exploration permit hearing postponed to May

Drilling project’s opponents have raised concerns about Native American petroglyphs in Craven Canyon

Meghan O'Brien, South Dakota Searchlight

Environmental stewardship

U.S. Forest Service and 11 tribes sign historic agreement to co-manage sacred area in South Dakota

The agreement concerns the Black Elk Wilderness, a ‘place of profound spiritual, cultural, and historical importance’

Greenpeace seeks new trial, claiming jury pool biased in case over Dakota Access Pipeline

Group challenges $345M Dakota Access Pipeline verdict, citing jury bias and trial errors as appeals and bond dispute move forward

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

South Dakota passes ‘Data Center Bill of Rights for Citizens,’ fails to consult with tribes

While new legislation aims to protect local customers from rising electricity rates, an Indigenous land conservation group is calling for a moratorium on data centers

By Darren Thompson

Drilling project moves forward in the heart of the Black Hills

Forest Service waives environmental assessment, disregarding cultural significance of Pe’ Sla

By Gabrielle Nelson

Environmental stewardship

U.S. Forest Service and 11 tribes sign historic agreement to co-manage sacred area in South Dakota

The agreement concerns the Black Elk Wilderness, a ‘place of profound spiritual, cultural, and historical importance’

Greenpeace seeks new trial, claiming jury pool biased in case over Dakota Access Pipeline

Group challenges $345M Dakota Access Pipeline verdict, citing jury bias and trial errors as appeals and bond dispute move forward

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

South Dakota passes ‘Data Center Bill of Rights for Citizens,’ fails to consult with tribes

While new legislation aims to protect local customers from rising electricity rates, an Indigenous land conservation group is calling for a moratorium on data centers

By Darren Thompson

Drilling project moves forward in the heart of the Black Hills

Forest Service waives environmental assessment, disregarding cultural significance of Pe’ Sla

By Gabrielle Nelson

Environmental stewardship

U.S. Forest Service and 11 tribes sign historic agreement to co-manage sacred area in South Dakota

Greenpeace seeks new trial, claiming jury pool biased in case over Dakota Access Pipeline

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

South Dakota passes ‘Data Center Bill of Rights for Citizens,’ fails to consult with tribes

By Darren Thompson

Drilling project moves forward in the heart of the Black Hills

By Gabrielle Nelson

Other stories in Land & Water

Safety &Justice

No body, no crime? How prosecutors prove murder when a victim is missing

While proving a homicide without remains can be a challenge, conviction rates are high

Armed Federal Agents on Park Avenue in Minneapolis

Tribal Response

MMIP groups and tribal councils condemn violence by federal law enforcement

North and South Dakota tribes issue joint statement

Brittney Rough Surface and grand daughter

Standing Rock man assaulted hours before death by train

Hoksila Running Bear was struck by a train following months of threats. His mother seeks answers

Benson County Deputy Chief Travis Carlson

Chief deputy charged with unlawful arrests of Spirit Lake citizens to make court appearance Jan. 16

Travis Carlson was arrested in July following an investigation into the Benson County Sheriff’s Office

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Standing Rock Sioux Tribe distances itself from former chair’s endorsement of Kristi Noem

Following recent immigration actions by ICE, Chairman Sitting Bear emphasizes Janet Alkire’s support for former South Dakota governor was solely her own

No body, no crime? How prosecutors prove murder when a victim is missing

While proving a homicide without remains can be a challenge, conviction rates are high

Armed Federal Agents on Park Avenue in Minneapolis

Tribal Response

MMIP groups and tribal councils condemn violence by federal law enforcement

North and South Dakota tribes issue joint statement

Brittney Rough Surface and grand daughter

Standing Rock man assaulted hours before death by train

Hoksila Running Bear was struck by a train following months of threats. His mother seeks answers

Benson County Deputy Chief Travis Carlson

Chief deputy charged with unlawful arrests of Spirit Lake citizens to make court appearance Jan. 16

Travis Carlson was arrested in July following an investigation into the Benson County Sheriff’s Office

121224_KristiNoemFB_Alkire

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe distances itself from former chair’s endorsement of Kristi Noem

Following recent immigration actions by ICE, Chairman Sitting Bear emphasizes Janet Alkire’s support for former South Dakota governor was solely her own

No body, no crime? How prosecutors prove murder when a victim is missing

While proving a homicide without remains can be a challenge, conviction rates are high

Armed Federal Agents on Park Avenue in Minneapolis

Tribal Response

MMIP groups and tribal councils condemn violence by federal law enforcement

Brittney Rough Surface and grand daughter

Standing Rock man assaulted hours before death by train

Benson County Deputy Chief Travis Carlson

Chief deputy charged with unlawful arrests of Spirit Lake citizens to make court appearance Jan. 16

121224_KristiNoemFB_Alkire

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe distances itself from former chair’s endorsement of Kristi Noem

Other stories in Safety &Justice

UTTC professor reflects on the Battle of Powder River on its 150th anniversary

The first battle of the Great Sioux War ‘set the tone’ for the following 20 conflicts, including the Battle of the Little Bighorn

By Gabrielle Nelson

MHA Nation appeals court upholds $250M withdrawal from People’s Fund

Ruling is a loss for transparency and justice, plaintiffs say

By Erin Hoover Barnett

Bheri Rose Hallam gives Senator Lisa Murkowski a Mandan name

Action & Policy

Multiple tribal organizations join MHA Nation in honoring two members of Congress

Senator Lisa Murkowski received a Mandan name, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi presented with blanket

By Darren Thompson

Buffalo Restoration

‘Gaining back our identity’: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe looks to expand buffalo herd

Bigger herd would support tribe’s economy, land and culture, says herd manager

By Gabrielle Nelson

Tribal Oversight

Proposed gas pipeline in North Dakota could help reduce Bakken flaring

MHA Nation and Standing Rock say they will monitor pipeline progress for water and environment impact

By Gabrielle Nelson

UTTC professor reflects on the Battle of Powder River on its 150th anniversary

The first battle of the Great Sioux War ‘set the tone’ for the following 20 conflicts, including the Battle of the Little Bighorn

By Gabrielle Nelson

MHA Nation appeals court upholds $250M withdrawal from People’s Fund

Ruling is a loss for transparency and justice, plaintiffs say

By Erin Hoover Barnett

Action & Policy

Multiple tribal organizations join MHA Nation in honoring two members of Congress

Senator Lisa Murkowski received a Mandan name, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi presented with blanket

By Darren Thompson

Bheri Rose Hallam gives Senator Lisa Murkowski a Mandan name

Buffalo Restoration

‘Gaining back our identity’: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe looks to expand buffalo herd

Bigger herd would support tribe’s economy, land and culture, says herd manager

By Gabrielle Nelson

Tribal Oversight

Proposed gas pipeline in North Dakota could help reduce Bakken flaring

MHA Nation and Standing Rock say they will monitor pipeline progress for water and environment impact

By Gabrielle Nelson

MHA Nation appeals court upholds $250M withdrawal from People’s Fund

By Erin Hoover Barnett

Bheri Rose Hallam gives Senator Lisa Murkowski a Mandan name

Action & Policy

Multiple tribal organizations join MHA Nation in honoring two members of Congress

By Darren Thompson

Buffalo Restoration

‘Gaining back our identity’: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe looks to expand buffalo herd

By Gabrielle Nelson

Tribal Oversight

Proposed gas pipeline in North Dakota could help reduce Bakken flaring

By Gabrielle Nelson

Other stories in Native Nations

Northern Plains

Scott

Scott Davis steps down from Interior Department, returns to North Dakota

Davis says he’ll continue supporting Native communities as a member of the private sector

Legislators plan to learn about Native American health care, emergency services, disability care

Lawmakers establish task forces to study tribal Medicaid models, emergency service sustainability and disability waiver programs ahead of 2027

Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight

More than $21 million in federal money to support tribal highway and road projects

Two tribes in North Dakota receive grants totaling more than $2 million

Northern Plains Indigenous Film Festival to launch next month in Fargo

Festival attendees can participate in workshops on filmmaking and producing

AIHEC conference honors TCU students with awards for art, sports, academics

Student Awards Banquet held last day of conference

By Gabrielle Nelson

Scott

Scott Davis steps down from Interior Department, returns to North Dakota

Davis says he’ll continue supporting Native communities as a member of the private sector

Legislators plan to learn about Native American health care, emergency services, disability care

Lawmakers establish task forces to study tribal Medicaid models, emergency service sustainability and disability waiver programs ahead of 2027

Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight

More than $21 million in federal money to support tribal highway and road projects

Two tribes in North Dakota receive grants totaling more than $2 million

Northern Plains Indigenous Film Festival to launch next month in Fargo

Festival attendees can participate in workshops on filmmaking and producing

AIHEC conference honors TCU students with awards for art, sports, academics

Student Awards Banquet held last day of conference

By Gabrielle Nelson

Legislators plan to learn about Native American health care, emergency services, disability care

Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight

More than $21 million in federal money to support tribal highway and road projects

Northern Plains Indigenous Film Festival to launch next month in Fargo

AIHEC conference honors TCU students with awards for art, sports, academics

By Gabrielle Nelson

Other stories in Northern Plains

Culture, Arts & Sports

Rattle shaking, singing and bluffing: Hand game matches draw crowds at AIHEC conference

Diné College team wins two-day tournament

By Darren Thompson

Tribes, horsemen, deep into planning for Little Bighorn 150th anniversary

Northern Cheyenne Tribe leads recent planning meeting

By Darren Thompson

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Politics, History

Native officials denounce Trump’s Little Bighorn revisionism

The historic battlefield has been directed to remove signage sharing Native perspective on Custer’s Last Stand

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Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2026 begins her reign as traveling ambassador

Jaylynn Hicks is first Native to hold the title in 40 years

Beyond the red suit: How Native Santas are reclaiming holiday representation

By blending tribal regalia with holiday tradition, Indigenous veterans in Oregon are creating a safe, inclusive space where children see themselves in the magic of Christmas.

Tribes, horsemen, deep into planning for Little Bighorn 150th anniversary

Northern Cheyenne Tribe leads recent planning meeting

By Darren Thompson

Politics, History

Native officials denounce Trump’s Little Bighorn revisionism

The historic battlefield has been directed to remove signage sharing Native perspective on Custer’s Last Stand

102318_CherubMadden

Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2026 begins her reign as traveling ambassador

Jaylynn Hicks is first Native to hold the title in 40 years

101825_ChuckMiner

Beyond the red suit: How Native Santas are reclaiming holiday representation

By blending tribal regalia with holiday tradition, Indigenous veterans in Oregon are creating a safe, inclusive space where children see themselves in the magic of Christmas.

Tribes, horsemen, deep into planning for Little Bighorn 150th anniversary

By Darren Thompson

102318_CherubMadden

Politics, History

Native officials denounce Trump’s Little Bighorn revisionism

101825_ChuckMiner

Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2026 begins her reign as traveling ambassador

Beyond the red suit: How Native Santas are reclaiming holiday representation

Other stories in Culture, Arts & Sports

Cultural Preservation

Language Access

South Dakota governor signs Helen’s Law, requiring language translations in official state proceedings

Law named after fluent Lakota speaker Helen Red Feather

By Darren Thompson

Brandy Toft

A Superfund site in Minnesota is spreading, disrupting a tribe’s way of life

Little progress has been made despite 40 years of cleanup on Leech Lake Reservation

By Gabrielle Nelson

Media 2-3E1A0549-B123-49E2-8646-9CEC09390DDF_hd

DOJ opinion sparks new debate about legal protections for peyote

Native advocates stand ready to protect decades of religious freedom victories

By Darren Thompson

Cultural Resilience

For Two Spirits and Native LGBTQ+ people enduring a second Trump administration, the powwow must go on

Events and outreach continue as White House directives roll back rights and recognition

CTSINecropsyTeam

Whale’s tragic demise brings two worlds together

On a wind-swept Oregon beach, Native culture and science share space

A Superfund site in Minnesota is spreading, disrupting a tribe’s way of life

Little progress has been made despite 40 years of cleanup on Leech Lake Reservation

By Gabrielle Nelson

Brandy Toft

DOJ opinion sparks new debate about legal protections for peyote

Native advocates stand ready to protect decades of religious freedom victories

By Darren Thompson

Media 2-3E1A0549-B123-49E2-8646-9CEC09390DDF_hd

Cultural Resilience

For Two Spirits and Native LGBTQ+ people enduring a second Trump administration, the powwow must go on

Events and outreach continue as White House directives roll back rights and recognition

Whale’s tragic demise brings two worlds together

On a wind-swept Oregon beach, Native culture and science share space

CTSINecropsyTeam

Brandy Toft

A Superfund site in Minnesota is spreading, disrupting a tribe’s way of life

By Gabrielle Nelson

Media 2-3E1A0549-B123-49E2-8646-9CEC09390DDF_hd

DOJ opinion sparks new debate about legal protections for peyote

By Darren Thompson

Cultural Resilience

For Two Spirits and Native LGBTQ+ people enduring a second Trump administration, the powwow must go on

CTSINecropsyTeam

Whale’s tragic demise brings two worlds together

Other stories in Cultural Preservation

Federal Politics

Trump dumps Noem, taps Mullin to be next DHS Secretary

If approved, Mullin would be second Native man to serve as U.S. Cabinet member

Experts discuss tribal sovereignty’s role in the growing hemp and cannabis industry

Great Lakes summit addresses recent Minnesota appeals court ruling saying possession is civil matter and the state lacks authority to prosecute tribal members on tribal lands

By Darren Thompson

Proposed agriculture funding bill impacts more than 80,000 Native producers

63 provisions of the bill are relevant to tribes. ‘Economic stability and cultural responsibility’ at stake, says co-chair of Native Farm Bill Coalition

By Gabrielle Nelson

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Native Leadership

Native political organizer and activist running for South Dakota governor

Candidate Allison Renville stresses importance of restoring trust between tribes and the state

By Gabrielle Nelson

press_release2

Oglala Sioux Tribe demands release of tribal members in ICE custody

OST president warns federal officials of legal consequences for treaty violations, unlawful detention and deprivation of civil rights

By Darren Thompson

Experts discuss tribal sovereignty’s role in the growing hemp and cannabis industry

Great Lakes summit addresses recent Minnesota appeals court ruling saying possession is civil matter and the state lacks authority to prosecute tribal members on tribal lands

By Darren Thompson

Proposed agriculture funding bill impacts more than 80,000 Native producers

63 provisions of the bill are relevant to tribes. ‘Economic stability and cultural responsibility’ at stake, says co-chair of Native Farm Bill Coalition

By Gabrielle Nelson

Native Leadership

Native political organizer and activist running for South Dakota governor

Candidate Allison Renville stresses importance of restoring trust between tribes and the state

By Gabrielle Nelson

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Oglala Sioux Tribe demands release of tribal members in ICE custody

OST president warns federal officials of legal consequences for treaty violations, unlawful detention and deprivation of civil rights

By Darren Thompson

press_release2

Experts discuss tribal sovereignty’s role in the growing hemp and cannabis industry

By Darren Thompson

Proposed agriculture funding bill impacts more than 80,000 Native producers

By Gabrielle Nelson

unnamed-1

Native Leadership

Native political organizer and activist running for South Dakota governor

By Gabrielle Nelson

press_release2

Oglala Sioux Tribe demands release of tribal members in ICE custody

By Darren Thompson

Other stories in Sovereignty

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AISES conference showcases ‘enormous commitment’ to build STEM community

More than 3,000 participants attend Minneapolis event

By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Vigil in Minneapolis

America is cracking

Indigenous wisdom can build a more humane world

By Sarah Sunshine Manning

Todd Hall

Tribal citizens stuck with an act, an IRA constitution they didn’t support

A community voice argues the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act and the Three Affiliated Tribes constitution were imposed, citing election participation and representation concerns

Supreme Court

Supreme Court should uphold sovereign status for Native nations in Voting Rights Act case

A North Dakota redistricting lawsuit raises whether private plaintiffs can enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act through 42 USC § 1983

Twin Buttes Powwow celebrates every child as a champion

Youth Night creates safe space for newcomers to the arena

By Angela Gillette

America is cracking

Indigenous wisdom can build a more humane world

By Sarah Sunshine Manning

Vigil in Minneapolis

Tribal citizens stuck with an act, an IRA constitution they didn’t support

A community voice argues the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act and the Three Affiliated Tribes constitution were imposed, citing election participation and representation concerns

Todd Hall

Supreme Court should uphold sovereign status for Native nations in Voting Rights Act case

A North Dakota redistricting lawsuit raises whether private plaintiffs can enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act through 42 USC § 1983

Supreme Court

Twin Buttes Powwow celebrates every child as a champion

Youth Night creates safe space for newcomers to the arena

By Angela Gillette

Vigil in Minneapolis

America is cracking

By Sarah Sunshine Manning

Todd Hall

Tribal citizens stuck with an act, an IRA constitution they didn’t support

Supreme Court

Supreme Court should uphold sovereign status for Native nations in Voting Rights Act case

Twin Buttes Powwow celebrates every child as a champion

By Angela Gillette

Other stories in Opinion

Other Stories

Buffalo’s Fire launches Flyers Board for community notices and events

New page organizes local flyers around the newest postings, creating a digital bulletin board for gatherings, workshops, fundraisers and public notices

By Buffalo's Fire

Apply now for Buffalo’s Fire summer internship program

By Buffalo's Fire

Cultural Protection

Bill adding Indigenous languages and rights for wild rice introduced to Minnesota legislature

By Darren Thompson

Help plan the 150th Battle of the Greasy Grass: complete the official participant survey

By Buffalo's Fire

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Meet Darren Thompson: Buffalo’s Fire’s new staff reporter