Standards and Policies
Mission
Buffalo’s Fire produces independent journalism to enhance the quality of life for Native communities through news coverage that informs and engages American Indians and lifts up our stories to the broader culture.
Ethics Policy
Preamble
Buffalo’s Fire is a nonprofit, nonpartisan digital news site covering American Indian stories.
Buffalo’s Fire upholds the values of free speech and a free press for all American Indian people and their communities.
As a result, American Indian communities are better informed to improve all aspects of community wellness, including health, governance, economics, and culture.
Whereas, American Indians are distinct people grounded in culture and tradition, our reporting shall respect and not diminish culture, traditions, and sacred values.
Whereas, American Indian nations have the right to self-determination, Buffalo’s Fire shall uphold their inherent sovereignty by seeking truth and exercising the public’s right to information.
Therefore, Buffalo’s Fire is resolved to maintain the highest standards of credible, ethical and independent journalism in service to American Indian communities.
Code of Ethics
Buffalo’s Fire adheres to ethical policies and standards set forth by the Society of Professional journalists. These standards shall apply equally to Buffalo’s Fire employees, freelancers and all others engaged in gathering information on behalf of the digital news site. All receive a copy of these ethical standards.
The Code of Ethics includes the following principles. (You can find the full Code of Ethics here at SPJ.)
Seek Truth and Report It
Ethical journalism should be accurate and fair. Journalists should be honest and courageous in gathering, reporting and interpreting information.
Minimize Harm
Ethical journalism treats sources, subjects, colleagues and members of the public as human beings deserving of respect.
Act Independently
The highest and primary obligation of ethical journalism is to serve the public. We understand a conflict of interest can arise even “even if nobody misbehaves and nobody means harm.” It is our duty as a newsroom to present news with integrity and to avoid perceived or real conflicts.
We have “a story behind the story “ section on our digital news stores where we can disclose real or perceived conflicts. Our other option is to write opinion pieces. We adhere to these media guidelines for avoiding conflict of interest. To date, we’ve not taken, received or requested financial assistance from any tribal government, including the Three Affiliated Tribes located on the Fort Berthold Reservation.
Be Accountable and Transparent
Ethical journalism means taking responsibility for one’s work and explaining one’s decisions to the public.
Masthead
Buffalos Fire Senior Editorial Team
Founding Date
Buiffalo’s Fire was founded in 2016 under the umbrella of the nonprofit Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance.
Buffalosfire.com is the first Native American news site to become a member of The Trust Project, an international consortium of news organizations dedicated to integrity, transparency and accountability in the news industry. The project assists the public in making informed news choices within a free and responsible press.
Editorial Independence and Ownership Structure
Buffalo’s Fire is published by the Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit media organization with articles of incorporation in North Dakota. Buffalo’s Fire was established with its own mission and maintains editorial independence.
We subscribe to standards of editorial independence adopted by the Institute for Nonprofit News:
Our organization retains full authority over editorial content to protect the best journalistic and business interests of our organization. We maintain a firewall between news coverage decisions and sources of all revenue. Acceptance of financial support does not constitute implied or actual endorsement of donors or their products, services or opinions. We accept gifts, grants and sponsorships from individuals and organizations for the general support of our activities, but our news judgments are made independently and not on the basis of donor support.
Our organization may consider donations to support the coverage of particular topics, but our organization maintains editorial control of the coverage. We will cede no right of review or influence of editorial content, nor of unauthorized distribution of editorial content.
Our organization will make public all donors who give a total of $1,000 or more per year. We will accept anonymous donations for general support only if it is clear that sufficient safeguards have been put into place that the expenditure of that donation is made independently by our organization and in compliance with INN’s Membership Standards.
Unnamed Sources
Transparency is critical to our credibility in American Indian communities. But not all Native communities are afforded full First Amendment protection for free speech and a free press. Misuse of tribal sovereignty often trumps citizens rights.
There are times when reporters need confidential sources to serve our communities and their right to self-governance. Responsible journalism in the public interest may depend on confidential sources who give journalists information that powerful people seek to keep secret.
We make every effort to pursue information on the record. Best Practices in journalism dictate that we use appropriate sources and fully identify them. The public is entitled to as much information as possible to determine the reliability of sources.
Buffalo’s Fire encourages whistle-blowers to securely send us tips and information that could be of public concern ― videos, photos, story tips and documents. Our goal is to expose wrongdoing by companies, individuals and governments anywhere in the world. Buffalo’s Fire guarantees the protection of our sources.
Our ability to protect sources allows people with important information to come forward and expose matters of public interest. If we do not properly protect our confidential sources, potential sources will not trust us. This compromises our ability to expose abuses of power in tribal, state and federal governments.
The repercussions to sources in tribal communities could be legal, job-related retribution or personal safety. Those risks often extend to their sources’ families.
We know readers may be skeptical of anonymous sources, wondering whether they are credible or what may motivate them. When the press overuses or abuses the use of unnamed sources, the public loses trust.
We understand the skepticism and value the public’s trust, which is why we have a process in place to vet sources before they appear in a news story.
We do not provide anonymity to those who attack individuals or organizations or engage in speculation. Unnamed sources are not allowed to be the sole basis of the story.
Anonymous sources are a last resort, but some stories cannot be told without allowing sources to go unnamed.
How we decide on anonymity
- When a source requests anonymity, reporters first seek to change the person’s mind and to determine the reason the person wants to go unnamed.
- The material is information and not opinion or speculation, and is vital to the report.
- We weigh the potential impact and importance of the information on the lives of American Indians and its potential influence on public policy.
- We determine if the source is reliable and is in a position to have direct knowledge of the information.
- We consider the extent of personal or professional hardship and possible danger the source may face if his/her identity becomes known.
- Reporters will then try to find other sources willing to be named. If that approach fails, an editor becomes involved. Buffalo’s Fire editor decides whether to grant anonymity.
- Potential dangers and terms of use should be agreed upon by the journalist and the source.
In addition, we follow the Associated Press Protocols for identifying sources, which include the following definitions. These ground rules will be set at the onset of the interview with a source.
These are the AP’s definitions:
On the record. The information can be used with no caveats, quoting the source by name.
Off the record. The information cannot be used for publication.
Background. The information can be published but only under conditions negotiated with the source. Generally, the sources do not want their names published but will agree to a description of their position. Buffalo’s Fire reporters should object vigorously when a source wants to brief a group of reporters on background and try to persuade the source to put the briefing on the record.
Deep background. The information can be used but without attribution. The source does not want to be identified in any way, even on condition of anonymity.
If Buffalo’s Fire publishes information from an anonymous source, we will explain in the story, in as much detail as possible, why we agreed to anonymity.
Buffalo’s Fire relies on an Associated Press wire service for some of our stories. The Associated Press has its own policy for anonymous sources.
Byline Policy
All of our news stories indicate the name of the correspondent or staff member who reported and wrote about the news. The bylines also include a link to information on how to contact the journalist.
On some articles you will see bylines from news agencies rather than our staff. We trust these news organizations to help us cover the world as fully as possible and to adhere to the highest journalistic standards.
As a member of the Associated Press Storyshare, Buffalo’s Fire publishes news created by other members in the news cooperative. Those stories are identifiable through a byline that indicates the publication and the journalist who wrote the story.
The Associated Press Storyshare helps news outlets around the country to connect with each other in the interest of preserving local and state news coverage for their communities. Buffalo’s Fire is a partner in the Indigenous news Storyshare.
The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business.
Diversity Statement
Inclusiveness is at the heart of thinking and acting as journalists. When we include voices from more segments of our communities in our coverage, the result is more accurate and nuanced storytelling. Our commitment to diversity extends to our own staff, where different backgrounds and experiences enrich our approach to news coverage.
As a national digital news service covering Indian Country, our staff and reporters need an immensely broad understanding of American Indian life and issues that can range from federal law to health to culture. At the community level, our reporters must have respect for and knowledge of each tribe’s history, values, and traditions.
Without this understanding and indigenous ways of knowing, stereotypes will be perpetuated and sacred traditions may be violated. Therefore, we place the utmost importance on hiring reporters and contributors from different tribal backgrounds and experiences.
As a new nonprofit, we have the opportunity at Buffalo’s Fire to build an equitable, inclusive, ethical, respectful and anti-racist workplace from the ground up. We are dedicated to forming a team based on diverse experiences, with equity, belonging, trust and respect as our core organizing principles.
We are an equal opportunity employer.
Diverse Staffing Report
Below is a breakdown of staffing data at Buffalo’s Fire. We determine the composition of our staff by asking them to self-identify. It is based on a newsroom of 4 as of May 2022.
The majority of the staff are ages 55 and above with one staff member under the age of 30. All 4 identify as heterosexual. Three identify as female and one as male.
With the exception of one reporter who speaks Spanish, all speak English only at home. For race/ethnicity, 3 staff self-selected as American Indian and one staff member selected White.
The four American Indian staff members reported association with the following Native American tribes:
- Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, also known as the Three Affiliated Tribes
- Chippewa Cree
- Mniconjou Lakota
Verification and Fact Checking
Every single article we publish is checked for accuracy and credibility. Buffalo’s Fire reporters have primary responsibility for reporting, writing, and fact-checking their stories. In addition, before a story is published, the reporter reviews all facts and sources with an editor.
In our news stories, facts must be traced to a primary source. Journalists are expected to write with fact-checking in mind, and should be ready to provide source material and to discuss and respond to questions.
We take many steps to ensure accuracy:
- We investigate claims with skepticism; question assumptions; challenge conventional wisdom; confirm information with subject-matter experts; and seek to corroborate what sources tell us by talking with other informed people or consulting documents.
- We verify content, such as technical terms and statistics, against source documents or make clear who is providing the information.
- We may share relevant components of a story with a primary source or an outside expert to verify them.
- We provide hyperlinks in the story to facts and any source material that can be found online.
We stand by the information as accurate, and if it’s not, we will change it as quickly as possible and be transparent with our readers about the magnitude of the error.
Corrections and Clarifications
Buffalo’s Fire is committed to accurate and factual news. We will tell our readers when an error has been identified, the magnitude of the error, and the correct information, as quickly as possible.
We distinguish between corrections (for mistakes) and clarifications (for vague or misleading content).
If you believe a story we have published is inaccurate, please contact the editorial team. You can:
- Email: jodispottedbear@gmail.com
- Write to The Editor, P.O. Box 1, Halliday, N.D. 58636
Once verified, we will correct the story on the website as soon as possible. The fact a correction has been made will be noted at the bottom of the corrected story and on the Corrections and Clarifications page.
The correction will include the correct information, a reference to the incorrect information, and the time and date of the correction.
Reader Engagement and Feedback
We believe that news organizations have a responsibility to engage with the public on the values, issues and ideas of the day, and that we have much to gain in return.
Our readers are frontline witnesses to life in American Indian communities. They have a stake in maintaining and improving the quality of life in Indian Country. Their knowledge and insights help us decide what to cover and how to cover it.
We invite your comments and complaints on news stories, suggestions for issues to cover or sources to consult.
We have a variety of ways to listen to readers, including our social media accounts on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. On our website, we invite story idea submissions and have an online form for Whistleblowers.
For more ways to contact us, see our Contact page.
You may also contact us by email, phone, or mail:
Jodi Rave Spotted Bear, Executive Director : jodi@imfreedomalliance.org
Phone: (701) 301-1296
Address: P.O. Box 1, Halliday, N.D. 58636
Commenting on a story
At the bottom of most stories, we provide a space for readers to comment. We invite you to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our communities. We expect discussions to be substantive and mutually respectful.
We have a few ground rules for commenters to follow. Here are some things we do not allow:
- Intolerance
- Violence and bullying
- Name-calling
- Trolling
- Vulgarity and profanity
- Anything unlawful
We reserve the right at all times to remove comments should they violate our community standards of decency.
Privacy Policy
Thank you for choosing to be part of our community at Buffalo’s Fire (Hereafter, “Website”, “Site”, “Company”, “we”, “us,” “our”). Protecting your personal information is of utmost importance to us. If you have any questions, comments or concerns after reviewing this Privacy Policy agreement, please contact us at info@imfreedomalliance.org.
When you visit and use (register, answer surveys, fill out a form, contact us through a form) our Website and services, this means you trust us with your personal information. Therefore, this privacy policy describes how we use the information we collect from you when you use our Website and services and what rights you have in relation to your information.
If you disagree with any terms in this privacy policy, please discontinue your use of our Sites and services.
This privacy policy applies to all the information collected through your use of our Website and services and other third-party tools. By using our Website and/or services, or by clicking “Agree” or “Accept” to the Terms of Use when this option is explicitly made available to you, you acknowledge, accept and agree to be bound by the Privacy Policy terms and to abide by them.
- WHAT INFORMATION DO WE COLLECT?
Personal Information You Disclose to Us
During your visit and use of our Website and services, we collect certain data that you provide to us when you fill out opt-in forms, contact forms, and surveys, when you purchase products and/or services, and when you enter your information for giveaways and/or competitions.
The personal information that you provide to us can be your name, email address, location, and occupation. Moreover, if you are purchasing products, then you are also providing us with payment and address information. (However, your payment information is not stored in our system because purchases are processed through payment processors.) Therefore, should you have any questions about payment activities and/or information, contact the specific payment processor directly.
Outside of the European Union (“EU”)
If you are outside of the EU and enter your information to receive a freebie, make a purchase, respond to survey, register for a free training, or participate in a webinar, then we will automatically enroll you to receive our newsletter and updates.
If you do not wish to receive any communications from us, you can opt out by clicking on the unsubscribe link located at the bottom of the emails.
In the European Union
If you are in the EU and opt to receive a freebie or participate in a free training, register for a webinar or live event, or purchase a product, your email address will not be added to the email list to receive our newsletter and updates unless you affirmatively consent to it.
If you change your mind at any point and do not want to receive electronic communication, simply unsubscribe.
If you have trouble unsubscribing by clicking the link at the bottom of the email, simply email us at info@imfreedomalliance.org and request to be unsubscribed from future emails.
Visitors’ Rights Under GDPR
As someone who resides in the European Union, you are entitled to exercise certain rights that you are given under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
Any information or data that you chose to provide us will be kept with Buffalo’s Fire until one of these happens: (1) you ask Buffalo’s Fire to DELETE the information and/or data; (2) Buffalo’s Fire decides to STOP USING the existing data processors, or (3) Buffalo’s Fire decides that the cost of retaining the data outweighs the value in retaining it.
As a consumer and/or visitor on our Site who is located in the European Union region, you have the right to request access to your data that Buffalo’s Fire collected on you and stores it.
You are within your rights to demand to know exactly what data and information Buffalo’s Fire has collected on you. Keep in mind that some parts of this data was provided by you personally, while others were gathered through cookies and pixels.
You have the right to withdraw consent on a date that you previously gave us consent to collect and process. The right to withdraw consent applies to any future processing of that data. However, any data that has been collected and processed previously based on valid consent is lawful and not subject to liability based on any legal grounds.
You also have the right to request erasure of your data and all your information from Buffalo’s Fire’s data storage. Once you request that your data be erased from Buffalo’s Fire databases, we have thirty (30) days to comply with your request. If it’s impossible to comply within 30 days, then Buffalo’s Fire will respond to the Visitor’s request and let them know about the issue and also give them a reasonable time as to when their request for deletion will be honored.
Aside from rights such as request to access, request to delete and rectify, an EU user also has the right to place restrictions on the data processing itself. This means a user can limit certain things that Buffalo’s Fire can and cannot do with their data. You can choose to limit transfer of your data to third-party businesses (unless it’s essential for Buffalo’s Fire’s basic functions).
You further have the right to file a complaint with a supervisory authority who oversees and handles issues related to the GDPR.
Lastly, it’s Buffalo’s Fire duty to inform you that we only require information that is reasonably necessary to enter into a contract with you. We do not collect any unnecessary data, and any information we acquire is used for legitimate business purposes such as growing and scaling our business, or being able to provide satisfactory customer service to you and other users.
Information Collected Through Third-Party Sources
During the time you visit and use our Site, certain limited data are collected from public databases, marketing partners, social media platforms, and analytics sources.
The types of data collected about you from other sources are your location, your computer system, which pages you have visited on our Site, how long you spend on each page, your IP address, your country, and possibly even your social media profiles and referrals.
- CHILDREN’S PRIVACY AND DATA
This Website is not intended for children under the age of 13. We and this Website do not knowingly and intentionally collect any personally identifiable information from children under the age of 13. If you are under 13 years of age, please do not use or provide any information on this Website. Do not use any third parties that might have links present on this Website. Do not provide your name, address, phone number or any payment information.
If a parent or guardian believes that this Website unknowingly collected personally identifiable information from a child under the age of 13 in its database, please contact us at once at info@imfreedomalliance.org, and we will do our best to immediately remove any and all such information from our database.
- HOW DO WE USE THE INFORMATION WE COLLECT FROM YOU?
Information Collected from You
We use the information we collect from you to send you targeted marketing and promotional communications. If at any time you indicated an interest in a particular field related to our Site, then we and/or our third-party marketing partners may use this relevant information to send you additional communication regarding similar products/services.
If you do not want to receive any marketing and/or promotional communication, you can opt out at any time by UNSUBSCRIBING from either a particular list or topic or from all the emails coming from us by clicking on the unsubscribe button located at the bottom of every email you receive.
Information Collected from Third-Party Apps and Tools
Any information collected from third-party tools is used for statistical and analytical purposes and for evaluating and making improvements to our Site. This automatically collected information will not include personal information data.
- WILL WE SHARE YOUR INFORMATION WITH ANYONE?
We respect your privacy and the value of your information. We do not share, disclose, sell, lease or rent your information to anyone or any third party without your express consent.
Only under limited circumstances will necessary information be shared with third parties. Here are the situations in which we will share your information:
- You gave us express consent to do so;
- You entered into a contract for recurring payments—for this reason, your information will be processed on an as-needed basis to uphold the agreement;
- Performance of a contract—if you are obligated to pay or perform an action, and you fail, we reserve the right to share necessary information with a third-party company, such as a collection agency or an attorney; and
- Mandated by law—if legal proceedings are initiated, and there is a subpoena (unlikely, but better to be prepared than surprised).
- WE MAY USE COOKIES AND OTHER TRACKING TECHNOLOGIES
We may use cookies and other tracking technologies, such as pixels, to collect data on advertisements, website use and information retention.
You can read more about this in our Cookie Policy. Know that by agreeing to our Privacy Policy, you are also agreeing to our Cookie Policy.
- EMAIL COMMUNICATIONS & POLICIES
If you decide to contact us through email, we reserve the right to retain the content of your email messages, your email address, and our responses.
Your privacy is important to us. Therefore, your email address will never be shared, sold, or leased to any third-party members.
In compliance with the CAN-SPAM Act, any and all communications sent from our Company or Website will clearly state who the email is from, who the email is for, and how to contact the sender.
Furthermore, should you wish to not receive any more emails, you can click on the “Unsubscribe” link located at the bottom of the email.
Contact Us
If you have any questions, concerns, or comments regarding our Privacy Policy, please feel free to reach out to us: info@imfreedomalliance.org