The Daily Spark
Concise summaries of the most important news and information relevant to Native communities
New Mexico governor signs bill protecting tribal regalia at graduations
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham has signed SB 163 into law, ensuring Native American students in New Mexico can wear traditional regalia at school ceremonies, including graduations. The law, which took effect immediately, prevents public schools from banning culturally significant items for students from federally recognized tribes. The legislation follows a 2024 incident in which a Lakota student’s beaded cap with an eagle plume was confiscated. Officials say the new law affirms Indigenous students’ rights to honor their heritage.
Tribes, experts work to restore Michigan’s manoomin
Michigan tribes, state officials, and researchers have developed a plan to restore manoomin, also known as wild rice, which has declined due to colonization, pollution, and climate change. The Michigan Wild Rice Initiative’s 122-page stewardship plan aims to protect the aquatic grain, integrating Indigenous knowledge with conservation strategies. The effort follows Michigan’s 2023 recognition of manoomin as the state’s native grain.
Schatz: Dismantling Education Department threatens Native students
Sen. Brian Schatz (D-Hawai‘i) criticized former President Donald Trump’s plan to eliminate the U.S. Department of Education, warning it would violate federal trust responsibilities and harm Native students. More than 92% of Native students attend public schools, which rely on federal funding for special education, language programs, and school operations. Tribal colleges could also face severe cuts. Schatz called the proposal a “betrayal of a sacred federal promise.”
Jury orders Greenpeace to pay $660M in Dakota Access case
A North Dakota jury has ordered Greenpeace to pay more than $660 million in damages to Energy Transfer, the company behind the Dakota Access Pipeline. The lawsuit alleged Greenpeace spread false claims about the pipeline, contributing to protests, vandalism, and financial losses. Greenpeace argues the case is a strategic attack on free speech and is pursuing an anti-SLAPP lawsuit in the Netherlands. The verdict comes years after mass protests near the Standing Rock Sioux reservation.
UPDATE: Search for missing 20-year-old Renzo Bullhead intensifies
The Mandan Police Department is seeking assistance in locating 20-year-old Renzo Bullhead, who has been missing since March 16, 2025. Renzo was last seen walking east on the railroad bridge connecting Mandan and Bismarck around 8 p.m. Sunday. Surveillance footage shows him entering the bridge from the east side, but it does not show him exiting the east side or returning to the west side.
Renzo is described as having black hair, brown eyes, standing 5 feet 11 inches tall, and weighing approximately 180 pounds. He was last seen wearing a puffy black jacket, white and black checkered sweatpants, and white and red Jordan basketball shoes.
Search efforts have expanded, with additional resources like watercraft and drones. Due to limited staff on Friday, the search headquarters will be moved to United Tribes Technical College, Building #15, with a briefing at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, March 21. Volunteers are encouraged to gather for prayer and instructions.
Community members are urged to help with the search. Anyone with information regarding Renzo’s whereabouts should contact the Mandan Police Department at (701) 667-3250. Your volunteer help is important in these expanded efforts.
South Dakota faces crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People
The recent discovery of Sahela Sangrait's body has drawn attention to the ongoing crisis of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People (MMIW) in South Dakota. Sangrait, missing since August 2024, was found near Hill City. This tragic case underscores the disproportionate violence faced by Native communities across the U.S., including the Black Hills. Organizations like the Red Ribbon Skirt Society, founded by Lily Mendoza, are working to raise awareness, support families, and push for continued conversations to address this crisis.
Native America Calling discusses challenges in higher education for Native students
On March 19, 2025, Native America Calling highlighted the ongoing challenges Native students face in higher education under the Trump Administration. New policies are pressuring colleges and universities to dismantle scholarship programs, recruitment efforts, and academic initiatives that support Native students, with schools risking federal funding losses and investigations. At least 50 institutions are under scrutiny for practices deemed "race exclusionary." Advocates from organizations like the American Indian College Fund and the American Indian Higher Education Consortium are discussing responses to these changes and the impact on Native education.
Maryland artist sentenced for violating Indian Arts and Crafts Act
A Maryland artist, Jasmine Battle, was sentenced to 24 months of probation and fined $2,500 for violating the Indian Arts and Crafts Act. Battle misrepresented herself as a Cherokee artist between 2013 and 2020, selling dreamcatchers as authentic Cherokee creations. An investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service revealed she was not enrolled in a federally recognized tribe. Agents also seized feathers from protected birds during a federal search. The case highlights ongoing efforts to protect Native artists from counterfeit claims.
Wisconsin tribal leader highlights key issues
Chairman Thomas Fowler of the St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin delivered the 21st annual State of the Tribes address at the Wisconsin State Capitol, highlighting public health, education, and sovereignty. He emphasized harm reduction, clean water access, medical marijuana legalization, and increased mental health resources. The Wisconsin Assembly passed three bills, including protections for tribal regalia at graduation and improved reporting on Native language and cultural education programs.
8th Circuit denies Mille Lacs Band’s request for rehearing
The Eighth Circuit has denied the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe’s request for a rehearing on its law enforcement jurisdiction case. The court upheld a ruling that a 2023 Minnesota law grants the tribe full authority over its reservation, affirming an 1855 treaty. Mille Lacs County officials had challenged the tribe’s jurisdiction, but the court ruled their appeal moot. The dispute has lasted nearly a decade.
Setback in search efforts: Removal of key report on missing Indigenous youth
The U.S. Department of Justice recently removed a key report on missing Indigenous youth, hindering progress on addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples (MMIP) crisis. The Not Invisible Act Commission’s 212-page report, which outlined protections for Indigenous foster youth and other at-risk populations, included recommendations for federal agencies to improve tracking and response efforts. Despite setbacks, leaders like Ruth Buffalo of the Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center remain committed to pushing for accountability and action. The community continues advocating for law enforcement resources, data collection, and victim support.
Honoring Native composers
The New York Times recently highlighted the groundbreaking contributions of Louis W. Ballard, a pioneering Native American composer. In 1977, his National Indian Honor Band performance before 50,000 spectators at Kennedy Stadium was a milestone for Native American music. Ballard, known for blending Native and Western classical traditions, faced challenges that continue to impact younger artists. Despite his extensive work as a composer, educator, and activist, his contributions have not been fully recognized.
Greenpeace case over Dakota Access Pipeline protests reaches jury
The legal battle between Greenpeace and pipeline developer Energy Transfer is now in the hands of a jury. The three-week civil trial, which concluded on March 17, 2025, involves allegations that Greenpeace incited destructive acts during the 2016-2017 Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Energy Transfer seeks up to $1 billion in damages. Greenpeace denies these claims, asserting that it supported nonviolent protests led by the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe. The jury began deliberations after the final arguments.
Energy Transfer chairman testifies about 2016 settlement talks with Standing Rock
Energy Transfer Executive Chairman Kelcy Warren testified that he attempted to negotiate a settlement with Standing Rock Sioux Tribe leaders in December 2016 over the Dakota Access Pipeline protests. Warren offered land and a new school, but former tribal chair Dave Archambault II disagrees, stating the meeting focused on de-escalating violence, not settlement. Archambault emphasized the resistance against the pipeline stemmed from broader concerns about Indigenous rights. The case is part of a lawsuit filed by Energy Transfer against Greenpeace regarding protest activities.
Paine exhibit highlights Indigenous basketry tradition
The Paine Art Center and Gardens in Oshkosh is showcasing the art of Ho-Chunk basket making with its exhibition, "Weaving a Legacy: Ho-Chunk Black Ash Basketry." The display features over 100 works, ranging from early 1900s to contemporary pieces, emphasizing the tradition of black ash basketry. The exhibition also highlights the threat posed by the emerald ash borer to these trees, which are vital to the craft. Curated by Ho-Chunk artist Tom Jones, this exhibition stands as the only one dedicated to preserving this Native art form.
'Indigenous Whispers' project honors Miami’s Native heritage
The "Indigenous Whispers" project, founded by Judith Anderson and Christine Michaels, aims to preserve Miami’s Native American heritage by creating a historical trail along the Miami River. The project will use augmented reality to highlight the stories of the Tequesta tribe, who inhabited the area from 500 B.C. to the mid-1700s. Visitors will use smartphones to scan QR codes at 20 stops, learning about the tribe’s lifestyle, commerce, and relationship with the land. The initiative seeks support to develop the technology needed to launch the project.
Tribal nations push for accountability in BNSF easement case
Sixteen Tribal Nations from Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Montana, supported by the Native American Rights Fund, filed an amicus brief in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, urging accountability for BNSF Railway. The case stems from BNSF's violation of an easement agreement with the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community. A district court ordered the company to disgorge $394 million in profits gained from violating the terms. Tribal leaders argue that holding BNSF accountable is critical for protecting sovereignty and ensuring corporations uphold agreements with Native communities.