Buffalo's Fire Sections

Land & Water

Environmental issues, land rights, natural resource management and water protection efforts across Native communities.
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Land use

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
Explainer
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
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Cultural Protection
Bill adding Indigenous languages and rights for wild rice introduced to Minnesota legislature
State Senator Mary Kunesh introduced multiple bills that would add protections to wild rice, Minnesota’s state grain
By Darren Thompson
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Explainer
What a Superfund site is and how EPA cleanup works
Nearly 200 Superfund sites are on tribal land
By Gabrielle Nelson
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Environment
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
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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
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Year in Review
Reporters’ Notebook: The year that was
Buffalo’s Fire reporters reflect on their biggest stories of 2025
By Buffalo's Fire
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Treaty Rights
Oceti Sakowin Treaty Council calls for repeal of 1872 Mining Act, protection of He Sápa
Resolution adopted at the Dec 17 Oceti Sakowin Treaty Conference calls for permanent protection of He Sápa (Black Hills) and an end to mining claims
By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
Sovereignty
What a Southern Arizona tribe can teach others about tribal water rights
The monumental Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement celebrates its 21st anniversary
By Gabrielle Nelson
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Food sovereignty
UTTC student raises $12k in food drive for North Dakota and Montana
Inspired by her grandparents, Tonah Fishinghawk-Chavez proves that caring for the community is an action, not just a word
By Gabrielle Nelson
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Climate Action
‘We need involvement’: Indigenous leaders demand change at COP30
Indigenous participation may be highest in the climate conference’s history
By Gabrielle Nelson
Opening Plenary
Environmental Stewardship
'Good fire' at Chaa-lamali: Young Natives practice cultural burn
At an oak savannah near Eugene, Oregon, TEIP interns and elders carry forward a time-honored tradition, restoring meadow health and renewing relationship with the land
By Brian Bull
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Live Coverage
UTTC Tribal Summit: Cody Two Bears urges tribal nations to unite for sovereignty
It’s just as important as preserving Native language and culture, he says
By Gabrielle Nelson
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Lake Stewardship
Native nations push through funding uncertainties to keep protecting the Great Lakes
Cuts to federal staff and funding could compromise research, ecosystems
By Kadin Mills
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Heritage
UTTC agriculture students connect with Native roots
The SAGE Club at United Tribes Technical College teaches students about food sovereignty
By Gabrielle Nelson
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First food
Ready the skunk cabbage, it’s the great camas bake-off
Prized bulb is a traditional food that proves tricky to bake right
By Brian Bull
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Dakota Access Pipeline
Federal government appealing $28M award to North Dakota for pipeline protest costs
By Mary Steurer
Protests Continue At Standing Rock Sioux Reservation Over Dakota Pipeline Access Project
Voices Rising
UN forum pushes governments to act on Indigenous rights
Governments worldwide are being urged to fully implement a 2007 declaration that protects Indigenous Peoples’ rights to land, governance and cultural autonomy
By Buffalo's Fire
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Climate Change
Warming winters bring uncertainty to Indigenous maple traditions
Environmental scientists and syrup producers say they expect to see major shifts in seasonal harvests due to climate change
By Kadin Mills
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Homeland Rejected
Black Hills still not for sale, Oglala Sioux Tribe rejects FOIA request to unseal value
Star Comes Out: ‘Resolve the Sioux land claims without having to sell out our homeland’
By Talli Nauman
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