Buffalo's Fire Sections

Sovereignty

Tribal sovereignty, self-governance and the legal and political relationships between Native nations and federal and state governments.
Billy Kirkland
Politics

Tribal leaders call for sovereignty as federal support wavers

At the June 3 Government to Government Conference in Bismarck, leaders said proposed federal funding cuts threaten education, safety
Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor
Tribal Voting
US Supreme Court sends North Dakota tribal redistricting case back for review
High court orders appeals court to reconsider tribal voting rights lawsuit after recent ruling changed standards for racial gerrymandering cases
Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor
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Press Freedom
Indian Country needs media pillar for a just society
Civic information, data, local news strengthen Native communities
By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
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Policy
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
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ShineThe Shine series explores limitations and solutions to government transparency in Indian Country.
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
By Brian Bull
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Farm bill
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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Legal Dispute
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
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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
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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Civil Rights
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
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Historic Preservation
Legislation signed to protect Wounded Knee memorial site
South Dakota’s congressional delegation joins Wounded Knee descendants and supporters at site on 135th anniversary of the massacre
By Darren Thompson
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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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Federal Recognition
Lumbee Tribe to receive federal recognition after 70 years of state distinction
National Defense Authorization Act passes Senate, affirms tribe’s federal services
By Darren Thompson
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government relations
Oglala Sioux Tribe denounces Defense Department’s refusal to revoke soldiers’ Wounded Knee medals
President Frank Star Comes Out calls decision ‘despicable’
By Brian Bull
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Fund Control
MHA citizens seek accountability in a suit against their Tribal Business Council
Appeals court to rule soon in a case first filed last year
By Erin Hoover Barnett
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Movement Resilience
Despite major foundation cuts, NDN Collective vows to ‘double down’
Citing socio-political instability, social justice group reduces staff, programming
By Brian Bull
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Sovereignty
MHA Nation decriminalizes medical marijuana
Will full legalization follow? Tribal members talk cannabis at alterNATIVE Medicine Symposium
By Gabrielle Nelson
Thi Le, the strategic adviser of the Green Road Initiative
Opinion
In ID we trust: Reflections on self-preservation in an age of deportations
With federal officials confronting brown people over U.S. citizenship, a Native reporter takes yet another precaution
By Brian Bull
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