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Spirit Lake Tribe

Tribal council news, community initiatives and stories from the Spirit Lake Dakota people.
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Elections

Citing Callais, appeals court vacates Native American redistricting win in North Dakota

The ruling sends the case back to district court, raising new barriers in the battle for better representation in North Dakota
Jen Rice, Democracy Docket
Government
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
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Transportation
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
By Brian Bull
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Higher Ed
‘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
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ShineThe Shine series explores limitations and solutions to government transparency in Indian Country.
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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
By Jolan Kruse
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D’Angelo Hunt indicted for voluntary manslaughter of ‘J.M.P.’ — initials match missing partner Jemini Posey
Spirit Lake citizen Jemini Madeline Posey had tried ending their relationship before she disappeared
By Jolan Kruse
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Two boys missing from residential facility
Police and family looking for Angel Mendez and Zayne LaFountain
By Jolan Kruse
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Remains found during search for Isaac Hunt
Identification not yet made
By Jolan Kruse
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Food Security
North Dakota counties most harmed by SNAP cuts are those on reservations
Native organizations and food banks are stepping in to compensate
By Gabrielle Nelson
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Governmental Affairs
Prolonged federal government shutdown spurs tribes to declare states of emergency
The Spirit Lake Tribe and the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe say several key programs will be affected
By Brian Bull
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Self-reliance
Spirit Lake's Incident Command Team is a model for tribal emergency response
'Nobody is coming to save us but us': After Isaac Hunt and Jemini Posey went missing, the Spirit Lake Tribe built its own 40-expert response team, creating an alert system and saving lives
By Jolan Kruse
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Families still searching for missing Spirit Lake citizens
Jemini Posey and Isaac Hunt were reported missing in early 2024
By Jolan Kruse
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Law Enforcement
Spirit Lake Nation responds to misconduct allegations at sheriff’s office, calls out ‘urgent need’ for responsive law enforcement
Benson County Deputy Chief Travis Carlson faces 13 charges. The sheriff and two others resign
By Jolan Kruse
Benson County Deputy Chief Travis Carlson
Water Funding
$849 million for Western water projects announced by Biden administration
North Dakota to receive more than $32 million toward projects for 4 tribal communities
Chase WoodRuff, North Dakota Monitor
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Tribes, state argue redistricting case to federal appeals court
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Spirit Lake Nation commodity food program turns to tribal buffalo herd for meat
By Grace Fiori
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'Be that changemaker': USDA consultation with tribal leaders follows congressional testimony
By Grace Fiori
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‘Gross negligence’: Shortages in USDA food aid for Native Americans blasted in Congress
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U.S. Senators push USDA to rectify shortages at tribal food assistance programs
By Grace Fiori
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Tribal food assistance program in shambles after USDA warehouse consolidation
By Grace Fiori
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