Buffalo's Fire Sections

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe

Tribal sovereignty, environmental issues, community events and stories from the Lakota and Dakota people at Standing Rock.

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

Tribal Education

Cutting tribal college funding a threat to learning culture, self-determination, graduates say

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

Justice

Standing Rock boy airlifted to hospital, student athletes charged with assault

By Brian Bull

Education

Native administrators rail against Trump’s proposed elimination of funds for TCUs

By Brian Bull

Tribal Education

Cutting tribal college funding a threat to learning culture, self-determination, graduates say

At graduation on the Standing Rock Reservation, students said tribal colleges protect culture, close support

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

Justice

Standing Rock boy airlifted to hospital, student athletes charged with assault

Was there a culture of tolerance among school officials that allowed it to happen?

By Brian Bull

Education

Native administrators rail against Trump’s proposed elimination of funds for TCUs

The administration has attacked tribal education second year in a row

By Brian Bull

ShineThe Shine series explores limitations and solutions to government transparency in Indian Country.

Government

Scott Davis steps down from Interior Department, returns to North Dakota

Davis says he’ll continue supporting Native communities as a member of the private sector

By Brian Bull

Legislation

South Dakota passes ‘Data Center Bill of Rights for Citizens,’ fails to consult with tribes

While new legislation aims to protect local customers from rising electricity rates, an Indigenous land conservation group is calling for a moratorium on data centers

By Darren Thompson

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

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

MMIP

A year without answers: Renzo Bullhead’s family encourages those with information to come forward

The college student went missing in North Dakota on March 16, 2025

By Jolan Kruse

Buffalo Restoration

‘Gaining back our identity’: Standing Rock Sioux Tribe looks to expand buffalo herd

Bigger herd would support tribe’s economy, land and culture, says herd manager

By Gabrielle Nelson

Justice

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe distances itself from former chair’s endorsement of Kristi Noem

Following recent immigration actions by ICE, Chairman Sitting Bear emphasizes Janet Alkire’s support for former South Dakota governor was solely her own

By Brian Bull

MMIP

Six year anniversary of Standing Rock unsolved murder

Nathaniel Iron Road was assaulted in 2019 and died from his injuries. His family and friends are still seeking justice

By Jolan Kruse

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Housing

Standing Rock woman’s personal history inspires her to help others

Two years ago, Angela Buckley-Tocheck turned to Native Inc. for assistance with housing and to escape traffickers. Now she works there

By Jolan Kruse

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

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

Tribal leadership

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe swears in new leaders

Steve Sitting Bear elected as chairman

By Gabrielle Nelson

Youth Action

Making cough syrup, building houses: Standing Rock students learn through community engagement

'Native teachings continue to live on' in project-based school born out of #NoDAPL movement

By Gabrielle Nelson

Powwow

Standing Rock holds its first Red Dress Special

More than 50 dancers perform for MMIP awareness and healing

By Jolan Kruse

Water Celebration

Community and candy: Fort Yates holds Long Soldier Parade

This year’s theme celebrates the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s connection to water

By Gabrielle Nelson

Cultural Revival

Standing Rock nonprofit connects people with Native traditions

Wozu preserves Indigenous knowledge, teaches group to raise tipi

By Gabrielle Nelson