Buffalo’s Fire — Indigenous News & Native Issues Coverage

News from the Northern Plains

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

Legislators plan to learn about Native American health care, emergency services, disability care

Lawmakers establish task forces to study tribal Medicaid models, emergency service sustainability and disability waiver programs ahead of 2027

Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight

Rattle shaking, singing and bluffing: Hand game matches draw crowds at AIHEC conference

Diné College team wins two-day tournament

By Darren Thompson

Indigenous groups turn out in Minneapolis for ‘No Kings’ protest, express centuries of resistance to political violence

Speakers and participants reflect on recent political violence

By Darren Thompson

The Battle of the Little Bighorn

Little Bighorn Monument

The story of the Greasy Grass remains unfinished. As the 150th anniversary in June 2026 nears, descendants of the Lakota, Northern Cheyenne and Arapaho are asserting their sovereignty. Read our coverage.

LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit MMIP advocates push for inclusion

‘The system often fails our relatives twice: once through violence and again through the paperwork’: Native LGBTQ+ community calls for data sovereignty, gender inclusive language and culturally relevant resources

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

Minnesota’s first Indigenous-owned lab opens for business

Aya Labs is Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate’s first scientific business venture. Profits ‘do not leave Indian Country’

By Darren Thompson

Northern Plains Indigenous Film Festival to launch next month in Fargo

Festival attendees can participate in workshops on filmmaking and producing

AIHEC conference honors TCU students with awards for art, sports, academics

Student Awards Banquet held last day of conference

By Gabrielle Nelson

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

Frybread Face and Me

Best Native American movies, series — the ones worth watching

Beyond the stereotypes. We curate the essential Native-led films and the new wave of Native storytelling you need to see

Dentalium

For the love of dentalium

From Pacific tides to Great Plains regalia, the dentalium shell remains a timeless symbol of status and spirit

Digital Borders

Data sovereignty: Who controls the story?

Listening sessions reveal how tribal data sovereignty and press freedom are connected to accountable governance

LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit MMIP advocates push for inclusion

‘The system often fails our relatives twice: once through violence and again through the paperwork’: Native LGBTQ+ community calls for data sovereignty, gender inclusive language and culturally relevant resources

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

Minnesota’s first Indigenous-owned lab opens for business

Aya Labs is Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate’s first scientific business venture. Profits ‘do not leave Indian Country’

By Darren Thompson

Northern Plains Indigenous Film Festival to launch next month in Fargo

Festival attendees can participate in workshops on filmmaking and producing

AIHEC conference honors TCU students with awards for art, sports, academics

Student Awards Banquet held last day of conference

By Gabrielle Nelson

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

Legislators plan to learn about Native American health care, emergency services, disability care

Lawmakers establish task forces to study tribal Medicaid models, emergency service sustainability and disability waiver programs ahead of 2027

Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight

Rattle shaking, singing and bluffing: Hand game matches draw crowds at AIHEC conference

Diné College team wins two-day tournament

By Darren Thompson

Indigenous groups turn out in Minneapolis for ‘No Kings’ protest, express centuries of resistance to political violence

Speakers and participants reflect on recent political violence

By Darren Thompson

LGBTQ+ and Two Spirit MMIP advocates push for inclusion

‘The system often fails our relatives twice: once through violence and again through the paperwork’: Native LGBTQ+ community calls for data sovereignty, gender inclusive language and culturally relevant resources

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

Minnesota’s first Indigenous-owned lab opens for business

Aya Labs is Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate’s first scientific business venture. Profits ‘do not leave Indian Country’

By Darren Thompson

Northern Plains Indigenous Film Festival to launch next month in Fargo

Festival attendees can participate in workshops on filmmaking and producing

AIHEC conference honors TCU students with awards for art, sports, academics

Student Awards Banquet held last day of conference

By Gabrielle Nelson

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

Strengthen the Circle

The Daily Spark

Quick stories, must reads

Flyers BoardNotices and events

Education Opportunities
Apr 3
Buffalo’s Fire launches paid internship for tribal students

Strengthen the Circle

The Daily Spark

Quick stories, must reads

Flyers BoardNotices and events

Education Opportunities
Apr 3
Buffalo’s Fire launches paid internship for tribal students

How search and rescue technology helps find missing people — and its role in MMIP cases

Missing persons searches use drones, sonar and scent tracking dogs

Jingle Dress dance

Powwow etiquette: A respectful visitor’s guide

From the first drumbeat to the last song, respect carries the tradition forward

By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

Dentalium_IndianFishermen-2222 (1)

From tradition to trend: Where to buy dentalium in today’s market

The shells hold cultural importance and are sought after by artists and crafters — but finding them can be difficult

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American Indian vs Native American: Which term is right and when?

A concise guide to when, why and how to use Native American, American Indian or a tribal name—so you don’t trip over history, law or respectful language

By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

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Why we use ‘Murdered and Missing Indigenous Peoples’ at Buffalo’s Fire

We use MMIP in our reporting while honoring community use of MMIR

By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

Powwow etiquette: A respectful visitor’s guide

From the first drumbeat to the last song, respect carries the tradition forward

By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

Jingle Dress dance

From tradition to trend: Where to buy dentalium in today’s market

The shells hold cultural importance and are sought after by artists and crafters — but finding them can be difficult

Dentalium_IndianFishermen-2222 (1)

American Indian vs Native American: Which term is right and when?

A concise guide to when, why and how to use Native American, American Indian or a tribal name—so you don’t trip over history, law or respectful language

By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

27AFDB48-A39D-46B6-89C4-207595C7F1FF

Why we use ‘Murdered and Missing Indigenous Peoples’ at Buffalo’s Fire

We use MMIP in our reporting while honoring community use of MMIR

By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

49198768923_602f895a96_o

Jingle Dress dance

Powwow etiquette: A respectful visitor’s guide

By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

Dentalium_IndianFishermen-2222 (1)

From tradition to trend: Where to buy dentalium in today’s market

27AFDB48-A39D-46B6-89C4-207595C7F1FF

American Indian vs Native American: Which term is right and when?

By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

49198768923_602f895a96_o

Why we use ‘Murdered and Missing Indigenous Peoples’ at Buffalo’s Fire

By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.

Other stories in Explainers

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

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

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

Bheri Rose Hallam gives Senator Lisa Murkowski a Mandan name

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

Media 2-3E1A0549-B123-49E2-8646-9CEC09390DDF_hd

DOJ opinion sparks new debate about legal protections for peyote

Native advocates stand ready to protect decades of religious freedom victories

By Darren Thompson

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

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

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

DOJ opinion sparks new debate about legal protections for peyote

Native advocates stand ready to protect decades of religious freedom victories

By Darren Thompson

Media 2-3E1A0549-B123-49E2-8646-9CEC09390DDF_hd

Experts discuss tribal sovereignty’s role in the growing hemp and cannabis industry

By Darren Thompson

MHA Nation appeals court upholds $250M withdrawal from People’s Fund

By Erin Hoover Barnett

Bheri Rose Hallam gives Senator Lisa Murkowski a Mandan name

Action & Policy

Multiple tribal organizations join MHA Nation in honoring two members of Congress

By Darren Thompson

Media 2-3E1A0549-B123-49E2-8646-9CEC09390DDF_hd

DOJ opinion sparks new debate about legal protections for peyote

By Darren Thompson

Other stories in Native Issues

Murdered & Missing Indigenous Peoples

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

Daughter’s concern for father grows after 11 months without contact

‘I just want to be able to hear my dad’s voice again,’ says Natasha-Marie Powassin

‘Beyond frustrating’: Family claims they weren't properly notified about 16-year-old’s disappearance

Mason Cree’s aunt learns he is missing through social media post

Samantha Houle

Granddaughter searches for missing grandfather nearly 50 years after disappearance

Francis Houle went missing from the Colorado Springs area in 1979

Native community holds MMIP prayer walk in Bismarck

Attendees gather on Valentine’s Day to remember loved ones, call for justice

Daughter’s concern for father grows after 11 months without contact

‘I just want to be able to hear my dad’s voice again,’ says Natasha-Marie Powassin

‘Beyond frustrating’: Family claims they weren't properly notified about 16-year-old’s disappearance

Mason Cree’s aunt learns he is missing through social media post

Granddaughter searches for missing grandfather nearly 50 years after disappearance

Francis Houle went missing from the Colorado Springs area in 1979

Samantha Houle

Native community holds MMIP prayer walk in Bismarck

Attendees gather on Valentine’s Day to remember loved ones, call for justice

Daughter’s concern for father grows after 11 months without contact

‘Beyond frustrating’: Family claims they weren't properly notified about 16-year-old’s disappearance

Samantha Houle

Granddaughter searches for missing grandfather nearly 50 years after disappearance

Native community holds MMIP prayer walk in Bismarck

Other stories in Murdered & Missing Indigenous Peoples

Goodbye, cabin fever: Bismarck winter powwow promotes healing

Over 200 dancers participated in the 3rd annual Winter Jam Powwow

By Gabrielle Nelson

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Letting the silence speak: Behind the reporting on the Gathering of Nations Powwow

How we reported a story by listening to people and not quoting them

By Gabrielle Nelson

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Traditional Practices

What is a memorial at a powwow?

A powwow may feature several of these special events

RezFamousLem

Powwow food vendors essential to savoring the experience

Three Native businesses share how food connects them to family, community

By Gabrielle Nelson

UTTC International Powwow

Video Etiquette

A traveler’s guide to Powwows: Understanding protocol and respectful participation

Powwows dos and don'ts: UTTC International Powwow attendees share their rules for a fun and considerate event

Letting the silence speak: Behind the reporting on the Gathering of Nations Powwow

How we reported a story by listening to people and not quoting them

By Gabrielle Nelson

547945785_1545818603514800_1740635778829015175_n

Traditional Practices

What is a memorial at a powwow?

A powwow may feature several of these special events

090725_DancersGRussellGilletteMemUTTC

Powwow food vendors essential to savoring the experience

Three Native businesses share how food connects them to family, community

By Gabrielle Nelson

RezFamousLem

Video Etiquette

A traveler’s guide to Powwows: Understanding protocol and respectful participation

Powwows dos and don'ts: UTTC International Powwow attendees share their rules for a fun and considerate event

UTTC International Powwow

547945785_1545818603514800_1740635778829015175_n

Letting the silence speak: Behind the reporting on the Gathering of Nations Powwow

By Gabrielle Nelson

090725_DancersGRussellGilletteMemUTTC

Traditional Practices

What is a memorial at a powwow?

RezFamousLem

Powwow food vendors essential to savoring the experience

By Gabrielle Nelson

UTTC International Powwow

Video Etiquette

A traveler’s guide to Powwows: Understanding protocol and respectful participation

Other stories in Powwow

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

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

What a Superfund site is and how EPA cleanup works

Nearly 200 Superfund sites are on tribal land

By Gabrielle Nelson

Brandy Toft

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

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

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

What a Superfund site is and how EPA cleanup works

Nearly 200 Superfund sites are on tribal land

By Gabrielle Nelson

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

Brandy Toft

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

Cultural Protection

Bill adding Indigenous languages and rights for wild rice introduced to Minnesota legislature

By Darren Thompson

What a Superfund site is and how EPA cleanup works

By Gabrielle Nelson

Brandy Toft

A Superfund site in Minnesota is spreading, disrupting a tribe’s way of life

By Gabrielle Nelson

Tribal Oversight

Proposed gas pipeline in North Dakota could help reduce Bakken flaring

By Gabrielle Nelson

Other stories in Land & Water

Safety &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

Armed Federal Agents on Park Avenue in Minneapolis

Tribal Response

MMIP groups and tribal councils condemn violence by federal law enforcement

North and South Dakota tribes issue joint statement

Brittney Rough Surface and grand daughter

Standing Rock man assaulted hours before death by train

Hoksila Running Bear was struck by a train following months of threats. His mother seeks answers

Benson County Deputy Chief Travis Carlson

Chief deputy charged with unlawful arrests of Spirit Lake citizens to make court appearance Jan. 16

Travis Carlson was arrested in July following an investigation into the Benson County Sheriff’s Office

121224_KristiNoemFB_Alkire

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

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

Armed Federal Agents on Park Avenue in Minneapolis

Tribal Response

MMIP groups and tribal councils condemn violence by federal law enforcement

North and South Dakota tribes issue joint statement

Brittney Rough Surface and grand daughter

Standing Rock man assaulted hours before death by train

Hoksila Running Bear was struck by a train following months of threats. His mother seeks answers

Benson County Deputy Chief Travis Carlson

Chief deputy charged with unlawful arrests of Spirit Lake citizens to make court appearance Jan. 16

Travis Carlson was arrested in July following an investigation into the Benson County Sheriff’s Office

121224_KristiNoemFB_Alkire

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

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

Armed Federal Agents on Park Avenue in Minneapolis

Tribal Response

MMIP groups and tribal councils condemn violence by federal law enforcement

Brittney Rough Surface and grand daughter

Standing Rock man assaulted hours before death by train

Benson County Deputy Chief Travis Carlson

Chief deputy charged with unlawful arrests of Spirit Lake citizens to make court appearance Jan. 16

121224_KristiNoemFB_Alkire

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

Other stories in Safety &Justice

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

Alexia De La Cerda

Plea agreement could scrub murder charge in North Dakota MMIP case

Derick Wilkinson is charged with second degree murder for the 2024 death of Alexia De La Cerda

two_boys

Two boys missing from residential facility

Police and family looking for Angel Mendez and Zayne LaFountain

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As Thanksgiving nears, educators work to avoid serving baloney

Teachers are incorporating Native perspectives into the holiday

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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

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

Plea agreement could scrub murder charge in North Dakota MMIP case

Derick Wilkinson is charged with second degree murder for the 2024 death of Alexia De La Cerda

Alexia De La Cerda

Two boys missing from residential facility

Police and family looking for Angel Mendez and Zayne LaFountain

two_boys

As Thanksgiving nears, educators work to avoid serving baloney

Teachers are incorporating Native perspectives into the holiday

Jean_Léon_Gérôme _Ferris_hd

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

Angela 5_hd

Alexia De La Cerda

Plea agreement could scrub murder charge in North Dakota MMIP case

two_boys

Two boys missing from residential facility

Jean_Léon_Gérôme _Ferris_hd

As Thanksgiving nears, educators work to avoid serving baloney

Angela 5_hd

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

Other stories in Native Nations

Northern Plains

‘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

UTTC professor reflects on the Battle of Powder River on its 150th anniversary

The first battle of the Great Sioux War ‘set the tone’ for the following 20 conflicts, including the Battle of the Little Bighorn

By Gabrielle Nelson

Language Access

South Dakota governor signs Helen’s Law, requiring language translations in official state proceedings

Law named after fluent Lakota speaker Helen Red Feather

By Darren Thompson

Tribes, horsemen, deep into planning for Little Bighorn 150th anniversary

Northern Cheyenne Tribe leads recent planning meeting

By Darren Thompson

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

‘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

UTTC professor reflects on the Battle of Powder River on its 150th anniversary

The first battle of the Great Sioux War ‘set the tone’ for the following 20 conflicts, including the Battle of the Little Bighorn

By Gabrielle Nelson

Language Access

South Dakota governor signs Helen’s Law, requiring language translations in official state proceedings

Law named after fluent Lakota speaker Helen Red Feather

By Darren Thompson

Tribes, horsemen, deep into planning for Little Bighorn 150th anniversary

Northern Cheyenne Tribe leads recent planning meeting

By Darren Thompson

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

UTTC professor reflects on the Battle of Powder River on its 150th anniversary

By Gabrielle Nelson

Language Access

South Dakota governor signs Helen’s Law, requiring language translations in official state proceedings

By Darren Thompson

Tribes, horsemen, deep into planning for Little Bighorn 150th anniversary

By Darren Thompson

Federal Politics

Trump dumps Noem, taps Mullin to be next DHS Secretary

Other stories in Northern Plains

Culture, Arts & Sports

102318_CherubMadden

Politics, History

Native officials denounce Trump’s Little Bighorn revisionism

The historic battlefield has been directed to remove signage sharing Native perspective on Custer’s Last Stand

101825_ChuckMiner

Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2026 begins her reign as traveling ambassador

Jaylynn Hicks is first Native to hold the title in 40 years

Beyond the red suit: How Native Santas are reclaiming holiday representation

By blending tribal regalia with holiday tradition, Indigenous veterans in Oregon are creating a safe, inclusive space where children see themselves in the magic of Christmas.

Custer_National_Cemetery_at_Little_Bighorn_Battlefield_National_Monument

Sesquicentennial

Tribes plan to ‘rock’ the Little Bighorn Battlefield during 150th commemoration

Thousands of Natives expected to camp, bring horses, tell stories about Custer’s defeat

By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Indig princess

Cultural Fashion

Recent Native gatherings in Alaska brim with ‘big auntie’ energy

Beaders and skin sewers were among the artists selling handmade traditional and contemporary earrings

By Antonia Gonzales

Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2026 begins her reign as traveling ambassador

Jaylynn Hicks is first Native to hold the title in 40 years

101825_ChuckMiner

Beyond the red suit: How Native Santas are reclaiming holiday representation

By blending tribal regalia with holiday tradition, Indigenous veterans in Oregon are creating a safe, inclusive space where children see themselves in the magic of Christmas.

Sesquicentennial

Tribes plan to ‘rock’ the Little Bighorn Battlefield during 150th commemoration

Thousands of Natives expected to camp, bring horses, tell stories about Custer’s defeat

By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Custer_National_Cemetery_at_Little_Bighorn_Battlefield_National_Monument

Cultural Fashion

Recent Native gatherings in Alaska brim with ‘big auntie’ energy

Beaders and skin sewers were among the artists selling handmade traditional and contemporary earrings

By Antonia Gonzales

Indig princess

101825_ChuckMiner

Miss Rodeo North Dakota 2026 begins her reign as traveling ambassador

Beyond the red suit: How Native Santas are reclaiming holiday representation

Custer_National_Cemetery_at_Little_Bighorn_Battlefield_National_Monument

Sesquicentennial

Tribes plan to ‘rock’ the Little Bighorn Battlefield during 150th commemoration

By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Indig princess

Cultural Fashion

Recent Native gatherings in Alaska brim with ‘big auntie’ energy

By Antonia Gonzales

Other stories in Culture, Arts & Sports

Cultural Preservation

Cultural Resilience

For Two Spirits and Native LGBTQ+ people enduring a second Trump administration, the powwow must go on

Events and outreach continue as White House directives roll back rights and recognition

CTSINecropsyTeam

Whale’s tragic demise brings two worlds together

On a wind-swept Oregon beach, Native culture and science share space

crow-indian-reservation-crow-fair-teepees

Crow tribe considers enrollment reset

To combat "death by numbers," Chairman Frank Whiteclay moves to classify all 14,289 current members as full-blooded, so future generations aren't erased by colonial math

James Giago Davies, Native Sun News Today

digest_2

Reporters’ Notebook: The year that was

Buffalo’s Fire reporters reflect on their biggest stories of 2025

By Buffalo's Fire

Traditional foods

Why you should Indigenize your holiday meals — and recipes to help you do it

Chef Nephi and UTTC students celebrate food as medicine

By Gabrielle Nelson

Whale’s tragic demise brings two worlds together

On a wind-swept Oregon beach, Native culture and science share space

CTSINecropsyTeam

Crow tribe considers enrollment reset

To combat "death by numbers," Chairman Frank Whiteclay moves to classify all 14,289 current members as full-blooded, so future generations aren't erased by colonial math

James Giago Davies, Native Sun News Today

crow-indian-reservation-crow-fair-teepees

Reporters’ Notebook: The year that was

Buffalo’s Fire reporters reflect on their biggest stories of 2025

By Buffalo's Fire

digest_2

Traditional foods

Why you should Indigenize your holiday meals — and recipes to help you do it

Chef Nephi and UTTC students celebrate food as medicine

By Gabrielle Nelson

CTSINecropsyTeam

Whale’s tragic demise brings two worlds together

crow-indian-reservation-crow-fair-teepees

Crow tribe considers enrollment reset

James Giago Davies, Native Sun News Today

digest_2

Reporters’ Notebook: The year that was

By Buffalo's Fire

Traditional foods

Why you should Indigenize your holiday meals — and recipes to help you do it

By Gabrielle Nelson

Other stories in Cultural Preservation

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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

press_release2

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

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

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

StephenLewis

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

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

press_release2

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

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

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

StephenLewis

press_release2

Oglala Sioux Tribe demands release of tribal members in ICE custody

By Darren Thompson

Historic Preservation

Legislation signed to protect Wounded Knee memorial site

By Darren Thompson

Oceti Sakowin Treaty Council calls for repeal of 1872 Mining Act, protection of He Sápa

By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

StephenLewis

What a Southern Arizona tribe can teach others about tribal water rights

By Gabrielle Nelson

Other stories in Sovereignty

red-lake-aises-scaled_hd

AISES conference showcases ‘enormous commitment’ to build STEM community

More than 3,000 participants attend Minneapolis event

By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Vigil in Minneapolis

America is cracking

Indigenous wisdom can build a more humane world

By Sarah Sunshine Manning

Todd Hall

Tribal citizens stuck with an act, an IRA constitution they didn’t support

A community voice argues the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act and the Three Affiliated Tribes constitution were imposed, citing election participation and representation concerns

Supreme Court

Supreme Court should uphold sovereign status for Native nations in Voting Rights Act case

A North Dakota redistricting lawsuit raises whether private plaintiffs can enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act through 42 USC § 1983

Twin Buttes Powwow celebrates every child as a champion

Youth Night creates safe space for newcomers to the arena

By Angela Gillette

America is cracking

Indigenous wisdom can build a more humane world

By Sarah Sunshine Manning

Vigil in Minneapolis

Tribal citizens stuck with an act, an IRA constitution they didn’t support

A community voice argues the 1934 Indian Reorganization Act and the Three Affiliated Tribes constitution were imposed, citing election participation and representation concerns

Todd Hall

Supreme Court should uphold sovereign status for Native nations in Voting Rights Act case

A North Dakota redistricting lawsuit raises whether private plaintiffs can enforce Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act through 42 USC § 1983

Supreme Court

Twin Buttes Powwow celebrates every child as a champion

Youth Night creates safe space for newcomers to the arena

By Angela Gillette

Vigil in Minneapolis

America is cracking

By Sarah Sunshine Manning

Todd Hall

Tribal citizens stuck with an act, an IRA constitution they didn’t support

Supreme Court

Supreme Court should uphold sovereign status for Native nations in Voting Rights Act case

Twin Buttes Powwow celebrates every child as a champion

By Angela Gillette

Other stories in Opinion

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Apply now for Buffalo’s Fire summer internship program

Buffalo’s Fire is seeking two interns for a paid, monthlong immersive experience in independent media. Whether remote or hybrid, you’ll help shape local news and gain a behind-the-scenes look at running a non-profit newsroom

By Buffalo's Fire

Help plan the 150th Battle of the Greasy Grass: complete the official participant survey

By Buffalo's Fire

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Meet Darren Thompson: Buffalo’s Fire’s new staff reporter

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Cadavers help MMIP search volunteers prepare for the worst

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Native leaders in North Dakota urge use of tribal IDs, denounce ICE tactics

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor