Beyond the Headline

Explainers

From the intricacies of federal law to the heartbeat of the drum group, we clear up the confusion. Buffalo’s Fire provides straightforward guides to the issues, languages and protocols that matter to our communities.
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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
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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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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Explainer
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
By Jolan Kruse
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ShineThe Shine series will explore limitations and solutions to press freedom and government transparency in Indian Country.
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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.
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Explainer
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
By Alix Dobler
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Explainer
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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Explainer
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.
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Explainer
Dentalium: History and significance in Native American culture
For generations, Native Americans prized dentalium or tusk shells as currency, status symbols and sacred objects. Harvested in the Pacific, they were traded thousands of miles inland, held real value and have been used for over 6,600 years, continuing today
By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.
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Explainer
What are 638 contracts and how they work
They empower tribes to take control of their affairs, but administrative burdens and complex federal regulations can get in the way
By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.
Explainer
Springing forward into daylight saving time is a step back for health – a neurologist explains the medical evidence, and why this shift is worse than the fall time change
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Explainer
The Repatriation Project: reuniting tribes with Native human remains and sacred items
By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
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What winter solstice rituals tell us about indigenous people
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