National Congress of American Indians
Tohono O’odham chairman on sacred site destruction: ‘If this can happen to us, it can happen to each and every one of you out there’
The 83rd annual National Congress of American Indians convention began Monday
The United States government wants to destroy thousands of saguaro cacti for border wall construction near the Tohono O’odham Nation in what tribal leaders say would be another attack against sovereignty laws meant to protect land-based religions.
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Tribal Transparency
How leaders of Native nations can look to their peers for guidance on transparency and accountability
The Northern Cheyenne Tribe's government has been beset with rumors and constitutional chaos. Approaches taken by other tribes could offer insight into resolving the conflict
Over the past year, a dispute within the Northern Cheyenne Tribe’s elected leadership has been a source of unrest for members on the reservation headquartered in Lame Deer, Montana.
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Midterm elections
Montana Republican congressional candidate ties Indian Country safety to immigration enforcement
Vying to represent western Montana in the U.S. House, Aaron Flint appeared at a Kalispell rally with President Trump Wednesday
At a campaign rally in northwest Montana Wednesday that featured President Donald Trump, Republicans from across the state led with a message around making communities safer. Congressional candidate Aaron Flint briefly highlighted safety concerns in Indian Country, pinning threats to Montana’s Native communities on illegal immigrants. He’s locked in a toss-up race with Democrat Sam Forstag to represent the state’s western district, which includes the Blackfeet and Flathead Indian Reservations, as well as the cities of Missoula, Butte and Bozeman.
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The Daily Spark
This week’s Sparks were curated by Bret Anne Serbin and Shaun Griswold
Heritage
Smithsonian Institution, federal partners hold monthlong celebration
In-person events and virtual opportunities run throughout November
Food sovereignty
New project will build toolkit for growers
Applications to help shape available resources accepted until Nov. 22
National Congress of American Indians
NCAI moves press freedom resolution to full vote
Jurisdiction and Tribal Government subcommittee unanimously supports effort to expand independent Native media and tribal open records law
Indigenous Tourism
Montana group leads learning journey at national conference
Native advocates and businesspeople exemplify community-led tourism
Development
Tribes proposing two casinos near Boise to boost economies
Long road to approval includes federal and state reviews
Tribal Elections
Northern Cheyenne Tribe’s council election set for Nov. 3
Voters will participate in multiple elections to fill Northern Cheyenne elected positions
Tribal Elections
Northern Cheyenne Tribe sets date for special election to replace ousted president
Candidates have until Oct. 23 to file paperwork
Minneapolis fire
Minnesota Chippewa Tribe building damaged by blaze next door
Tribal offices held archives, supplies for urban community outreach
Elections
More than 300 legal volunteers activated to assist Native voters
The Native American Rights Fund to send attorneys and law students to 8 states
Sports
NFL teams, youth organizations support Native involvement in pro leagues
Vikings, Chiefs and Rams all share messages celebrating Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Baseball
Minor League Baseball honors Native American Heritage Night in Albuquerque
2026 Golden Bobblehead Award is given to the organization with the best stadium promotion or event
Land Back
Jemez Pueblo buys ancestral land from Girl Scouts of New Mexico
Sale of Rancho del Chaparral puts property into tribal control for outdoor recreation and education programs
Montana festival
Missoula event dubbed IndigiPalooza will return for final time in 2027
First two festivals celebrated culture and offered educational opportunities