Buffalo's Fire Sections

Health & Wellness

Healthcare access, traditional medicine, mental health and public health initiatives in Native communities.
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Health

Report details wide disparity between Native American and white health in South Dakota

Examining the systemic barriers, mortality rates, and the proposed tribal-managed Medicaid solutions aimed at closing South Dakota's life expectancy gap
Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight
Government
Auditor’s Office claws back $37.3M in wrongful billing targeting Montana’s Native communities
Fraudsters abused Obamacare provision intended to help Indian Country
Keila Szpaller, Daily Montanan
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Environment
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
Theater
‘BlueJay’s Canoe’ tackles Native life during pandemic and wildfires
Dramatic play reveals power of Indigenous stories and community
By Brian Bull
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ShineThe Shine series explores limitations and solutions to government transparency in Indian Country.
Healing Journey
Conference addresses gender-based violence in Native communities
Attendees join in solidarity to build path toward healing
By Jolan Kruse
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Tribal urgency
Congress and USDA have yet to act on year-old recommendations that could alleviate food insecurity among tribes
The GAO made its recommendations after visiting several tribes and tribal organizations
By Brian Bull
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Opioid Aid
16 North Dakota organizations receive $8 million in opioid grants
The funding supports prevention and treatment services
By Alix Dobler
Opioids
NCAI
Inside the NCAI Mid Year Conference: What we saw, heard and ran to cover
From early-morning strategy sessions to last-minute resolution edits, the Buffalo’s Fire and IMFA team hit the ground to report on the priorities shaping Indian Country
By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.
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Disease Preparedness
Tribes prepare for measles outbreaks as confirmed cases in US surpass 1,000
Indian Country no stranger to diseases
By Brian Bull
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Health Crisis
Native health officials testify that HHS cuts have caused ‘significant harm’ to programs serving tribal communities
Tribes implore consultation, care at Senate hearing
By Brian Bull
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Vaccine Decline
State reports first measles case amidst declining vaccination rates
Large outbreak could burden local healthcare
Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative
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Health Boost
Three Affiliated Tribes among IHS grant recipients for health care expansion
The Three Affiliated Tribes in North Dakota will receive $3.5 million to build a replacement health facility, part of a $25 million investment in tribal health care.
By Buffalo's Fire
Health
Shocking disparities: American Indians in North Dakota die 22.5 years younger than white residents
The findings of a study conducted on pre-pandemic mortality from 2010 to 2019. Post-COVID-19, disparity has grown
By Pier Paolo Bozzano
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Reproductive Rights
Birth control, IVF protection needed in face of attacks, North Dakota bill sponsor says
Jeff Beach, North Dakota Monitor
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Healing Journey
New Road Map Guides Brain Health in Native Communities
By Buffalo's Fire
Health Care Clash
Three Affiliated Tribes Sanford insurance plan sends health care titans into a legal battle
Mayo Clinic sues Sanford Health over unpaid bills from a Three Affiliated Tribes health plan. See a timeline of events in this legal battle impacting Native health care.
By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
Sanford Hospital
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.
Cultural Considerations
The 2025 Dietary Guidelines Scientific Report Provides Historic Inclusion of Indigenous Nutritional Needs
By Buffalo's Fire
State looks to boost access for youth with severe mental health challenges
Two programs piloted to address gaps, break down silos
Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative
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Hospital feels the rush during the fires
Jon Moberg-3