News from the Northern Plains

Buffalo's Fire Sections

Land & Water

Environmental issues, land rights, natural resource management and water protection efforts across Native communities.

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The Klamath Tribes couldn’t get federal dollars for salmon. Then the Yurok stepped in

For more than 100 years, salmon had been absent from the Klamath Tribes’ lands — a fact that cut them off from funding sources to fix that.

B. 'Toastie' Oaster, High Country News

All nine South Dakota tribes back effort to develop Black Hills land-return legislation

Black Hills uranium exploration permit hearing postponed to May

Meghan O'Brien, South Dakota Searchlight

Environmental stewardship

U.S. Forest Service and 11 tribes sign historic agreement to co-manage sacred area in South Dakota

All nine South Dakota tribes back effort to develop Black Hills land-return legislation

Tribal resolutions support legislation to return federal Black Hills lands to the Great Sioux Nation while preserving sacred sites and water resources

Black Hills uranium exploration permit hearing postponed to May

Drilling project’s opponents have raised concerns about Native American petroglyphs in Craven Canyon

Meghan O'Brien, South Dakota Searchlight

Environmental stewardship

U.S. Forest Service and 11 tribes sign historic agreement to co-manage sacred area in South Dakota

The agreement concerns the Black Elk Wilderness, a ‘place of profound spiritual, cultural, and historical importance’

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

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

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

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

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

Reporters’ Notebook: The year that was

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

By Buffalo's Fire

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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

Food sovereignty

UTTC student raises $12k in food drive for North Dakota and Montana

Inspired by her grandparents, Tonah Fishinghawk-Chavez proves that caring for the community is an action, not just a word

By Gabrielle Nelson

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‘We need involvement’: Indigenous leaders demand change at COP30

Indigenous participation may be highest in the climate conference’s history

By Gabrielle Nelson

Opening Plenary

'Good fire' at Chaa-lamali: Young Natives practice cultural burn

At an oak savannah near Eugene, Oregon, TEIP interns and elders carry forward a time-honored tradition, restoring meadow health and renewing relationship with the land

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UTTC Tribal Summit: Cody Two Bears urges tribal nations to unite for sovereignty

It’s just as important as preserving Native language and culture, he says

By Gabrielle Nelson

Cody Two Bears

Lake Stewardship

Native nations push through funding uncertainties to keep protecting the Great Lakes

Cuts to federal staff and funding could compromise research, ecosystems

UTTC agriculture students connect with Native roots

The SAGE Club at United Tribes Technical College teaches students about food sovereignty

By Gabrielle Nelson

UTTC SAGE Club students