News from the Northern Plains
Fire Logo LayerFire Logo LayerFire Logo LayerFire Logo LayerFire Logo Layer
Fire LogoFire Logo
Buffalo's FireBuffalo's Fire
Buffalo's FireBuffalo's Fire
Donate
Newsletter
Buffalo's FireBuffalo's FireBuffalo's Fire
Search
Search
Donate
Buffalo's Fire Sections

North Dakota

News from North Dakota covering Native issues, politics, environment, education, and more.
Register for the free Buffalo's Fire Newsletter.
Article image
MMIP

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
Jolan Kruse
MMIP

‘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
Jolan Kruse
MMIP

Granddaughter searches for missing grandfather nearly 50 years after disappearance

Francis Houle went missing from the Colorado Springs area in 1979
Jolan Kruse
Legal Dispute

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

Ruling is a loss for transparency and justice, plaintiffs say
Erin Hoover Barnett
MMIP
‘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
By Jolan Kruse
Article image
MMIP
Granddaughter searches for missing grandfather nearly 50 years after disappearance
Francis Houle went missing from the Colorado Springs area in 1979
By Jolan Kruse
Samantha Houle
Legal Dispute
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
Article image
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
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
IMG_1555
Fatal Incident
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
By Jolan Kruse
Brittney Rough Surface and grand daughter
Police Misconduct
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
By Jolan Kruse
Benson County Deputy Chief Travis Carlson
Justice
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
By Brian Bull
121224_KristiNoemFB_Alkire
Justice
Native leaders in North Dakota urge use of tribal IDs, denounce ICE tactics
At least five Native people have been reportedly detained in Minneapolis by immigration authorities
Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor
NDMONITOR-ICE-JAN11-2026-020-2048x1365
Security
FBI investigating two weekend murders on North Dakota reservations
Suspects apprehended in both cases
By Jolan Kruse
map_01_12_26_2
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
8488cf18-90df-4d7f-bb68-4c26c47e7469_1++
Theater
‘BlueJay’s Canoe’ tackles Native life during pandemic and wildfires
Dramatic play reveals power of Indigenous stories and community
By Brian Bull
102125_KirbyBrown_MartaLuClifford_BBull
State Capitol
Indigenous voices speak loudly at Bismarck ‘No Kings’ rally
Thousands peacefully protest
By Gabrielle Nelson
IMG_2319
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
By Brian Bull
UTTC International Powwow
In the circle
For powwow vendors, art runs deeper than business
Three artisans at the UTTC International Powwow in Bismarck share their creative journeys
By Jolan Kruse
Cece Meadows and Lauren Good Day
Chemistry
Buffalo’s Fire and Prairie Public Radio link for live coverage at UTTC powwow
Radio collaboration highlights importance of cooperation in a season of funding cuts for local media
By Jolan Kruse
Brian Bull & Ann Alquist
Sport
United Tribes Legends Softball Hall of Fame welcomes three players and two teams
The ceremony also honored players who have passed
By Gabrielle Nelson
Softball Tournament
Drums & Dreams
UTTC International Powwow flexes its cultural and economic muscle
Event draws thousands of participants and celebrants to Bismarck
By Brian Bull
UTTC-Powwow
Eagle Butte
Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe elder accused of threatening lives of federal officers
Joseph Lafferty also faces charges in tribal court for aggravated assault and terroristic threats
By Jolan Kruse
Joseph Lafferty
Heritage
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
Law Enforcement
Spirit Lake Nation responds to misconduct allegations at sheriff’s office, calls out ‘urgent need’ for responsive law enforcement
Benson County Deputy Chief Travis Carlson faces 13 charges. The sheriff and two others resign
By Jolan Kruse
Benson County Deputy Chief Travis Carlson
Sovereignty
MHA Nation decriminalizes medical marijuana
Will full legalization follow? Tribal members talk cannabis at alterNATIVE Medicine Symposium
By Gabrielle Nelson
Thi Le, the strategic adviser of the Green Road Initiative
Opioid Aid
16 North Dakota organizations receive $8 million in opioid grants
The funding supports prevention and treatment services
By Alix Dobler
Opioids
MMIP
What caused a splash in the Missouri River the night Renzo Bullhead disappeared?
Surveillance video released through records request shows disturbance in the water
By Brian Bull
Renzo_SurvVideo_031625_02
Safe Aging
North Dakota ranked No. 2 for aging in place in national study
Short ER waits, affordable housing and strong meal delivery programs contribute to North Dakota’s high ranking for elder safety
By Buffalo's Fire
Crisis Response
North Dakota Legislature passes law aimed at tackling MMIP crisis
New law establishes interagency task force
By Alix Dobler
HB 1199 Bill Signing
Vaccine Decline
State reports first measles case amidst declining vaccination rates
Large outbreak could burden local healthcare
Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative
child vaccine photo
Funding Fallout
Sudden cut of ‘politicized’ FEMA grants leaves North Dakota communities in the lurch
Cuts impact major projects in Lincoln, Washburn and Fessenden
Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative
For FEMA story
Community Search
MMIR: Native community unites in water and ground search for Standing Rock man, last seen on train bridge
It’s been 10 days since Renzo Bullhead disappeared
By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
mandan bridge
Rural Uncertainty
USDA upheaval brings uncertainty to farmers, rural communities
Funding terminations, freezes, layoffs all have follow-on impacts 
Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative
P1001385
Indian Affairs
North Dakota lawmakers to review key bills impacting Native American communities
Bills on healthcare, education, criminal justice and tribal tourism will be discussed in upcoming legislative sessions that could affect Native populations.
By Buffalo's Fire
ND State Capitol
Land and oil
‘Big Muddy’: North Dakota approaches deadline in high-stakes MHA oil tax lawsuit
Attorneys muck through state, tribal claims for Missouri River mineral rights
By Talli Nauman
Article image
Housing Reform
Legislators push for more affordable housing with new bill
U.S. senators introduce a bill to expand the Housing Choice Voucher program and honor the legacy of affordable housing advocate Herschel Lashkowitz.
By Buffalo's Fire
Rural Veterans
Senators Push to Expand VA Transportation Grants for Rural Veterans
The bipartisan effort would reauthorize a key transportation program supporting veterans needing medical care.
By Buffalo's Fire
Housing Crunch
North Dakota faces major housing shortage as baby boomers age
A new housing study reveals that North Dakota will need 20,000 new housing units by 2027 to accommodate a growing senior population.
By Buffalo's Fire
Tourist Impact
Trump policies leave North Dakota summer tourism prospects uncertain
Businesses await impact of park service cuts, Canadian tourist boycott
Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative
IMG_8205
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
ND210_West_-_Welcome_to_North_Dakota_Sign_(42678037784)
Education
Dearth of women in top higher ed leadership in North Dakota causes concern
Currently only one woman in a position of leadership among 11 institutions
Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative
NDUS-collage-1
Hacker Alert
School software provider is the latest target of major hack of personal data
As more American companies are targeted in cyber crimes, there are a few things individuals can do to improve their “cyber hygiene,” cybersecurity experts say.
Paige Gross, North Dakota Monitor
Hacker using laptop. Lots of digits on the computer screen.
Rural Revival
Small-town success comes from positive people and things
Attracting younger adults, building infrastructure keys to success
Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative
Rugby Bison
Election
Democrats, women clean up in all-Native candidate match for North Dakota District 9
‘Minority of minority’ emerges from new voter map to challenge conservative trend at statehouse
By Adrianna Adame
Election Canidates Screenshot
North Dakota
Interior Secretary nominee draws praise from tribal leaders
Leaders from the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate expressed joy regarding President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as Secretary of the Interior
Amelia Schafer, Rapid City Journal & ICT
IMG_2910
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
IMG_0413
North Dakota election observers report more education needed on set-aside ballots
2024 General Election Turnout in Fargo.
North Dakotans re-elect Public Service Commission Chair Randy Christmann over Native candidate
By Adrianna Adame
Randy Christmann talking
North Dakota sees strong early voting numbers, signaling ‘enthusiasm’
IMG_2557edit-scaled
'Weird' newspaper calls out DAPL pipeline protests eight years later
Pink Slime Collage v4
Public Service Commission incumbent prioritizes utility reliability, efficiency
By Grace Fiori
Election
Sharing addiction story ‘so worth it,’ Kathryn Burgum says
20231005_mjk_004-2048x1365
North Dakota Native Vote selected for Bush Prize
Strengthen-ND-Bush-Prize-Winners-North-Dakota-Native-Vote-Nonprofit-Support-2024-06-scaled
Calls for change: Advocates in North Dakota urge transition from First Nations Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Taking a stand against traditional holiday narratives
By Adrianna Adame and Adrianna Adame
Prairie Rose
Wildfires cut into oil production; operators agree to some voluntary restrictions
oil wells
North Dakota tribes eligible for state grant to promote voter access
howetribalrelations-scaled
Weekend wildfire damage approaches 50,000 acres, Burgum says
Fire-response-photo-e1728328605398
1 killed, another critically injured in western North Dakota wildfires
Wildfire-Gov-office
Most 2024 North Dakota ballot measures appear too close to call
100424.N.FF.NDMeasPoll4colWEB
Health
Locals falling for out-of-state treatment scams hope to raise awareness
At least 150 cases being investigated, $8 million in insurance fraud last year
Michael Standaert, North Dakota News Cooperative
Kalisha Thomas
Public safety
North dakota tribes push for youth police academy at camp
Tribal leaders cite staffing shortages and high costs of sending recruits out of state
Tribal Police
OB-GYN fears, maternity deserts impact health care in North Dakota
SMCF FBC 1
Tribal food assistance program in shambles after USDA warehouse consolidation
By Grace Fiori
Federal commodity foods program
Concerns grow about Christian nationalism in North Dakota
Church interior
North Dakotans call on state to deny permits for carbon capture project
By Grace Fiori
Tracey L. Wilkie
Indigenous education director seeks to build relationships with parents, emphasizes mental health
By Adrianna Adame
Headshot of Tomi
North Dakota Department of Public Instruction gives tribal curriculum guides a digital overhaul
By Adrianna Adame
ConferencePanel
Celebrating a Decade: Indian Education Summit hosts 36 workshops to empower Native educators
By Adrianna Adame
2023 ND Indian Ed Summit Boy standing
Tribe goes back to its roots with a massive greenhouse operation
MHA agriculture
North Dakota Growth Fund a ‘capital multiplier’ for local entrepreneurs
GrowthTruth Photo
2024 Twin Buttes Celebration contest winners
By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
TB Powwow Dancer
Some think Legacy Fund could be a more effective, innovative tool
Screen-Shot-2024-06-17-at-2.10.06-PM
Liberation
Bismarck Juneteenth celebration calls for liberation, acknowledgment of Black history
Organizers push for North Dakota to recognize Juneteenth as an official holiday
By Adrianna Adame and Adrianna Adame
childeren dancing
Legislative primary races to watch
IMG_3892-scaled
North Dakota changes course on tribal redistricting case, asks US Supreme Court to rule
IMG_5376edit-scaled
From Bismarck Public Schools to state leadership: Sashay Schettler’s new role
By Adrianna Adame
Sashay Schettler Photo
Baesler says NDGOP doesn’t reflect voters’ views on education
IMG_7494edit-scaled
Spirit Lake Tribe declares State of Emergency, enters lockdown
Spirit Lake
Tribes ask court to end North Dakota’s appeal of Native voting rights victories
By Adrianna Adame
collette-brown-doug-yankton-june-2023
Heather Demaray elected as Indigenous Parent Advisory Committee chairperson, new officers picked by majority vote
By Adrianna Adame
IMG_5049-2
Indigenous Parent Advisory Committee to hold election on Wednesday, encourages participation from Indigenous families
By Adrianna Adame
Picture of officers from last IPAC meeting
Testimony shows Burgum didn’t want DAPL to escalate into a standoff
Deadline Looms For Standing Rock
Five Native American artists have recently been selected to receive $5,000 each for a new Indigenous Artist Growth & Development Fellowship
IIndigenous Artist
Former governor frustrated with federal bureaucracy during DAPL protests
Former Gov. Jack Dalrymple
Tribal voting rights victory shuffles legislative seats
Jayme Davis
Buffalo’s Fire hiring Documenters Site Manager
By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
Hiring Doc Site Manager Flyer for social
While officials defend Legacy Fund decisions, others see ‘mission drift’
Legacy Funding
Trial set for North Dakota’s pursuit of pipeline policing costs
DAPL
In wake of Voting Rights Act ruling, North Dakota to appeal decision
Attorney General Drew Wrigley
Opinion
North Dakota state representative from Fort Berthold casts votes during special legislative session
Legislative Issues
North Dakota tribe included in a $59 million land settlement
By Adrianna Adame
DC Trip 2010 025b
Tribal Leadership Summit inspires, offers student opportunities
By Adrianna Adame
UTTCSummit Jamie Azure-cover
State educator serves North Dakota’s largest minority student population
By Adrianna Adame
BF- Lucy Profile #2
Wild horses could be removed from North Dakota park
wild-horses
Post-Roe, North Dakota puts resources into alternatives to abortion
helping-mothers13
Good Relatives Collaborative channels funds to Native-run nonprofits
By Adrianna Adame
logo (1)
Native high school near Turtle Mountain Reservation sustains near-perfect graduation rate
By Adrianna Adame
distinguiished
ASPIRE summer camp students learn about rocket science, technology and engineering
By Adrianna Adame
ASPIRE_Azure #2
Opinion
North Dakota House Concurrent Resolution 3027
Lisa Finley-Deville
North Dakota education letter from Lisa Finley-DeVille
Lisa Finley-Deville
Ruling awaited in tribes’ lawsuit over redistricting map
ND Capitol
Trial begins in tribes’ lawsuit over redistricting map
ND Capitol
Local News
    • Northern Plains
    • Bismarck-Mandan
    • Native Nations
    • Native Issues
    • Culture, Arts & Sports
    • Opinion
About Us
  • How We Work
  • Take Action
  • Who We Are
  • Newsletter
Buffalo's Fire

Independent News from the Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance.

FacebookInstagramXLinkedInYouTube
Local News
    • Northern Plains
    • Bismarck-Mandan
    • Native Nations
    • Native Issues
    • Culture, Arts & Sports
    • Opinion
About Us
  • How We Work
  • Take Action
  • Who We Are
  • Newsletter
Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance

The Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance-Buffalo’s Fire is a proud member of the Institute for Nonprofit News.

INN

We are a part of the Trust Project

The Trust Project

Buffalo's Fire seeks to invite a conversation on tribal community, culture, and communication.

PaypalPaypalPaypalPaypalPaypal
Footer

© Buffalo's Fire, All rights reserved.