Buffalo's Fire Sections

Northern Plains

News from across North Dakota, South Dakota and Montana — covering state politics, legislation, the economy and events that matter to Native peoples.
Broadview, Montana
Tribes and tech

Reservations refuse data center developments, but some worry they’re missing out on opportunities

Emergent technologies raise concerns about natural resources, exploitation and education in Montana
By Bret Anne Serbin
College Football
Lightning, turquoise and big defense drew college football’s attention when New Mexico met North Dakota State
The Group of Six game of the week showcased similarities between two distinct schools
By Shaun Griswold
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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
By Bret Anne Serbin
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Election 2026
Free photo IDs available at North Dakota tribal nations ahead of election
Eligible North Dakota residents 18 and older without a driver’s license can receive nondriver photo IDs, which the department says are mailed within five days
Michael Achterling, North Dakota Monitor
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ShineThe Shine series explores limitations and solutions to government transparency in Indian Country.
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
By Bret Anne Serbin
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Northern Cheyenne
Gene Small tapes over surveillance cameras at Northern Cheyenne headquarters
The tribe’s Capitol building has been closed since Small was removed as president: Why was he inside the building days later?
By Shaun Griswold
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Tribal Government
Data center developments banned by Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council
The ban was resurrected from a 2025 proposal that stalled after the council was ousted
By Shaun Griswold
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South Dakota
Technology and AI discussion in Eagle Butte addresses need for community control of data, facts and information
Rural Native communities need reliable news to stay on top of technology’s rapid growth
By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
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Tribal Government
Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council wields its power after members return to office
The council authorized payments to Trustland Consultants and filled an open seat on the Northern Cheyenne Development Corporation
By Shaun Griswold
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Northern Cheyenne
Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council removes Gene Small as president: ‘He is now just a civilian’
Small contests decision, claims he’s still president as council appoints temporary replacement
By Shaun Griswold
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Tribal Government
Northern Cheyenne tensions mount as ousted council seeks president’s removal
Scheduled hearing Wednesday morning elevates community concern after year of infighting
By Bret Anne Serbin
Northern Cheyenne Tribal Building
Major Crimes Act
Funeral announced for father and son killed in Fort Berthold shooting
Federal and tribal police continue investigation, four suspects in custody 
By Shaun Griswold
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Contested government
‘Barnyard circus’: Northern Cheyenne leaders speak out a year after being ousted
Courts pave way for return of the council members, who see ongoing problems with safety, service delivery stemming from government turmoil
By Bret Anne Serbin
Cattle fencing outside the Northern Cheyenne capitol
Northern Cheyenne
Northern Cheyenne’s specially elected council has been governing ‘unlawfully,’ appellate court finds
New ruling reaffirms the authority of council members who were ousted in 2025
By Bret Anne Serbin
Northern Cheyenne Tribal Building
Montana
‘Where they belong’: Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes bring home the remains of three members
The emotional repatriation of Christine Redstone, Peter Howe and Richard Morgan marked the end of a 136-year separation.
Lauren Miller & JoVonne Wagner, Montana Free Press
Amanda R.J. Cheromiah, the executive director of the Jim Thorpe Center for the Future of Native Peoples at Dickinson College
Rule at risk
Natives in Montana weigh in on Roadless Rule repeal as public deadline approaches
Forest Service has honored less than half of formal consultation requests
By Bret Anne Serbin
Beartooth Mountain Range, Montana
Native voting rights
Ahead of midterms, Native voters face increasing challenges
New report outlines major barriers for voters
By Bret Anne Serbin
Flickr Creative Commons
Sing for the Red Dress
Murder mysteries and Indigenous knowledge: The legacy of Sicangu Oglala Lakota author Joseph M. Marshall III
In the last installment of the Smokey River Suspense series, recently deceased author, historian and cultural bearer Joseph M. Marshall III tackled his most challenging mystery: Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women.
Chana Kaplan, Buffalo's Fire
Joseph M. Marshall III
South Dakota
US Senate challenger says Wounded Knee medals ‘should not stand’; incumbent says more info needed
Candidates respond to questions about 1890 massacre in South Dakota after Defense Department review
Meghan O'Brien, SD Searchlight
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South Dakota
Oglala Sioux Tribe facing fairness questions over banishment law
The policy aims to combat crime on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, but its effectiveness and a lack of a clear appeals process are drawing questions
By Karin Eagle
Oglala Sioux Tribe finance meeting of June 4, 2026