News from the Northern Plains

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.

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AIHEC conference honors TCU students with awards for art, sports, academics

Student Awards Banquet held last day of conference

By Gabrielle Nelson

Drilling project moves forward in the heart of the Black Hills

By Gabrielle Nelson

The Battle of the Little Bighorn (Greasy Grass): Why it’s still being fought

By Pier Paolo Bozzano

‘Our future does not hinge on the limbs of federal decision making,’ keynote speaker tells AIHEC crowd

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

‘Our future does not hinge on the limbs of federal decision making,’ keynote speaker tells AIHEC crowd

Tribal college students travel through massive snowstorm to participate in annual education conference

By Darren Thompson

UTTC professor reflects on the Battle of Powder River on its 150th anniversary

The first battle of the Great Sioux War ‘set the tone’ for the following 20 conflicts, including the Battle of the Little Bighorn

By Gabrielle Nelson

A year without answers: Renzo Bullhead’s family encourages those with information to come forward

The college student went missing in North Dakota on March 16, 2025

Language Access

South Dakota governor signs Helen’s Law, requiring language translations in official state proceedings

Law named after fluent Lakota speaker Helen Red Feather

By Darren Thompson

Help plan the 150th Battle of the Greasy Grass: complete the official participant survey

The event planning committees are requesting that all riding groups, families, and tribal delegations register their attendance plans now

By Buffalo's Fire

Tribes, horsemen, deep into planning for Little Bighorn 150th anniversary

Northern Cheyenne Tribe leads recent planning meeting

By Darren Thompson

Federal Politics

Trump dumps Noem, taps Mullin to be next DHS Secretary

If approved, Mullin would be second Native man to serve as U.S. Cabinet member

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

‘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

Granddaughter searches for missing grandfather nearly 50 years after disappearance

Francis Houle went missing from the Colorado Springs area in 1979

Samantha Houle

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

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

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

Brittney Rough Surface and grand daughter

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

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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

FBI investigating two weekend murders on North Dakota reservations

Suspects apprehended in both cases

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