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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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
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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ShineThe Shine series explores limitations and solutions to government transparency in Indian Country.
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
North Dakota
Competing government rules create confusion ahead of MHA tribal elections
Candidates take complaints to TAT District Court
By Bret Anne Serbin
MHA
Harvard symposium to address voting, freedom of information in Indian Country
Speakers will discuss issues such as tribal election boards, constitutional upheaval and redistricting
By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
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Montana
Legal saga continues for Northern Cheyenne Tribe
Traditional chiefs' council request appeal, plaintiffs argue stay would jeopardize tribal elections
By Bret Anne Serbin
Northern Cheyenne Tipi
Tribal Government Transparency
BIA expected to end yearlong 'noninterference' policy after court rules Chiefs’ Declaration void
Citizens seek accountability from Northern Cheyenne elected leaders
By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
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