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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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
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
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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
ShineThe Shine series explores limitations and solutions to government transparency in Indian Country.
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
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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
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Security
FBI investigating two weekend murders on North Dakota reservations
Suspects apprehended in both cases
By Jolan Kruse
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Historic Preservation
Legislation signed to protect Wounded Knee memorial site
South Dakota’s congressional delegation joins Wounded Knee descendants and supporters at site on 135th anniversary of the massacre
By Darren Thompson
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Heritage
Crow tribe considers enrollment reset
To combat "death by numbers," Chairman Frank Whiteclay moves to classify all 14,289 current members as full-blooded, so future generations aren't erased by colonial math
James Giago Davies, Native Sun News Today
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Treaty Rights
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
MMIP
Montana billboards demand justice for MMIP cases
The billboard project is expanding to Oregon
By Jolan Kruse
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Theater
‘BlueJay’s Canoe’ tackles Native life during pandemic and wildfires
Dramatic play reveals power of Indigenous stories and community
By Brian Bull
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State Capitol
Indigenous voices speak loudly at Bismarck ‘No Kings’ rally
Thousands peacefully protest
By Gabrielle Nelson
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Criminal Justice
South Dakota legislators to consider prison proposal
With crime rates dropping, a Native lawmaker is concerned over priorities
By Brian Bull
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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
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