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.
Thi Le, the strategic adviser of the Green Road Initiative
Sovereignty

MHA Nation decriminalizes medical marijuana

Will full legalization follow? Tribal members talk cannabis at alterNATIVE Medicine Symposium
By Gabrielle Nelson
Elder Celebration
MHA Nation elders gather for summer luncheon
Tribal elders enjoy an afternoon of games, prizes and food on the Fort Berthold Reservation
By Gabrielle Nelson
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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
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ShineThe Shine series explores limitations and solutions to government transparency in Indian Country.
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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Change Makers
Native Inc. staff push for change during Advocacy Day at North Dakota State Capitol
"This is Real Life": Local nonprofit calls for more support for unhoused, recovery services
By Adrianna Adame
NativeINC
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.