News from the Northern Plains

Buffalo's Fire Sections

South Dakota

News from South Dakota covering Native issues, politics, environment, education and more.

Register for the free Buffalo's Fire Newsletter.

‘It’s about safety’: Broadband service uncertain as 150th anniversary of the Little Bighorn battle nears

Tourists, media, historians and tribal officials expected to drive up demand for high-speed internet during commemorative event

Tribal elder convicted of threatening federal employee receives probation

Environmental stewardship

U.S. Forest Service and 11 tribes sign historic agreement to co-manage sacred area in South Dakota

South Dakota passes ‘Data Center Bill of Rights for Citizens,’ fails to consult with tribes

By Darren Thompson

Tribal elder convicted of threatening federal employee receives probation

Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe citizen Joseph Lafferty must agree to community service, other conditions

Environmental stewardship

U.S. Forest Service and 11 tribes sign historic agreement to co-manage sacred area in South Dakota

The agreement concerns the Black Elk Wilderness, a ‘place of profound spiritual, cultural, and historical importance’

South Dakota passes ‘Data Center Bill of Rights for Citizens,’ fails to consult with tribes

While new legislation aims to protect local customers from rising electricity rates, an Indigenous land conservation group is calling for a moratorium on data centers

By Darren Thompson

ShineThe Shine series will explore limitations and solutions to press freedom and government transparency in Indian Country.

Legislators plan to learn about Native American health care, emergency services, disability care

Lawmakers establish task forces to study tribal Medicaid models, emergency service sustainability and disability waiver programs ahead of 2027

Makenzie Huber, South Dakota Searchlight

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

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

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

Native Leadership

Native political organizer and activist running for South Dakota governor

Candidate Allison Renville stresses importance of restoring trust between tribes and the state

By Gabrielle Nelson

unnamed-1

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

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

crow-indian-reservation-crow-fair-teepees

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

Criminal Justice

South Dakota legislators to consider prison proposal

With crime rates dropping, a Native lawmaker is concerned over priorities

ProposedPrisonDesignSD

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

Indigenous Peoples' Day celebrations unite generations

IndigenousPeoplesDayCelebration

South Dakota governor seeks audits of tribes

SD Gov 1

Indigenous content creator represents his people

School superintendent fired after racist comments

Nicole Swigart

Relatives mourn fatal shooting of man who intervened in clash during Oglala Nation powwow

By Talli Nauman and Talli Nauman

Pine Ridge Celebration