Buffalo's Fire Sections

Sovereignty

Tribal sovereignty, self-governance and the legal and political relationships between Native nations and federal and state governments.

The Signal Peak Mine, located in the Bull Mountains west of Billings, is Montana’s only underground coal mine

Federal Government

Crow Tribe coal swap clears Senate committee

Land exchange benefitting Signal Peak Energy moves forward over Senate Democrats’ concerns

Tom Lutey, Montana Free Press

Politics

Tribal leaders call for sovereignty as federal support wavers

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

Tribal Voting

US Supreme Court sends North Dakota tribal redistricting case back for review

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

Press Freedom

Indian Country needs media pillar for a just society

By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Politics

Tribal leaders call for sovereignty as federal support wavers

At the June 3 Government to Government Conference in Bismarck, leaders said proposed federal funding cuts threaten education, safety

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

Tribal Voting

US Supreme Court sends North Dakota tribal redistricting case back for review

High court orders appeals court to reconsider tribal voting rights lawsuit after recent ruling changed standards for racial gerrymandering cases

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

Press Freedom

Indian Country needs media pillar for a just society

Civic information, data, local news strengthen Native communities

By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

ShineThe Shine series explores limitations and solutions to government transparency in Indian Country.

Policy

Experts discuss tribal sovereignty’s role in the growing hemp and cannabis industry

Great Lakes summit addresses recent Minnesota appeals court ruling saying possession is civil matter and the state lacks authority to prosecute tribal members on tribal lands

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

By Brian Bull

Farm bill

Proposed agriculture funding bill impacts more than 80,000 Native producers

63 provisions of the bill are relevant to tribes. ‘Economic stability and cultural responsibility’ at stake, says co-chair of Native Farm Bill Coalition

By Gabrielle Nelson

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

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

Civil Rights

Oglala Sioux Tribe demands release of tribal members in ICE custody

OST president warns federal officials of legal consequences for treaty violations, unlawful detention and deprivation of civil rights

By Darren Thompson

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

Year in Review

Reporters’ Notebook: The year that was

Buffalo’s Fire reporters reflect on their biggest stories of 2025

By Buffalo's Fire

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

Sovereignty

What a Southern Arizona tribe can teach others about tribal water rights

The monumental Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement celebrates its 21st anniversary

By Gabrielle Nelson

Federal Recognition

Lumbee Tribe to receive federal recognition after 70 years of state distinction

National Defense Authorization Act passes Senate, affirms tribe’s federal services

By Darren Thompson

government relations

Oglala Sioux Tribe denounces Defense Department’s refusal to revoke soldiers’ Wounded Knee medals

President Frank Star Comes Out calls decision ‘despicable’

By Brian Bull

Fund Control

MHA citizens seek accountability in a suit against their Tribal Business Council

Appeals court to rule soon in a case first filed last year

By Erin Hoover Barnett

Movement Resilience

Despite major foundation cuts, NDN Collective vows to ‘double down’

Citing socio-political instability, social justice group reduces staff, programming

By Brian Bull

20250219-Leonards Homecoming - Photo by Angel Whiite Eyes -241

Sovereignty

MHA Nation decriminalizes medical marijuana

Will full legalization follow? Tribal members talk cannabis at alterNATIVE Medicine Symposium

By Gabrielle Nelson

Thi Le, the strategic adviser of the Green Road Initiative