Buffalo's Fire Sections

Sovereignty

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

Inside the NCAI Mid Year Conference: What we saw, heard and ran to cover

From early-morning strategy sessions to last-minute resolution edits, the Buffalo’s Fire and IMFA team hit the ground to report on the priorities shaping Indian Country
By Teresa Trumbly Lamsam, Ph.D.
Federal Accountability
Native nations sue U.S. over use of tribal funds for boarding schools
Tribes demand full financial accounting after federal reports reveal funds used without consent or transparency
By Buffalo's Fire
Cultural revival
Yuhaaviatam reclaims its ancestral name
In a powerful step toward cultural revitalization, the San Manuel Tribe reclaims its ancestral name, Yuhaaviatam, honoring its deep connection to the land and heritage
By Buffalo's Fire
Tribal Energy
New bill could strengthen tribal energy independence
Legislation introduced by Senators Schatz and Curtis seeks to eliminate bureaucratic hurdles to increase energy opportunities for Native communities
By Buffalo's Fire
ShineThe Shine series explores limitations and solutions to government transparency in Indian Country.
Treaty Obligations
For Indian Country, federal cuts decimate core tribal programs
Tribal services aren’t national altruism. They’re written into centuries-old treaties.
Alex Brown, North Dakota Monitor
Seattle Indian Health Board Receives Shipment Of Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
Healing Journey
‘Sugarcane' directors receive Oscar nomination with documentary on boarding schools, hope and healing
Sexual assault at Catholic-run boarding school: ‘The ones telling us it was a sin, they were the ones that did all the action’
By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
Julian Brave noisecat
Tribal Opposition
Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Push Back Against Lumbee Fairness Act
The House passed H.R. 1101, granting federal recognition to the Lumbee Tribe, but the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and other tribal organizations are urging the Senate to block the bill, citing concerns over its impact on tribal sovereignty and recognition standards.
By Buffalo's Fire
Opinion
Tribal leaders hand illusionary sovereignty, tax collection to North Dakota state government
MHA Nation alcohol tax sharing agreement with the state likely unconstitutional
By Todd Hall and Todd Hall
MHA Tax Agreement
Land policy
Cobell trust land consolidation comments due Nov 1 as tribal leaders meet in Cabazon
Indian Land Working Group symposium at Morongo Casino & Resort and a Senate Indian Affairs hearing highlight concerns over BIA consultations and fractionated trust land ownership
By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
UN rights
Indigenous people assert human rights land standards in UN Declaration
Northern Ontario First Nation leaders cite “free, prior and informed consent” as Ontario considers Mining Act changes affecting Indigenous lands
By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear