The Daily Spark

Actor and activist Dallas Goldtooth will deliver the keynote address at the University of Arizona Native American Student Graduation Celebration and Native American Student Affairs Awards Ceremony on May 8 in Tucson, according to a university media advisory. The event is scheduled from 4-6 p.m. at the Student Union Memorial Center Grand Ballroom and is expected to include about 70 graduating students and 600 guests. University officials said the school enrolls about 2,000 Native students representing about 200 tribal communities.

Goldtooth, who is Mdewakanton Dakota and Diné, is known for portraying William “Spirit” Knifeman on the FX series Reservation Dogs. According to the advisory, he co-founded the Native comedy group the 1491s and previously worked as a campaign organizer for the Indigenous Environmental Network. Goldtooth said Native graduates “carry families, histories, and entire communities with them” as they complete their academic journeys. University staff members and student honorees are also expected to be available for interviews before the event.

Indigenous communities across the United States are holding marches, vigils, talking circles and other events this week to honor relatives who are missing or have been killed, according to reporting by The Associated Press and The Imprint. The gatherings coincide with the national day of awareness for the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples movement observed during the week of May 5. Many events encourage participants to wear red, a color associated with honoring Indigenous victims of violence in the United States and Canada. 

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Native Americans and Alaska Natives are more than twice as likely as the general population to experience violent crime, while Native women are twice as likely to be homicide victims. The FBI’s National Crime Information Center recorded nearly 1,500 active federal cases involving missing Native Americans at the end of 2025, according to the report. Advocates and family members also called for improved law enforcement coordination, stronger tribal public safety resources and better communication with victims’ families.

An All Nations planning meeting is scheduled for May 7 and 8 at the Wind River Hotel & Casino in Riverton, Wyoming, according to event materials. The Northern Arapaho Tribe is listed as the host for the meeting, which is tied to the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Materials state that guests can reserve or check in under the booking name “Battle of Little Big Horn” with booking ID No. 151. The listed point of contact is Martin Armajo Sr., chief operating officer.

The University of California, Davis reminded faculty that Native American cultural items cannot be used in classrooms or research without tribal and university approval, according to The College Fix. In a campus message, Vice Chancellor Mary Croughan said the policy applies across the University of California system and is intended to ensure compliance with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and related state laws, which require institutions to return ancestral human remains and certain cultural items to tribes.

The policy prohibits the use of Native American or Native Hawaiian human remains and cultural items in instruction or research without approval and requires consultation with tribes on care and storage of items that have not been repatriated. Campuses also must review collections and establish reporting systems for concerns about the treatment of cultural items, Croughan wrote.

Montana legislative leaders removed state Sen. Jonathan Windy Boy, D-Box Elder, from his interim committee and commission assignments on Monday, following allegations of sexual harassment earlier in the year, according to a Montana Free Press article. According to a joint statement from Senate President Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, and Senate Minority Leader Pat Flowers, D-Belgrade, Windy Boy was removed from two interim committees and the School Funding Interim Commission.

The allegations surfaced during Windy Boy’s former campaign for Montana’s Eastern Congressional District seat, according to the article, and included claims that Windy Boy sent sexually explicit photos and messages to underage girls in 2002. Windy Boy has not publicly responded to the allegations or calls for his resignation. Montana Free Press reported he has not been criminally charged and that no formal legislative investigation is underway. Sen. Dave Fern, D-Whitefish, Sen. Laura Smith, D-Helena and Sen. Jacinda Morigeau, D-Arlee, were selected to replace Windy Boy on the affected committees and commission.

More than 2,000 acres have burned in the Turtle Mountain area, according to Dakota News Network. Dunseith Fire Chief Rick Gottbreht said the fire was about 50% contained as of 8:30 p.m. Sunday. About 100 firefighters and a dozen departments from across the region responded to the wildfire.

Officials said there have been no reported injuries, evacuations or structure damage. The Dunseith Emergency Response Center is accepting donations of food and water for those assisting with the response, according to Dakota News Network.

A 27-year-old man died after being shot by law enforcement Sunday in Cannon Ball, North Dakota, according to KFYR-TV. The Sioux County Sheriff’s Office said it assisted in the incident but was not directly involved and has not released additional details, including which agency fired the shots. The shooting occurred around 8 p.m. at the home of the man’s mother, according to KFYR.

Family members identified the man as Dylan Redbow. His stepfather, Plenty Chief, told KFYR Redbow’s mother attempted CPR after the shooting and that the family does not know what led to the encounter with law enforcement. The FBI is investigating the incident, according to KFYR.

A federal judge has temporarily prevented the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa from restricting walleye and musky fishing to tribal members on nearly 20 reservation lakes, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. U.S. District Court Judge William Conley issued a temporary restraining order after the state of Wisconsin sued to stop enforcement of the restrictions, citing concerns over denied access for state-licensed anglers and potential conflicts. 

The tribe adopted the restrictions after data showed declining fish populations, stating the measures were intended to protect “critically threatened” walleye and muskellunge, according to Wisconsin Public Radio. State officials, including the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, said they remain committed to conservation efforts but argued the tribe does not have authority to regulate fishing by nonmembers under the Treaty of 1854. A hearing in the case is scheduled for May 29.

Families gathered at the Minneapolis American Indian Center to honor missing and murdered Indigenous relatives ahead of the annual May 5 day of remembrance, according to MPR News. Natosha White, whose son Evan Denny was killed last year, joined relatives in painting rocks with names of loved ones to be displayed as part of the memorial. The day is observed nationwide each year and includes a reading of names compiled from families, state records and community partners. 

Officials with Minnesota’s Office of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives said more families are coming forward for assistance. Community planner Ana Negrete said the office is now helping with 21 cases, up from four when a reward fund launched in July 2025, according to MPR News. The fund offers up to $10,000 for tips and has helped bring renewed attention and support to families seeking answers.

NDN Girls Book Club will distribute thousands of free books by Indigenous authors during an eight-day Oklahoma Book Fest beginning May 18, according to a press release. The nonprofit, run by Indigenous women, youth and educators, will host pop-up events in multiple cities, including Oklahoma City, Tahlequah and Okmulgee, where attendees can receive free books.

The effort will include a May 23 Book Club Powwow at the Kiowa Tribal Dance Grounds featuring cultural activities, book giveaways and community programming, according to the press release. Organizers said the initiative is supported by donated books from multiple publishers and aims to expand access to literature for Native students, educators and families. Additional events are scheduled in Ada and Durant as part of the tour.

A Native-led bird walk at Wakaŋ Tipi along the Mississippi River in St. Paul, Minnesota, is bringing together birding and cultural teachings during spring migration, according to MPR News. The event, organized by Wakaŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi and Urban Bird Collective, is scheduled as part of American Indian Month and focuses on connecting community members with birds and the environment.

Organizers and participants told MPR News the experience emphasizes Indigenous perspectives on environmental stewardship and cultural relationships with wildlife. Michael Tasunka Opi Kurtz of the Urban Bird Collective said birds offer lessons about caring for the environment, while Hope Flanagan of Dream of Wild Health highlighted connections between birds and Indigenous teachings. Maggie Lorenz, executive director of Wakaŋ Tipi Awaŋyaŋkapi, said the timing aligns with migration patterns that bring diverse bird species through the area.

Relatives, friends and supporters gathered in Anchorage on April 30 for the third annual Walk for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People at the University of Alaska Anchorage, according to the Alaska Beacon. Participants walked along Providence Drive, many carrying photos and signs honoring victims, while members of the Qissunamiut Yurartet Dancers of Chevak led the event.

Organizers and speakers shared personal stories and called attention to ongoing cases, according to the Alaska Beacon. Tatiana Ticknor of Data for Indigenous Justice provided updates on case numbers and resources, while advocates urged continued awareness and action. The event was held ahead of the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls and Two-Spirit People, also known as Red Dress Day.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced a $10,735,000 investment to expand sanitation infrastructure at Santo Domingo Pueblo. The funding, administered through the Indian Health Service, will support construction of four lift stations and force mains to carry wastewater to a new treatment facility being built by the Pueblo, according to an IHS press release.

Federal officials said the project is part of broader efforts to improve water and sanitation systems in tribal communities. The announcement follows IHS’ allocation of $700 million in fiscal year 2026 funding for water and sanitation projects across Indian Country. Officials said about 41,000 American Indian and Alaska Native homes still lack adequate sanitation facilities, including more than 4,300 that don’t have safe water or waste disposal services.

A proposed 234-mile natural gas pipeline across the Navajo Nation has cleared an initial step after the Resources and Development Committee of the Navajo Nation Council approved a resolution allowing work to begin on a section of the project, according to reporting by Capital & Main. The measure passed 3-1, with one member absent and Chair Brenda Jesus abstaining. The project, led by Tallgrass Energy through subsidiary GreenView Resources, would run from near Farmington, New Mexico, to an area north of Flagstaff, Arizona.

The resolution requires completion of environmental studies and archaeological clearances before construction, according to Capital & Main. During the hearing, discussion focused on potential revenue and community payments, including proposed annual funding for chapter houses along the route. Some delegates raised concerns about a shift from hydrogen to natural gas and said they were not informed in advance. Opponents also cited concerns about the public comment timeline and long-term impacts.

Nearly two decades after the United Nations adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Indigenous leaders say countries are not fully implementing its protections, according to Grist. The declaration, adopted in 2007, sets international standards for Indigenous land, language and health rights, but advocates said governments continue to fall short.

At the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, leaders called for stronger enforcement and independent monitoring systems to ensure compliance, according to Grist. Kenneth Deer of the Mohawk Nation of Kahnawà:ke said countries need oversight to evaluate progress and address failures. Speakers also raised concerns about threats to land, language and cultural survival, while government representatives pointed to ongoing efforts and policy commitments to align with the declaration.

American Indian Month in Minnesota will feature a series of events throughout May, including parades, powwows and educational gatherings, according to MPR News. Organizers said the month honors Native American contributions and provides opportunities for community connection and cultural celebration. Events began May 1 with a parade and float contest in south Minneapolis, followed by a powwow and open house at the Minneapolis American Indian Center.

Additional events across the state include school-hosted powwows, a Native-led bird walk, a film festival and community gatherings, according to MPR News. The Minneapolis American Indian Center partnered with Metro Transit to offer free rides to its May 1 powwow between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m., with limited passes available. Organizers said the effort aims to reduce barriers and increase participation.

Nine Native American tribes have filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Forest Service over its approval of a graphite drilling project near Pe’ Sla in the Black Hills, according to reporting by South Dakota Searchlight. The Oglala Sioux Tribe, Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Crow Creek Sioux Tribe, Lower Brule Sioux Tribe, Santee Sioux Tribe, Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate, Spirit Lake Sioux Tribe, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and Yankton Sioux Tribe are plaintiffs. The lawsuit challenges the agency’s decision to allow Rapid City-based Pete Lien & Sons to conduct exploratory drilling for a potential graphite mine near the site, which tribes use for prayer, ceremony and cultural activities.

The lawsuit alleges the Forest Service improperly used a “categorical exclusion” to bypass environmental and cultural reviews. Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out said in a press release the Black Hills remain the spiritual center of the Oceti Sakowin. The Forest Service said it does not comment on ongoing legal proceedings. According to South Dakota Searchlight, Pete Lien & Sons did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Tribal leaders, entrepreneurs and community members gathered to discuss economic diversification across sectors including tourism, renewable energy, artificial intelligence and fashion during the Northwest Native Economic Summit, according to Underscore Native News and ICT. More than 150 people attended the event hosted by the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians Economic Development Corporation.

Speakers highlighted available federal funding through the State Small Business Credit Initiative, which has more than $500 million allocated to tribes, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury Office of Tribal and Native Affairs. Panels also emphasized the role of artists in driving tourism economies and explored energy sovereignty, including hydrogen power and data concerns. Organizers said the summit’s fashion show demonstrated how Indigenous design and small businesses can support economic growth.

Universities and museums across the United States continue to hold Native American burial artifacts, sacred objects and human remains acquired without consent, according to an article in The Conversation by Kerri J. Malloy (Yurok/Karuk), assistant professor of Native American and Indigenous Studies, San José State University. 

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990 requires federally funded institutions to identify items, consult with tribes and return them to descendants and Native communities, according to Malloy. 

The University of California has repatriated thousands of remains and cultural items but still holds many more, according to a 2025 state audit cited in the article. The audit found gaps in oversight, incomplete tracking and delays that could extend repatriation timelines by more than a decade. Tribal leaders and auditors have raised concerns about the pace of returns, while institutions said they are updating plans and policies to meet legal requirements.