Northern Plains
Legal dispute
Aug 25, 2025

North Dakota and U.S. negotiate settlement over Dakota Access protest costs


August 25, 2025

The state of North Dakota and the U.S. government have entered settlement negotiations over costs tied to Dakota Access Pipeline protests, according to the North Dakota Monitor. Attorney General Drew Wrigley confirmed Friday that discussions have been underway for weeks. He declined to provide further details but said he appreciates that both sides are open to having a dialogue.

The meetings follow a federal judge’s spring judgment awarding North Dakota nearly $28 million in damages — a ruling that the executive branch is appealing — and a joint request by the state and the U.S. Department of Justice to pause the case, granted by the 8th Circuit on Aug. 11 with a status update due by Sept. 10.

We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.