The Daily Spark

A federal judge in Rhode Island has ordered the Trump administration to release withheld federal funds to states, ruling that an executive order freezing grants and payments violates the separation of powers. The injunction, sought by 22 states and Washington, D.C., prevents further funding delays affecting essential services like health care and law enforcement. The decision comes amid legal challenges and impeachment threats against the judge.

The Golden History Museum in Colorado will host the Indigenous Connections Summit on March 19-20, bringing together tribal representatives, museums, and public art agencies to strengthen partnerships and improve Native representation. The event precedes the Denver March Powwow and includes the public opening of “This is Native Art,” an exhibit featuring works by 35 Native artists.

The General Services Administration plans to close 25 Bureau of Indian Affairs offices—more than a quarter of BIA locations nationwide—including three in Arizona. The closures could reduce access to critical services like law enforcement, housing, and economic development for tribes. Lawmakers warn the move will further strain already underfunded BIA programs. The Phoenix BIA regional office, serving 53 tribes, is set to close by August 31.

The U.S. Army will recover the remains of 19 Indigenous children buried at the former Carlisle Indian Industrial School, honoring requests from the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma and the Cheyenne and Arapaho Tribes. The children, who died between 1880 and 1910, will be reburied in locations chosen by their families. The move follows ongoing efforts to address the legacy of federally funded Indian boarding schools, where thousands of Native children endured forced assimilation.

Native American rights groups are urging a federal appellate rules committee to recognize tribal nations as sovereign governments in court proceedings. The Native American Rights Fund, National Congress of American Indians, and Northern Plains Indian Law Center are calling for federally recognized tribes to be exempt from seeking court approval to file amicus briefs—just like states and the federal government. Advocates say the current disparity limits tribes' ability to weigh in on cases that affect their rights.

The Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes, along with four other groups, are seeking to join a federal lawsuit against Yellowstone National Park’s bison management plan. The State of Montana is challenging the plan, arguing that it increases the risk of brucellosis transmission to cattle. The tribes contend that Montana’s efforts undermine their treaty hunting rights and limit food sovereignty. They emphasize the park’s progress in disease management, such as vaccination programs and herd monitoring, and the positive impact on bison transfer to tribal lands.

The California Board of State and Community Corrections has awarded a $2 million grant to a coalition of San Diego County tribes and the San Diego Harbor Police Foundation. The funds will address the high rates of violence and disappearances disproportionately affecting Native American communities. Recipients include the Jamul Indian Village, Manzanita Band of the Kumeyaay Nation, San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians, and Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay Nation. The three-year initiative will support awareness campaigns, training, and stronger law enforcement partnerships.

In a video deposition played during a trial involving Energy Transfer and Greenpeace, Lakota activist Nick Tilsen stated that the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe led the protests against the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL), not Greenpeace. Tilsen emphasized the tribe's sovereignty and its role in organizing the protests, which included representatives from over 300 Native nations. He clarified that Greenpeace's role was limited to providing support, such as supplies and nonviolent training, after being invited by Standing Rock organizers. Greenpeace denies allegations of orchestrating violent actions. The trial, now in its second week, is expected to continue for several more weeks.

A new bill in Oregon seeks to tackle the ongoing crisis of missing and murdered Indigenous people by allocating resources within the Oregon Health Authority. Sponsored by Rep. Tawna Sanchez, the bill would provide outreach, prevention services, and improve data collection on cases. It aims to establish partnerships with tribal governments and Native American organizations, ensuring better coordination across law enforcement. The bill has received support from tribal groups and advocates, although challenges with jurisdiction and data collection remain.

North Dakota’s Indigenous communities are seeing significant wins in the first half of the 2025 legislative session, according to Democratic lawmakers. Key bills passed include HB 1535, which introduces a "Feather Alert" for missing Indigenous persons, and HB 1199, ensuring tribal leaders are represented in the state’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis. Additional bills aim to enhance government-to-government collaboration and preserve Indigenous heritage. While some bills fell short, lawmakers emphasize the progress made and are committed to continuing the fight for Indigenous rights and sovereignty.

In The Ravaged Forest: A Native Woman’s Journey to Justice, Sandra Crowell documents the transformative story of Helen Mitchell, a Native American woman whose legal battle led to a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision. The case, Mitchell v. United States (1983), forced the federal government to honor its fiduciary responsibilities to Native communities, holding it accountable for mismanagement of tribal resources. This ruling redefined the relationship between the government and Native tribes, ensuring greater sovereignty and justice for Indigenous peoples.

Crowell’s book intertwines Mitchell’s personal journey with the broader fight for Native sovereignty, environmental protection, and legal accountability, highlighting the continuing struggles Indigenous communities face in reclaiming their land. Available now at major online bookstores, this book serves as both a historical resource and an inspiring tale of resilience.

Chuck Sams, the first Native American National Park Service director, highlights his focus on integrating Indigenous knowledge into land management. Despite facing budget cuts that have strained resources, he remains dedicated to preserving public lands and promoting tribal partnerships.

Three Minnesota municipalities are seeking to overturn a federal decision placing 3,239 acres into trust for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, arguing the process is unconstitutional and biased. They claim the Bureau of Indian Affairs improperly approved the land transfer and that a funding arrangement between tribes and the BIA creates favoritism. The U.S. government defends the decision, stating the process follows established law.

An Oklahoma federal judge has stayed a $4.2 million judgment requiring Enel Green Power to remove 84 wind turbines from the Osage Nation’s reservation, pending a Tenth Circuit appeal. The judge ordered the company to pay a $10 million bond to secure compliance if the appeal fails. The dispute centers on Enel’s failure to secure a required mineral lease. The Osage Minerals Council sought a higher bond, but the court ruled $50 million was unnecessary.

Pharmacy benefit managers Express Scripts and OptumRx urged the Ninth Circuit to move California’s opioid-related lawsuit to federal court, arguing a state court trial would create a circuit split. California alleges the PBMs fueled an illegal opioid market, but PBMs cite federal contracts as grounds for removal. Judges questioned whether public nuisance claims differ from past federal rulings on PBM oversight. The court has taken arguments under consideration.

Former U.S. Rep. Mary Peltola, a Democrat and member of the Yup’ik people, has joined Holland & Hart LLP as senior director of Alaska affairs, the firm announced. Peltola, who represented Alaska’s at-large congressional district from 2022 to early 2024, will work alongside her former chief of staff, Anton McParland, now senior director of federal affairs. The bipartisan firm says Peltola’s expertise in federal, state, and tribal relations will benefit Alaska-focused clients.

The Indigenous community is raising awareness about the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis following the discovery of 14-year-old Emily Pike's remains near Globe, Arizona, in mid-February. Pike, a member of the San Carlos Apache tribe, had been reported missing in late January. Her body was found dismembered off Highway 60, prompting a homicide investigation. Mary Kim Titla, executive director of United National Indian Tribal Youth, Inc., emphasized the urgency of addressing violence against Indigenous women. Advocates are calling for enhanced communication and coordination among tribal communities and law enforcement. For more information, read the full article at.

Red Medicine LLC is bridging the gap between Montana’s Capitol and tribal communities. Founded by Alissa Snow and Patrick Yawakie, the organization focuses on civic engagement, connecting tribal nations to legislation that impacts them. They aim to increase tribal representation among lobbyists, offering direct government-to-government relations. Red Medicine’s work also includes grassroots efforts to increase voting participation and connect everyday issues with long-term political solutions. The organization has testified at over 120 committee hearings in 2025, advocating for bills affecting Indian Country.

The United Tribes Women’s Basketball Team clinched the NJCAA Region 13 Championship with a 71-63 victory over Dakota College at Bottineau on March 2, 2025, at James Henry Gymnasium, also known as the "Thunderdome." The win sends the Thunderbirds to the District Championship, where they will face the Kirkwood Eagles for a chance to advance to the national tournament. Leading the charge were Natalie DeCoteau, Alionna Lawrence, and Ronessa Sazue, with strong contributions from their teammates.