The Daily Spark

A Biden-era rule change set to take effect Friday could allow more than 30 tribes, including California’s Muwekma Ohlone, to reapply for federal recognition. The rule lifts a long-standing ban on re-petitioning after denial, offering tribes another chance to gain recognition and access federal resources. However, it remains unclear whether the Trump administration will allow the change to proceed. Tribal leaders and legal experts are closely watching the decision.

North Dakota is considering funding a study to assess the environmental impact of oil spills on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation, home to the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. The proposed research aims to evaluate soil and water contamination from oil development in the Bakken Formation. The study would help inform mitigation efforts and protect tribal communities from long-term environmental harm.

The Coalition of Large Tribes has passed a resolution urging an exemption for tribal nations from federal funding freezes, emphasizing treaty obligations and the government-to-government relationship. The move follows concerns over a White House directive that temporarily halted financial assistance programs, disrupting essential tribal services. While the directive was later rescinded, some tribes continue to face funding issues. U.S. Sen. Lisa Murkowski has echoed COLT’s call for exemptions.

Read Coalitions HERE

A bill to return 76.1 acres of historic Cherokee land in Tennessee to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians has passed the House and now moves to the Senate. In Alaska, two bills aim to restore land rights and protect settlement trust payments for Alaska Natives. Meanwhile, U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Brian Schatz have reversed roles as chair and vice chair of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is urging the D.C. Circuit to reconsider its decision vacating approvals for two Texas liquefied natural gas projects. FERC argues that former President Donald Trump's revocation of environmental executive orders weakens the court’s rationale for blocking the projects. The Carrizo Comecrudo Tribe of Texas and other groups had challenged FERC’s environmental review, citing impacts on tribal lands and climate. The case remains in dispute.

The Native American Rights Fund is growing to address increasing legal needs in Indian Country, adding attorneys and launching a new Tribal Water Institute to support tribes in water rights cases. The nonprofit, based in Boulder, Colorado, continues its work on voting rights, sacred sites, and Supreme Court cases impacting tribal sovereignty. Despite its expansion, demand for legal representation still outpaces its resources.

The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected the Trump administration’s request to pause three cases while the Environmental Protection Agency reviews Biden-era regulatory decisions. The cases involve California’s Clean Air Act waiver for vehicle emissions and small refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard. The decision keeps legal challenges moving forward, with potential impacts on environmental policies affecting Native communities.

The Spirit Lake Tribe has voiced opposition to a legislative proposal allowing the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa to build a casino in Grand Forks. Tribal Chairwoman Lonna Street criticized the lack of consultation, citing concerns over economic impacts on existing tribal gaming operations. While emphasizing respect for Turtle Mountain leadership, Spirit Lake leaders argue that the proposal highlights broader issues with gaming expansion in North Dakota. The bill is currently moving through the state legislature.

The Stearns History Museum is hosting two events this month highlighting Native American history in Minnesota. On Feb. 10, speakers will discuss the lasting impacts of Native American boarding schools, which operated for over a century to assimilate Indigenous children. On Feb. 15, a Dakota presenter will explore the connections between Minnesota place names and Indigenous languages. Both events are free and part of a regional history series.

Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation Chairman Mark Fox praised the confirmation of former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as U.S. Secretary of the Interior, calling him a strong partner for tribal prosperity. Fox cited Burgum’s past support for tribal sovereignty, tax agreements, and energy development. Burgum, also tapped to lead the National Energy Council, is expected to focus on regulatory policies and federal funding opportunities for tribal energy projects.

A Washington federal judge has dismissed the Sauk-Suiattle Indian Tribe’s request to revisit a decades-old ruling on tribal fishing rights. The tribe sought to establish its right to fish in marine waters via the Skagit and Baker rivers, but Judge Ricardo Martinez ruled the issue was settled in the landmark 1974 Boldt decision. Four other tribes, including the Swinomish and Upper Skagit, opposed the request, citing prior court rulings. The Sauk-Suiattle Tribe is weighing further options.

A bipartisan group of U.S. senators has reintroduced the BADGES Act, aimed at strengthening tribal law enforcement and improving responses to missing Indigenous persons cases. The bill, backed by Sens. John Hoeven, Mike Rounds, Catherine Cortez Masto, and Ruben Gallego, would increase tribal access to missing persons databases and provide the Bureau of Indian Affairs with tools to address officer shortages. Supporters urge swift passage to enhance public safety in Native communities.

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is urging a federal court to reject the Muscogee (Creek) Nation’s request to amend its lawsuit over the Hickory Ground burial site in Alabama. The Poarch Band argues the new claims should have been raised earlier in the 12-year case. The Muscogee say the removal of 57 ancestors' remains for casino construction violated federal law. The case continues in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Alabama.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency placed 168 employees focused on environmental justice on indefinite administrative leave Thursday, citing compliance with President Donald Trump’s executive orders to eliminate diversity, equity, and environmental justice programs. Critics, including union representatives, warn the move could severely impact pollution oversight in Indigenous and low-income communities. The EPA stated it is reviewing its organizational structure to align with statutory duties.

U.S. Senators Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.), John Hoeven (R-N.D.), Ruben Gallego (D-Ariz.), and Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) reintroduced the BADGES for Native Communities Act to enhance law enforcement resources in Tribal communities. The bill aims to improve officer recruitment, support missing persons cases, and provide tools to combat violence. The legislation also focuses on increasing Tribal access to national databases and providing wellness programs for law enforcement.

The First Peoples Fund has awarded the 2025 Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award to five Indigenous artists, each receiving $50,000 in unrestricted funds. The honorees include Silver Galleto (Pomo), Terrill Goseyun (Apache), Janie Luster (Houma), Julia Marden (Wampanoag), Sonya Moody-Jurado (Siletz), and Lisa Morehead-Hillman (Karuk/Yurok). This prestigious award recognizes the dedication of these artists to preserving and advancing Indigenous cultural practices.

The Cherokee Nation’s Heirloom Seed Bank program will open on February 18 at 10 a.m., offering tribal citizens access to culturally significant seeds, including Cherokee White Eagle corn and traditional beans, squash, and native plants. This year, a draw system replaces the first-come, first-served model due to high demand. The application period runs until March 4 via the Gadugi portal. Councilwoman Dora Smith-Patzkowski also highlighted ongoing initiatives, including food distribution and housing development efforts.

Over 1,000 Kaiser Permanente staff and their families volunteered on Martin Luther King Jr. Day to restore cultural sites across Hawaii. Projects included clearing invasive species, planting native plants, and preserving taro patches. On O‘ahu, volunteers worked at Kalaeloa Heritage Park and the He‘eia fishpond. On Maui, volunteers supported the Paeloko Learning Center, while those on Hawai‘i Island restored native dryland forests. The efforts honor Hawaiian culture, environmental preservation, and community health.

A coalition of Tribal organizations is calling on the administration to ensure recent executive actions do not undermine Tribal sovereignty or disrupt federal funding for essential programs. Concerns arose after federal directives initially froze funding for healthcare, education, and economic development programs serving Tribal communities. While the freeze has been lifted, questions remain about how agencies will implement policies moving forward. The coalition emphasizes that these funds are legal obligations, not discretionary spending.