The Daily Spark

The Senate confirmed former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as U.S. Interior Secretary in a 79-18 vote. Burgum, who has pledged to expand fossil fuel production, will oversee agencies like the National Park Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Environmental groups criticize his stance, while North Dakota leaders praise his appointment.

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission is standing by its approval of TC Energy’s GTN Xpress pipeline expansion, arguing in the Fifth Circuit that the project is necessary and met environmental review standards. The expansion, facing opposition from Washington, Oregon, and environmental groups, would increase gas capacity through Idaho and Oregon. Critics argue FERC overlooked environmental risks and financial concerns, while FERC maintains it followed legal guidelines.

Nearly half of the U.S. Senate is backing the reintroduced AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act, which would require all new cars to include AM radios. The bill responds to automakers like Tesla and BMW removing AM from electric vehicles, citing signal interference. Supporters argue AM radio is a crucial tool for public safety, reaching 90% of Americans in national emergencies. A committee hearing is set for Feb. 5.

A federal court in Alaska has paused the Aniak Traditional Council’s lawsuit against state entities and the Federal Aviation Administration over ancestral remains discovered during an airport runway project. The stay allows parties to continue settlement talks without further litigation. The tribe alleges that the University of Alaska System holds Indigenous remains and that agencies have blocked further recovery efforts. A status report is due by March 28.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has modified a 2020 order that granted Oklahoma full regulatory authority over most of Indian Country, requiring the state to coordinate with 11 tribal nations on environmental policies. The decision follows concerns from tribes about sovereignty and the impact on air and water quality. Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt criticized the move as federal overreach. The Pawnee Nation called it a step toward better protection of tribal lands.

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation has filed lawsuits against two Oklahoma district attorneys, accusing them of unlawfully prosecuting Native Americans for crimes committed on tribal land. The suits follow similar legal actions by the Cherokee, Chickasaw, and Choctaw nations, as well as the U.S. Department of Justice. The tribe argues that these prosecutions violate federal law and threaten tribal sovereignty, citing the Supreme Court’s 2020 McGirt ruling.

A group of Native American landowners is seeking changes to a 2019 oil and gas tax-sharing agreement between the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation and North Dakota. Senate Bill 2304, introduced Jan. 28, would pause disbursement of oil tax revenues until the agreement is modified to account for private landowners. Tribal leaders oppose the measure, citing sovereignty concerns. The oil industry also warns it could disrupt tax agreements. The committee has yet to take action.

Native American tribes in Florida are opposing a development company’s plan to relocate thousands of ancient artifacts uncovered at a Miami construction site. The Miccosukee Tribe and the American Indian Movement of Florida say Related Group broke an agreement to consult with tribes before offering the relics to universities. Tribal leaders are calling for the artifacts—believed to be up to 7,000 years old—to be reburied rather than displayed.

The Montana Native American Caucus is addressing key issues, including revising the Montana Indian Child Welfare Act to ensure Native children in foster care stay connected to their tribes' culture. Additionally, the caucus is working to strengthen the Indian Education for All program and preserve Native languages in schools. Senator Jonathan Windy Boy emphasized the need for Native language curriculum and legislative support for cultural education.

Members of Congress, including Rep. Jared Huffman and Sen. Martin Heinrich, have sent a letter to President Trump urging an end to the harassment and questioning of Native American citizens by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The letter condemns these actions as unconstitutional, violating Tribal sovereignty, and fostering fear in Native communities. Lawmakers demand immediate action to halt racial profiling, prevent ICE harassment, and recognize Tribal identification as valid proof of citizenship.

For full details, read the letter here.

Mental Health America is seeking young leaders for its Youth Policy Accelerator Program. The initiative aims to engage youth in shaping mental health policy through a hands-on, action-driven learning experience. Participants will develop leadership skills and collaborate to advance mental health solutions for young people across the country. The program seeks passionate individuals committed to advocating for change.

For more details on how to apply, visit Mental Health America.

Deb Haaland, former U.S. Interior Secretary and citizen of the Laguna Pueblo, has declared her candidacy for governor of New Mexico. If elected, she would become the state's first Native American governor. Haaland, known for her advocacy of conservation and clean energy, previously served as the nation's first Native American cabinet secretary. Her campaign is managed by Scott Forrester. The current governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham, will conclude her term in 2026.

The Eighth Circuit has upheld a lower court ruling against Oglala Sioux rancher Curtis Temple, who argued that his cattle were unlawfully impounded on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The court found Temple received due process, citing 20 trespass notices he largely did not contest. Temple alleged the Bureau of Indian Affairs and tribal officials wrongfully seized his cattle, but judges ruled he failed to prove his claims.

The U.S. Senate confirmed former Rep. Lee Zeldin as administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency in a 56-42 vote. Zeldin, who has limited experience in environmental policy, has pledged to balance environmental protection with economic growth. Environmental groups warn his leadership could weaken climate regulations, while industry organizations support his appointment. His stance on issues affecting Native lands and water rights remains unclear.

The Second Circuit has upheld a ruling against the Unkechaug Indian Nation’s challenge to New York’s fishing regulations, finding that a 1676 agreement does not preempt state law. The tribe argued that the colonial-era order protected its right to harvest American glass eels, but the court ruled it is not a federal treaty. The decision affirms the state’s authority to regulate fishing in its waters.

Tribal leaders and Native organizations are raising concerns over a now-revoked White House directive that would have temporarily frozen federal funding. The order, which could have impacted essential programs for tribal nations, was blocked by a federal judge Tuesday. Leaders, including John Echohawk of the Native American Rights Fund, warned the freeze would have disproportionately harmed Native communities reliant on federal support for healthcare, education, and infrastructure. Officials continue monitoring the situation.

Sacred Pipe has released its event calendar for February 2025, packed with festive activities. Highlights include a Valentine’s Day Pop-Up Shop on Feb. 7 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., featuring unique gifts and crafts, as well as Frybread Bouquets on Feb. 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for a sweet twist on Valentine’s Day. To top it off, Galentine’s Day with Elvis will take place on Feb. 14 at 6 p.m., celebrating friendships with a fun Elvis tribute. #SacredPipe #ValentinesDay #GalentinesDay

Sitting Bull College in Fort Yates is hosting a Biscuit and Gravy Sale today, Thursday, Jan. 30, beginning at 8:30 a.m. in the Student Lounge. The event is a fundraiser to support the upcoming American Indian Higher Education Consortium Student Conference.

Cynthia Lindquist, former president of Cankdeska Cikana Community College and a member of the Spirit Lake Tribe, has been appointed as the director of tribal initiatives and collaboration at the University of North Dakota. In her new role, Lindquist will strengthen partnerships between UND and tribal nations, expand research opportunities, and lead efforts to establish a university policy on tribal consultation. A UND graduate, she brings decades of experience in tribal higher education and research.