The Daily Spark

President Donald Trump has initiated the process for federal recognition of the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina. This action follows a longstanding effort by the tribe, which has been recognized by the state since 1885 but has yet to receive federal status. Federal recognition would provide the tribe access to critical resources and benefits. The Department of the Interior has been directed to develop a plan for securing full recognition through legislation or other methods.

Indigenous individuals have filed a lawsuit against the state of Arizona, alleging they were victims of a "sober living scam." According to Indian Country Today, the lawsuit claims that Native Americans were subjected to unsafe, unregulated conditions in the state's sober living facilities. The plaintiffs are seeking justice and accountability for the treatment they received. Advocates argue that this case highlights broader concerns about the exploitation of vulnerable Native populations in Arizona.

Tribal leaders are raising concerns following reports that Navajo people were detained during recent immigration sweeps. According to the Oregon Capital Chronicle, these actions have prompted calls for a review of how Native Americans are treated in such operations. Tribal officials emphasize that these individuals should not be subject to immigration enforcement due to their citizenship in sovereign nations. The Navajo Nation is investigating the matter and seeking clarification on their members' rights in this context.

Buffalos Fire is at the Native American Development Center's inaugural Tribal Econ Summit at the Bismarck Civic Center! Stop by our booth in Hall B today and tomorrow from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. to fill out our survey and sign up for our newsletter. You'll receive a prize like a buffalo stress ball, water bottle or pen just for participating! Come meet our team and get involved!

The Washoe Tribe of Nevada and California is reviving cultural burning practices to restore forest health and support traditional crafts. Controlled burns near Dresslerville, Nevada, encourage the regrowth of willow, essential for the tribe's basket making, while also reducing wildfire risks. Rhiana Jones, director of the tribe’s environmental protection department, highlighted the burns' impact, noting straighter willow regrowth. These efforts blend cultural traditions with environmental restoration.

A major habitat restoration project is underway in the Upper Klamath Basin, with water being reintroduced to vital wetlands to support endangered fish and improve ecosystems. The effort involves collaboration between Tribes, conservation groups, and government agencies.

This restoration is part of a broader initiative to address water quality issues, restore wetlands, and sustain cultural and environmental resources essential to the region.

Learn more about how this project is reshaping the Upper Klamath Basin.

Students at Billings Senior High School are raising awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous People cases. Through events and educational outreach, they aim to spotlight the crisis impacting Native communities and honor those affected.

The students' efforts emphasize the importance of justice and advocacy for Indigenous families while encouraging others to get involved in MMIP awareness initiatives.

A new federal policy aims to preserve Indigenous knowledge and protect historic sites across the U.S. Developed in consultation with tribal leaders, the policy recognizes the deep cultural and spiritual significance of these lands. It also emphasizes the role of Indigenous expertise in environmental stewardship and heritage conservation.

Tribal leaders applaud the move but stress the need for continued consultation and funding to safeguard these sacred places.

The Coquille Tribe has received federal approval to build a casino in Medford, Oregon, on their ancestral lands. The U.S. Department of the Interior’s decision grants the tribe permission to develop the project on a 2.42-acre site. Tribal leaders say the casino will boost economic growth, create jobs, and fund community services.

However, the project faces opposition from local officials and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe, citing concerns over competition and impacts on regional resources.

Native-led renewable energy projects are gaining momentum with support from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, offering Tribes tax credits covering up to 70% of costs and $20 billion in energy loans. However, challenges persist, including funding gaps, resource limitations, and infrastructure hurdles like access to transmission lines.

Organizations like SAGE, Alliance for Tribal Clean Energy, and Grid Alternatives are stepping in to provide funding, advocacy, and resources. These initiatives align with cultural values and strengthen sovereignty while building a sustainable future.

A weekly support group for American Indian men seeking recovery will meet tonight at Native, Inc. Fargo from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Participants will gather for prayer, story sharing and fellowship.

The session will include smudge and group discussion.

Location:

Native Inc. Fargo

115 University Dr N, Ste 102

Fargo, ND 58102

The Sitting Bull Visitor Center is offering an opportunity to learn about art, food and medicine through a series of evening classes. These hands-on sessions will be held both at the Visitor Center and McLaughlin High School.

Interested participants are encouraged to register ahead of time to secure their spot in the classes.

For more information or to register, please contact Jennifer Martel at jennifer.martel@sittingbull.edu.

Don't miss out on this chance to expand your knowledge and skills in these enriching areas!

Firefighters from the Klamath Tribes are assisting with wildfires in Los Angeles, offering their expertise in urban fire settings. While the challenges differ from those in Northern California and Oregon, the Klamath Tribes are reciprocating support received during their own 2024 wildfires. Wildland Fire Program Manager Tim Sexton emphasizes the importance of helping communities in need, strengthening bonds between firefighting crews across regions of wildfires. Wildland Fire Program Manager Tim Sexton emphasizes the importance of helping communities in need, and strengthening bonds between firefighting crews across regions.

There is an ongoing impact of fraudulent sober living homes in Arizona that targeted Indigenous people for financial exploitation. Thousands were harmed, with victims experiencing abuse, addiction, homelessness, and even death. The fraud exploited government healthcare benefits, and despite warnings as early as 2019, state officials failed to act until 2023. A class-action lawsuit alleges negligence by state agencies for allowing the crisis to worsen. Advocates like Reva Stewart continue to push for accountability and support victims through outreach and initiatives. Arizona officials, including Governor Katie Hobbs and Attorney General Kris Mayes, have since introduced reforms, launched investigations, and allocated funds to tribal nations and nonprofits for recovery efforts. However, advocates argue more must be done to address the harm and provide justice for victims.

Minnesota’s Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has announced new cash rewards to support investigations into missing persons cases statewide. The program seeks to generate new leads and bring justice to affected families. Officials hope this initiative will aid cases involving marginalized communities.

The Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians have secured the return of approximately 2,000 acres at the base of Table Rock in Oregon. This land will be dedicated to restoration, preservation, and cultural practices, including the gathering of first foods. The tribe's focus is on revitalizing traditional uses of the land to strengthen cultural connections and community well-being.

The Ohio History Connection is collaborating with 45 tribes to repatriate over 7,000 Native American remains and funerary objects. The remains, some dating back centuries, were removed from Ohio’s tribes and stored at the museum. This repatriation effort follows updates to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, which mandates the return of such items. Tribal leaders emphasize the urgency, with Chief Glenna Wallace of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe stressing the need to “unite those human remains with Mother Earth.”

Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs is prioritizing collaboration with the state’s 22 tribal nations as the new legislative year begins. Tribal lands cover 28% of Arizona, and Indigenous people make up 6% of the population. Hobbs, a vocal advocate since her time as Secretary of State, aims to ensure tribes have a seat at the table on key issues like water rights, infrastructure, and voting access.

She pledged to build relationships based on mutual respect and highlighted tribal contributions to state policy.

The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians will begin issuing citations for trespassing amid a dispute over unauthorized use of Annie Sun Lane, Center Sugarbush Lane, East Ross Allen Lake Road, and Else Lake Lane. The Tribal Council stated this decision upholds sovereignty and enforces laws protecting the Reservation.

Despite efforts to negotiate agreements with the Town of Lac du Flambeau, limited progress has left the Tribe with no choice but to take action.