The Daily Spark

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.

Two Oklahoma district attorneys, Matthew Ballard and Carol Iski, have filed motions to dismiss a federal lawsuit challenging their authority to prosecute Native Americans on tribal lands. The U.S. Department of Justice filed the lawsuit, citing the McGirt ruling, but the prosecutors argue the case should be handled at the state level. The dispute centers on the jurisdiction of state courts to prosecute crimes on reservation lands. The federal government contends these cases violate tribal sovereignty, while the prosecutors emphasize ongoing state court proceedings.

The Center for Biological Diversity has filed a lawsuit against five federal agencies, alleging they are violating transparency laws by failing to disclose key information about advisory committees created under the Department of Government Efficiency. The agencies—Interior, Agriculture, Transportation, Commerce, and the EPA—are accused of not adhering to the Federal Advisory Committee Act in their coordination with DOGE teams led by Elon Musk. Environmentalists argue that the lack of disclosure undermines public accountability and potentially benefits private interests at the expense of environmental protection.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is asking its internal watchdog to investigate the allocation of $20 billion in grant funding from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act. EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin emphasized the need for accountability, stating that the funds for the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund require responsible management. Zeldin's call for the investigation follows concerns raised by Project Veritas about the distribution of the funds, with the DOJ and FBI also reportedly examining the program.

A federal judge has paused a lawsuit against Sharon M. Avery, acting chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission, regarding the approval of a casino in Anchorage, Alaska. The lawsuit, filed by local residents, alleges that Avery improperly approved a 58,000-square-foot casino project. The judge granted a 30-day stay while determining whether the Native Village of Eklutna must be included as a required party in the case. The tribe argues the lawsuit implicates its sovereign interests and may interfere with its gaming operations. The court will also consider the tribe’s motion to dismiss the case, citing its legal rights under federal rules.

Save the Poudre and the Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District (Northern Water) have reached a $100 million settlement to end a lawsuit challenging federal approvals for the Northern Integrated Supply Project (NISP). The settlement allows construction to proceed on the $2 billion project, which includes two reservoirs and a pipeline to supply 40,000 acre-feet of water to Northern Colorado communities. The settlement also funds the creation of a recreational river trail along the Cache la Poudre River. The environmental group had previously filed suit, arguing that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers failed to consider less damaging alternatives to the project.

Native entrepreneurs are reshaping their communities by blending cultural heritage with modern business strategies. Organizations like Nimiipuu Community Development Fund in Idaho and Spruce Root in Alaska provide essential support, including capital, mentorship, and business education. Notable success stories include MELO Powerwash, a Native-owned business that provides pressure washing and holiday light installations, and Edith Johnson's growing catering business in Sitka, Alaska. These entrepreneurs are not only generating jobs and wealth but also fostering economic self-sufficiency and inspiring future leaders.

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.

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 Trump administration’s freeze on funding for domestic violence programs is raising alarm. Advocates warn that delays and potential cuts to grants, particularly from the DOJ's Office on Violence Against Women, threaten services for marginalized groups, including Indigenous survivors. Nonprofits face challenges with possible layoffs and reductions in emergency shelters. Lawmakers from both parties have criticized the freeze, emphasizing the critical need for continued support for survivors.

Native Forward Scholars Fund will mark its 55th anniversary with a gala on April 2 in San Diego. The event, themed “Empowering Native Futures,” will celebrate the achievements of Indigenous scholars and the impact of education in Native communities. Since its founding, Native Forward has awarded $15 million annually in scholarships and support services, increasing Native student graduation rates. The evening will feature live performances, storytelling, and a Hall of Fame induction.

Seneca-Cayuga filmmaker Erica Tremblay is redefining Native American storytelling in Hollywood. Known for her work on Reservation Dogs and Dark Winds, Tremblay challenges stereotypes by portraying the depth and resilience of Indigenous communities. Her feature film debut, Fancy Dance, explores themes of cultural preservation and family. As Native filmmakers gain more opportunities, Tremblay’s success highlights a shift toward authentic representation in the industry.