The Daily Spark

Cody Two Bears, founder of Indigenized Energy, is leading efforts to achieve energy sovereignty for Native communities through renewable energy. By launching a 300-kilowatt solar farm in his hometown of Cannon Ball, North Dakota, and forming the Northern Plains Tribal Coalition, Two Bears is helping tribes reduce reliance on costly fossil fuels. His work highlights the importance of energy independence for Indigenous peoples, offering solutions to both high energy costs and environmental challenges.

Pope Francis emphasized that defending the rights of Indigenous peoples is crucial for justice and a sustainable future. In a message to the Seventh Global Meeting of the Indigenous Peoples’ Forum, he highlighted the importance of land, water, and food as life essentials, not commodities. The event, hosted by the International Fund for Agricultural Development, focused on Indigenous self-determination and food sovereignty. Pope Francis called for preserving Indigenous culture, valuing their contributions, and ensuring a better world for future generations.

Minnetrista Museum & Gardens will host Clearly Indigenous: Native Visions Reimagined in Glass, an exhibition showcasing how Native American and Indigenous Pacific-Rim artists have transformed glass art. Running from Feb. 8 to May 18, 2025, the exhibit features over 100 works blending cultural traditions with contemporary techniques. A special artist panel, Tapas & Talk: Looking Closely, will be held on Feb. 19.

A Florida federal judge granted the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s request to intervene in a proposed class action against gaming vendor Seminole Hard Rock Digital. The lawsuit alleges misleading sports-betting ads, but the judge ruled the vendor cannot fully represent the tribe’s interests, which include sovereign immunity and gaming rights. The tribe seeks to dismiss the case, arguing it cannot be sued due to its legal status. The case remains ongoing.

The Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria told a federal judge that the U.S. Department of the Interior’s report on monitoring another tribe’s casino project is incomplete and fails to protect their cultural sites. The tribe argues the Koi Nation’s planned casino in Sonoma County is within their ancestral territory and was approved without proper consultation. A judge previously denied their request to block the land transfer but left the door open for future challenges.

A new report by the ACLU and Human Rights Watch argues that the federal government violated Indigenous rights by approving the Thacker Pass lithium mine in northern Nevada without securing tribal consent. At least six tribes have ties to the site, which holds cultural and historical significance, including a massacre site from 1865. The report calls for halting construction until all affected tribes provide free, prior and informed consent.

A Boston federal judge has extended a hold on former President Donald Trump’s federal worker buyout program, known as the Fork Directive, as unions challenge its legality. The plan, which offers months of pay to employees who resign, has drawn criticism from unions representing over 800,000 federal workers. They argue it violates federal law and could destabilize agencies like the Veterans Administration. The case remains under advisement.

Rhone Baumgartner and Kameron Hartvigson, employees of the Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, were on a flight that crashed off Alaska’s western coast. The two were traveling to service a water plant in Unalakleet when the Cessna Caravan lost communication and went down near Nome. Both were recognized for their commitment to improving health and infrastructure in rural communities. Recovery efforts are underway, with weather complicating the search.

Cherokee Nation is investing in youth agriculture education with a new program at Sequoyah High School, offering hands-on learning in farming, ranching, and food sustainability. In partnership with the Bureau of Indian Education, Native American Agriculture Fund, and Tribal Agriculture Fellowship, the initiative aims to strengthen tribal land stewardship and food sovereignty. The program is part of a larger $65 million investment in Sequoyah Schools.

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.