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Land & Water
Environmental issues, land rights, natural resource management and water protection efforts across Native communities.
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Rule at risk
Natives in Montana weigh in on Roadless Rule repeal as public deadline approaches
Forest Service has honored less than half of formal consultation requests
By Bret Anne Serbin
Montana
Fort Peck Tribes ban discussions with data center developers
The vote comes amid mounting data center opposition in Montana, and as developers nationwide target tribal land for building
Nora Mabie, Montana Free Press
Fishing
The Klamath Tribes couldn’t get federal dollars for salmon. Then the Yurok stepped in
For more than 100 years, salmon had been absent from the Klamath Tribes’ lands — a fact that cut them off from funding sources to fix that.
B. 'Toastie' Oaster, High Country News
Government
All nine South Dakota tribes back effort to develop Black Hills land-return legislation
Tribal resolutions support legislation to return federal Black Hills lands to the Great Sioux Nation while preserving sacred sites and water resources
Montana
Fort Peck Tribes ban discussions with data center developers
The vote comes amid mounting data center opposition in Montana, and as developers nationwide target tribal land for building
Nora Mabie, Montana Free Press
Fishing
The Klamath Tribes couldn’t get federal dollars for salmon. Then the Yurok stepped in
For more than 100 years, salmon had been absent from the Klamath Tribes’ lands — a fact that cut them off from funding sources to fix that.
B. 'Toastie' Oaster, High Country News
Government
All nine South Dakota tribes back effort to develop Black Hills land-return legislation
Tribal resolutions support legislation to return federal Black Hills lands to the Great Sioux Nation while preserving sacred sites and water resources
Shine
The Shine series explores limitations and solutions to government transparency in Indian Country.
Environment
Black Hills uranium exploration permit hearing postponed to May
Drilling project’s opponents have raised concerns about Native American petroglyphs in Craven Canyon
Meghan O'Brien, South Dakota Searchlight
Environmental stewardship
U.S. Forest Service and 11 tribes sign historic agreement to co-manage sacred area in South Dakota
The agreement concerns the Black Elk Wilderness, a ‘place of profound spiritual, cultural, and historical importance’
By Brian Bull
Legislation
South Dakota passes ‘Data Center Bill of Rights for Citizens,’ fails to consult with tribes
While new legislation aims to protect local customers from rising electricity rates, an Indigenous land conservation group is calling for a moratorium on data centers
By Darren Thompson
Land use
Drilling project moves forward in the heart of the Black Hills
Forest Service waives environmental assessment, disregarding cultural significance of Pe’ Sla
By Gabrielle Nelson
Explainer
Feature
The Battle of the Little Bighorn (Greasy Grass): Why it’s still being fought
150 years after the "Greasy Grass" victory, the Lakota and Cheyenne are planning a massive 2026 commemoration—and still refuse a $1.5 billion settlement for their land
By Pier Paolo Bozzano
Cultural Protection
Bill adding Indigenous languages and rights for wild rice introduced to Minnesota legislature
State Senator Mary Kunesh introduced multiple bills that would add protections to wild rice, Minnesota’s state grain
By Darren Thompson
Explainer
Environment
What a Superfund site is and how EPA cleanup works
Nearly 200 Superfund sites are on tribal land
By Gabrielle Nelson
Environment
A Superfund site in Minnesota is spreading, disrupting a tribe’s way of life
Little progress has been made despite 40 years of cleanup on Leech Lake Reservation
By Gabrielle Nelson
Tribal Oversight
Proposed gas pipeline in North Dakota could help reduce Bakken flaring
MHA Nation and Standing Rock say they will monitor pipeline progress for water and environment impact
By Gabrielle Nelson
Year in Review
Reporters’ Notebook: The year that was
Buffalo’s Fire reporters reflect on their biggest stories of 2025
By Buffalo's Fire
Treaty Rights
Oceti Sakowin Treaty Council calls for repeal of 1872 Mining Act, protection of He Sápa
Resolution adopted at the Dec 17 Oceti Sakowin Treaty Conference calls for permanent protection of He Sápa (Black Hills) and an end to mining claims
By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear
Sovereignty
What a Southern Arizona tribe can teach others about tribal water rights
The monumental Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement celebrates its 21st anniversary
By Gabrielle Nelson
Food sovereignty
UTTC student raises $12k in food drive for North Dakota and Montana
Inspired by her grandparents, Tonah Fishinghawk-Chavez proves that caring for the community is an action, not just a word
By Gabrielle Nelson
Climate Action
‘We need involvement’: Indigenous leaders demand change at COP30
Indigenous participation may be highest in the climate conference’s history
By Gabrielle Nelson
Photo essay
'Good fire' at Chaa-lamali: Young Natives practice cultural burn
At an oak savannah near Eugene, Oregon, TEIP interns and elders carry forward a time-honored tradition, restoring meadow health and renewing relationship with the land
By Brian Bull
Live Coverage
UTTC Tribal Summit: Cody Two Bears urges tribal nations to unite for sovereignty
It’s just as important as preserving Native language and culture, he says
By Gabrielle Nelson
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