Buffalo's Fire Sections

Sovereignty

Tribal sovereignty, self-governance and the legal and political relationships between Native nations and federal and state governments.

National Congress of American Indians

Tohono O’odham chairman on sacred site destruction: ‘If this can happen to us, it can happen to each and every one of you out there’

The 83rd annual National Congress of American Indians convention began Monday

By Shaun Griswold

Tribal Transparency

How leaders of Native nations can look to their peers for guidance on transparency and accountability

By Bret Anne Serbin

Northern Cheyenne

Gene Small tapes over surveillance cameras at Northern Cheyenne headquarters

By Shaun Griswold

Tribal Government

Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council wields its power after members return to office

By Shaun Griswold

Tribal Transparency

How leaders of Native nations can look to their peers for guidance on transparency and accountability

The Northern Cheyenne Tribe's government has been beset with rumors and constitutional chaos. Approaches taken by other tribes could offer insight into resolving the conflict

By Bret Anne Serbin

Northern Cheyenne

Gene Small tapes over surveillance cameras at Northern Cheyenne headquarters

The tribe’s Capitol building has been closed since Small was removed as president: Why was he inside the building days later?

By Shaun Griswold

Tribal Government

Northern Cheyenne Tribal Council wields its power after members return to office

The council authorized payments to Trustland Consultants and filled an open seat on the Northern Cheyenne Development Corporation

By Shaun Griswold

ShineThe Shine series explores limitations and solutions to government transparency in Indian Country.

MHA Nation Election

MHA Nation chairman voters oust one incumbent for November election

Two segment incumbents re-elected while Four Bears set for general runoff

By Shaun Griswold

South Dakota

Oglala Sioux Tribe facing fairness questions over banishment law

The policy aims to combat crime on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, but its effectiveness and a lack of a clear appeals process are drawing questions

By Karin Eagle

Oglala Sioux Tribe finance meeting of June 4, 2026

Federal Government

Crow Tribe coal swap clears Senate committee

Land exchange benefitting Signal Peak Energy moves forward over Senate Democrats’ concerns

Tom Lutey, Montana Free Press

The Signal Peak Mine, located in the Bull Mountains west of Billings, is Montana’s only underground coal mine

Politics

Tribal leaders call for sovereignty as federal support wavers

At the June 3 Government to Government Conference in Bismarck, leaders said proposed federal funding cuts threaten education, safety

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

Tribal Voting

US Supreme Court sends North Dakota tribal redistricting case back for review

High court orders appeals court to reconsider tribal voting rights lawsuit after recent ruling changed standards for racial gerrymandering cases

Mary Steurer, North Dakota Monitor

Press Freedom

Indian Country needs media pillar for a just society

Civic information, data, local news strengthen Native communities

By Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Policy

Experts discuss tribal sovereignty’s role in the growing hemp and cannabis industry

Great Lakes summit addresses recent Minnesota appeals court ruling saying possession is civil matter and the state lacks authority to prosecute tribal members on tribal lands

By Darren Thompson

Federal Politics

Trump dumps Noem, taps Mullin to be next DHS Secretary

If approved, Mullin would be second Native man to serve as U.S. Cabinet member

By Brian Bull

Farm bill

Proposed agriculture funding bill impacts more than 80,000 Native producers

63 provisions of the bill are relevant to tribes. ‘Economic stability and cultural responsibility’ at stake, says co-chair of Native Farm Bill Coalition

By Gabrielle Nelson

Legal Dispute

MHA Nation appeals court upholds $250M withdrawal from People’s Fund

Ruling is a loss for transparency and justice, plaintiffs say

By Erin Hoover Barnett

Action & Policy

Multiple tribal organizations join MHA Nation in honoring two members of Congress

Senator Lisa Murkowski received a Mandan name, Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi presented with blanket

By Darren Thompson

Bheri Rose Hallam gives Senator Lisa Murkowski a Mandan name

Native Leadership

Native political organizer and activist running for South Dakota governor

Candidate Allison Renville stresses importance of restoring trust between tribes and the state

By Gabrielle Nelson

Civil Rights

Oglala Sioux Tribe demands release of tribal members in ICE custody

OST president warns federal officials of legal consequences for treaty violations, unlawful detention and deprivation of civil rights

By Darren Thompson

Historic Preservation

Legislation signed to protect Wounded Knee memorial site

South Dakota’s congressional delegation joins Wounded Knee descendants and supporters at site on 135th anniversary of the massacre

By Darren Thompson

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