Native News

The Native News Project is a new initiative from MPR News.

Stay informed with the latest news about local and national Native American communities, highlighting stories and issues important to Native American communities in Minnesota and beyond.

Our coverage includes cultural events, policy updates, community stories and more to provide a platform for Native voices, perspectives and important news.

Indigenous people raise awareness about their missing and murdered
Indigenous people across North America are rallying to plead for sustained responses to violence in their communities. Monday is Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. The FBI says it has about 4,300 open cases involving missing people, deaths and abuse that disproportionately affects Indian Country.
Graduation Regalia: More Native students get green light to wear tribal regalia this year
More Native students than ever before will graduate this year with regalia on their traditional caps and gowns as a growing number of states pass laws that allow beadwork, feathers, painting and other cultural adornments.
Minneapolis Native community mourns victims of gunfire
Dozens of Minneapolis Native residents and city officials gathered in a park Thursday morning to grieve six people killed in shootings over the previous two days. Police believe at least four of the people killed were Native.
The next pope will inherit Pope Francis’ mixed legacy with Indigenous people
Whoever succeeds Pope Francis will inherit his momentous and controversial legacy of relations with Indigenous people throughout the Americas. Francis, who died April 21, apologized for the “catastrophic” legacy of residential schools in Canada.
Minnesota State Capitol will honor tribal nations with a Tribal Flag Plaza 
The Capitol Mall is undergoing changes over the next decade to become more welcoming to Minnesota’s diverse populations. The Tribal Flag Plaza is currently being constructed to represent the 11 federally recognized tribes in Minnesota. 
Citations issued to Red Lake Nation citizen driving through Georgia have been withdrawn
Johnathon Carlson was driving home from a weeklong family vacation in Florida when he was pulled over in Georgia. He was cited for speeding and for “fake plates.” Carlson’s license plates are issued by Red Lake Nation, which are valid on Minnesota roads. Both citations have since been withdrawn.