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.

Joy Harjo bends time with her poetry to honor her mother's death
In her book, “Washing my Mother’s Body,” Joy Harjo bends time with her poetry to return to what she deems an essential ritual of love and dignity to honor her mother’s passing.
Minnesotan taps Ojibwe culture, Anishinaabe spirit to turn wood into art
Donovan Dahmen creates large collages of wood at his home in Grand Portage. He sees his art as a way to share knowledge of Ojibwe culture and spirituality. “I believe the wood tells me what it wants to be,” he said.
Bald eagle's new status as the official U.S. bird brings pride and hope to many Native Americans
Many Native Americans are marking ceremonies like graduations with bald eagle feathers, a form of reverence for the bird they have always held sacred as a messenger to the Creator. But this year, some are doing so with special pride after the bald eagle finally became the official U.S. bird.
St. Paul food truck festival to bring Native American foods to Harriet Island Regional Park
The Native American Food Truck Festival will have cultural foods, vendors and live entertainment. More than 70 vendors will be at Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul on Saturday.