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.

Five Native leaders tapped for Bush Foundation fellowships
Five Native Americans have been selected by the Bush Foundation for its prestigious Bush Fellows program for 2025, each with plans to build and enrich their personal leadership skills while forging a vision for themselves and their communities.
Powwow honors Native American Two-Spirit gender, spiritual identities
New Native Theatre held its fourth annual Two-Spirit Powwow at the Minneapolis American Indian Center on Tuesday evening. Attendees gathered for an evening of celebration, community and support.
Leonard Peltier talks freedom, future after nearly 50 years in prison
After spending most of his life behind bars, Leonard Peltier now lives in a home on the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa reservation in North Dakota. He says he has no regrets but still harbors resentment over his imprisonment.
Dakota nation announces collaboration to boost well-being for Native American girls
The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community is partnering with Girls on The Run Minnesota to provide a grant to enhance Native girls’ health and wellness through physical activity and education. 
Changes to American Indian mascot rules may make exemptions easier for school districts, tribes
The change to state rules around American Indian mascots will allow public school districts to seek support from the nearest tribal nation when seeking an exemption. Under the previous bill, districts had to seek support from all 11 tribal nations in the state and the Tribal Nations Education Committee.