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.

Tribal council and Becker County discuss, disagree over White Earth Forest future
Members of the White Earth Nation Tribal Council shared their vision for the return of the White Earth Forest with the Becker County Board of Commissioners Tuesday. The Commissioners then shared their own different view. However both sides say they are willing to keep the dialog going.
Tussle over new kind of horse-race bets heads to Minnesota courts
A tribal community has asked the Minnesota Court of Appeals to stop a new form of betting called historical horse racing — which uses terminals to allow bets on races from the past — that was approved by a commission.
New chief executive for Mille Lacs Band decided in Minnesota Chippewa Tribe primaries
Candidates who receive more than 50 percent of the vote in the primary election are declared the winner, according to the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe’s election ordinance, Under this provision, the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe has elected a new chief executive.
How zebra mussels spurred the Red Lake Nation push to return tribal lands
For over a century, the Band has maintained the United States government disregarded a treaty agreement when it took a portion of Upper Red Lake and land around it. Recent events involving the tribe’s relationship with the state DNR sped up the tribe’s decision to reclaim the lands around Upper Red Lake.
Art exhibit showcases importance of the Mississippi to tribes at headwaters and delta
The title of the exhibit spans three languages: “Abijijiwan” in Ojibwe, “Ukeyat Yanalleh” in Houma and “The Water Flows Continuously” in English.