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.

 ‘Rez Ball’ is a story for everyone
The Netflix film directed by Sydney Freeland and co-written by Sterlin Harjo is a story centered on a Native American basketball team fighting to be recognized as the champions they are.
Government food shortage persists in Minnesota’s tribal communities 
Tribal nations across Minnesota and the nation are still experiencing shortages in federal food shipments. The USDA delivers food to older people and low-income households. Tribal leaders say they are ready to reform federal tribal food programs through farm policy changes. 
The heat is on: Indigenous-led nonprofit seeks to lower heating expenses with solar thermal
Since 2018, an Indigenous nonprofit near the White Earth Nation in northwestern Minnesota has been installing solar thermal panels to cut home heating costs in impoverished communities.
Native-led suicide prevention program focuses on building community strengths
A research group is testing a new suicide prevention model in rural Alaska Native villages: supporting cultural activities that strengthen community bonds and a sense of shared purpose.
Anishinaabe author Ashley Fairbanks invites children to honor ancestral Native land in her new book
Minnesota-born Anishinaabe author Ashley Fairbanks had her first book published on Aug. 27. The book is for children and is titled “This Land.” It invites kids to trace the history of their home and honor the Native people who lived on the land.
It’s a wrap: Fans say ‘Miigwech’ for ‘Star Wars’ in Ojibwe
The newly dubbed film is a collaboration between LucasFilm, the University of Manitoba and the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council in Manitoba. It first premiered in Canada last month.