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.

Minnesota regulators require studies along possible routes before pipeline construction near sacred site
Members of the Public Utilities Commission revised the conditions of a permit for a gas pipeline near Pipestone National Monument, after more than a dozen tribal nations urged regulators to reverse it.
An overview of Minnesota’s cannabis industry in 2024 and what to expect in 2025
Ahead of the new year and the start of another legislative session, MPR News reporters Dana Ferguson, Hannah Yang and Melissa Olson joined Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer with updates on the budding enterprise.
Under a 'grandma moon,' Native Americans honor their sacred pact with salmon
Native American New Year was celebrated on the solstice under a canopy of winter stars. Near a crackling bonfire, the Nisqually tribe shared their culture and renewed their sacred pact with the salmon.
Tribal Advocacy Council on Energy aims to ease power woes in Indian Country
Tribal elected officials say the cost of energy on tribal lands is higher than it should be. So they formed a new advocacy body to make policy recommendations to state and federal agencies on energy issues. 
Prayers, songs greet Dakota Riders in Mankato 162 years after hangings
In a revival of a tradition which seemed to have ended two years ago, participants in not one but two Dakota Rides arrived in Mankato Thursday. The event commemorates 38 Dakota men hanged on the day after Christmas in 1862 following the U.S.-Dakota War, and two other Dakota men hanged later.
Power Pair: Brothers David Treuer and Anton Treuer on writing and Ojibwe culture
MPR News host Angela Davis revisits a conversation with brothers Anton Treuer and David Treuer about their latest books, reclaiming Ojibwe culture and growing up together on the Leech Lake Reservation in northern Minnesota.
Washington Post reporter explains how they uncovered more Native children deaths at boarding schools
A national investigation of former government-run boarding schools found new data on deaths there of Native students, including at Minnesota schools. The Washington Post reports 3,104 Native American students died at the institutions — triple the number previously reported by the federal government.
Pain, hope, history share the ride as Dakota Exiles commemorate Mankato hangings
A nearly 300-mile journey ends in Mankato this week to mark the 161st anniversary of one of the grimmest chapters in Dakota history, the hanging of 38 men after the U.S.- Dakota War. Riders hope their work will bring more understanding of this history.