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.

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.
Minnesota Chippewa Tribe primary elections take place Tuesday 
The six member nations of the Minnesota Chippewa Tribe are voting in primary elections Tuesday. Two candidates from each race for leadership positions will advance to the general election in June. 
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.
After 161 years, land was officially returned to the Upper Sioux Community
Friday marks the return of over 2 square miles of state-owned land in southwest Minnesota to the Upper Sioux Community. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources closed the Upper Sioux Agency State Park mid-February.