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.

With assurance and support, Native people with felony records head out to vote
A law allowing people with a felony on their record to vote offers people once disenfranchised from the process a chance to engage once more. In Minnesota, this is especially true for Native American voters.
Biden offers apology for ‘horrific era’ of U.S. Native American boarding schools
Biden visits Arizona on Friday to apologize for the horrors of the federal Indian boarding schools that ran for over 150 years, and also trumpet the administration’s policies to help Native American communities.
Indigenous voters in Minnesota should feel confident using their tribal ID for Election Day registration
Native people who are citizens of one of 11 federally recognized tribal nations in Minnesota can use their tribal ID, which is issued by their tribal government, to register to vote in-person. 
President Biden to apologize for 150-year Indian boarding school policy
President Joe Biden is planning to formally apologize for the nation's Indian boarding school system, which included at least 16 schools in Minnesota. This is the first time a president has formally apologized on the matter.
 Show and tell: New interactive tour aims to raise Dakota visibility in Minneapolis
A new self-guided walking tour highlighting Dakota history at Owamni or St. Anthony Falls in Minneapolis is now live. Visitors can scan QR codes at five designated spots to learn about the sacred area through an Indigenous lens. 
Indigenous Peoples Day event in Minneapolis encourages voter registration, education
Indigenous communities across the country are celebrating Indigenous Peoples Day. In Minneapolis, the community is marking the holiday by making sure people are registered to vote and know about the issues.