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.

Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe formalizes adult-use recreational cannabis on its tribal lands
The ordinance creates a regulatory framework for the sale and consumption of cannabis and cannabis products on the reservation. State law, enforced by Leech Lake and county law enforcement across the reservation, legalized adult use of cannabis on Aug 1.
Immunization rates are up in Red Lake schools. This nurse led the way
The school district’s seen vaccinations jump among its youngest learners. Charmaine Branchaud said that success started with sifting through paper records to help understand student health needs.
Native American leaders respond to DOJ report on Minneapolis police
The U.S. Justice Department’s report listing civil rights violations by the Minneapolis police department confirmed what many in the city’s Native American community say they have experienced. The impending consent decree, which could put some legal teeth into policing reform, may help repair relations with Twin Cities BIPOC communities.