Native News

The Native News Project is a new initiative from MPR News.

Minneapolis resolution passes, school focused on Native cultural education to get new home
A Minneapolis elementary school dedicated to American Indian cultural education is on track to move into its own building for the first time since the school opened almost a decade and a half ago. Students’ families and school leaders are also asking the district for dedicated busing.
Alissa Pili signs with N7, talks Indigenous fan support
Although she’s still adjusting to the WNBA’s intense pace and starting with a new team, Pili said the support she’s received has only grown since playing professionally as a member of the Minnesota Lynx.
Power Pair: Brothers Anton Treuer and David Treuer on writing and Ojibwe culture
MPR News host Angela Davis talks 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.  
Minnesota Chippewa Tribe voters head to the polls to determine next phase of leadership
Minnesota Chippewa Tribe voters head to the polls Tuesday to elect leadership across the six member nations. Tribal leaders consider issues related to regional and state politics, including cannabis dispensaries and grow facilities and the restoration of tribal lands. 
What to know about Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier’s first hearing in more than a decade
Peltier has spent most of his life in prison since his conviction in the 1975 killings of two FBI agents in South Dakota. Supporters have long argued that Peltier was wrongly convicted and say this parole hearing may be his last chance at freedom.
Supreme Court sides with Native American tribes in health care funding dispute with government
The 5-4 decision means the government will cover millions in overhead costs that two tribes faced when they took over running their health care programs under a law meant to give Native Americans more local control.
Red Lake Nation College expands to Minneapolis, students feel sense of home
Red Lake Nation College will serve more students from all backgrounds with its latest expansion to Minneapolis. Native students from the Twin Cities say they have found a sense of belonging at the tribal college’s new site.
New adult-use cannabis dispensary opens in Minnesota, closest to Twin Cities
The Sweetest Grass is about 182 miles from downtown Minneapolis, making it the closest dispensary to the Twin Cities — at least until Prairie Island Indian Community opens its dispensary, planned for later this month.
‘The Avengers’ and ‘Star Wars’ get Ojibwe and Lakota dubs from Indigenous language experts
Thomas Draskovic and Anton Treuer voiced characters in two language dubs of popular movies. They say the goal is to revitalize Indigenous languages.