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.

Behind Upper Midwest tribal spearfishing is a long and violent history of denied treaty rights
A fraught and violent history for centuries disrupted Indigenous people’s lives in the upper midwest, barring them from traditional food gathering practices like spearfishing, hunting and harvesting wild rice. 
Overlooked: Who suffers the most from the opioid epidemic in Minnesota?
A lack of public health data has masked huge racial disparities in overdose deaths from fentanyl and other opioids. Sahan Journal examined more than 240,000 death records to get a clear and startling picture of the epidemic’s toll.
 Canada honors three Indigenous women with postage stamps
For the third consecutive year, Canada Post, as the postal system is known, celebrated the June 21 holiday by issuing three stamps honoring Indigenous leaders: Josephine Mandamin, Anishinabe; Christi Belcourt, Métis; and Elisapie, Inuk.
Tribes honor the birth of rare white buffalo and reveal its name: Wakan Gli
The moment marked the highlight of a Native American ceremony to commemorate the calf's birth that featured the retelling of how a mysterious woman brought a message of reassurance during hard times.
‘An important part of the fabric’: Exploring Two Spirit identity with artist Charli Fool Bear
One LGBTQ+ identity that often gets misrepresented — or left out entirely — is Two Spirit, which is unique to Indigenous people. A Two Spirit Dakota poet shares what it means to her.
New rule gives tribal governments more input on state water quality standards
A new federal rule gives tribal governments more input as states develop water quality standards to protect lakes and streams. Minnesota officials are still working out how the rule might affect its regulatory process.