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.

Last Chance exhibit: A reckoning on water at the Minnesota Marine Art Museum
The Minnesota Marine Art Museum’s “A Nation Takes Place” reexamines marine art by highlighting the overlooked histories of Indigenous and Black peoples. Plus an exhibit curated by Ojibwe poet Heid E. Erdrich and one featuring photographer Shelly Mosman.
Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier welcomed home after release from prison
After nearly 50 years of incarceration, Native American political activist Leonard Peltier has been released from prison. Former President Joe Biden commuted his sentence in January before leaving office. In 1977 Peltier was convicted of two counts of first-degree murder in the deaths of two FBI agents. 
Leonard Peltier leaves prison after Biden commuted his sentence in the killing of two FBI agents
Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier has been released from a high-security Florida prison. Peltier was freed Tuesday morning, nearly a month after then-President Joe Biden commuted his life sentence in the 1975 killings of two FBI agents.
A day of remembrance honors, spotlights missing and murdered Indigenous relatives
Hundreds of people wearing red or black shirts and holding large posterboard signs reflecting messages of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives movement filled the Minneapolis American Indian Center’s gym on Friday. Events marking the Feb. 14 day of remembrance took place around the state.
Building awareness for missing, murdered Indigenous relatives through art
Every year, Feb. 14 marks a day of remembrance for missing and murdered Indigenous relatives. In south Minneapolis, a community screen-printing event brought Indigenous community members and allies together to prepare art for the day’s rallies and marches. 
Speedy cross-border work by Minnesota’s MMIR Office credited with quick return of First Nations woman to Canada
Feb. 14 has dual significance. It’s Valentine’s Day, but also a day of remembrance to honor missing and murdered Indigenous relatives. It’s also a day to celebrate triumphs.
Partnership between Minnesota DNR, Fond du Lac Band could bring elk to northeastern Minnesota
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa are hosting a public meeting on Feb. 13 to outline a new management plan to restore elk to the northeast.