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.

November 19, 2024 12:56 PM

Minnesota’s Pretendians Band nominated for Native American Music Award

“Pretendian” is a term for people who falsely claim Native American identity. The band wryly uses the word to point to their Indigenous roots.

by Nina Moini and Aleesa Kuznetsov

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

November 19, 2024 4:00 AM

Indigenous journalists question the accuracy of poll reported by some media organizations

An exit poll by Edison Research included a data point that 65 percent of American Indians supported Donald Trump.

by Melissa Olson

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

November 16, 2024 8:00 AM

Indigenous stories to be featured in film festival, celebrating culture and community

In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, Twin Cities Film Fest will host MNmicro Film Festival: Indigenous. The six featured films center on Indigenous stories and voices.

by Chandra Colvin

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

November 15, 2024 6:47 PM

Photos: We saw you Rock Your Mocs!

Fond du Lac Band tribal citizen and artist Wendy Savage shares her inspiration for her moccasin-making in honor of “Rock Your Mocs” week. Several Indigenous community members also share photos and reflections about their moccasins.

by Allison Herrera

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

November 15, 2024 12:20 PM

Wisconsin agency issues first round of permits for Enbridge Line 5 reroute around reservation

About 12 miles of Enbridge's Line 5 pipeline runs through the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa's reservation. Bad River tribal officials warned that the project calls for blasting, drilling and digging trenches that would devastate area wetlands and streams and endanger the tribe's wild rice beds.

by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

November 15, 2024 7:40 AM

Whistleblower sounds alarm about destruction of tribal sites in North Carolina

A career archaeologist with the U.S. Forest Service says managers have been engaging in irresponsible and illegal behavior that has resulted in damage to Native American sites across the forested slopes of North Carolina.

by The Associated Press

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

November 15, 2024 4:00 AM

Tradition and innovation on display in Pueblo pottery exhibit at Mia

Pueblo artist and potter Jody Folwell is credited with beginning a contemporary art movement in Pueblo pottery. The Minneapolis Institute of Art is featuring a gallery of Folwell’s original works through the end of January.

by Chandra Colvin

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

November 13, 2024 5:52 PM

New agreement between Minnesota and Leech Lake band marks a hopeful new start

The state’s Department of Human Services and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe have been working on improving relations.

by Melissa Olson

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

November 12, 2024 8:50 AM

Show us how you Rock Your Mocs!

The annual Rock Your Mocs social media event invites Indigenous people worldwide to show off their moccasins during Native American Heritage month. Minnesota, we want your pics for our online album.

by Allison Herrera