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.

U.S. Catholic bishops approve outreach to Native Americans and acknowledge boarding school ‘traumas’
U.S. bishops on Friday approved new guidelines for ministering to Indigenous Catholics, a long in-the-works effort to reinvigorate the ministry and assure those communities that they don't need to feel torn between their Native identity and their Catholic one.
First of its kind animal health and wellbeing gathering examines issues through an Indigenous lens
The first Indigenous animal health and wellbeing gathering will be held in Walker this coming weekend. It’s a partnership between the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and veterinary leaders from four states. A total of 11 tribes will be represented. 
Oneida and Ojibwe health leader among winners of 2024 Bush Foundation fellowships
Unusually bold, visionary leaders have captured 24 prestigious 2024 Bush Foundation community fellowships. Antony Stately, Oneida and Ojibwe, of Prior Lake, is among those who beat out 558 other applicants for the esteemed award. So it’s no small feat to win.
White Earth conducting historical preservation interviews to inform new K-12 curriculum
Members of the White Earth Nation will have a chance to have their stories recorded and eventually used in Minnesota K-12 social studies curriculum.
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.