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.

Minneapolis City Council committee hears update on now-cleared Nenookaasi encampment
It’s unclear where all those who were living in Camp Nenookaasi when the city cleared it Tuesday have gone, but some moved to a nearby city lot. Supporters attended a city council committee meeting Wednesday afternoon.
U of M leaders outline initial steps to address harm done to Native communities
University of Minnesota leaders made their most extensive comments so far on recommendations made in the TRUTH Report, which details the university’s expropriation of Native lands and mistreatment of Native people throughout the state and region.  
Annual Pioneer Press treasure hunt turns controversial when medallion is found on Dakota sacred site
Wakaŋ Tipi is a sacred gathering place for the Dakota people, where ceremonies and storytelling traditions not shared outside the community have been taking place for centuries.
Mille Lacs Band's chief executive Benjamin won’t seek reelection, calls job ‘greatest honor of my life’
The Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe’s chief executive Melanie Benjamin announced she will not be seeking a seventh term in office. Benjamin has served the nearly 5,000 member Ojibwe nation as the band’s top executive for nearly two and a half decades. 
In Ojibwe tradition, snow on the ground means it’s sacred storytelling season
The Native News team talks about the seven grandfather teachings, seasonal storytelling and Native books with James Vukelich Kaagegaabaw, a speaker, digital creator and author of “The Seven Generations and the Seven Grandfather Teachings.”
Ramsey County Board weighs possible name change for Savage Lake in Little Canada
The Ramsey County Board of Commissioners will hold a public hearing Tuesday on the proposal to rename the lake that includes a derogatory term used to describe Native Americans.
Native American Heritage hockey mask now in collection at Minnesota Historical Society
A custom goalie mask worn by a Minnesota Wild goaltender in warmups before a game earlier this season — in defiance of an NHL edict — is now in a collection at the Minnesota Historical Society.
Hemp-insulated homes offer promise of affordable housing and jobs for Lower Sioux Community
On reservations where housing affordability and quality are persistent problems, temperatures at or below zero or always a concern. Earl Pendleton, a former tribal council member with the Lower Sioux Community, is turning to hemp to help solve those problems as well as create economic opportunities for tribal members.
Human remains held by U's medical school raise questions around tribal consultation
A preliminary review found that some of the remains are likely Native American in origin.  A newly revised federal law protecting Indigenous human remains went into effect Friday.
Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe annual event highlights priorities, progress and cannabis plans
Chief Executive Melanie Benjamin said 2023 was a year of progress for the central Minnesota-based tribe. Benjamin outlined band priorities for the coming year, including plans to open a cannabis growing facility.