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.

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.
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.
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.   
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. 
Murray Sinclair, First Nation advocate for justice and Canadian senator, has died
Murray Sinclair, a former First Nation judge, senator and chair of the commission that delved into Canada’s troubled history of residential schools for First Nations students, has died.
A Native-led nonprofit hopes for record turnout at the polls
As the Native vote gets more attention, organizers with the Make Voting a Tradition campaign help community members learn about the issues, register to vote and hear from some of the candidates running for office.
North Dakota state park will no longer be named for Civil War general who fought Native Americans
A state park in North Dakota containing the name of a Civil War-era general who led attacks against Native Americans has been renamed. Sully Creek State Park is now Rough Rider State Park. The park contains horse corrals and trails in the rugged Badlands near Medora.