How Native communities hold space for joy, grief and justice
This week’s reporting spans celebration and sorrow — from cultural gatherings in Alaska to a fresh indictment and the anniversary of an unsolved murder that still weighs on Standing Rock
Recent Native gatherings in Alaska brim with ‘big auntie’ energy
Beaders and skin sewers were among the artists selling handmade traditional and contemporary earrings
By Antonia Gonzales, special to Buffalo’s Fire
Earrings were on full display at two large annual gatherings this fall in Anchorage, Alaska — the Alaska Federation of Natives convention and the First Alaskans Institute’s Elders and Youth conference. The gatherings were held back to back the week of Oct. 12-18 and drew thousands of people from across the state. Attendees discussed a number of topics relevant to Alaska Native people, including arts, languages and cultures — and many were wearing and selling Native earrings.
D’Angelo Hunt indicted for voluntary manslaughter of ‘J.M.P.’ — initials match missing partner Jemini Posey
Spirit Lake citizen Jemini Madeline Posey had tried ending their relationship before she disappeared
By Jolan Kruse
D’Angelo Hunt, who was charged last month for the murder of his brother Isaac, is now also facing federal charges for the voluntary manslaughter of “J.M.P.,” believed to be Jemini Posey. An indictment filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of North Dakota on Dec. 11 includes several new charges against Hunt, including assault resulting in substantial bodily injury and assault by strangulation.
Six year anniversary of Standing Rock unsolved murder
Nathaniel Iron Road was assaulted in 2019 and died from his injuries. His family and friends are still seeking justice
By Jolan Kruse
For many, December is marked by Christmas shopping, cookie decorating and excitement for the new year. But for Shanna Eagle, the holidays are a time of mourning. Dec. 14 will mark six years since the death of Nathaniel Iron Road, the father of her four children, who now range in age between 7 and 13.
The Daily Spark – quick, must-read micro stories to start your day
Our Daily Spark feature delivers news summaries each day to give you a quick overview of current events in Indian Country. The format prioritizes brevity, providing key updates in short, digestible summaries. This makes it a valuable resource for quickly grasping important developments on a broad range of issues affecting Indigenous communities.
Here are some of the stories you may have missed this week: