Protecting and preparing: Tribal nations plan to monitor environmental impact of gas pipeline, MMIP searchers equip themselves for difficult discoveries
This week’s reporting looks at search volunteers training for tough work and a proposed North Dakota pipeline aimed at reducing Bakken flaring
Cadavers help MMIP search volunteers prepare for the worst
A trip to an anatomy lab teaches searchers to distinguish between human and animal remains. It also aims to lessen the shock of potentially gruesome discoveries
By Brian Bull
With the slide of a metal cover and the lift of a sheet, the world of anatomical science was laid bare for seven volunteers from MMIW Search & Hope Alliance, an organization based in Portland, Oregon. With the sharp odor of embalming fluid wafting from the body, the visitors leaned in and examined the skin, muscles, nerves and ligaments of a man who died in his 90s.
Proposed gas pipeline in North Dakota could help reduce Bakken flaring
MHA Nation and Standing Rock say they will monitor pipeline progress for water and environment impact
Thousands of oil wells are active on the Fort Berthold Reservation. The large cranelike pumpjacks pulling up the tribe’s most valuable resource can be seen while driving through the area in northwestern North Dakota. Oil flows through these wells at just under 154,000 barrels per day, according to the October 2025 production report by North Dakota Department of Mineral Resources. Often accompanying these pumpjacks are pipes shooting up out of the ground spewing fire, like a Bic lighter on steroids.
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: