Reclaiming our narratives, honoring our ancestors and celebrating the resilience of Indian Country
How Native communities are navigating grief, marking milestones in tribal sovereignty and demanding visibility. Plus, a story on planning for the 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn
Beyond the red suit: How Native Santas are reclaiming holiday representation
By blending tribal regalia with holiday tradition, Indigenous veterans in Oregon are creating a safe, inclusive space where children see themselves in the magic of Christmas
By Brian Bull
At the Chifin Native Youth Center in Springfield, Oregon, the door swung open to a packed classroom, bringing in cold air that mingled with the aroma of hot chocolate, blueberry pancakes and syrup. A collective cheer rose from pajama-clad kids and their families as Santa entered, joined by Crystal Claus and Peppermint the Elf.
Tribes plan to ‘rock’ the Little Bighorn Battlefield during 150th commemoration
Thousands of Natives expected to camp, bring horses, tell stories about Custer’s defeat
Oglala Sioux Tribe President Frank Star Comes Out recently led a planning meeting to continue organizing for the 150th commemoration of the Battle of the Greasy Grass, also known as the Battle of the Little Bighorn. The June 1876 battle in southeastern Montana marks one of the most well-known military standoffs between the U.S. cavalry and allied forces of the Lakota, Arapaho and Cheyenne. The site is also referred to as Custer’s Last Stand, , noting the defeat of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer’s 7th Cavalry.
MMIP Christmas tree shines brightly at North Dakota State Capitol
The tree features names of missing Indigenous people
By Jolan Kruse
Toward the end of a long hallway at the North Dakota State Capitol, a small Christmas tree shines brightly. The tree, set up to resemble a tipi, is adorned with red lights and red handprint ornaments. An Indigenous angel sits atop the tree wearing a Christmas colored ribbon skirt and dentalium earrings. On the red handprint ornaments are names and pictures of North Dakota’s missing Indigenous people. Near the top of the tree is a photo of Renzo Bullhead, who went missing on March 16.
What a Southern Arizona tribe can teach others about tribal water rights
The monumental Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement celebrates its 21st anniversary
Wednesday, Dec. 10, marked 21 years since the monumental Gila River Indian Community Water Rights Settlement secured water rights for the tribe. It was one of the largest tribal water settlements in U.S. history.
Lumbee Tribe to receive federal recognition after 70 years of state distinction
National Defense Authorization Act passes Senate, affirms tribe’s federal services
By Darren Thompson, special to Buffalo’s Fire
The U.S. Senate voted 77-20 on Wednesday to pass the National Defense Authorization Act, or NDAA, which secured the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina’s federal recognition as a tribal nation. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the $900 billion bill into law as soon as this week, which would make the Lumbee the 575th federally recognized tribe in the nation.
D’Angelo Hunt pleads not guilty to murdering his older brother Isaac Hunt
Hunt also arraigned on charges connected to the ‘voluntary manslaughter’ of ‘J.M.P.’
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.
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:
Fantastic compilation of how communities are shaping their own stories instead of letting outsiders define them. The Native Santa piece really captures something profound abut representation mattering not just in big policy wins but in everyday moments kids experience. When my nephew saw Indigenous athletes on TV for the first time, I dunno, it just shifted something in how he carried himself afterward. Blending tribal regalia with holiday tradition isn't compromise, its expanding what belongs in the public imagination.