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According to the Native American Rights Fund, there are 4.7 million Native Americans eligible to vote. (Adobe Stock)<br />

As summer fades, ND organizers feel good about tribal members voting

New findings looking at Native American participation in elections show a mixed bag of news but North Dakota outreach leaders said they are coming off…

A new policy brief says North Dakota has one of the lower residential placement rates for youth offenders in the country. But nationally, report authors say there are still too many young people - roughly 2,500 on a typical day - being held in adult prisons and jails. (Adobe Stock)

New snapshot of youth incarceration shows hope, but disparities persist

Over the past couple of years, North Dakota has implemented juvenile justice reforms. And a new national report says there's been major progress in …

According to the Native American Rights Fund, more than 1 million eligible Native American voters in the United States are not registered to vote. (Adobe Stock)

Native organizations commemorate 100th anniversary of Citizenship Act

Sunday marks 100 years since the United States granted citizenship to all Native Americans. North Dakota voices are observing the milestone, and …

Despite making up more than 5% of North Dakota's population, fewer than 2% of state legislators are Native American. Advocates said with more Native candidates running, the gap could soon begin to shrink in the coming years. (Adobe Stock)

ND sees flurry of campaigning among Native candidates

North Dakota's June 11 primary is inching closer and those running for legislative seats are trying to win over voters, including Native American …

Native American tribes and support organizations have pursued several lawsuits since the 2020 redistricting cycle, in hopes of securing fair political boundaries. There is also a push to get more tribes to be active when maps are drawn, so legal action will not be necessary. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal advocates keep up legal pressure for fair political maps

Across the U.S., most political boundaries tied to the 2020 Census have been in place for a while, but a national project on map fairness for …

Section 2 of the 1965 Voting Rights Act has been a central component for Native American tribes in North Dakota to successfully challenge political boundaries drawn by the Legislature. But other court rulings have weakened enforcement of the law, spurring the state to appeal. (Adobe Stock)

Legal wrangling continues over redistricting for ND tribal areas

CLARIFICATION: North Dakota Native Vote Board Chair Wes Davis isn't opposed to having all affected tribes in the same district. His comment …

While they scored some gains in the most recent redistricting process, North Dakota tribal advocates say legislative boundaries often dilute the voting power of Native Americans. (Adobe Stock)

ND tribal advocates: Community work matters in redistricting cases

North Dakota is one step closer to getting a full sense of how the courts view redistricting challenges in tribal areas. Legal representatives say …

Former President Barack Obama's administration had rejected the Dakota Access oil pipeline over concerns about the impact on tribal lands, but it was revived under the Trump administration. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal advocates want more public accommodations for DAPL process

Public comment on an aspect of the controversial Dakota Access oil pipeline runs through mid-December. In the meantime, Native American voices are …

It has been nearly four years since North Dakota reached a settlement with Native American tribes over its Voter ID law, but advocates say there are still barriers for tribal members who want to cast a ballot. (Adobe Stock)

As 2024 vote looms, ND Tribal advocates ramp up outreach

While North Dakota does not have voter registration, civic engagement groups say efforts are still needed to help underserved populations get …

The U.S. Department of the Interior currently manages 11,000 bison in herds across 4.6 million acres of public lands in a dozen states. (Adobe Stock)

Native American Tribes get funding for bison restoration

The U.S. Department of the Interior has announced $5 million in funding to help reintroduce bison to Native American Tribal lands around the country…

Several groups representing Native American college students say the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to largely remove affirmative action from college admissions is

Tribal Education Groups Respond to SCOTUS Ruling on Admissions

Advocates for underrepresented college students continue to assess the fallout from last week's U.S. Supreme Court decision dealing with affirmative …

Native American advocates say this week's Supreme Court decision to uphold the Indian Child Welfare Act ultimately protects tribal culture and heritage by ensuring there will be continued efforts to keep Native children in their community environments if they're considered for adoption or foster care. (Adobe Stock)

Tribal Advocates Feel 'Relief' After SCOTUS ICWA Ruling

Tribal advocates are cheering a U.S. Supreme Court decision Thursday which allows a landmark law dealing with child welfare cases to stand. It …

The Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978 is a federal law governing the removal and out-of-home placement of American Indian children. A challenge to the policy could result in the U.S. Supreme Court either scaling back or overturning the law. (Adobe Stock)

ND Considers Child Placement Protections for Tribal Families

A North Dakota Senate committee hears a bill this week which would enshrine protections for Native American children who have to be placed in foster o…

Opponents of requiring citizenship documents to vote say they can be expensive and time-consuming to obtain. (Adobe Stock)

Pro-Democracy Groups Still Worried About Citizenship Bill in ND

As North Dakota's legislative session moves forward, additional debate is expected on a controversial voting bill, which calls for proof of …

Facilities manager Wes Davis at Turtle Mountain Community College is at work at his desk. A miniature wind turbine sits on its surface. (Photo by Jessica Plance/Homegrown Stories)

A Vision for Tribal Sovereignty Through Sustainable Energy

By Jessica Plance for Homegrown Stories via The Daily Yonder.Broadcast version by Mike Moen for Prairie News Service for the Public News Service/Daily…

During this year's midterms, the Native American Rights Fund maintained contact with trained poll watchers in several states, including North Dakota, to offer any legal advice if an Indigenous voter had barriers in casting a ballot. (Adobe Stock)

ND Tribal Advocates Highlight Efforts of Poll Watchers in Midterms

Organizers behind a multistate effort to assist Indigenous voters at the polls in last week's election said it proved to be a valuable tool. North …

In examining two North Dakota tribal communities, a new data project says the average length voters have to travel to cast their ballot is 60 miles. (Adobe Stock)

ND Tribal Advocates Say Numbers Don't Lie in Voting Barriers

Native Americans have long faced barriers when it comes to voting, and a new North Dakota data project adds another layer to the arguments for access …

Leaders of tribal colleges say Native American students face greater barriers in completing a degree and starting a career. An emerging apprenticeship program is designed to remove some of those barriers. (Adobe Stock)

ND Tribal Colleges: Apprenticeship Donations Big Help

Tribal colleges across North Dakota are now making plans to boost apprentice opportunities with a $14 million donation. The money was donated by a …

Not only has inflation created more economic gaps in tribal areas, food experts say it also has sent the cost of things like wild rice soaring. And that has limited access to these staples for Natives living in larger cities, too. (Adobe Stock)

Economic Pressure Builds Ahead of Elections in Tribal Areas

The economy is usually a big topic during elections. With the midterms near, recent inflation woes are especially felt in tribal areas, and …

Summit Carbon solutions has been seeking voluntary land agreements with private property owners in multiple states for its underground carbon storage project. (Adobe Stock)

ND Landowners Continue Mobilization in Opposing Carbon Pipeline

Next week, North Dakota landowners will get a chance to hear updates on a proposed underground pipeline for transporting and sequestering carbon …

ND Tribal School: New Book Highlights Language Preservation Movement

Many Indigenous languages face extinction, and in the U.S. efforts are popping up to preserve traditional Native American dialects and culture…

Native Americans, who are now in court in response to North Dakota's redistricting efforts, say not prioritizing public hearings on tribal lands contributed to the issues seen with the maps that were approved. (Adobe Stock)

New Activity in ND Redistricting Lawsuits about Tribal Lands

July 1 is the next scheduled hearing date for a pair of lawsuits tied to North Dakota's redistricting process. The legal issue is political …

Researchers looking at disparities in children's well-being in North Dakota say the issues play out into adulthood. People of color with a bachelor's degree or higher earn $4 less in median hourly wage than their white peers. (Adobe Stock)

Report Examines Needs, Well-being of BIPOC Youth in ND

North Dakota is seeing more diversity within its youth population, but researchers say they face a tougher road in securing a brighter future…

In addition to legislative seats, North Dakota will see Native American candidates running for county-level seats and school boards this year. (Adobe Stock)

Building Access for ND's Tribal Voters Focuses on Communication, Data

Ahead of North Dakota's June 14 primary, a civic engagement group is crunching numbers and maintaining talks with county and state election leaders …

Those pushing for fair political maps for North Dakota's Native American reservations say these communities often have a hard time electing candidates who align with their interests. (Photo courtesy of ndstudies.gov)

ND Faces Redistricting Lawsuit Filed by Native American Tribes

Two of North Dakota's Native American tribes hope new legal action will compel the state to reconsider political boundaries approved last year…

Of the 36 states that have adopted voter identification laws, nearly 10 of them are considered strict by the National Conference of State Legislatures. (Adobe Stock)

Voter ID Plans Take Center Stage in Election Policy Debates

BISMARCK, N.D. - Efforts to enact voting restrictions continue, months after the 2020 presidential election. Voter ID requirements are being floated …

In addition to calls for more inclusion of Native Americans, North Dakota lawmakers are facing demands to not draw new political maps behind closed doors. (Adobe Stock)

ND Activists: Lack of Tribal Inclusion in Redistricting Runs Deep

BISMARCK, N.D. - As redistricting takes shape in North Dakota, lawmakers are pressured to give tribal communities a fair shake in the process…

Census data could be available as early as mid-August, and North Dakota officials say that's when they could ramp up redistricting efforts. (Adobe Stock)

Push to Include Native Voices in ND Redistricting

First of two stories this week on the topic Bismarck, N.D. - North Dakota next week is expected to choose lawmakers to serve on a panel that will …

Legal Services of North Dakota says one reason it helps low-income households with free income-tax preparation is so they don't pay high fees for a firm to do the work, negating any tax refund they might receive. (Adobe Stock)

Winter Weather, Pandemic Won't Stop Free ND Tax Help

BELCOURT, N.D. -- Despite the recent arctic blast and ongoing challenges of the pandemic, a North Dakota group is reaching out in tribal areas to …

In addition to her historic nomination for Joe Biden's cabinet, Rep. Deb Haaland, D-New Mexico, made history in being one of the first two Native American women elected to Congress in 2018. (House.gov)

ND Tribal Communities Hopeful About Interior Secretary Nomination

CANNON BALL, N.D. -- Spiritual and cultural connections to land are among the core beliefs of Native Americans, and North Dakota advocates feel they …

Congress approved the federal CARES Act last spring to provide relief amid the evolving pandemic. But over time, some of the spending has come into question, including how some states have distributed the money. (Adobe Stock)

ND Watchdogs Raise Concerns About COVID Spending for Fracking

BISMARCK, N.D. -- COVID-19 relief spending by North Dakota officials is drawing scrutiny. A pair of watchdogs question why the state is using CARES …

The group North Dakota Native Vote, established in 2018, said the pandemic affected momentum in reaching Native voters this year. But it remains optimistic about making more strides in future elections. (ND Native Vote)

Native Voter Advocates in ND Look to Reestablish Momentum

MANDAN, N.D. -- When it came to pushing voter turnout among North Dakota Native Americans, 2020 was a tough year. Because of the pandemic, the state …

In other states, legal fights have occurred to allow ballot collection on behalf of Native Americans trying to vote absentee. In North Dakota, concerns over vague language in state law is leaving assistance groups feeling limited about helping that way. (Adobe Stock)

Ballot Access Still a Concern for Native Voters in ND

CANNON BALL, N.D. -- Today is Indigenous Peoples Day. In North Dakota, advocates are honoring their heritage by ramping up efforts to ensure Native …

According to one study provided by the Justice Department, murder rates of Native American women in some territories are 10 times higher than the national average for all races. (Adobe Stock)

Advocates Hail Passage of Bill Aimed at Protecting Indigenous Women

MANDAN, N.D. -- Native American groups hope the president will sign a measure designed to help law enforcement get a handle on a public safety issue …

Despite a variety of obstacles in 2020, groups such as North Dakota Native Vote have been trying to build on voter-participation progress in tribal areas. (ND Native Vote)

Outreach for Native Voters Ramps Up, But COVID a Major Roadblock

BISMARCK, N.D. -- With a little more than two months before the November election, a North Dakota group is working to overcome challenges from the …

More North Dakotans face homelessness, with this summer's unemployment rate almost triple what it was at the same time last year. (Adobe Stock)

ND Groups Push Congress to Move Faster on Pandemic Relief Bill

BISMARCK, N.D. - As COVID-19 cases continue to spike in North Dakota, social service support groups are asking the U.S. Senate to act quickly before …

The group North Dakota Native Vote is teaming up with RE-AMP to enhance digital outreach during the pandemic. (ndnativevote)

ND Group Hopes Personal Stories Inspire Native American Voters

BISMARCK, N.D. -- An outreach group in North Dakota wants to ensure Native American voters get attention in this election cycle, despite the pandemic…

The Dakota Access oil pipeline, which began operating in 2017, is just downstream from the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation. The project drew heavy protests while it was being constructed. (insideclimatenews.org)

Tribes Hope Dakota Access Pipeline Victory Isn't Short Lived

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Tribal leaders opposed to the Dakota Access oil pipeline say there's still a long way to go in their pursuit of permanently …

North Dakota's foreign-born population is only 3.9%, but it has seen large growth over the past decade. (Adobe Stock)

New Volunteer Health Board to Help Foreign-Born North Dakotans

BISMARCK, N. D. -- As North Dakota's population becomes more diverse, state health officials are seeking guidance on how to better serve people …

A national group that monitors state legislatures says North Dakota is among the states with very little diversity in elected officials. (Adobe Stock)

More Diverse Voices Urged for ND to Address Racial Gaps

FARGO, N.D. -- Those demanding systemic change in North Dakota say more diversity in state government would be a good place to start. The calls are …

To avoid an undercount of young children in the 2020 Census, North Dakota created a Complete Count Task Force, formed through an executive order by Gov. Doug Burgum. The task force includes a tribal subcommittee. (Adobe Stock)

ND Officials Aim to Ensure American Indian Kids Counted in Census

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Making sure all children are counted is a common theme for the 2020 Census. The number of young children missed in previous …

North Dakota residents will vote by mail for the June primary, but Native American groups worry that tribal members will encounter a new set of access issues. (Adobe Stock)

Vote By Mail for ND Primary Creates More Concerns for Native Americans

BISMARCK, N.D. -- North Dakota voters will not go to the polls for the June 9 primary and will instead cast their ballots by mail because of the …

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe's reservations is among those in the Dakotas to report a COVID-19 case. (Public Domain)

COVID-19 Surfacing on Tribal Lands in the Dakotas

BISMARCK, N.D. -- In recent weeks, Native American tribes have tried some aggressive approaches in their efforts to prevent the coronavirus from …

North Dakota has required photo identification of its residents to cast election ballots since 2004. (Adobe Stock)

American Indian Groups Reach Settlement over ND Voter-ID Law

BISMARCK, N.D. -- Years of legal wrangling between the state of North Dakota and American Indian tribes appear to be over. The two sides have reached …

The University of North Dakota says dozens of potential applicants already are awaiting its new Ph.D program that focuses on indigenous health issues. (Adobe Stock)

New UND Program to Focus on Health Issues for Indigenous People

GRAND FORKS, N.D. -- The North Dakota Board of Higher Education has approved a new Ph.D program at the University of North Dakota, where students can …

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program received $18 million in funding in fiscal year 2019. (alfexe/Adobe Stock)

Free Tax Help for Low-Income North Dakotans Available

BELCOURT, N.D. -- It's tax season, and a nationwide program is helping low-income North Dakotans prepare their returns for free. Legal Services of …

A Trump administration proposal would exempt some large infrastructure projects, such as pipelines, from environmental review. (Jason Woodhead/Flickr)

Rolling Back Environmental Review Could Hurt ND Tribes

BISMARCK, S.D. -- A Trump administration proposal to roll back an environmental-review law for large projects could harm North Dakota tribal …

The battle over oil pipelines continues three years after the Standing Rock protests. (PhotoImage/Adobe Stock)

Native Americans Fighting Back Against Oil Companies – Again

BISMARCK, N.D. – It's been three years since Native American communities attempted to block an oil pipeline in the Standing Rock protests…

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