Minnesota Native News

This week, the Minnesota Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that could reshape child custody laws for Native American children. At the heart of the case is a challenge to the Minnesota Indian Family Preservation Act, or MIFPA. Plus, a proposed bill in Congress is raising concerns about voting among Native communities across the country. The Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act would require all Americans to prove their citizenship in person with official documents when registering to vote .

This week on Minnesota Native News, a look at Indigenous Minnesotans continuing the sugarbush tradition in urban areas, and a conversation with Khayman Goodsky, director of the Minnesota-produced film, When Thunderbird Dances. 

This week on Minnesota Native News, we cover the recent staff terminations at the Sherburne National Wildlife Refuge, and headlines affecting Indigenous communities in Minnesota.

This week on Minnesota Native News, we cover the 22nd Great Lakes Indigenous Farming Conference in Cohasset, Minnesota. Also, timely information about the Minnesota Department of Revenue’s Child Tax Credit. 

Producer: Deanna StandingCloud

Voicing: Emma Needham

Host: Marie Rock 

This week on Minnesota Native News, the recent homecoming celebration for recently released AIM activist Leonard Peltier. We also cover state-wide and federal headlines affecting Indigenous nations.

Scripting: Deanna StandingCloud, 

Reporting & Voicing: Emma Needham,

Voicing & editing: Britt Aamodt, and

Host: Marie Rock

This week, Minnesota’s first copper-nickel mine faces delays as legal rulings hold up permits, and a local Indigenous-led coalition’s push for climate justice at the state legislature. 
Producers: Vincent Moniz, Deanna StandingCloud

The Minnesota comedy duo Big Auntie Energy prepares a special Valentine’s Day event. Plus, a new Indigenous-owned tattoo shop launches a community art and tattoo festival.

Producers: Travis Zimmerman, Deanna StandingCloud
Editing help from Chandra Colvin
Host: Marie Rock

New mental health care treatments are now available for the Native community to help individuals heal from traumatic events impacting their lives. Plus, the Indigenous community takes action for missing and murdered Indigenous women and relatives in February.

Producers: Deanna StandingCloud, Emma Needham
Host: Marie Rock
Executive Producer: Emma Needham

This week, former President Biden granted Indigenous activist Leonard Peltier clemency, and there's new leadership at the Native Governance Center in Minneapolis. 

Producers: CJ Younger, Emma Needham, Travis Zimmerman
Host: Marie Rock
Executive Producer: Emma Needham

Tension with Minneapolis police drove the Native community to form safety patrols. Now, with a federal investigation, the Minneapolis police department faces additional oversight. Plus, tribal – state cannabis compact negotiations are underway in Minnesota. 

Producers: Deanna StandingCloud, CJ Younger
Host: Marie Rock
Executive Producer: Emma Needham