<a href="https://www.nativenews.net/monday-october-19-2026/" title="Monday, October 19, 2026" rel="nofollow"><img width="300" height="153" src="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19085446/eyc-day-1-300x153.png" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="float: left; margin-right: 20px;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19085446/eyc-day-1-300x153.png 300w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19085446/eyc-day-1-1024x523.png 1024w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19085446/eyc-day-1-768x392.png 768w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19085446/eyc-day-1-1536x785.png 1536w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19085446/eyc-day-1.png 1566w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>The 43rd annual Statewide Elders and Youth Conference got underway Sunday at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in downtown Anchorage, Alaska.
Hosted by First Alaskans Institute, the gathering brings together Alaska Native Elders, youth, and community leaders to celebrate Indigenous cultures, strengthen relationships, and discuss challenges facing their communities.
This year’s theme comes from the Denaakk’e, or Koyukon Athabascan, language and translates to “We are approaching change.”
According to First Alaskans Institute, the theme reflects how Alaska Native communities are adapting to changing landscapes, including shifts in weather, waterways, traditional foods, and ways of life.
The afternoon opening ceremony starts with a traditional Warming of the Hands, followed by an opening prayer and several Alaska Native dance group performances.
The first day also includes auditions for Natives Got Talent, ahead of Monday evening’s talent showcase.
Organizers say the conference provides an opportunity for Elders to pass down traditional knowledge while giving younger generations a voice in decisions affecting their futures.
Monday’s agenda includes a keynote address from Koyukon Athabascan leader Emil Notti, the first president of the Alaska Federation of Natives.
Participants will also take part in a Koyukon language panel, regional breakout discussions and a panel focused on co-management.
The opening day also features a screening of the documentary, “<a href="https://niqipiaq.org/" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow" class="wp-links-icon">Niqipiaq: To Eat Real Food</a>“.
<div id="attachment_38508" style="width: 2570px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38508" class="size-full wp-image-38508" src="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084247/niqipiaq.jpg" alt="" width="2560" height="1707" srcset="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084247/niqipiaq.jpg 2560w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084247/niqipiaq-300x200.jpg 300w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084247/niqipiaq-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084247/niqipiaq-768x512.jpg 768w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084247/niqipiaq-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084247/niqipiaq-2048x1366.jpg 2048w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px" />“Niqipiaq: To Eat Real Food” director Alexis “Alex” Anoruk Sallee (Iñupiaq).</div>
Directed by Alaska Native filmmaker Alexis Anoruk Sallee, the 26-minute film explores the importance of traditional subsistence practices in Arctic Alaska Native communities.
It follows families and hunters as they harvest, prepare, and share traditional foods, while examining the challenges posed by climate change and changing diets.
The film highlights how subsistence connects Alaska Native communities to their cultural identities, health, and future generations.
The conference includes workshops and cultural activities throughout the week, providing opportunities for participants to share skills, stories and Indigenous knowledge.
First Alaskans Institute says the gathering is about more than preserving traditions. It is also about preparing Alaska Native communities to navigate the changes ahead.
The conference continues through Wednesday, ahead of the AFN Convention in Anchorage.
<div id="attachment_38509" style="width: 1770px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38509" class="size-full wp-image-38509" src="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084253/download-8.jpg" alt="" width="1760" height="822" srcset="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084253/download-8.jpg 1760w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084253/download-8-300x140.jpg 300w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084253/download-8-1024x478.jpg 1024w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084253/download-8-768x359.jpg 768w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084253/download-8-1536x717.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1760px) 100vw, 1760px" />Candidates for Navajo Nation president and vice president met for a debate at Arizona State University on Tue, Oct 13.</div>
Candidates for Navajo Nation president and vice president squared off last week in the final debate before the election.
KNAU’s <a href="https://www.knau.org/people/chris-clements" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow" class="wp-links-icon">Chris Clements</a> has more.
The debate focused on opposition to AI data centers and uranium mining, allegations of corruption within the tribe’s government, and the resolution of the tribe’s water rights claims.
Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley is running for president and said, if elected, she would continue her work to bring water to the Navajo Nation.
“I will continue to challenge Congress, and I will continue to work with the Water Rights Commission and also our communities because it is long overdue.”
Attorney Justin Jones is running against Curley.
If elected, he said he would support lobbying state governments to approve a federal deal that would resolve the Navajo Nation’s water claims.
“We need to do some serious lobbying, not only in Washington but also in the Upper and Lower Colorado compacts and commissions.”
The federal deal stalled earlier this year after neighboring states blocked it.
<div id="attachment_38506" style="width: 941px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38506" class="wp-image-38506 size-full" src="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084234/Sheriff_R._B._Neville.jpg" alt="" width="931" height="1458" srcset="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084234/Sheriff_R._B._Neville.jpg 931w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084234/Sheriff_R._B._Neville-192x300.jpg 192w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084234/Sheriff_R._B._Neville-654x1024.jpg 654w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/19084234/Sheriff_R._B._Neville-768x1203.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 931px) 100vw, 931px" />Kona Island Sheriff Richard Neville was killed during the Kaʻona Uprising on this date in 1868.</div>
And on this day in 1868, a violent confrontation erupted in Kona, Hawaiʻi, between followers of Native Hawaiian religious leader Kaʻona and authorities attempting to evict them from their settlement.
The clash left Sheriff Richard Neville dead and led to a government crackdown on the religious movement.
 
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The 43rd annual Statewide Elders and Youth Conference got underway Sunday at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in downtown Anchorage, Alaska. Hosted by First Alaskans Institute, the gathering brings together Alaska Native Elders, youth, and community leaders to celebrate Indigenous cultures, strengthen relationships, and discuss challenges facing their communities. This year’s theme comes from the Denaakk’e, or Koyukon Athabascan, language and translates to “We are approaching change.” According to First Alaskans Institute, the theme reflects how Alaska Native communities are adapting to changing landscapes, including shifts in weather, waterways, traditional foods, and ways of life. The afternoon opening ceremony starts with a traditional Warming of the Hands, followed by an opening prayer and several Alaska Native dance group performances. The first day also includes auditions for Natives Got Talent, ahead of Monday evening’s talent showcase. Organizers say the conference provides an opportunity for Elders to pass down traditional knowledge while giving younger generations a voice in decisions affecting their futures. Monday’s agenda includes a keynote address from Koyukon Athabascan leader Emil Notti, the first president of the Alaska Federation of Natives. Participants will also take part in a Koyukon language panel, regional breakout discussions and a panel focused on co-management. The opening day also features a screening of the documentary, “Niqipiaq: To Eat Real Food“. “Niqipiaq: To Eat Real Food” director Alexis “Alex” Anoruk Sallee (Iñupiaq). Directed by Alaska Native filmmaker Alexis Anoruk Sallee, the 26-minute film explores the importance of traditional subsistence practices in Arctic Alaska Native communities. It follows families and hunters as they harvest, prepare, and share traditional foods, while examining the challenges posed by climate change and changing diets. The film highlights how subsistence connects Alaska Native communities to their cultural identities, health, and future generations. The conference includes workshops and cultural activities throughout the week, providing opportunities for participants to share skills, stories and Indigenous knowledge. First Alaskans Institute says the gathering is about more than preserving traditions. It is also about preparing Alaska Native communities to navigate the changes ahead. The conference continues through Wednesday, ahead of the AFN Convention in Anchorage. Candidates for Navajo Nation president and vice president met for a debate at Arizona State University on Tue, Oct 13. Candidates for Navajo Nation president and vice president squared off last week in the final debate before the election. KNAU’s Chris Clements has more. The debate focused on opposition to AI data centers and uranium mining, allegations of corruption within the tribe’s government, and the resolution of the tribe’s water rights claims. Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley is running for president and said, if elected, she would continue her work to bring water to the Navajo Nation. “I will continue to challenge Congress, and I will continue to work with the Water Rights Commission and also our communities because it is long overdue.” Attorney Justin Jones is running against Curley. If elected, he said he would support lobbying state governments to approve a federal deal that would resolve the Navajo Nation’s water claims. “We need to do some serious lobbying, not only in Washington but also in the Upper and Lower Colorado compacts and commissions.” The federal deal stalled earlier this year after neighboring states blocked it. Kona Island Sheriff Richard Neville was killed during the Kaʻona Uprising on this date in 1868. And on this day in 1868, a violent confrontation erupted in Kona, Hawaiʻi, between followers of Native Hawaiian religious leader Kaʻona and authorities attempting to evict them from their settlement. The clash left Sheriff Richard Neville dead and led to a government crackdown on the religious movement. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Monday, October 19, 2026 — Native in the Spotlight: Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly

<a href="https://www.nativenews.net/monday-october-19-2026/" title="Monday, October 19, 2026" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a>The 43rd annual Statewide Elders and Youth Conference got underway Sunday at the Dena’ina Civic and Convention Center in downtown Anchorage, Alaska.
Hosted by First Alaskans Institute, the gathering brings together Alaska Native Elders, youth, and community leaders to celebrate Indigenous cultures, strengthen relationships, and discuss challenges facing their communities.
This year’s theme comes from the Denaakk’e, or Koyukon Athabascan, language and translates to “We are approaching change.”
According to First Alaskans Institute, the theme reflects how Alaska Native communities are adapting to changing landscapes, including shifts in weather, waterways, traditional foods, and ways of life.
The afternoon opening ceremony starts with a traditional Warming of the Hands, followed by an opening prayer and several Alaska Native dance group performances.
The first day also includes auditions for Natives Got Talent, ahead of Monday evening’s talent showcase.
Organizers say the conference provides an opportunity for Elders to pass down traditional knowledge while giving younger generations a voice in decisions affecting their futures.
Monday’s agenda includes a keynote address from Koyukon Athabascan leader Emil Notti, the first president of the Alaska Federation of Natives.
Participants will also take part in a Koyukon language panel, regional breakout discussions and a panel focused on co-management.
The opening day also features a screening of the documentary, “<a href="https://niqipiaq.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Niqipiaq: To Eat Real Food</a>“.
“Niqipiaq: To Eat Real Food” director Alexis “Alex” Anoruk Sallee (Iñupiaq).
Directed by Alaska Native filmmaker Alexis Anoruk Sallee, the 26-minute film explores the importance of traditional subsistence practices in Arctic Alaska Native communities.
It follows families and hunters as they harvest, prepare, and share traditional foods, while examining the challenges posed by climate change and changing diets.
The film highlights how subsistence connects Alaska Native communities to their cultural identities, health, and future generations.
The conference includes workshops and cultural activities throughout the week, providing opportunities for participants to share skills, stories and Indigenous knowledge.
First Alaskans Institute says the gathering is about more than preserving traditions. It is also about preparing Alaska Native communities to navigate the changes ahead.
The conference continues through Wednesday, ahead of the AFN Convention in Anchorage.
Candidates for Navajo Nation president and vice president met for a debate at Arizona State University on Tue, Oct 13.
Candidates for Navajo Nation president and vice president squared off last week in the final debate before the election.
KNAU’s <a href="https://www.knau.org/people/chris-clements" rel="noopener noreferrer">Chris Clements</a> has more.
The debate focused on opposition to AI data centers and uranium mining, allegations of corruption within the tribe’s government, and the resolution of the tribe’s water rights claims.
Council Speaker Crystalyne Curley is running for president and said, if elected, she would continue her work to bring water to the Navajo Nation.
“I will continue to challenge Congress, and I will continue to work with the Water Rights Commission and also our communities because it is long overdue.”
Attorney Justin Jones is running against Curley.
If elected, he said he would support lobbying state governments to approve a federal deal that would resolve the Navajo Nation’s water claims.
“We need to do some serious lobbying, not only in Washington but also in the Upper and Lower Colorado compacts and commissions.”
The federal deal stalled earlier this year after neighboring states blocked it.
Kona Island Sheriff Richard Neville was killed during the Kaʻona Uprising on this date in 1868.
And on this day in 1868, a violent confrontation erupted in Kona, Hawaiʻi, between followers of Native Hawaiian religious leader Kaʻona and authorities attempting to evict them from their settlement.
The clash left Sheriff Richard Neville dead and led to a government crackdown on the religious movement.
&nbsp;
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Check out today’s Native America Calling episode
<a href="https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/monday-october-19-2026-native-in-the-spotlight-recorder-gabriella-cazares-kelly/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Monday, October 19, 2026 — Native in the Spotlight: Recorder Gabriella Cázares-Kelly</a>

Monday, October 19, 2026

<a href="https://www.nativenews.net/wednesday-october-21-2026/" title="Wednesday, October 21, 2026" rel="nofollow"><img width="300" height="142" src="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20214530/eycday3-300x142.png" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="float: left; margin-right: 20px;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20214530/eycday3-300x142.png 300w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20214530/eycday3-1024x484.png 1024w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20214530/eycday3-768x363.png 768w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20214530/eycday3-1536x726.png 1536w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20214530/eycday3.png 1900w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>Two major gatherings of Alaska Native people are taking place in Anchorage’s Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center this week: the Elders & Youth Conference and the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention.
The Alaska Desk’s <a href="https://www.knba.org/people/alena-naiden" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow" class="wp-links-icon">Alena Naiden</a> from our flagship station KNBA has this story.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of AFN.
“It was born out of this tremendous movement for Native unity and representation and self determination.”
Roy Agloinga (Iñupiaq) is the president of First Alaskans Institute. He says the event has been a touchpoint for most Alaska Native leaders over the years.
“It has evolved into this tremendous celebration. It’s Native New Year. It is where all of our artists gather, and our families gather, and we get to experience the very diverse cultures across the state.”
The week started with EYC, which brings together several generations through games, conversations, and workshops on Alaska Native cultures, history, and language.
Tikaan Galbreath is the Chief Operating Officer of the First Alaskans Institute, which hosts EYC.
“It’s just such a powerful thing to witness the youth coming with this idea or a dissatisfaction, like this isn’t working for me in the community, and then learning the framework to really have their voice heard.”
The AFN convention starts on Thursday. Organizers say typically up to 7,000 people attend the event and as many as 100,000 people watch it online.
This year’s keynote speaker is Tlingit leader and President of the Sealaska Heritage Institute Rosita Worl. Her Thursday speech will be followed by remarks from U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Rep. Nick Begich.
On Friday, there will be a political candidates forum for the upcoming November election. And on Saturday, delegates will discuss and vote on a number of resolutions that touch on healthcare, public safety, education, and subsistence in Alaska Native communities.
Agloinga says working on resolutions is one example of how people from different regions and with different priorities find common ground.
“We want our children to succeed. We want to protect our lands. We want to have access to good education. We want our languages to survive and our cultures to survive. So many of our villages are really dependent on our subsistence lifestyle, and that’s something that AFN protects.”
This year’s convention was scheduled a week later than usual to coincide with the early voting period for the general election. Organizers say they plan to encourage attendees to cast their ballots while they are visiting Anchorage for the convention.
AFN will also feature two nights of dancing and drumming at Quyana Alaska on Thursday and Friday.
EYC started Sunday and runs until today. The AFN Convention starts tomorrow and concludes Saturday.
<iframe loading="lazy" title="2026 FAI Elders and Youth Conference Sunday 10/17/2026" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/_rTNG98evv8?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe loading="lazy" title="2026 FAI Elders and Youth Conference Monday 10/19/2026" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/2-lwVj97v-U?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<iframe loading="lazy" title="FAI 2026 Elders and Youth Conference Tuesday 10_20_2026" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/olrtKmyDc_E?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<div id="attachment_38521" style="width: 970px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38521" class="size-full wp-image-38521" src="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20214514/Council_at_Medicine_Lodge_Creek.png" alt="" width="960" height="412" srcset="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20214514/Council_at_Medicine_Lodge_Creek.png 960w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20214514/Council_at_Medicine_Lodge_Creek-300x129.png 300w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20214514/Council_at_Medicine_Lodge_Creek-768x330.png 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 960px) 100vw, 960px" />This drawing by J. Howland, originally printed in Harper’s Weekly, depicts the council between representatives of the U.S. government and the Kiowa and Comanche tribes at Medicine Creek Lodge, Kansas, in 1867.</div>
And on this day in 1867, leaders of the Kiowa and Comanche Nations signed the Medicine Lodge Treaty with the United States in Kansas.
The agreement sought to end conflicts on the Southern Plains, but required tribes to surrender vast ancestral lands and relocate to reservations in Indian Territory.
Although the federal government promised food, supplies, and other assistance, disagreements over treaty terms and continued westward expansion led to further conflict in the years that followed.
 
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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="ycaOjclej0"><a href="https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/wednesday-october-21-2026-alaska-native-advocates-cite-shortcomings-in-addressing-mmip-crisis/" >Wednesday, October 21, 2026 — Alaska Native advocates cite shortcomings in addressing MMIP crisis</a></blockquote>
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Two major gatherings of Alaska Native people are taking place in Anchorage’s Dena’ina Civic & Convention Center this week: the Elders & Youth Conference and the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention. The Alaska Desk’s Alena Naiden from our flagship station KNBA has this story. This year marks the 60th anniversary of AFN. “It was born out of this tremendous movement for Native unity and representation and self determination.” Roy Agloinga (Iñupiaq) is the president of First Alaskans Institute. He says the event has been a touchpoint for most Alaska Native leaders over the years. “It has evolved into this tremendous celebration. It’s Native New Year. It is where all of our artists gather, and our families gather, and we get to experience the very diverse cultures across the state.” The week started with EYC, which brings together several generations through games, conversations, and workshops on Alaska Native cultures, history, and language. Tikaan Galbreath is the Chief Operating Officer of the First Alaskans Institute, which hosts EYC. “It’s just such a powerful thing to witness the youth coming with this idea or a dissatisfaction, like this isn’t working for me in the community, and then learning the framework to really have their voice heard.” The AFN convention starts on Thursday. Organizers say typically up to 7,000 people attend the event and as many as 100,000 people watch it online. This year’s keynote speaker is Tlingit leader and President of the Sealaska Heritage Institute Rosita Worl. Her Thursday speech will be followed by remarks from U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Rep. Nick Begich. On Friday, there will be a political candidates forum for the upcoming November election. And on Saturday, delegates will discuss and vote on a number of resolutions that touch on healthcare, public safety, education, and subsistence in Alaska Native communities. Agloinga says working on resolutions is one example of how people from different regions and with different priorities find common ground. “We want our children to succeed. We want to protect our lands. We want to have access to good education. We want our languages to survive and our cultures to survive. So many of our villages are really dependent on our subsistence lifestyle, and that’s something that AFN protects.” This year’s convention was scheduled a week later than usual to coincide with the early voting period for the general election. Organizers say they plan to encourage attendees to cast their ballots while they are visiting Anchorage for the convention. AFN will also feature two nights of dancing and drumming at Quyana Alaska on Thursday and Friday. EYC started Sunday and runs until today. The AFN Convention starts tomorrow and concludes Saturday. This drawing by J. Howland, originally printed in Harper’s Weekly, depicts the council between representatives of the U.S. government and the Kiowa and Comanche tribes at Medicine Creek Lodge, Kansas, in 1867. And on this day in 1867, leaders of the Kiowa and Comanche Nations signed the Medicine Lodge Treaty with the United States in Kansas. The agreement sought to end conflicts on the Southern Plains, but required tribes to surrender vast ancestral lands and relocate to reservations in Indian Territory. Although the federal government promised food, supplies, and other assistance, disagreements over treaty terms and continued westward expansion led to further conflict in the years that followed. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Wednesday, October 21, 2026 — Alaska Native advocates cite shortcomings in addressing MMIP crisis

<a href="https://www.nativenews.net/wednesday-october-21-2026/" title="Wednesday, October 21, 2026" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a>Two major gatherings of Alaska Native people are taking place in Anchorage’s Dena’ina Civic &amp; Convention Center this week: the Elders &amp; Youth Conference and the Alaska Federation of Natives Convention.
The Alaska Desk’s <a href="https://www.knba.org/people/alena-naiden" rel="noopener noreferrer">Alena Naiden</a> from our flagship station KNBA has this story.
This year marks the 60th anniversary of AFN.
“It was born out of this tremendous movement for Native unity and representation and self determination.”
Roy Agloinga (Iñupiaq) is the president of First Alaskans Institute. He says the event has been a touchpoint for most Alaska Native leaders over the years.
“It has evolved into this tremendous celebration. It’s Native New Year. It is where all of our artists gather, and our families gather, and we get to experience the very diverse cultures across the state.”
The week started with EYC, which brings together several generations through games, conversations, and workshops on Alaska Native cultures, history, and language.
Tikaan Galbreath is the Chief Operating Officer of the First Alaskans Institute, which hosts EYC.
“It’s just such a powerful thing to witness the youth coming with this idea or a dissatisfaction, like this isn’t working for me in the community, and then learning the framework to really have their voice heard.”
The AFN convention starts on Thursday. Organizers say typically up to 7,000 people attend the event and as many as 100,000 people watch it online.
This year’s keynote speaker is Tlingit leader and President of the Sealaska Heritage Institute Rosita Worl. Her Thursday speech will be followed by remarks from U.S. Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan and U.S. Rep. Nick Begich.
On Friday, there will be a political candidates forum for the upcoming November election. And on Saturday, delegates will discuss and vote on a number of resolutions that touch on healthcare, public safety, education, and subsistence in Alaska Native communities.
Agloinga says working on resolutions is one example of how people from different regions and with different priorities find common ground.
“We want our children to succeed. We want to protect our lands. We want to have access to good education. We want our languages to survive and our cultures to survive. So many of our villages are really dependent on our subsistence lifestyle, and that’s something that AFN protects.”
This year’s convention was scheduled a week later than usual to coincide with the early voting period for the general election. Organizers say they plan to encourage attendees to cast their ballots while they are visiting Anchorage for the convention.
AFN will also feature two nights of dancing and drumming at Quyana Alaska on Thursday and Friday.
EYC started Sunday and runs until today. The AFN Convention starts tomorrow and concludes Saturday.



This drawing by J. Howland, originally printed in Harper’s Weekly, depicts the council between representatives of the U.S. government and the Kiowa and Comanche tribes at Medicine Creek Lodge, Kansas, in 1867.
And on this day in 1867, leaders of the Kiowa and Comanche Nations signed the Medicine Lodge Treaty with the United States in Kansas.
The agreement sought to end conflicts on the Southern Plains, but required tribes to surrender vast ancestral lands and relocate to reservations in Indian Territory.
Although the federal government promised food, supplies, and other assistance, disagreements over treaty terms and continued westward expansion led to further conflict in the years that followed.
&nbsp;
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<a href="https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/wednesday-october-21-2026-alaska-native-advocates-cite-shortcomings-in-addressing-mmip-crisis/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wednesday, October 21, 2026 — Alaska Native advocates cite shortcomings in addressing MMIP crisis</a>

Wednesday, October 21, 2026

<a href="https://www.nativenews.net/tuesday-october-20-2026/" title="Tuesday, October 20, 2026" rel="nofollow"><img width="300" height="225" src="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20051829/091026_WeedingGardenSpace_BBull-300x225.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="float: left; margin-right: 20px;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20051829/091026_WeedingGardenSpace_BBull-300x225.jpg 300w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20051829/091026_WeedingGardenSpace_BBull-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20051829/091026_WeedingGardenSpace_BBull-768x576.jpg 768w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20051829/091026_WeedingGardenSpace_BBull.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>Photo: Volunteers remove weeds and debris from the Seven Generations Children’s Teaching Garden at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center on September 10, 2026. (Brian Bull)
Volunteers come to Seattle’s Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center throughout the year to tend to plants that are traditionally important to Native people.
<a href="https://x.com/bcbull" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow" class="wp-links-icon">Brian Bull</a> (Nez Perce) of Underscore Native News and KLCC reports.
It is a balmy afternoon as a small group of volunteers follow Shameka Gagnier (Purépecha) down to a shed full of gardening equipment.
Plants, including tule, camas, huckleberries, and cedar, are found here, which have been either First Foods or materials for making traditional baskets, mats, and other items.
Gagnier is the land cultural steward manager for Daybreak Star. She says between two to 70 volunteers usually arrive, ready to connect with a vital part of Native culture.
“The plants are really the ones that are going to net us back to our place in the circle of things, and they’re the ones that are going to bring us back home. And so as we bring them back to their usual and accustomed territories, we understand our roles and that restoration is reciprocal, and something happens in our spirits and transforms us.”
Groundbreaking for the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center was 50 years ago, after a successful occupation by Native activists who had form the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation.
Facilities director Tony Monroe (Yakama) says, back then, this area was a federal military installation.
“This whole area was previously Fort Lawton, and this was clear cut, so there were no trees here 55 years ago, and so most all of these have been less than that time frame. especially in our forest garden area. Started out with the Bernie Whitebear Garden that has some native plants, and then it’s spread out to the whole 20 acres, and then now we have another area that’s called Wolf Tree Trail that Shameka is now taking care of and tending.”
Gagnier’s volunteers today include Beck Luke (Tlingit), who grew up in Seattle. She is on a six-week internship with the center.
“We’re just mostly helping restore the land, learning about food sovereignty and everything. It’s been really nice to reconnect with my culture and just seeing all the beautiful things. It’s been really special to be able to do that.”
Another volunteer, Zachary Pacleb, is skimming away a thick layer of duckweed from one of the ponds where at least one beaver is believed to inhabit.
“By the looks of it, I assume that it’s a little bit invasive or inhibitive of the beaver’s work or to the water quality. I can imagine that this plant requires –or is taking a lot of oxygen– from the water.”
The cultural garden tending happens year-round, with food and tools provided. Volunteers are advised to arrive with gloves, water, and a “good heart and mind.”
<div id="attachment_38517" style="width: 1770px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38517" class="size-full wp-image-38517" src="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20051835/zuni-flooding.jpg" alt="" width="1760" height="990" srcset="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20051835/zuni-flooding.jpg 1760w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20051835/zuni-flooding-300x169.jpg 300w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20051835/zuni-flooding-1024x576.jpg 1024w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20051835/zuni-flooding-768x432.jpg 768w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/20051835/zuni-flooding-1536x864.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1760px) 100vw, 1760px" />Screenshot from drone footage taken above the Pueblo of Zuni after flooding. (Courtesy Rochelle Malie)</div>
A new report shows that natural disasters caused more than $4 billion in damages to tribal communities across the nation over a ten-year period, but there is a shortfall in economic support from the federal government to address these impacts.
KUNM’s <a href="https://www.kunm.org/people/jeanette-dedios" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow" class="wp-links-icon">Jeanette DeDios</a> (Jicarilla Apache and Diné) has more.
The report by the Urban Institute found Indigenous communities are more exposed to hazards like hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding, and also face more systemic challenges. So disasters have a greater impact.
The research was funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration and explores how tribes are currently handling natural disasters and what current federal resources are available.
Between 2014 and 2024, more than half of all Indigenous communities experienced two or more disasters within a two-year span. These back-to-back disasters make it difficult for communities to respond and recover efficiently.
“It could be another hurricane. It could be a wildfire. So when there are those kind of compounding or back-to-back disasters, it makes it really hard for any community, but especially for communities that have you know challenges around housing stock maintenance or challenges around lots of lower income households, it makes it really really hard to recover.”
Urban Institute research associate Will Curran-Groome says the Federal Emergency Management Agency has a program called Building Resilient Infrastructure just for tribal applicants, but losses often exceed FEMA funds, or tribes do not know how to access the resources available.
“So I think would really encourage tribes, if they haven’t already, to really assess the landscape and to start building some of those initial relationships with contacts of federal agencies.”
He says this is just one piece of a broader project.
The Institute hopes to build a community of practice with tribes facing these issues.
 
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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="eHVo2FdZxM"><a href="https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/tuesday-october-20-2026-alaska-native-leadership-and-land-rights-advocacy-through-the-generations/" >Tuesday, October 20, 2026 — Alaska Native leadership and land rights advocacy through the generations</a></blockquote>
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Photo: Volunteers remove weeds and debris from the Seven Generations Children’s Teaching Garden at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center on September 10, 2026. (Brian Bull) Volunteers come to Seattle’s Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center throughout the year to tend to plants that are traditionally important to Native people. Brian Bull (Nez Perce) of Underscore Native News and KLCC reports. It is a balmy afternoon as a small group of volunteers follow Shameka Gagnier (Purépecha) down to a shed full of gardening equipment. Plants, including tule, camas, huckleberries, and cedar, are found here, which have been either First Foods or materials for making traditional baskets, mats, and other items. Gagnier is the land cultural steward manager for Daybreak Star. She says between two to 70 volunteers usually arrive, ready to connect with a vital part of Native culture. “The plants are really the ones that are going to net us back to our place in the circle of things, and they’re the ones that are going to bring us back home. And so as we bring them back to their usual and accustomed territories, we understand our roles and that restoration is reciprocal, and something happens in our spirits and transforms us.” Groundbreaking for the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center was 50 years ago, after a successful occupation by Native activists who had form the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation. Facilities director Tony Monroe (Yakama) says, back then, this area was a federal military installation. “This whole area was previously Fort Lawton, and this was clear cut, so there were no trees here 55 years ago, and so most all of these have been less than that time frame. especially in our forest garden area. Started out with the Bernie Whitebear Garden that has some native plants, and then it’s spread out to the whole 20 acres, and then now we have another area that’s called Wolf Tree Trail that Shameka is now taking care of and tending.” Gagnier’s volunteers today include Beck Luke (Tlingit), who grew up in Seattle. She is on a six-week internship with the center. “We’re just mostly helping restore the land, learning about food sovereignty and everything. It’s been really nice to reconnect with my culture and just seeing all the beautiful things. It’s been really special to be able to do that.” Another volunteer, Zachary Pacleb, is skimming away a thick layer of duckweed from one of the ponds where at least one beaver is believed to inhabit. “By the looks of it, I assume that it’s a little bit invasive or inhibitive of the beaver’s work or to the water quality. I can imagine that this plant requires –or is taking a lot of oxygen– from the water.” The cultural garden tending happens year-round, with food and tools provided. Volunteers are advised to arrive with gloves, water, and a “good heart and mind.” Screenshot from drone footage taken above the Pueblo of Zuni after flooding. (Courtesy Rochelle Malie) A new report shows that natural disasters caused more than $4 billion in damages to tribal communities across the nation over a ten-year period, but there is a shortfall in economic support from the federal government to address these impacts. KUNM’s Jeanette DeDios (Jicarilla Apache and Diné) has more. The report by the Urban Institute found Indigenous communities are more exposed to hazards like hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding, and also face more systemic challenges. So disasters have a greater impact. The research was funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration and explores how tribes are currently handling natural disasters and what current federal resources are available. Between 2014 and 2024, more than half of all Indigenous communities experienced two or more disasters within a two-year span. These back-to-back disasters make it difficult for communities to respond and recover efficiently. “It could be another hurricane. It could be a wildfire. So when there are those kind of compounding or back-to-back disasters, it makes it really hard for any community, but especially for communities that have you know challenges around housing stock maintenance or challenges around lots of lower income households, it makes it really really hard to recover.” Urban Institute research associate Will Curran-Groome says the Federal Emergency Management Agency has a program called Building Resilient Infrastructure just for tribal applicants, but losses often exceed FEMA funds, or tribes do not know how to access the resources available. “So I think would really encourage tribes, if they haven’t already, to really assess the landscape and to start building some of those initial relationships with contacts of federal agencies.” He says this is just one piece of a broader project. The Institute hopes to build a community of practice with tribes facing these issues. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Tuesday, October 20, 2026 — Alaska Native leadership and land rights advocacy through the generations

<a href="https://www.nativenews.net/tuesday-october-20-2026/" title="Tuesday, October 20, 2026" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a>Photo: Volunteers remove weeds and debris from the Seven Generations Children’s Teaching Garden at the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center on September 10, 2026. (Brian Bull)
Volunteers come to Seattle’s Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center throughout the year to tend to plants that are traditionally important to Native people.
<a href="https://x.com/bcbull" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brian Bull</a> (Nez Perce) of Underscore Native News and KLCC reports.
It is a balmy afternoon as a small group of volunteers follow Shameka Gagnier (Purépecha) down to a shed full of gardening equipment.
Plants, including tule, camas, huckleberries, and cedar, are found here, which have been either First Foods or materials for making traditional baskets, mats, and other items.
Gagnier is the land cultural steward manager for Daybreak Star. She says between two to 70 volunteers usually arrive, ready to connect with a vital part of Native culture.
“The plants are really the ones that are going to net us back to our place in the circle of things, and they’re the ones that are going to bring us back home. And so as we bring them back to their usual and accustomed territories, we understand our roles and that restoration is reciprocal, and something happens in our spirits and transforms us.”
Groundbreaking for the Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center was 50 years ago, after a successful occupation by Native activists who had form the United Indians of All Tribes Foundation.
Facilities director Tony Monroe (Yakama) says, back then, this area was a federal military installation.
“This whole area was previously Fort Lawton, and this was clear cut, so there were no trees here 55 years ago, and so most all of these have been less than that time frame. especially in our forest garden area. Started out with the Bernie Whitebear Garden that has some native plants, and then it’s spread out to the whole 20 acres, and then now we have another area that’s called Wolf Tree Trail that Shameka is now taking care of and tending.”
Gagnier’s volunteers today include Beck Luke (Tlingit), who grew up in Seattle. She is on a six-week internship with the center.
“We’re just mostly helping restore the land, learning about food sovereignty and everything. It’s been really nice to reconnect with my culture and just seeing all the beautiful things. It’s been really special to be able to do that.”
Another volunteer, Zachary Pacleb, is skimming away a thick layer of duckweed from one of the ponds where at least one beaver is believed to inhabit.
“By the looks of it, I assume that it’s a little bit invasive or inhibitive of the beaver’s work or to the water quality. I can imagine that this plant requires –or is taking a lot of oxygen– from the water.”
The cultural garden tending happens year-round, with food and tools provided. Volunteers are advised to arrive with gloves, water, and a “good heart and mind.”
Screenshot from drone footage taken above the Pueblo of Zuni after flooding. (Courtesy Rochelle Malie)
A new report shows that natural disasters caused more than $4 billion in damages to tribal communities across the nation over a ten-year period, but there is a shortfall in economic support from the federal government to address these impacts.
KUNM’s <a href="https://www.kunm.org/people/jeanette-dedios" rel="noopener noreferrer">Jeanette DeDios</a> (Jicarilla Apache and Diné) has more.
The report by the Urban Institute found Indigenous communities are more exposed to hazards like hurricanes, wildfires, and flooding, and also face more systemic challenges. So disasters have a greater impact.
The research was funded by the U.S. Economic Development Administration and explores how tribes are currently handling natural disasters and what current federal resources are available.
Between 2014 and 2024, more than half of all Indigenous communities experienced two or more disasters within a two-year span. These back-to-back disasters make it difficult for communities to respond and recover efficiently.
“It could be another hurricane. It could be a wildfire. So when there are those kind of compounding or back-to-back disasters, it makes it really hard for any community, but especially for communities that have you know challenges around housing stock maintenance or challenges around lots of lower income households, it makes it really really hard to recover.”
Urban Institute research associate Will Curran-Groome says the Federal Emergency Management Agency has a program called Building Resilient Infrastructure just for tribal applicants, but losses often exceed FEMA funds, or tribes do not know how to access the resources available.
“So I think would really encourage tribes, if they haven’t already, to really assess the landscape and to start building some of those initial relationships with contacts of federal agencies.”
He says this is just one piece of a broader project.
The Institute hopes to build a community of practice with tribes facing these issues.
&nbsp;
Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily <a href="http://visitor.r20.constantcontact.com/d.jsp?llr=6jkj7wbab&amp;p=oi&amp;m=1101353232701&amp;sit=dvuinxrbb&amp;f=88c6be1b-4f5a-478e-8aef-9374dae9d4a4" rel="noopener noreferrer">newsletter</a> today.
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Check out today’s Native America Calling episode
<a href="https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/tuesday-october-20-2026-alaska-native-leadership-and-land-rights-advocacy-through-the-generations/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Tuesday, October 20, 2026 — Alaska Native leadership and land rights advocacy through the generations</a>

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

<a href="https://www.nativenews.net/friday-october-16-2026/" title="Friday, October 16, 2026" rel="nofollow"><img width="300" height="225" src="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013158/093026_JSmithKDoust_BBull-300x225.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="float: left; margin-right: 20px;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013158/093026_JSmithKDoust_BBull-300x225.jpg 300w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013158/093026_JSmithKDoust_BBull-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013158/093026_JSmithKDoust_BBull-768x576.jpg 768w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013158/093026_JSmithKDoust_BBull.jpg 1200w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px" /></a>Photo: Jason Smith and Kremena Doust at their ranch on the Warm Springs Reservation on September 30, 2026. (Brian Bull / Underscore Native News)
A Native-owned horse ranch on Oregon’s Warm Springs reservation that has been struggling to recover from this summer’s wildfires is now getting ready for a challenging winter, as <a href="https://x.com/bcbull" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow" class="wp-links-icon">Brian Bull</a> of Underscore Native News and KLCC reports.
Since early September, the Jason Smith Ranch has managed to adopt out 47 horses to new homes, but they still need donations to provide hay and grain for their remaining animals, including wild horses roaming the expanse beyond the ranch’s boundaries.
Back at the ranch, Kremena Doust drives a 4×4 to nudge a small herd of horses towards a fenced-in pen, where she has put down hay.
Her partner Jason Smith says there is also a few hundred wild horses that they have tried to feed after the Bench Fire burned up most of the grazing land.
“We’ve been out there a handful of times, we try to get out there at least once a week to put some big bales out and about in the burned areas. So there’s cattle and horses in our two districts down here that are short some feed. But we did get some rain. Hopefully, the rain might spurt like a fall greenup, y’know?”
With the penned-in horses munching away, Doust points out where the Deschutes River flows by, which provides fresh water for the herd. She also points out where many horses grab shade under trees and other growth.
“It is soothing to be here, and healing for the horses too. There are bigger trees over there. It’s all natural. That’s how it should be.”
Doust says she is getting a non-profit underway and that will be called the Wild Horse Legacy Foundation.
“Its mission is to rehabilitate and rehome wild horses, and take care of the welfare of the livestock and wild horses on the reservation land.”
The Jason Smith Ranch has also launched a new online horse auction, where they hope to adopt out 25 more of their horses.
Between that and learning how to fix old equipment, as well as using his past experience as ranch and agricultural manager for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Smith is determined to make ends meet.
“We’re surviving, you know. It’s constantly, horses eat, eat, eat. They’ll eat everything that you put in front of them, you know. So we’re struggling, but we’re making it.”
People who want to help support the Jason Smith Ranch through the winter can find them online.
<div id="attachment_38490" style="width: 1567px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38490" class="wp-image-38490 size-full" src="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013205/national-archives-sf.jpg" alt="" width="1557" height="738" srcset="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013205/national-archives-sf.jpg 1557w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013205/national-archives-sf-300x142.jpg 300w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013205/national-archives-sf-1024x485.jpg 1024w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013205/national-archives-sf-768x364.jpg 768w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013205/national-archives-sf-1536x728.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1557px) 100vw, 1557px" />National Archives in San Bruno, Calif.</div>
Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging plans to close the archives in San Bruno, California and relocate its collections.
The facility holds historical documents, including federal Indian boarding school records.
Four Native organizations, including the National Congress of American Indians and the Native American Rights Fund, have raised concerns about a lack of meaningful tribal consultation.
NARF executive director John Echohawk says the archives contain documents tribal nations rely on to protect their rights and hold the federal government accountable.
According to KQED, fewer than 4% of National Archives records nationwide have been digitized.
Federal officials say the closure is part of an effort to reduce costs and consolidate records.
California’s lawsuit seeks to stop the closure and prevent the transfer of the collections.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-38492" src="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013216/978-0-87417-252-2-frontcover.jpg" alt="" width="857" height="1200" srcset="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013216/978-0-87417-252-2-frontcover.jpg 857w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013216/978-0-87417-252-2-frontcover-214x300.jpg 214w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013216/978-0-87417-252-2-frontcover-731x1024.jpg 731w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/16013216/978-0-87417-252-2-frontcover-768x1075.jpg 768w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 857px) 100vw, 857px" />And on this day in 1844, Northern Paiute activist and author Sarah Winnemucca is believed to have been born in present-day Nevada.
Winnemucca became a leading advocate for Native American rights, speaking out against the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples.
In 1883, she published “Life Among the Paiutes: Their Wrongs and Claims”, one of the earliest books written by a Native American woman.
 
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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="EilDLyz1lK"><a href="https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/friday-october-16-2026-the-ongoing-struggle-to-protect-wild-horses/" >Friday, October 16, 2026 — The ongoing struggle to protect wild horses</a></blockquote>
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Photo: Jason Smith and Kremena Doust at their ranch on the Warm Springs Reservation on September 30, 2026. (Brian Bull / Underscore Native News) A Native-owned horse ranch on Oregon’s Warm Springs reservation that has been struggling to recover from this summer’s wildfires is now getting ready for a challenging winter, as Brian Bull of Underscore Native News and KLCC reports. Since early September, the Jason Smith Ranch has managed to adopt out 47 horses to new homes, but they still need donations to provide hay and grain for their remaining animals, including wild horses roaming the expanse beyond the ranch’s boundaries. Back at the ranch, Kremena Doust drives a 4×4 to nudge a small herd of horses towards a fenced-in pen, where she has put down hay. Her partner Jason Smith says there is also a few hundred wild horses that they have tried to feed after the Bench Fire burned up most of the grazing land. “We’ve been out there a handful of times, we try to get out there at least once a week to put some big bales out and about in the burned areas. So there’s cattle and horses in our two districts down here that are short some feed. But we did get some rain. Hopefully, the rain might spurt like a fall greenup, y’know?” With the penned-in horses munching away, Doust points out where the Deschutes River flows by, which provides fresh water for the herd. She also points out where many horses grab shade under trees and other growth. “It is soothing to be here, and healing for the horses too. There are bigger trees over there. It’s all natural. That’s how it should be.” Doust says she is getting a non-profit underway and that will be called the Wild Horse Legacy Foundation. “Its mission is to rehabilitate and rehome wild horses, and take care of the welfare of the livestock and wild horses on the reservation land.” The Jason Smith Ranch has also launched a new online horse auction, where they hope to adopt out 25 more of their horses. Between that and learning how to fix old equipment, as well as using his past experience as ranch and agricultural manager for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Smith is determined to make ends meet. “We’re surviving, you know. It’s constantly, horses eat, eat, eat. They’ll eat everything that you put in front of them, you know. So we’re struggling, but we’re making it.” People who want to help support the Jason Smith Ranch through the winter can find them online. National Archives in San Bruno, Calif. Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging plans to close the archives in San Bruno, California and relocate its collections. The facility holds historical documents, including federal Indian boarding school records. Four Native organizations, including the National Congress of American Indians and the Native American Rights Fund, have raised concerns about a lack of meaningful tribal consultation. NARF executive director John Echohawk says the archives contain documents tribal nations rely on to protect their rights and hold the federal government accountable. According to KQED, fewer than 4% of National Archives records nationwide have been digitized. Federal officials say the closure is part of an effort to reduce costs and consolidate records. California’s lawsuit seeks to stop the closure and prevent the transfer of the collections. And on this day in 1844, Northern Paiute activist and author Sarah Winnemucca is believed to have been born in present-day Nevada. Winnemucca became a leading advocate for Native American rights, speaking out against the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples. In 1883, she published “Life Among the Paiutes: Their Wrongs and Claims”, one of the earliest books written by a Native American woman. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Friday, October 16, 2026 — The ongoing struggle to protect wild horses

<a href="https://www.nativenews.net/friday-october-16-2026/" title="Friday, October 16, 2026" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a>Photo: Jason Smith and Kremena Doust at their ranch on the Warm Springs Reservation on September 30, 2026. (Brian Bull / Underscore Native News)
A Native-owned horse ranch on Oregon’s Warm Springs reservation that has been struggling to recover from this summer’s wildfires is now getting ready for a challenging winter, as <a href="https://x.com/bcbull" rel="noopener noreferrer">Brian Bull</a> of Underscore Native News and KLCC reports.
Since early September, the Jason Smith Ranch has managed to adopt out 47 horses to new homes, but they still need donations to provide hay and grain for their remaining animals, including wild horses roaming the expanse beyond the ranch’s boundaries.
Back at the ranch, Kremena Doust drives a 4×4 to nudge a small herd of horses towards a fenced-in pen, where she has put down hay.
Her partner Jason Smith says there is also a few hundred wild horses that they have tried to feed after the Bench Fire burned up most of the grazing land.
“We’ve been out there a handful of times, we try to get out there at least once a week to put some big bales out and about in the burned areas. So there’s cattle and horses in our two districts down here that are short some feed. But we did get some rain. Hopefully, the rain might spurt like a fall greenup, y’know?”
With the penned-in horses munching away, Doust points out where the Deschutes River flows by, which provides fresh water for the herd. She also points out where many horses grab shade under trees and other growth.
“It is soothing to be here, and healing for the horses too. There are bigger trees over there. It’s all natural. That’s how it should be.”
Doust says she is getting a non-profit underway and that will be called the Wild Horse Legacy Foundation.
“Its mission is to rehabilitate and rehome wild horses, and take care of the welfare of the livestock and wild horses on the reservation land.”
The Jason Smith Ranch has also launched a new online horse auction, where they hope to adopt out 25 more of their horses.
Between that and learning how to fix old equipment, as well as using his past experience as ranch and agricultural manager for the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, Smith is determined to make ends meet.
“We’re surviving, you know. It’s constantly, horses eat, eat, eat. They’ll eat everything that you put in front of them, you know. So we’re struggling, but we’re making it.”
People who want to help support the Jason Smith Ranch through the winter can find them online.
National Archives in San Bruno, Calif.
Attorney General Rob Bonta filed a lawsuit Wednesday challenging plans to close the archives in San Bruno, California and relocate its collections.
The facility holds historical documents, including federal Indian boarding school records.
Four Native organizations, including the National Congress of American Indians and the Native American Rights Fund, have raised concerns about a lack of meaningful tribal consultation.
NARF executive director John Echohawk says the archives contain documents tribal nations rely on to protect their rights and hold the federal government accountable.
According to KQED, fewer than 4% of National Archives records nationwide have been digitized.
Federal officials say the closure is part of an effort to reduce costs and consolidate records.
California’s lawsuit seeks to stop the closure and prevent the transfer of the collections.
And on this day in 1844, Northern Paiute activist and author Sarah Winnemucca is believed to have been born in present-day Nevada.
Winnemucca became a leading advocate for Native American rights, speaking out against the mistreatment of Indigenous peoples.
In 1883, she published “Life Among the Paiutes: Their Wrongs and Claims”, one of the earliest books written by a Native American woman.
&nbsp;
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Check out today’s Native America Calling episode
<a href="https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/friday-october-16-2026-the-ongoing-struggle-to-protect-wild-horses/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Friday, October 16, 2026 — The ongoing struggle to protect wild horses</a>

Friday, October 16, 2026

<a href="https://www.nativenews.net/wednesday-october-14-2026/" title="Wednesday, October 14, 2026" rel="nofollow"><img width="200" height="300" src="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075923/baby-walrus-200x300.jpg" class="webfeedsFeaturedVisual wp-post-image" alt="" style="float: left; margin-right: 20px;" link_thumbnail="1" decoding="async" loading="lazy" srcset="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075923/baby-walrus-200x300.jpg 200w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075923/baby-walrus-683x1024.jpg 683w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075923/baby-walrus-768x1152.jpg 768w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075923/baby-walrus-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075923/baby-walrus-1365x2048.jpg 1365w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075923/baby-walrus-scaled.jpg 1707w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px" /></a>A college student near her hometown of Point Lay, Alaska made a startling discovery last month: A baby walrus sandwiched between two carcasses, as Alaska Public Media’s <a href="https://alaskapublic.org/people/casey-grove" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow" class="wp-links-icon">Casey Grove</a> reports.
Violet Anniskett (Iñupiaq) was helping with a walrus survey on Alaska’s northwest coast.
“And I saw the stomach like move, and I was like wait. Take a step closer and his eyes opened-up.”
The calf had been under attack from seagulls. Polar bears roamed the area, and a storm was about to hit. Anniskett wanted to save the calf.
“He kind of missed his mother and walked around with a sad little, ‘Whooo.'”
After getting the OK from the community of Point Lay, Anniskett and U.S. Geological Survey’s walrus researcher, Tony Fischbach, took the calf to a small cabin.
The 200-pound calf, estimated to be about five months old, eventually warmed up to its human helpers, literally, by cuddling into Fischbach’s sleeping bag or laying its head on Anniskett’s leg.
<div id="attachment_38466" style="width: 1034px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-38466" class="size-large wp-image-38466" src="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075854/baby-walrus-3-1024x737.jpg" alt="" width="1024" height="737" srcset="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075854/baby-walrus-3-1024x737.jpg 1024w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075854/baby-walrus-3-300x216.jpg 300w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075854/baby-walrus-3-768x552.jpg 768w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075854/baby-walrus-3-1536x1105.jpg 1536w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075854/baby-walrus-3.jpg 1760w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" />Violet Anniskett and Annautaq, an orphaned Pacific walrus calf she helped rescue near Point Lay, Alaska. (Photo: Anthony Fischbach / U.S. Geological Survey)</div>
Anniskett named the walrus calf Annautaq after her late father.
A few days later, with the help of locals, they brought the calf to Point Lay in a boat. From there, they flew it to Anchorage and then drove it to Seward for rehabilitation at the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Fischbach says they later discovered the calf had been injured in what was probably an attack by a polar bear. Because of its young age and habituation to people, the SeaLife Center says it is not a candidate for being released back into the wild.
The SeaLife Center says Annautaq has since been transferred to his long-term home, though, but as of Monday, they have not said where that is.

<a href='https://www.nativenews.net/wednesday-october-14-2026/indigenous-peoples-day-rapid-city/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1760" height="1320" src="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075926/indigenous-peoples-day-rapid-city.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075926/indigenous-peoples-day-rapid-city.jpg 1760w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075926/indigenous-peoples-day-rapid-city-300x225.jpg 300w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075926/indigenous-peoples-day-rapid-city-1024x768.jpg 1024w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075926/indigenous-peoples-day-rapid-city-768x576.jpg 768w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14075926/indigenous-peoples-day-rapid-city-1536x1152.jpg 1536w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 1760px) 100vw, 1760px" /></a>
<a href='https://www.nativenews.net/wednesday-october-14-2026/palestinian-flag-indigenous-peoples-day-rapid-city/'><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="723" height="542" src="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14081039/palestinian-flag-indigenous-peoples-day-rapid-city.jpg" class="attachment-full size-full" alt="" srcset="https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14081039/palestinian-flag-indigenous-peoples-day-rapid-city.jpg 723w, https://nativenews-offload-media.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/14081039/palestinian-flag-indigenous-peoples-day-rapid-city-300x225.jpg 300w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 723px) 100vw, 723px" /></a>

The Black Hills celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day this week. As music and the smell of hot food cut through the cold October air, organizers say the event was more than a rally. It was a chance to have fun. <a href="https://www.sdpb.org/people/c-j-keene" target="_blank" rel="external nofollow" class="wp-links-icon">C.J. Keene</a> has more.
On stage in downtown Rapid City, South Dakota, a Palestinian keffiyeh adorned an eagle staff, symbolizing the interconnected struggles of Indigenous peoples the world over.
While a clear political symbol, NDN Collective strategic communications director Martell Hesketh says activists should celebrate these days with happiness.
“Organizing should also be joyful, right? Art and music and visual art has always been a core part of organizing. In this time, as we’re coming up to these really consequential elections, as we’re facing all these fights to protect our sacred sites, it’s more important now than ever to come together in these spaces. To celebrate, to lift our spirits, and also to share our messages.”
In the last year, those fights have seen victories in the field as mining equipment was removed from the Black Hills near Pe’Sla, a sacred site, and in the courtroom as the legal case against the Grand Gateway Hotel played out.
Poet and activist Robert Bordeaux (Siċaƞġu Lak̇ot̄a Oyat̄e) says sharing light despite ongoing struggles highlights the strength inherent in an indigenous background.
“This is a great example of the tenacity and resistance of Lakota people. The colonial project tried to erase us, and we’re still here. When we gather like this, it’s a showcase of that.”
And gather the community does. Hundreds braved a chilly autumn day, teepees lined downtown Rapid City’s Main Street, and for one night Indigenous peoples could celebrate the work they have done in the world of civil rights and consider a brighter future.
“I think a lot about resistance, and I think a lot about what it took for us to still be here. Carrying on our ways, our language, our culture. To me, it’s a celebration of that. I know protecting land and water is hard, difficult work, so when we can take a chance to gather around the drum, gather with music – I don’t know, it’s just really important.”
The night was capped with a performance by Macklemore, who once again performed a free concert for the community.
<blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dec7g5TvLkd/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14">
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<blockquote class="wp-embedded-content" data-secret="QrFqBpvHSm"><a href="https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/wednesday-october-14-2026-tribes-remain-excluded-from-some-major-water-policy-decisions/" >Wednesday, October 14, 2026 — Tribes remain excluded from some major water policy decisions</a></blockquote>
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A college student near her hometown of Point Lay, Alaska made a startling discovery last month: A baby walrus sandwiched between two carcasses, as Alaska Public Media’s Casey Grove reports. Violet Anniskett (Iñupiaq) was helping with a walrus survey on Alaska’s northwest coast. “And I saw the stomach like move, and I was like wait. Take a step closer and his eyes opened-up.” The calf had been under attack from seagulls. Polar bears roamed the area, and a storm was about to hit. Anniskett wanted to save the calf. “He kind of missed his mother and walked around with a sad little, ‘Whooo.'” After getting the OK from the community of Point Lay, Anniskett and U.S. Geological Survey’s walrus researcher, Tony Fischbach, took the calf to a small cabin. The 200-pound calf, estimated to be about five months old, eventually warmed up to its human helpers, literally, by cuddling into Fischbach’s sleeping bag or laying its head on Anniskett’s leg. Violet Anniskett and Annautaq, an orphaned Pacific walrus calf she helped rescue near Point Lay, Alaska. (Photo: Anthony Fischbach / U.S. Geological Survey) Anniskett named the walrus calf Annautaq after her late father. A few days later, with the help of locals, they brought the calf to Point Lay in a boat. From there, they flew it to Anchorage and then drove it to Seward for rehabilitation at the Alaska SeaLife Center. Fischbach says they later discovered the calf had been injured in what was probably an attack by a polar bear. Because of its young age and habituation to people, the SeaLife Center says it is not a candidate for being released back into the wild. The SeaLife Center says Annautaq has since been transferred to his long-term home, though, but as of Monday, they have not said where that is. The Black Hills celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day this week. As music and the smell of hot food cut through the cold October air, organizers say the event was more than a rally. It was a chance to have fun. C.J. Keene has more. On stage in downtown Rapid City, South Dakota, a Palestinian keffiyeh adorned an eagle staff, symbolizing the interconnected struggles of Indigenous peoples the world over. While a clear political symbol, NDN Collective strategic communications director Martell Hesketh says activists should celebrate these days with happiness. “Organizing should also be joyful, right? Art and music and visual art has always been a core part of organizing. In this time, as we’re coming up to these really consequential elections, as we’re facing all these fights to protect our sacred sites, it’s more important now than ever to come together in these spaces. To celebrate, to lift our spirits, and also to share our messages.” In the last year, those fights have seen victories in the field as mining equipment was removed from the Black Hills near Pe’Sla, a sacred site, and in the courtroom as the legal case against the Grand Gateway Hotel played out. Poet and activist Robert Bordeaux (Siċaƞġu Lak̇ot̄a Oyat̄e) says sharing light despite ongoing struggles highlights the strength inherent in an indigenous background. “This is a great example of the tenacity and resistance of Lakota people. The colonial project tried to erase us, and we’re still here. When we gather like this, it’s a showcase of that.” And gather the community does. Hundreds braved a chilly autumn day, teepees lined downtown Rapid City’s Main Street, and for one night Indigenous peoples could celebrate the work they have done in the world of civil rights and consider a brighter future. “I think a lot about resistance, and I think a lot about what it took for us to still be here. Carrying on our ways, our language, our culture. To me, it’s a celebration of that. I know protecting land and water is hard, difficult work, so when we can take a chance to gather around the drum, gather with music – I don’t know, it’s just really important.” The night was capped with a performance by Macklemore, who once again performed a free concert for the community. View this post on Instagram A post shared by James Jones (@notoriouscree) Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out today’s Native America Calling episode Wednesday, October 14, 2026 — Tribes remain excluded from some major water policy decisions

<a href="https://www.nativenews.net/wednesday-october-14-2026/" title="Wednesday, October 14, 2026" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a>A college student near her hometown of Point Lay, Alaska made a startling discovery last month: A baby walrus sandwiched between two carcasses, as Alaska Public Media’s <a href="https://alaskapublic.org/people/casey-grove" rel="noopener noreferrer">Casey Grove</a> reports.
Violet Anniskett (Iñupiaq) was helping with a walrus survey on Alaska’s northwest coast.
“And I saw the stomach like move, and I was like wait. Take a step closer and his eyes opened-up.”
The calf had been under attack from seagulls. Polar bears roamed the area, and a storm was about to hit. Anniskett wanted to save the calf.
“He kind of missed his mother and walked around with a sad little, ‘Whooo.'”
After getting the OK from the community of Point Lay, Anniskett and U.S. Geological Survey’s walrus researcher, Tony Fischbach, took the calf to a small cabin.
The 200-pound calf, estimated to be about five months old, eventually warmed up to its human helpers, literally, by cuddling into Fischbach’s sleeping bag or laying its head on Anniskett’s leg.
Violet Anniskett and Annautaq, an orphaned Pacific walrus calf she helped rescue near Point Lay, Alaska. (Photo: Anthony Fischbach / U.S. Geological Survey)
Anniskett named the walrus calf Annautaq after her late father.
A few days later, with the help of locals, they brought the calf to Point Lay in a boat. From there, they flew it to Anchorage and then drove it to Seward for rehabilitation at the Alaska SeaLife Center.
Fischbach says they later discovered the calf had been injured in what was probably an attack by a polar bear. Because of its young age and habituation to people, the SeaLife Center says it is not a candidate for being released back into the wild.
The SeaLife Center says Annautaq has since been transferred to his long-term home, though, but as of Monday, they have not said where that is.

<a href="https://www.nativenews.net/wednesday-october-14-2026/indigenous-peoples-day-rapid-city/" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a>
<a href="https://www.nativenews.net/wednesday-october-14-2026/palestinian-flag-indigenous-peoples-day-rapid-city/" rel="noopener noreferrer"></a>

The Black Hills celebrated Indigenous Peoples Day this week. As music and the smell of hot food cut through the cold October air, organizers say the event was more than a rally. It was a chance to have fun. <a href="https://www.sdpb.org/people/c-j-keene" rel="noopener noreferrer">C.J. Keene</a> has more.
On stage in downtown Rapid City, South Dakota, a Palestinian keffiyeh adorned an eagle staff, symbolizing the interconnected struggles of Indigenous peoples the world over.
While a clear political symbol, NDN Collective strategic communications director Martell Hesketh says activists should celebrate these days with happiness.
“Organizing should also be joyful, right? Art and music and visual art has always been a core part of organizing. In this time, as we’re coming up to these really consequential elections, as we’re facing all these fights to protect our sacred sites, it’s more important now than ever to come together in these spaces. To celebrate, to lift our spirits, and also to share our messages.”
In the last year, those fights have seen victories in the field as mining equipment was removed from the Black Hills near Pe’Sla, a sacred site, and in the courtroom as the legal case against the Grand Gateway Hotel played out.
Poet and activist Robert Bordeaux (Siċaƞġu Lak̇ot̄a Oyat̄e) says sharing light despite ongoing struggles highlights the strength inherent in an indigenous background.
“This is a great example of the tenacity and resistance of Lakota people. The colonial project tried to erase us, and we’re still here. When we gather like this, it’s a showcase of that.”
And gather the community does. Hundreds braved a chilly autumn day, teepees lined downtown Rapid City’s Main Street, and for one night Indigenous peoples could celebrate the work they have done in the world of civil rights and consider a brighter future.
“I think a lot about resistance, and I think a lot about what it took for us to still be here. Carrying on our ways, our language, our culture. To me, it’s a celebration of that. I know protecting land and water is hard, difficult work, so when we can take a chance to gather around the drum, gather with music – I don’t know, it’s just really important.”
The night was capped with a performance by Macklemore, who once again performed a free concert for the community.


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View this post on Instagram






















&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/Dec7g5TvLkd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" rel="noopener noreferrer">A post shared by James Jones (@notoriouscree)</a>



&nbsp;
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<a href="https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/wednesday-october-14-2026-tribes-remain-excluded-from-some-major-water-policy-decisions/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Wednesday, October 14, 2026 — Tribes remain excluded from some major water policy decisions</a>

Wednesday, October 14, 2026

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