Leonard Peltier supporters rallied for his release in six cities across the country on Monday, warning he is at risk after getting COVID-19 in prison, as Arielle Zionts of South Dakota Public Broadcasting reports from Rapid City.

A city in Minnesota is planning to rename a park and may pay select Native people for their input. The Pioneer Press reports the city of Roseville wants to rename Pocahontas Park. The parks and recreation commission has been considered the change since a youth commissioner suggested it in 20-20. Commissioners told the city council Monday a majority of comments from the public is in favor of the change pointing to inaccurate and stereotypical imagery often associated with Pocahontas. The commission is considering a stipend for Native Americans to take part in the renaming process. Some commissioners say the payment is no different than paying consultants for guidance. No dollar amount or timeframe has been set for the renaming process.

The Spirit Lake Tribe, the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians and individual voters filed a lawsuit Monday in U-S District Court for the District of North Dakota. They’re challenging North Dakota’s new legislative map claiming it dilutes the voting rights of Native Americans. They say redistricting has split up Turtle Mountain  citizens into two subdistricts and Spirit Lake in one district. Tribal leaders had asked for the two tribes to be drawn into the same district. Plaintiff say they’re limited in electing state legislative seats. The lawsuit alleges violation of the voting rights act. The Native American Rights Fund is among law groups representing the plaintiffs.

02-08-22 National Native News

America's attempt to separate Native children from their families didn't end with boarding schools. In the decades after World War II, the U.S. government created the Indian Adoption Project, an effort designed to place Native kids with white parents. In this one-hour documentary, producer Melissa Olson explores the personal and historical impact of this policy. Her Ojibwe mother, Judy Olson, was raised by a white family. So were the mothers of several friends. The emotional impact of the Indian Adoption Project — and similar state projects — continues today. Produced by Melissa Olson and Ryan Katz. Edited by Todd Melby. (Photo: Kip Moon, Courtesy of Kip Moon.)

Stolen Childhoods

The only five-minute daily newscast dedicated to Native issues featuring anchor Antonia Gonzales (Navajo) with reporters and storytellers from your community and around the globe.

02-08-22 National Native News

National Native News

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