Indigenous peoples

Duane Koyawena quit drinking 12 years ago after his own dad died from alcoholism. At the same time, he learned he was going to be father and wanted to stop the cycle.

The Native American Media Alliance in collaboration with the Cherokee Nation Film Office announced on Tuesday the first recipients of a new fellowship aimed to help Native American writers get a leg up in the film industry.

On Tuesday, the National Endowment for the Arts announced its 2021 class of National Heritage Fellowship winners, which includes Osage textile and ceramic artist Anita Fields.

This year's honorees include the Mexican-American band Los Lobos, the founder of the Irish-American musical group Cherish the Ladies, and Native American and Puerto Rican textile artists.

After losing his seat as Quapaw Tribal Chairman in 2020, John Berrey planned to run for vice-chairman in the upcoming elections, but that move was challenged by registered Quapaw voters because of an ongoing legal controversy surrounding Berrey’s tenure. He already faces criminal charges and could be disenrolled from the Tribe.

At least 19 people have died since 2016 in tribal detention centers overseen by Indian Affairs, our investigation found. Several died after correctional officers failed to provide proper medical care.

Tribal forces can investigate and hold non-Native Americans while waiting for back up from state police or federal officers, but they can't arrest them. Tribes say that means criminals going free.

The 400 Years Project is a pictorial collection of Native American life. It addresses colonization while centering the Native voice.

Last week, Oklahoma Attorney General Mike Hunter announced his resignation, saying the controversy surrounding his recent divorce filing could overshadow the work of his office. His decision could jeopardize ongoing negotiations with two of the state's biggest tribal nations over criminal jurisdiction.

The remains were discovered in a mass grave on the grounds of a former residential school that was once part of a nationwide effort to assimilate Indigenous children.