January 29, 2025
The White House Office of Management and Budget on Wednesday rescinded its controversial memo that had temporarily frozen federal funding, ending two days of uncertainty for tribal nations that had raised serious concerns about disruptions to treaty-mandated services.
Currents
United Natives, a national Native-led nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the health, well-being, and visibility of Native communities, is proud to announce its 2nd Annual United Natives Sports Gala. This prestigious event will take place during Super Week in New Orleans, LA, leading up to the nation’s most anticipated championship game. The gala will be held on February 4, 2025, at The Cannery, beginning at 5:00 p.m. - CDT.
From Our Partners
For generations, Native peoples have been pioneers in medicine, carefully testing traditional healing practices to benefit our communities. Today, as we face rising cancer rates in Indian Country, we must bring together this ancestral wisdom with modern clinical trials to create solutions for our people.
When it comes to funding Tribal-owned projects, Bay Bank is more than just a lender—it’s a trusted partner.
Opinion
Guest Opinion. I want to start by thanking those who have reached out in support of Native peoples. All of us at the American Indian College Fund and the students and the communities we serve are deeply touched by the outpouring of support.
Guest Opinion. Gov. Greg Gianforte’s lawsuit against Yellowstone National Park’s bison management plan represents Montana livestock interests — not the vast majority of Montanans, who support restoring wild, migratory buffalo restored in the state.
Sovereignty
The Trump administration’s intensified deportation efforts have created unexpected challenges for Navajo citizens living in urban areas like Phoenix. As the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) began widespread raids in major cities across the country following the start of President Donald Trump’s second term, concerns have surfaced about Native Americans being mistaken for undocumented immigrants.
Cherokee Nation has reached an $80 million settlement with the federal government to resolve claims of trust resource mismanagement during the 20th century.
Education
The American Indian College Fund’s (College Fund) scholarship application season for the 2025-26 academic year opens on February 1. There are hundreds of scholarship opportunities available for all fields of study, including special opportunities uniquely available for students enrolled in tribal colleges and universities. Any U.S. citizen who is an enrolled member or descendant of an enrolled member of a state or federally recognized American Indian or Alaska Native tribe may apply.
California enacted Assembly Bill 1821 (AB 1821) last week, mandating the inclusion of Native American history and perspectives in public education.
Arts & Entertainment
The Force is coming to Traverse City, Mich., with the screening of Anangong Miigaading: A New Hope , the Anishinaabemowin (Ojibwe) dub of Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope, on Monday, Feb. 3 at the State Theatre.
The North American Indigenous Athletics Hall of Fame (NAIAHF) has revealed its 2025 class of inductees, honoring 71 individuals and four teams for their remarkable contributions to athletics. This year’s class features 42 athletes, alongside coaches, trainers, builders, and teams, continuing the Hall of Fame’s mission to spotlight the achievements of Indigenous sports figures across North America.
Health
Environment
On January 20, President Donald Trump signed an executive order to rename Denali, North America’s tallest peak, back to its former name, Mount McKinley.
The Tohono O’odham Nation signed a co-stewardship agreement with the U.S. Bureau of Land Management for federal lands with deep cultural and religious ties for the tribal nation.