July 02, 2025
FORT DEFIANCE, Ariz. — What is now called the Oak Ridge Fire, currently at 0% containment, has burned over 10,624 acres as of this morning located just a few miles near the heart of the Navajo Nation’s capital over the last four days since the onset of the fire on June 28.
Currents
Earlier this week, we asked Native News Online social media followers how they celebrate the Fourth of July as Native Americans.
From Our Partners
(Green Bay, WI) – Bay Bank is proud to celebrate 30 years of serving Northeast Wisconsin as a trusted financial partner. Since its founding in 1995, Bay Bank has remained dedicated to empowering individuals, small businesses, and Tribal communities, standing firmly for financial inclusion, economic opportunity, and community growth.
Opinion
Guest Opinion. In table top exercises for disaster preparation, local government, state government, churches, federal government, the military and various federal agencies all played roles. Inevitably, as the disaster grew out of control, someone would suggest calling in the military and declaring “martial law.” The answer was always — no, we have the protection of posse comitatus, so the military never has direct interface with civilians (with only a few exceptions). However, there is also a lot that the military can do to support state and local law enforcement, federal law enforcement and federal property. Here is a brief discussion of what this means.
Guest Opinion. The Cherokee Nation has reached a proud new milestone — one that reflects our legacy of adaptability and our tradition of embracing innovation. By becoming the first tribal nation designated as a “Film Ready Reservation,” we are not only making history; we are building a future where Cherokee stories are amplified on a national — and even global — stage. This achievement reinforces our commitment to creating new opportunities for our people while inviting the world to experience our culture through the power of film and storytelling.
Sovereignty
The Suquamish Tribe continues to play a significant role in the regional economy, according to a newly released economic impact study by respected economist John B. Taylor. The report outlines the Tribe’s wide-ranging contributions to Kitsap County and the state of Washington in 2023.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court has ruled that a citizen of the Muscogee Nation must pay state income taxes, even though she resides within the boundaries of the Muscogee reservation and earned all her income from within that territory.
Education
Native Forward Scholars Fund , the nation’s largest direct provider of scholarships to Native students, has announced the recipients of its prestigious Student of the Year Award at the 2025 Empowering Scholars Summit.
On Tuesday, June 17, Speaker Crystalyne Curley and Council Delegate Dr. Andy Nez met with representatives from the Department of Diné Education (DODE), Diné Bi Oltá School Board Association (DBOSBA), and the BIA Navajo Region to develop a unified response to the Bureau of Indian Education’s recent “Dear Tribal Leader” letter.
Arts & Entertainment
SULPHUR, Okla. – Downtown Sulphur was once again a flurry of activity June 7 as the vibrant sights and sounds of the annual Artesian Arts Festival attracted thousands of art patrons and families.
A new illustrated children’s biography is bringing national attention to the story of Jordan Marie Brings Three White Horses Whetstone, a professional runner and passionate advocate for Indigenous rights.
Health
Environment
A wildfire that has been burning across Navajo Nation since last Saturday has grown to more than 9,800 acres with 0 percent containment, according to the latest announcement from Navajo Nation President Buu Nygren’s office .
A wildfire that erupted over the weekend on the Navajo Nation near the New Mexico border has grown to more than 6,200 acres, according to the latest updates.