October 13, 2025
Opinion. It’s a good day to be Indigenous.
Currents
WASHINGTON — In addition to articles already covered by Native News Online, here is a roundup of other news released from Washington, D.C. that impacts Indian Country recently. With no concrete discussions underway between congreesional Republicans and Democrats, the federal government shutdown will enter its fourth week on Wednesday with no end in sight.
From Our Partners
Litchfield Park, Arizona , is a small, charming city just 30 minutes west of Phoenix . It is home to the historic four-star Wigwam Resort and Golf Course . It is also home to several award-winning annual festivals , including the Litchfield Park Gathering . The Gathering, which is free and open to the public, is a celebration of indigenous arts and cultures. This year’s festival will be held on January 10 and 11, 2026. The festival is open daily from 10am until 5pm.
Opinion
Ireland once had its own indigenous legal system, called Brehon law, originally written between the 7th and 8th centuries. These laws including governance of the ancient feast of Samhain or the old spelling, Samain (pronounced SOW-han).
Guest Opinion. Cherokee Nation remains deeply committed to protecting our culture, preserving our history and strengthening families for future generations. Across our reservation in northeast Oklahoma, we see both the resilience of Cherokee people and the challenges that still persist from generations of historical trauma. Among the most vulnerable are our children, who depend on us so that they feel supported and safe.
Sovereignty
The smell of corn, venison, and wood smoke circled the air as the Ho-Chunk Nation gathered behind the Tribal Office Building for its annual Green Corn Celebration on October 9.
The Oceti Sakowin Treaty Councils issue this urgent call to all Lakota people, communities, and leadership: it is time to launch large-scale emergency operations to rescue and restore the Lakota language. The Councils recognize that our language is the living heart of our Nation, and without decisive action, it stands on the brink of irretrievable loss.
Education
Indigenous education experts and advocates are outraged over the state’s draft action plan for improving education, which they say lacks detail and fails to meaningfully incorporate community input.
The Morongo Band of Mission Indians has broken ground on a new, state-of-the-art Morongo Elementary School that will strengthen and expand educational opportunities for tribal youth on the Morongo Indian Reservation.
Arts & Entertainment
At the premiere of the new short film, Following Enchantment’s Line , Jock Soto, the Diné and Puerto Rican ballet dancer, could be seen gliding underneath vast blue New Mexico skies — the only time the audience saw him dance.
During the week of Indigenous Peoples’ Day (Monday, October 13), the Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) will host two special events celebrating Indigenous culture: Anishinaabe Culture Day on Wednesday, October 15, and an Anishinaabe Art and Film Series on Saturday, October 18.
Health
Environment
Deep in the Tonto National Forest in southeast Arizona, there is a land where the Ga’an, or holy spirits, reside. These spirits commune with Usen, the Creator, and act as messengers to the people.
As morning light hit flooded communities devastated by the remnants of Typhoon Halong on Sunday, local residents snapped photos of the storm damage across western Alaska communities.