- Details
- By Native News Online Staff
WHITE EARTH INDIAN RESERVATION, Minn. — Longtime American Indian activist Marvin Manypenny passed away on Sunday on the White Earth Indian Reservation in northern Minnesota. He was 72.
Manypenny is the father of Minnesota Lt. Governor. Peggy Flanagan, the first American Indian woman ever elected to an executive level of a state in history.
Though never elected to a tribal position, Manypenny spent decades defending land rights, defending hunting and fishing rights of American Indians.
Lt. Governor Flanagan reflected on her father to MPR News:
“My dad oftentimes would say, ‘My girl, I want to burn down the system, and you want to get into the system and change it from the inside out,’” Flanagan said. “That’s a pretty good summary of how my dad operated and how I operate.”
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Catholic Church has New Pope: Leo XIV
Tribes, Lawmakers Unite at California State Capitol to Honor MMIP
Can we take a minute to talk about tribal sovereignty?
Our mission draws from the warrior spirit that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations — the same spirit that drives us to stand guard over tribal rights through relentless investigation and fearless reporting.
Sovereignty isn't just a concept – it's the foundation of Native nations' right to govern, protect our lands, and preserve our cultures. Every story we publish strengthens tribal sovereignty.
Unlike mainstream media, we center Indigenous voices and report directly from Native communities. When we cover land rights, water protection, or tribal governance, we're not just sharing news – we're documenting our living history and defending our future.
Our journalism is powered by readers, not shareholders. If you believe in the importance of Native-led media in protecting tribal sovereignty, consider supporting our work today.
