From the Founder. On Friday, Feb. 14, Native News Online turned 14.
Reflecting on the day it all began in 2011 with "The Longest Walk - Reversing Diabetes," I never imagined this publication would grow as it has. Our growth has been driven by consistent publishing of Native-centered stories and a steadfast commitment to protecting the rights and sovereignty of tribal nations.
Over the past 14 years, several key stories have helped shape Native News Online, including coverage of the Standing Rock resistance to the Dakota Access Pipeline, the COVID-19 pandemic, Indian boarding schools, the repatriation of our ancestors, and the Native vote. Each of these topics has generated hundreds of articles.
While we acknowledged our 14th anniversary, we didn't have time for a party—or even a slice of cake—because our newsroom was busy covering the second Trump administration and the various executive orders and directives that could be harmful to Indian Country.
At NCAI’s "State of the Tribal Nations" program in Washington, D.C., earler this week, there was tremendous apprehension about how the second term of President Donald Trump has treated tribal nations.
One speaker said the confusion generated from the executive orders and directives from the White House began with uncertainty and turned into fear.
As we embark on our 15th year of reporting on Indian Country, we know Warrior Journalism is needed as we defend tribal sovereignty in this time of uncertainty. Like the warriors of old who protected our communities and way of life, today's Native journalists must stand guard through truth-telling and fearless reporting. This is why we call it Warrior Journalism - because defending tribal sovereignty requires both courage and dedication to truth.
We remain committed to being warriors in the fight against injustice and in defense of tribal sovereignty.
Levi Rickert
Founder, Publisher & Editor
Thayék gde nwéndëmen - We are all related.
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Help us defend tribal sovereignty.
At Native News Online, our mission is rooted in telling the stories that strengthen sovereignty and uplift Indigenous voices — not just at year’s end, but every single day.
Because of your generosity last year, we were able to keep our reporters on the ground in tribal communities, at national gatherings and in the halls of Congress — covering the issues that matter most to Indian Country: sovereignty, culture, education, health and economic opportunity.
That support sustained us through a tough year in 2025. Now, as we look to the year ahead, we need your help right now to ensure warrior journalism remains strong — reporting that defends tribal sovereignty, amplifies Native truth, and holds power accountable.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Your support keeps Native voices heard, Native stories told and Native sovereignty defended.
Stand with Warrior Journalism today.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
