House OKs ERA bill, Violence Against Women Act in Women’s History Month

WASHINGTON — The House reauthorized the Violence Against Women Act and lifted the deadline for ERA ratification during Women’s History Month.


A Colorado River showdown is looming. Let the posturing begin.

A showdown is looming among the states that rely on the Colorado River for drinking and irrigation water. Negotiations are set to start on the river's future among worsening drought conditions.


Tribes to get record funding from American Rescue Plan

WASHINGTON – Native American tribes nationwide will receive more than $31 billion as part of the American Rescue Plan, the largest one-time investment to Native American communities in history.


Kiowa actor ‘stood a little straighter’ after landing role as a chief of his tribe

After nearly 30 years of playing indigenous characters, Kiowa tribal member Gary Tsoodle finally played a Kiowa.

Dorothy WhiteHorse DeLaune and Gary Tsoodle

Senate makes history with vote confirming Haaland as Interior secretary

WASHINGTON - The Senate Monday confirmed New Mexico Rep. Deb Haaland as the next Interior secretary, a historic vote that makes her the first Native American to head a Cabinet agency.


Committee vote moves Haaland one step closer to historic Interior post

WASHINGTON - A Senate committee narrowly voted Thursday to advance Rep. Debra Haaland's nomination to be the next secretary of Interior, moving her one step closer to becoming the first Native American to head a Cabinet-level agency.


Feds rescind OK for copper mine at Oak Flat, seek ‘thorough review’

WASHINGTON - The government Monday rescinded its approval for a proposed massive copper mine at Oak Flat, just days before it was to transfer thousands of acres of federal land for the project.


Pause on leasing public land for oil and gas extraction draws mixed reaction

PHOENIX – Land, and specifically what to do with land, has been among the most divisive topics in U.S. history since the arrival of European settlers in 1492. More than 500 years later, little has changed.


Critics grill Haaland; backers point to historic nature of nomination

WASHINGTON - Republican senators tried to pin down Rep. Deb Haaland at a hearing on her nomination for Interior secretary, pushing her on fossil fuels and job losses they said would come from President Joe Biden's proposed energy policies.


Oklahoma works with tribes, Indian Health Service to distribute vaccines despite storms

As Oklahoma battles severe winter weather, state health officials and the Indian Health Service work to continue administering the coronavirus vaccine.

A blue-gloved hand holds a vial of a coronavirus vaccine.

State of tribal nations ‘strong’ despite crises, but feds need to help

WASHINGTON - The state of Indian nations is strong, but the federal government still needs to "come to terms with the right of tribal Nations to chart their own course and their rightful place," a tribal leader said Monday.


Oklahoma tribe volunteers pass out food boxes, supplies amid harsh winter weather

CARNEGIE – In sub-freezing weather conditions, more than 20 Kiowa tribal employees in Oklahoma volunteered to hand out food boxes for those in need.