indigenous Archives - KVRR Local News

Ndsu, Rand Announce Partnership Aimed At Tackling North Dakota Based Issues

NDSU, RAND Announce Partnership Aimed at Rural, Indigenous Outreach

The university has teamed up with the nonprofit research organization to try and come up with solutions to some of the state's issues, like lack of workforce in more remote areas.

February 5, 2026

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – North Dakota State University has a new partner when it comes to tackling issues in rural, remote, and Indigenous communities – RAND. Heidi Grunwald, interim vice president for research at NDSU, says that she was already familiar with RAND’s efficacy in research and problem-solving. “They have expertise in areas that affect rural America,” she said. RAND,…

MSUM hosts first ever Indigenous Arts and Crafts Market

November 14, 2025

Juliana Pelaez,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Minnesota State Moorhead celebrates American Indian Heritage Month with a variety of events, bringing together the community in Indigenous culture. To celebrate the month, the first-ever Indigenous Arts and Crafts Market was held on Friday. The market showcased handmade beadwork, jewelry, artwork, and more. Many of the displayed artworks came from local artists, alumni, and Indigenous…

Native Community Celebrates High School Graduation

The graduating seniors were honored with a special ceremony that incorporated aspects of indigenous culture.

May 14, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) – Indigenous families and their support systems came together to celebrate their newest class of graduating high school seniors. The ceremony took place at Dakota High School on 9th Avenue South in Fargo. It kicked off with a prayer and communal meal in the school’s cafeteria – followed by diploma presentations accompanied by traditional Native song and…

UPDATE: Charges brought against White Earth officials were unfounded

The Chairman faces six charges, while the Secretary-Treasurer faces three.

March 2, 2025

Gabriel Ostler,

UPDATE (2/28/25) : Charges brought against two elected White Earth Reservation officials were unfounded. Statement below: White Earth Reservation Business Committee (RBC) acknowledges recent allegations regarding the conduct of certain elected officials and wishes to address these concerns directly with our citizens, stakeholders, and the broader community. As stewards of our sovereign nation, we take these matters with the utmost…

Sen. Tina Smith Co-Authors Bill to Combat Drug Trafficking in Tribal Communities

The current laws on the books do not allow for tribal law enforcement to prosecute non-natives.

December 18, 2024

Gabriel Ostler,

WASHINGTON, D.C. (KVRR) — Democratic Sen. Tina Smith of Minnesota has introduced legislation aimed at combatting the drug trade within indigenous communities. The junior Senator from Minnesota has partnered with Republican Sen. Steve Daines of Montana to create the PROTECT Act. The goal is to give tribal nations more power in pursuing drug cases. Right now, tribal law enforcement is…

Native American Education Program Winter Gathering Brings Community Together

Organizers say it's one of the largest such events in the F-M area and is a great opportunity to strengthen bonds.

December 18, 2024

Gabriel Ostler,

FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) — The Native American Education Winter Gathering took place at Discovery Middle School from 6-8 P.M. on Dec. 18th. There was food, a photo booth by Dreamcatcher Photography, face painting, a rotation of other activity stations, games, and music by DJ Birdman. Santa Claus even dropped by to hand out candy bags and take some photos with…

Exploring Indigenous Culture at Hjemkomst Center

October 14, 2024

KVRR Staff,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — People got a chance to learn about indigenous people during a luncheon held at Hjemkomst Center. They were given an “Indigi Bowl” that contained wild rice, buffalo meat, and veggie toppings. The event, held by the Indigenous Association, featured Anishinaabe leader Ricky White. He has over 22 years of experience as an Ojibwe language and culture…

Hundreds celebrate Indigenous culture at annual picnic

August 20, 2023

Site Staff,

MOORHEAD, Minn. (KVRR) — Hundreds from our community celebrated Native culture at MB Johnson Park for the annual Native American Picnic. After a ceremony filled with singing and dancing, the community brought out the food featuring hot dogs and burgers. The DJ kept the party going for all while the kids jumped in bouncy houses. Those from all backgrounds were…

Native American imagery could be banned in Minnesota schools

March 30, 2023

Site Staff,

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KVRR) — Minnesota lawmakers are considering a bill that would prevent schools from using Native American imagery as logos. Senator Mary Kunesh is behind Senate File 584 which would require schools to file requests to grant permission from the Tribal Nations Education Committee and Indian Affairs Council to continue using a nickname and logo. Schools can also…

More Remains Found On Campus at UND

November 2, 2022

TJ Nelson,

GRAND FORKS, N.D. (KVRR) — UND leaders announce they have found additional Indigenous remains in the School of Medicine & Health Sciences, along with possible human skeletal remains used in the teaching of anatomy. It follows the announcement in late August that 250 boxes of Indigenous remains and artifacts were discovered on campus earlier in March. Ever since they were…