
Ben Nighthorse Campbell, Former Colorado Senator and Native American Leader, Dies at 92
Ben Nighthorse Campbell, the first Native American senator and a key figure in establishing the National Museum of the American Indian, has died at age 92.
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Ben Nighthorse Campbell, the first Native American senator and a key figure in establishing the National Museum of the American Indian, has died at age 92.
Former US Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell of Colorado, a Native American and Olympic judo gold medalist, known for his distinctive political career and advocacy for tribal rights, has died at age 92. He served in the military, was a prominent politician who switched from Democrat to Republican, and was the only Native American in the Senate at the time of his service.

Former U.S. Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a prominent Native American figure and Colorado politician who served in both the House and Senate, has died at age 92. Known for his bipartisanship, advocacy for Native American issues, and diverse career including Olympic judo participation, Campbell's life was marked by significant contributions to politics, sports, and Native American heritage.

The MacArthur Foundation announced 22 fellows, including artists, scientists, and authors, each receiving an $800,000 'genius' grant for their impactful work in community engagement, Native American issues, climate science, and more, often recognizing deep community ties and resilience.

Oscar-nominated actor Graham Greene, known for his role in 'Dances With Wolves,' has died at age 73 in Toronto. He was a member of the Oneida First Nation and appeared in numerous films and TV shows. Greene was remembered for his morals, character, and contributions to film and television. He is survived by his wife and daughter.

Archaeologists revisited the River Bend site in Wyoming, uncovering over 5,000 artifacts that reveal early Native American adornment practices, including traditional materials and European trade influences, with potential links to the Shoshone tribe, highlighting cultural adaptation during the early 1700s.

Archaeologists analyzed artifacts from the River Bend site in Wyoming, dating to 1700-1750, revealing insights into Native American adornment practices during early European contact, including trade items like shell beads and metal tools, and showing how adornment traditions persisted and evolved with new technologies.

Native American tribes and health organizations are actively responding to a measles outbreak by increasing vaccination efforts, including mobile clinics and outreach programs, amid concerns about lower vaccination rates and healthcare access challenges in these communities.
The documentary 'You’re No Indian' exposes the crisis of tribal disenrollment, where over 11,000 Native Americans have been stripped of their tribal membership, often fueled by casino profits and political motives, leading to erasure of identities and communities. The film faced censorship issues but is set to debut at the Dances With Films Festival, highlighting systemic injustices and the risks faced by those speaking out.

The Trump administration's Department of Education accused New York officials of discriminating against Native Americans by banning school mascots based on their culture, marking a shift in federal civil rights law interpretation and supporting local efforts to retain such mascots.

The Supreme Court approved the transfer of a Native American sacred site in Arizona to a copper-mining company, allowing the land to be used for mining despite its spiritual significance to the Western Apache Indians.

The U.S. Supreme Court rejected a Native American group's attempt to block a copper mine in Arizona that would destroy a sacred site, Oak Flat, citing legal and procedural reasons, despite arguments that the project violates religious rights and tribal traditions.

President Joe Biden will designate the Carlisle Federal Indian Boarding School National Monument in Pennsylvania, acknowledging the trauma inflicted on Native American children by federal Indian boarding schools. This announcement will be made during the final Tribal Nations Summit of his presidency.

California will remove the derogatory term "squaw" from over 30 geographic features by 2025, following a 2022 bill signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. This initiative is part of a broader effort to eliminate offensive place names, reflecting a commitment to cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. The term, historically used as a slur against Native American women, has been targeted for removal across the U.S., with federal actions already underway. Local governments must rename affected sites, or a state commission will recommend alternatives.
"Fancy Dance," a film by Erica Tremblay on Apple TV+, explores the resilience of Native American families against the backdrop of cultural violence and forced assimilation. The story follows Jax, a queer Cayuga woman, and her niece Roki as they navigate the challenges of keeping their family together amidst systemic neglect and racism. Anchored by strong performances from Lily Gladstone and Isabel Deroy-Olson, the film highlights the importance of cultural identity and community support.