In the heart of Floridaās wildlands, the Miccosukee Tribe has stepped forwardānot just as caretakers of their culture, but as defenders of the Earth itself.
This June, they announced a landmark collaboration with the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation, expanding protection efforts over 18 million acres of natural habitatāhome to Florida panthers, black bears, and sacred waters.
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Ā In a landmark statement, New Yorkās governor publicly apologized for the atrocities committed at state-run boarding schools for Native Americans ā institutions that sought to erase Indigenous languages, cultures, and identities. This long-awaited acknowledgment has been met with a mix of relief, sorrow, and cautious optimism from Indigenous leaders and community members across the state.
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A powerful shift is happening across Indian Country.
In Arizona, a new law called the āTurquoise Alertā has been passed to help locate missing Indigenous people faster ā bringing much-needed visibility to a long-overlooked crisis.
Meanwhile in Washington, lawmakers have reintroduced the Remove the Stain Act, calling for the removal of 20 Medals of Honor awarded after the Wounded Knee Massacre in 1890. This is more than legislation ā itās a call for healing and justice.
These steps reflect a growing recognition of Native history, dignity, and the right to be seen, protected, and remembered.
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Oak Flat, a sacred site for the Apache people, is under threat from large-scale mining projects. For generations, this land has been a place of prayer, ceremony, and cultural identity ā now, the community is uniting to protect it at all costs. Their voices echo with the urgency of preserving not just a place, but the soul of their culture. Supporters from across the country are joining in solidarity, adding momentum to this vital cause.
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Arizona has taken a groundbreaking step to address the crisis of missing Indigenous people by launching the Turquoise Alert system ā a rapid-response network aimed at mobilizing communities and law enforcement.
This initiative is modeled after other successful alert programs, ensuring that critical information reaches the public within minutes.
For families who have long felt unheard, it offers a renewed sense of hope and urgency.