October 13, 2025
Opinion. It’s a good day to be Indigenous.
Currents
The following statement was released today on Indigenous Peoples' Day by the acting chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, David Z. Bean:
From Our Partners
Litchfield Park, Arizona , is a small, charming city just 30 minutes west of Phoenix . It is home to the historic four-star Wigwam Resort and Golf Course . It is also home to several award-winning annual festivals , including the Litchfield Park Gathering . The Gathering, which is free and open to the public, is a celebration of indigenous arts and cultures. This year’s festival will be held on January 10 and 11, 2026. The festival is open daily from 10am until 5pm.
When you think of Native American art, what comes to mind? Maybe birchbark woven into a sturdy basket, colorful beadwork stitched onto leather, or ornately carved totem poles. These forms highlight techniques and materials that have been used by Native American artists for generations. And yet, they tell only part of the story.
Opinion
Opinion. It’s a good day to be Indigenous.
Guest Opinion. As Columbus Day approaches, having now been proclaimed by President Donald Trump in an Executive Order for the Monday national holiday. It is a change from the alternatively proclaimed Indigenous Peoples Day since 2021. President Biden was the first President to proclaim Indigenous Peoples' Day, as a national holiday.
Sovereignty
Indigenous Peoples’ Day, observed on October 13, 2025, is a time to recognize the history, culture, and ongoing contributions of Indigenous peoples across the United States.
TULSA, Okla. — As a federal government shutdown freezes services for millions across the country, tribal nations in Oklahoma are keeping their doors open, with leaders attributing their stability to self-governance, tribal business revenue and advance appropriations for key federal health services.
Education
A new nationwide study released by the National Native Scholarship Providers (NNSP) sheds light on the critical role that cultural affirmation, institutional support, and campus climate play in the success of Indigenous college students.
Seventy of the nation’s top Native American high school football players will take the field this winter at U.S. Bank Stadium, home of the Minnesota Vikings, for the 2025 Native All-American Football Game.
Arts & Entertainment
Last Friday, writer and filmmaker Julian Brave NoiseCat joined Native Bidaské host Levi Rickert to discuss his debut book, We Survived the Night , a deeply personal exploration of family, survival, and the stories that shaped his life.
The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians will host California-style Native American singing, dancing, food, and games at the 19th annual Santa Ynez Chumash Culture Day, taking place from noon to 9 p.m. on Saturday, October 18, at the corner of Highway 246 and Meadowvale Road in Santa Ynez.
Health
Environment
Bison resurgence persistent with a mix of support led by Native American tribes has created outcomes for places like the Modoc Nation in Oklahoma, where in 2025 there are now more buffalo than tribal members.
A few years ago, as Elaine Harvey washed three gallons of freshly picked huckleberries, she noticed something startling: Worms wiggling out of the dark-purple fruits.