Sioux County Social Service News

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State board weighs uranium exploration near Craven Canyon amid disputes over water, cultural sites, and process



(L. to R.) Assistant to Lakota interpreter Leola One Feather, Mike Blady, board members, tribal attorney Steven Gunn. (Photo by Marnie Cook) HOT SPRINGS – A federal lawsuit alleging due process and language-access violations immediately suspended the state hearing on a proposed uranium exploration project near Craven Canyon, after days

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Shared by Native Sun News Today May 22, 2026

NABS celebrates landmark fourth circuit decision



MINNEAPOLIS, MN — The National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition (NABS) celebrates the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals’ historic ruling affirming that the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) applies to the remains of Native children buried at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School cemetery. The decision marks

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Shared by Native Sun News Today May 22, 2026

Rapid City Sports Association honors local Sports Heroes



Nathaniel Dickerson displaying his plaque. (Photo by Kirk Dickerson) RAPID CITY — The Rapid City Sports Association held its 4th Annual Sports Hall of Fame and Recognition Banquet, honoring some of the area’s finest athletes. The event is organized by Domingo Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Rapid City Sports Commission.

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Shared by Native Sun News Today May 22, 2026

Breaking barriers since 1972



Superintendent Danielle Walking Eagle receives flowers during a May 15, 2026 celebration at Saint Francis Indian School, marking the school’s rise from “Needs Improvement” to “Approaching Expectations” under the BIE accountability system. SAINT FRANCIS – On May 15, 2026, at 2:15 p.m., the Saint Francis Indian School High School Gym

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Shared by Native Sun News Today May 22, 2026

Chatkú Arts Center to open Its doors June 6 with community celebration in Ma.píya Lúta



The newly re-envisioned Chatkú Arts Center in Mahpíya Lúta, Pine Ridge, stands ready to welcome visitors for its Grand Opening Celebration on June 6, 2026. Formerly The Heritage Center, the space continues a decades-long legacy of uplifting Native artists and preserving Indigenous creativity through exhibitions, education, and community engagement. MAHPIYA

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Shared by Native Sun News Today May 22, 2026

Native Sun News Today Weekly Digest

Oglala Sioux Tribe expands emergency services capacity The Oglala Sioux Tribe announced new investments in emergency response infrastructure this week, including upgraded radio systems and expanded ambulance coverage. Tribal officials say the improvements are part of a broader effort to reduce response times across the Pine Ridge Reservation. Funding comes

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Shared by Native Sun News Today May 21, 2026

New law targets mortgage delays on Tribal Trust land



Sharon Vogel, chair of the South Dakota Native Homeownership Coalition and executive director of the Cheyenne River Housing Authority WASHINGTON — Tribal housing leaders say a newly signed federal law aimed at reducing mortgage delays on Tribal trust land marks one of the most significant policy shifts for Native homeownership

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Shared by Native Sun News Today May 21, 2026

Reentry program helps system-impacted families in Rapid City



Connie Hopkins speaking at the “From Chains to Ceremony” Conference at the Ramkota in Rapid City on Monday May 11. Photo by Karen Eagle RAPID CITY – When Eric Brings White, Oglala Lakota, came home from prison, he did everything right: went to school, earned a social work degree, completed

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Shared by Native Sun News Today May 15, 2026

Infant’s death leads to murder charge



Baby Melinko and his parents, Tyler Slow Bear and Denitra Bagola. RAPID CITY — A 9-week-old infant whose disappearance triggered a multi-agency investigation was honored Tuesday as Indigenous motorcycle groups escorted him home to the Pine Ridge Reservation for burial. Baby Melinko Ivan Bagola, last confirmed seen on April 19,

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Shared by Native Sun News Today May 15, 2026

Litefoot inspires Takini School students with message of Leadership and Possibility



Litefoot posing with student at Takini School. (COURTESY photo) TAKINI — Students at Takini School received a powerful dose of motivation this week when Litefoot, a citizen of the Cherokee Nation, actor, rapper, entrepreneur, and longtime Native youth advocate, spent the day speaking with students in grades 6–12. His visit

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Shared by Native Sun News Today May 15, 2026