MIWRC Faces Funding Crisis
Minneapolis, MN – Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC), based in south Minneapolis, offers culturally specific services such as meals, foot care, and housing assistance. For decades, it has been a place of safety and healing for Indigenous women and families, particularly those coming from encampments or experiencing housing instability.
The center, which has served the community for more than 40 years, is now facing financial and operational challenges. According to CBS News Minnesota, the organization took a $300,000 hit due to federal funding cuts and was recently vandalized, prompting the need for a new security camera system.
Ruth Anna Buffalo, a former North Dakota legislator, became CEO of the center in March 2024. She told CBS News Minnesota that she immediately recognized the urgency of the center’s financial state upon arrival, emphasizing that the organization is at a “critical juncture.”
Despite the growing need for its services, the MIWRC is struggling to maintain operations and staffing. The center is asking the public for financial contributions and clothing donations to continue its work in the community. And in March, the non-profit was vandalized. They need a new security camera system and they took a $300,000 hit during federal cuts by the trump administration who has been gutting money for social services across the county.
“Critical, it’s critical, we are at a critical juncture right now,” Buffalo said.
To donate to MIWRC, see their website at : https://www.miwrc.org.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Deadline Nears for Heirs to Claim Part of $3.4B Indian Trust Settlement
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Heirs of Native Americans whose trust funds were mismanaged by the federal government have until June 30 to file a claim in a historic $3.4 billion class-action settlement.
The lawsuit, Cobell v. Salazar, accused the federal government of failing to properly manage Individual Indian Money (IIM) trust accounts, land, and other assets held in trust for Native American individuals. The courts found the government violated its fiduciary duties, including failing to provide accurate accounting for these funds.
Eligible claimants include heirs of more than 17,000 deceased IIM account holders whose settlement payments remain unclaimed.
To receive an award, heirs must submit a claim form along with documentation proving their heirship. Acceptable documents include:
– A tribal, state, or federal probate order naming heirs
– Official appointment of an executor, administrator, or personal representative
– A last will and testament approved through probate
– A small estate affidavit from an approved state
If a personal representative or executor has already been named, funds can be issued to that person, who will be responsible for distributing the award in accordance with the deceased class member’s wishes.
More information is available at: https://cobellsettlement.com.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Black Bear Casino Resort to Unveil Expanded Event Center
CARLTON, MN. — Black Bear Casino Resort will celebrate the grand opening of its newly expanded Event Center with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 8.
The $21 million expansion adds 20,000 square feet to the Otter Creek Convention Center, creating a flexible venue for weddings, conferences, galas and community events. The project was led by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, which owns and operates the resort and is the largest employer in northeast Minnesota.
Of the total investment, $5 million went toward local labor and $16 million toward local and regional materials.
The updated facility features modern amenities including high-speed internet, AV technology, customizable lighting, catering services and configurable seating. Conveniently located off I-35 in Carlton, the resort is less than 25 minutes from Duluth and two hours from the Twin Cities.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Voter ID Bill will Disen-franchise Native voters
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The House on April 10 passed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which would require documentary proof of citizenship — such as a passport or birth certificate — to register to vote in federal elections.
The bill, introduced by Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, passed 220-208 along party lines. Supporters say it aims to prevent noncitizen voting, though evidence of widespread fraud is minimal.
Critics, including Native American advocates, warn the measure could disenfranchise voters, especially in tribal communities where access to required documents is limited and tribal IDs may not qualify.
“This bill would do nothing to safeguard our elections, but it would make it much harder for all eligible Americans to register to vote,” said House Minority Whip Katherine Clark, D-Mass.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where its fate is uncertain.
