Indigenous News Recap: March 9–13 2026 — Idle No More Resurgence, Treaty Delegation & DHS Nominee

This week’s Indigenous news shows that politics, culture and community resilience are inseparable. While some leaders traveled to London to extend invitations for treaty commemorations, others rallied in the streets against environmental rollbacks and funding cuts. A historic nomination in U.S. politics made headlines, as did breakthroughs in language rights and buffalo conservation. Whether you’re following policy or cultural revival, here’s everything you need to know.

Quick Overview of Top Stories

Date	Story	Key Takeaway
March 3	Nova Scotia Protest Against Budget Cuts	Hundreds of Mi’kmaw and allies protested provincial budget cuts impacting Indigenous programs; speakers argued that reconciliation cannot be seasonal.
March 5–6	Canadian Bills C‑5 & Bill 5 Spark Idle No More Concerns	Regional Chief Scott McLeod warned that proposed legislation weakening environmental protections could trigger a new Idle No More movement.
March 6	Friendship Centres Face Funding Cliff	Quebec friendship centres warned that federal and provincial funding will end March 31, forcing program cuts and layoffs.
March 6	Treaty 6 Delegation Heads to London	Saskatchewan First Nation leaders traveled to England to personally invite King Charles to the 150th commemoration of Treaty 6, hoping to educate the monarchy on treaty obligations.
March 5	Sen. Markwayne Mullin Nominated to DHS	U.S. President Donald Trump nominated Cherokee senator Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security, making him potentially the second Native American cabinet secretary.
March 6	Buffalo Restoration Report	The InterTribal Buffalo Council reported that more than 25,000 buffalo now roam tribal lands across 22 states, thanks to transfers of over 1,500 buffalo in 2025.
March 6	Jobs Data and Politics	Candidate Deb Haaland criticized President Trump’s economic policies after U.S. jobs data showed a loss of 92,000 jobs in February.
March 6	Language Activism Victory	Cornell student Kayla Toves successfully persuaded the university to accept Ōleo Hawaiʻi to fulfill her language requirement, highlighting the importance of Indigenous languages on campus.
March 5–6	National Native News Broadcasts	Stories included calls for tribal broadband sovereignty, wildfire risk research, a blue corn festival, Anchorage youth dance sessions and support for the Mullin nomination.

The sections below delve into each story, unpacking the context and significance for Indigenous nations and allies.

Idle No More & Environmental Bills

Canada’s relationship with Indigenous peoples has long been shaped by resource extraction and environmental regulation. This week, two pieces of legislation brought that tension back into focus: the federal Bill C‑5 and the Ontario provincial Bill 5. Both bills seek to streamline environmental approvals for mining, forestry and energy projects. According to Lake Huron Regional Chief Scott McLeod, these bills fail to uphold treaty obligations and could ignite a resurgence of the Idle No More movement. In an interview, McLeod explained that the Idle No More protests of 2012 were born out of “economic apartheid,” and he warned that the current government risks repeating past mistakes.

What’s at Stake?

Bill C‑5 aims to replace the Impact Assessment Act with a process that critics say gives industry greater influence over environmental reviews. Bill 5, introduced in Ontario, reduces provincial oversight of forestry and mining, shifting more responsibilities to industry and “cutting red tape.” McLeod argued that these bills represent a pattern of governments sacrificing Indigenous rights for economic gain. He noted that rising inflation and cost of living have made it harder for First Nations communities to unify, but that the frustration is palpable. Idle No More was sparked when similar policies threatened land and water. Should these bills pass without meaningful consultation, protests could return across Canada.

Analysis

Environmental legislation is a lightning rod because it touches on sovereignty and self‑determination. Canada’s Supreme Court has affirmed the duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous nations on projects that affect their territories. Yet many communities argue that consultations are rushed, underfunded and ultimately ignored. Idle No More—a grassroots movement led largely by women—taught Canadians that Indigenous rights activists are sophisticated at mobilizing social media and building alliances. As these new bills progress, watch for youth and women to lead the pushback, potentially bringing Idle No More back into the mainstream conversation.

Friendship Centres Facing a Funding Cliff

On March 6, the Quebec Native Friendship Centre coalition warned that friendship centres across Quebec could lose vital funding when Canada’s Urban Programming for Indigenous Peoples program ends on March 31. Executive director Philippe Tsaronséré Meilleur of Native Montreal said his centre will face serious cuts to social workers, mental‑health programs and cultural services. The centres—which provide support to off‑reserve Indigenous people—rely on federal and provincial contributions. Rising inflation and housing costs have already strained budgets; core funding for some centres has been reduced by more than 50 percent.

Importance of Friendship Centres

Friendship centres offer essential services to Indigenous people living in cities: housing assistance, employment counseling, youth programs, language classes and crisis support. These centres also host cultural events, connecting off‑reserve residents with elders and traditions. Meilleur noted that cuts to these programs would not only harm clients but also undermine reconciliation efforts. As migration to urban areas increases, friendship centres have become lifelines; losing them would leave a gap in social services that mainstream agencies are ill‑equipped to fill.

Broader Context

Funding issues for urban Indigenous organizations are not new. While the federal government has pledged billions for infrastructure and child services on reserves, the needs of urban Indigenous populations often fall through the cracks. This story underscores the importance of sustained, predictable funding and the challenges of navigating federal–provincial jurisdictional disputes. With the end of March looming, advocacy groups are urging both levels of government to commit to long‑term funding to avoid layoffs and program closures.

Treaty 6 Delegation Invites King Charles

Another major story this week came from Saskatchewan, where Treaty 6 leadership boarded a plane for London. Their mission: to personally invite King Charles III to the 150th anniversary commemoration of the 1876 treaty. Delegates Gary LaPlante, Chief Edwin Ananas, Chief Nicole Dionne and others planned to present gifts—including baby mukluks representing future generations—and to explain the treaty’s ongoing significance. LaPlante explained that the visit is about education; many in the British monarchy do not fully understand that treaties were meant to be nation‑to‑nation agreements, not acts of benevolence.

Why This Invitation Matters

Treaty 6 covers a vast territory across present‑day Alberta and Saskatchewan and was supposed to guarantee Indigenous nations the right to hunt, fish and occupy their lands in exchange for sharing territory with newcomers. However, treaty promises have been repeatedly broken, and the federal government holds unilateral power over treaty implementation. Inviting King Charles to the anniversary is symbolic: it reminds the Crown of its role in treaty relationships. Chiefs hope that his attendance would raise international awareness of Canada’s treaty obligations and encourage the government to fully honor them.

Reaction & Anticipation

Some have criticized spending resources on a royal visit, arguing that energy should be invested in enforcing treaty rights at home. Others see it as a strategic way to shame the federal government into action. Whether or not King Charles accepts, the act of traveling to London underscores the global dimension of treaties. The delegates’ gift of baby mukluks serves as a powerful metaphor: treaties are meant to sustain future generations, not simply to address the needs of the present.

Historic Nomination: Sen. Markwayne Mullin for DHS Secretary

On the other side of the medicine line, the United States made headlines with a historic nomination. On March 5, President Donald Trump fired the previous Homeland Security Secretary and announced his intention to nominate Sen. Markwayne Mullin (Cherokee Nation) to lead the department. This nomination would make Mullin only the second Native American to serve as a cabinet secretary since 1871. The first was Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo), who served as Interior Secretary from 2021 to 2024.

Details of the Nomination

Trump praised Mullin’s law enforcement background and his support for strict immigration policies. Mullin, who currently sits on the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, accepted the nomination, vowing to continue the “America First” agenda and to ensure border security. The nomination requires Senate confirmation; if approved, Mullin would oversee agencies like Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Reactions

The National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) issued a statement congratulating Mullin and noting that his confirmation would mark a new milestone for Native representation in the federal government. NCAI President Fawn Sharp said the organization expects robust tribal consultation on issues such as border security, climate change and emergency management. Some Indigenous advocates welcomed the nomination as a chance to bring tribal perspectives to a department often criticized for violating Indigenous rights at the border. Others expressed concern about Mullin’s conservative record and whether he would prioritize tribal sovereignty over party lines. The coming confirmation hearings will determine how he navigates those tensions.

Buffalo Restoration Report

On March 6, the InterTribal Buffalo Council (ITBC) released its 2025 herd report, showing that more than 25,000 buffalo now roam tribal lands across 22 states. The organization, which coordinates buffalo transfers between conservation herds and tribal nations, said that more than 1,500 buffalo were transferred to over 20 tribal nations in 2025. This surge is part of a decades‑long movement to restore buffalo to the plains, reversing the near‑extinction caused by 19th‑century colonization and slaughter.

Cultural & Ecological Significance

Buffalo, or bison, are integral to the cultural, spiritual and economic lives of many Plains tribes. They provide food, shelter, clothing and tools. Their near‑extinction was a deliberate strategy by U.S. military leaders to force tribes onto reservations. The ITBC’s report notes that restoration is not just about animal numbers but about cultural healing and sovereignty. ITBC board president Ervin Carlson said that returning buffalo to tribal lands “is a reclamation of our identity and our right to feed ourselves”.

What’s Next

The report urges continued federal funding for buffalo restoration and highlights the need for infrastructure, such as fencing and veterinary support. It also calls for public awareness campaigns to educate non‑Native audiences about the spiritual connection between tribes and buffalo. For travelers, this news means more opportunities to witness buffalo herds on tribal lands and to support community‑run tourism initiatives.

Economic & Jobs News

The release of February U.S. jobs data provided fodder for political debate. The Labor Department reported that the U.S. economy lost 92,000 jobs in February 2026. New Mexico gubernatorial candidate Deb Haaland (Pueblo of Laguna) seized on the numbers to criticize President Trump’s economic policies. Haaland argued that Americans are “struggling to keep a roof over their heads” and that Trump’s agenda is harming families. She noted that job losses were most severe in the retail and manufacturing sectors, which employ many Indigenous workers.

Implications for Indigenous Communities

Haaland’s comments underscore the disproportionate impact of economic downturns on Indigenous peoples. Many tribal economies rely on tourism, gaming or resource development, sectors vulnerable to market fluctuations. Additionally, a decline in retail jobs affects urban Indigenous workers. Haaland called for investment in renewable energy and infrastructure as a way to create jobs while respecting tribal sovereignty.

Language Rights & Student Activism

Language preservation took center stage this week when Kayla Toves, a student of Kanaka ʻŌiwi and Acoma Pueblo descent at Cornell University, convinced the university to accept Ōleo Hawaiʻi (Hawaiian language) to meet her foreign language requirement. After her initial request was denied because Ōleo Hawaiʻi is not offered at Cornell, Toves petitioned and rallied community support. Ultimately the university reversed its decision, recognizing the legitimacy of Indigenous languages. Toves explained that she draws strength from her heritage and urged other Indigenous students to treat their heritage as a “superpower”.

Significance

This story resonates with ongoing efforts to revitalize Indigenous languages. Many universities still treat them as exotic curiosities rather than living languages. Toves’ victory sets a precedent for other institutions to recognize Indigenous languages within curricula. Her activism also demonstrates the power of student-led movements to reform academic policies that inadvertently marginalize Indigenous knowledge.

National Native News Broadcasts

Daily broadcasts from National Native News (NNN) provided additional insights into the week’s happenings:

• On March 5, NNN reported on a study by the Urban Institute advocating for tribal broadband sovereignty, emphasizing that tribes should control their own digital infrastructure and that doing so would create jobs and protect cultural data. The broadcast also featured a story about fire management research; Oregon State University and the U.S. Forest Service found that re‑introducing Indigenous fire stewardship could restore old‑growth forests and reduce wildfire risk.
• On March 6, NNN covered the Mullin nomination and highlighted a Blue Corn Festival in Phoenix that celebrates a traditional crop and food sovereignty, encouraging attendees to wear blue. The broadcast also told the story of Anchorage youth practicing Yuraq (traditional Yup’ik dance) in the lobby of a hospital, showing how cultural practices promote healing.

Why These Stories Matter

The broadband sovereignty report underscores that digital infrastructure is not just about connectivity but about self‑determination. When tribes control their own networks, they can protect sacred sites and cultural heritage from exploitation. The fire stewardship research connects climate resilience with Indigenous knowledge, demonstrating that ancient practices are key to modern ecological challenges. The Blue Corn Festival and dance stories highlight cultural revival and community healing—messages of joy amid political turmoil.

Other Notable Events & Protests

Nova Scotia Budget Protests

On March 3, hundreds of Mi’kmaq and allies rallied outside the Nova Scotia legislature to protest provincial budget cuts that would slash funding for Indigenous cultural programs, education initiatives and sports. Land defender Melanie Peter‑Paul condemned the government’s priorities, saying that reconciliation should not be a seasonal concept. Protesters expressed frustration that while the province invests heavily in resource extraction, it cuts funds for health and cultural initiatives. The demonstration suggests that tensions over budget allocations may grow as more provinces face fiscal pressures.

Blue Corn Festival & Food Sovereignty

Although the Blue Corn Festival took place on March 7, its themes reverberate throughout the week. Organized by the NDN Girls Book Club and Arizona Humanities, the festival celebrates a plant central to Diné, Hopi and Apache cultures. It features local cuisine, art, poetry and family‑friendly activities. Organizers Amber McCrary and Kinsale Drake explained that the festival aims to protect foodways and uplift Indigenous voices, adding that participants are encouraged to wear blue as a statement of unity. Food sovereignty events like this highlight the connection between culture and sustainability.

In Review: Themes & Takeaways

This week’s news reminds us that Indigenous communities are navigating multiple frontiers simultaneously: political, cultural, ecological and economic. The potential resurgence of Idle No More is a warning that governments cannot continue to sideline treaty rights when drafting environmental laws. Funding shortfalls threaten urban Indigenous services at the same time as Buffalo restoration shows the power of intertribal cooperation. The Treaty 6 delegation traveling to London illustrates the global dimension of treaty relationships. Student activism and language revitalization highlight the role of youth in reclaiming space in institutions that were not designed for them.

Meanwhile, the nomination of an Indigenous senator to lead the Department of Homeland Security complicates narratives about representation. While representation at high levels matters, the policies such appointees champion will determine whether Indigenous communities benefit or suffer. Observers should watch the confirmation process carefully and hold nominees accountable to tribal sovereignty and human rights.

• Internal Links: Powwow Guide March 9–13 2026 (link to Blog 1), Educational Feature on Language Revitalization (link to Blog 3)

Social Media Captions

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📰 This week in Indigenous news: protests erupt over environmental rollbacks, friendship centres warn of a funding cliff, Treaty 6 leaders travel to London, a Cherokee senator is nominated for DHS and students win language rights at Cornell. Dive into our recap for context, analysis and what it all means for Indigenous nations. Share and stay informed! #IdleNoMore #FriendshipCentres #Treaty6 #Mullin #BuffaloRestoration

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Newsletter Summary

Indigenous News Recap — March 9–13 2026

This week, Mi’kmaw land defenders and allies marched in Nova Scotia to protest provincial budget cuts, urging Premier Tim Houston to keep reconciliation on the agenda. Regional Chief Scott McLeod warned that federal Bill C‑5 and Ontario’s Bill 5 could spark a new Idle No More movement by weakening environmental protections. Quebec friendship centres sounded the alarm about impending funding cuts that could shutter programs at the end of March. Meanwhile, Treaty 6 leaders flew to London to invite King Charles to the treaty’s 150th anniversary commemoration and to educate the monarchy on treaty obligations. In the United States, President Trump nominated Cherokee Senator Markwayne Mullin to lead the Department of Homeland Security—he would be only the second Native cabinet secretary—and the National Congress of American Indians called for robust tribal consultation. Other headlines include a report showing buffalo herds on tribal lands now exceed 25,000 animals, Deb Haaland’s critique of weak jobs numbers, and Cornell student Kayla Toves’ success in getting Ōleo Hawaiʻi accepted as a foreign language requirement. Tune in to our blog for the full analysis and context.