Native American

Native American community warned underlying conditions make COVID more deadly

By Mike Desmond • Mar 12, 2021

The state Health Department has been reaching out to various communities across New York, working with them on COVID-19 and now on the importance of receiving the vaccine. Thursday evening’s "fireside chat" was with the Native American community.

Sovereignty, equity, the environment: A Native American voter weighs in on what's at stake

By Noelle E.C. Evans • Nov 6, 2020

While election results won’t be official until absentee ballots are counted, one local Native American voter says that there is more than partisan politics on the line.

What does Supreme Court decision on Oklahoma Native American territory mean for New York tribes?

By Ryan Zunner • Aug 20, 2020

A recent Supreme Court ruling found that a large portion of Oklahoma still falls into Native American Territory for the Muscogee Creek Tribe and other Midwestern tribes.

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3:19

WBFO's Ryan Zunner reports.

Erie County workshop seeks better understanding of Native culture in health care, emergencies

By Michael Mroziak • Apr 5, 2019

Native Americans have, on many tragic occasions, been subject to traumatic experiences which, in turn, have left long-term effects on the community's health and well-being. Erie County officials hosted a special training session Thursday designed to foster better understanding between Natives and non-Natives when addressing health and wellness needs.

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2:53

WBFO's Michael Mroziak reports.

The Path to Pot: Federal law could exclude tribes from NY's marijuana market

By Ryan Zunner • Dec 19, 2018

As New York heads perhaps towards a future of regulated recreational marijuana, it calls into question the unique status of Native American reservations. States can pass marijuana laws, but can tribes do the same?

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1:51

WBFO's Ryan Zunner reports.

Indian burial ground may delay Maritime Charter School expansion

By Mike Desmond • Jun 6, 2018

Development projects in Buffalo have become increasingly noisy as they move through the city review process. On almost every project there is a group of opponents who point out the many Green Code exemptions being approved to allow a project to move forward. A charter school expansion in South Buffalo is now facing those complaints, plus concerns over a Native American burial ground.

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1:23

WBFO's Mike Desmond reports

Remembering Kakwirakeron, a modern Mohawk icon

By David Sommerstein • Nov 29, 2017

Many Mohawks are mourning the loss of a high-profile and often times controversial, leader. Born in Buffalo, Kakwirakeron - also known by his English name, Arthur Montour Sr. - died on October 31. He was 75 years old and left behind 59 grandchildren.