April News Byte 2025
Honoring the past, fighting for the future
This month, we reflect on the strength of the human experience — honoring the lives lost through historic injustices, standing up for press freedom, and continuing the fight for our families’ futures.
Read more in this month’s News Byte below!
Weathering the Storms, Then and Now
Spring storms have once again left devastation across Oklahoma.
In Tulsa County, authorities recovered the bodies of a mother and daughter from Broken Arrow who were swept away in recent floods — a tragic reminder of nature’s power. Deputies said the family was visiting friends, took a wrong turn and ended up on a flooded bridge over a creek.
The lingering impact of disasters past is also being felt. Candace Harjo and her family are still recovering from the Holdenville tornado that struck one year ago. For 15-year-old Ryleigh, even feeling raindrops can trigger memories of that terrible day.
We are also reminded this month of the strength and fortitude Native people have shown throughout history.
In Louisiana, a new historical marker now honors more than 300 Mvskoke people who died in a steamboat wreck during forced the relocation. Researchers say the Monmouth, headed upriver, was forcibly transporting 693 Mvskoke people to Oklahoma on what is now known as the Road of Misery when it collided with a steamer.
The stories featured in this month’s VNN News Byte were 100% written and edited by journalists—no AI involved. However, this newsletter was generated using Artificial Intelligence to provide quick story overviews. Before publication, our team carefully reviews all AI-generated summaries for accuracy. We’re committed to transparency and want your input! Take this quick survey to help us improve our AI disclosure practices.
Oklahoma Justice and Legal
In Oklahoma, multiple battles for justice are underway.
After 27 years in prison for killing her abuser, April Wilkens is seeking release under the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act. Her legal team argues that her incarceration is now unlawful.
The Oklahoma Survivors’ Act provides a resentencing of up to 25 years in prison for those sentenced to life with parole who can prove their domestic abuse and show it was a significant factor in their crime.
Meanwhile, concerns about press freedom were raised after disciplinary action was taken against United Keetoowah Band Media Director Troy Littledeer — prompting a response from the Indigenous Journalists Association.
On Friday, Littledeer told VNN Oklahoma that he was notified by UKB Human Resources that his position had been terminated.
Standing Strong in Commerce and Connection
Business growth is another bright spot: like a Native-owned diagnostics company is celebrating the expansion of their services with a new facility, bringing greater access to Indigenous communities. Tribal Diagnostics offers 400 lab tests under $20, including metabolic panels, testing for diabetes, and cholesterol tests.
Travelers at Tulsa International Airport can now enjoy a stunning new exhibit celebrating Muscogee art and culture. The exhibit was curated by Carly Treece of Tvlse Studios as part of the Tulsa International Airport’s arts and culture program.
Verified News Network Oklahoma is kicking off a Listening and Learning Tour starting May 1, traveling across three tribal reservations to gather Indigenous input on civic issues. Let us know if you want to join us!
And thanks to Five Skies, Native people nationwide are gaining valuable skills — from financial literacy to leadership development — all rooted in Indigenous teachings.
Indian Country Partnership and Policy
At the State of the Tribal Nations event, leaders including Principal Chief Geoffrey Standing Bear and Principal Chief David Hill addressed the future of healthcare, economic growth, and sovereignty in Indian Country.
Meanwhile, ongoing challenges persist.
Tobacco compact negotiations between the Osage Nation and the State of Oklahoma have stalled, with communications between the two parties breaking down.
On the other hand, another challenge but a win for tribal sovereignty.
An Oklahoma State Senate bill that would have taxed drivers with tribal plates via turnpike tolls failed to pass. According to Chief Hill, the turnpikes that run through the Mvskoke Reservation should have never been constructed in the first place without consultation from the Nation.
And Tribal food programs are facing funding cuts following changes to USDA programming, leaving many Native communities bracing for a difficult year.
Coming Up in May
Remember in February, when VNN Oklahoma held the MMIWG2T Historical Reporting Project in Tulsa? Our first stories in the series are almost ready to publish. The first ones will drop on May 5, National Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) Awareness Day.
Join us at the Capitol in Oklahoma City on May 5 as we talk about this much important work and keep an eye out for more information about this innovative project leading up to the event!
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With appreciation,
The VNN Team