March News Byte 2025
Community Engagement and Tribal Developments
Verified News Community, March has been a pivotal month.
Along with new blooms, the first month of spring also brought critical issues affecting Indigenous communities and multiple community initiatives.
Read on into this month’s VNN News Byte for more!
Voices for Justice Addresses MMIP Crisis
On March 27-28, the Osage Casino Hotel in Ponca City held the "Voices for Justice MMIP Symposium," focusing on the Missing and Murdered Indigenous People (MMIP) crisis.
The event featured keynote speakers, interactive presentations, and discussions aimed at providing resources and support for affected families and communities. Over 100 attendees gathered to engage with experts and advocates dedicated to exploring the crisis’s root causes and possible solutions.
In related news, domestic violence homicides are on the rise in Oklahoma, prompting calls for collaborative efforts to tackle this escalating problem. Advocates emphasize the importance of unified action among partners to address and prevent domestic violence in the state.
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.
Tribal News Updates
High winds have caused wildfires to spread across the Mvskoke Reservation, resulting in four confirmed deaths and over 140 injuries. Emergency services worked tirelessly to address the situation to ensure the safety of residents.
The General Services Administration's decision not to renew leases at several government agencies, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) office in Seminole, has raised concerns among tribal members about access to essential services.
And as Congress considers significant cuts to federal Medicaid funding, health centers serving Native American communities are expressing concerns about the potential impact on essential health programs. These cuts could severely affect services vital to the well-being of Indigenous populations.
Despite uncertainty surrounding the federal government upholding its treaty obligations, the newly appointed Interior Secretary has expressed a commitment to maintaining strong relationships with tribal nations, addressing the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) crisis, and reducing bureaucratic hurdles affecting Indigenous communities.
In Oklahoma, Attorney General Gentner Drummond recently praised the economic contributions of Oklahoma's tribes, acknowledging their role in enhancing the state's economy through various business ventures and community initiatives.
Community Growth and Innovation
The City of Broken Arrow is actively soliciting feedback from residents regarding green space and recreational projects. This initiative aims to enhance community engagement and ensure that development projects align with the needs and desires of local residents.
In Tulsa, Black Tech Street is leading the development of the Greenwood AI/AS Center of Excellence (G-ACE) in Tulsa's historic Black Wall Street. With a $10.6 million grant, this initiative aims to drive innovation and economic growth, benefiting both Black and Indigenous communities in the area.
Bringing People Together
March marked Irish American Heritage Month in Oklahoma, with various events and activities celebrating the contributions of Irish immigrants and their cultural impact on the state. VNN Oklahoma traveled to Choctaw Nation for their annual Choctaw Irish Friendship Fest in addition to taking part in events throughout Green Country.
Verified News Network (VNN) is also developing an AI-powered chatbot trained on Indigenous-led sources to combat misinformation affecting Native communities. We are calling on paid testers to provide feedback and help refine the tool!
Click here to join our community of testers.
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With gratitude,
The VNN Team