(MUSCOGEE RESERVATION) On the grounds where Muscogee ancestors placed the coals of their sacred fire nearly 200 years ago, hundreds gathered on the morning of Saturday, Nov. 1, to witness a historic moment: the official return of the Council Oak Tree Park and Stickball Park to the Muscogee Nation. The
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(MCCURTAIN COUNTY, Okla.) For 79-year-old Richard Johnston, retirement from his career as a computer programmer hasn’t led to a quiet life off the clock. The Choctaw citizen has honored his love of history by researching and investigating cases of Native minors who found themselves both in sudden wealth and
(OKLAHOMA) Nearly 1 in 5 Native Americans have served in the U.S. military, spanning generations and wars, even before Native Americans were recognized as US citizens. Their contribution has meant the difference between victory and defeat. During World War I, 19 Choctaw soldiers are credited as being essential to
(BROKEN ARROW, Okla.) While Oklahoma has been a state for more than a century, the Tribal Nations that have been here before statehood continue to define its identity and amplify its strength. On September 2, the Broken Arrow City Council amended Ordinance 3890, Section 2-15 to allow the city to
Editorial
In July 2025, Crosswinds News began working with women incarcerated at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center and Dr. Eddie Warrior Correctional Center in Oklahoma, listening to pitches for editorial (opinion) stories, providing feedback, and offering editing support. This is one of those stories. Written By: Crystal Avilla I spent the last
This story is part of Crosswind News’ “Returning to Balance” Solutions Journalism Series. Using a solutions journalism approach, these stories highlight Indigenous led, culturally informed strategies to address challenges that disproportionately affect Native communities. "Returning to Balance" aims to inspire leaders, health organizations, and community members to consider
(TULSA, Okla.) When heartbreak and exhaustion collided back in 2009, Justin McLemore never imagined an impulsive idea that came to him after three sleepless nights would still be growing 16 years later. McLemore was working overnight shifts at Hillcrest Hospital in Tulsa, coping with the end of a marriage. One
Carrying stories from the heart of Indian Country
This story is part of Crosswind News’ “Returning to Balance” Solutions Journalism Series. Using a solutions journalism approach, these stories highlight Indigenous led, culturally informed strategies to address challenges that disproportionately affect Native communities. "Returning to Balance" aims to inspire leaders, health organizations, and community members to consider
But Oklahoma law enforcement is learning collaboration with tribal police can make a difference. Written By Carrie Johnson (PAULS VALLEY, Okla.) Faith Lindsey was 17 when she went missing. At the time, she was working at a Sonic drive-in and was in a difficult and contentious relationship. On October 28,
(TULSA, Okla.) Many Native American tribes located in Northeast Oklahoma were forced here from their ancestral homelands after the signing of the Indian Removal Act in 1830 and subsequent actions. This includes the Muscogee (Creek) Nation, whose reservation covers much of present-day Tulsa. Tulsa city limits also include the Cherokee
The 2025 Indigenous Roots American Indian History Symposium brought together 150 people from across Oklahoma and beyond to learn and build toward a stronger, more just, more inclusive future. From the opening prayer to the final words of reflection, community hearts carried every conversation, song, and shared meal. It was
(CUSHING, Okla.) Indigenous reconciliation was front and center during a tour day Enbridge held with dozens of Tribal business leaders and professionals at their Cushing facility on October 8. Enbridge executives spoke with dozens of attendees from across the country about the company’s goals for continuing to work with
(TVLSE, Okla.) A new season has arrived for Verified News Network (VNN). After seven years of steady innovation and collaboration, the Native-owned, independent media organization VNN is embracing a powerful transformation, carried by the winds of change and guided by the same values that have grounded it since the beginning.
Photo Courtesy: Osage Nation Health This story is part of Crosswind News’ “Returning to Balance” Solutions Journalism Series. Using a solutions journalism approach, these stories highlight Indigenous led, culturally informed strategies to address challenges that disproportionately affect Native communities. "Returning to Balance" aims to inspire leaders, health organizations,
Written By: Chelsea T. Hicks | Osage News (OSAGE RESERVATION) Candace Shelton is the granddaughter of full blood Osage Mary Elkins, and the daughter of Mary Jacqueline Elkins Shelton. Mary Elkins died young at the age of 30 in 1932, and Shelton has long wondered what happened to her grandmother. Read
Written By: Frances Danger, Brittany Harlow, Russell Sun Eagle (TVLSE, Okla.) At Monday night's Tulsa Public Schools meeting, community members gathered to discuss the future of the Webster Warriors and Central Braves mascots. During the meeting, multiple heated exchanges took place as Native students and community members shared
(TULSA, Okla.) Final preparations are underway for the 2025 Belle's Kitchen Cook-Off and Graduation, taking place Friday at 4 p.m. at Crossover Community Impact, located at 1010 E 36th St N in Tulsa. General attendees will watch the cook-off live and enjoy a dinner catered by Carabelle’
(GLENPOOL, Okla.) Excitement is building as the Yuchi Language Project prepares to host zOyaha Fest 2025, a two-day cultural gathering taking place this weekend in Glenpool. The free, family-friendly festival has quickly grown into one of Oklahoma’s most dynamic celebrations. offering a full weekend of games, art, food, music,
On Sept. 8, the Tulsa Public Schools Board of Education voted to prohibit discriminatory school branding and begin removing Native American mascot imagery at Webster and Central schools. Pictured are some of the supporters who helped make this change possible. Written By: Russell Sun Eagle and Nico Berlin (TULSA, Okla.