“We are still here” Muscogee youth witness history at Council Oak Tree

(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

Relative of neglected Native girl uncovers pattern of atrocities and greed in Oklahoma

(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

Legacy of the Choctaw Code Talkers to be honored on Veterans Day

(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 first to fly Muscogee flag

(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

The Cost of a Life: A High Price for a First Offense

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

Healing Perpetrators: Reversing Native violence tied to impacts of colonization

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

Laughter and healing: How Full Blood Productions is uniting Oklahoma one show at a time

(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

Advocates centering culture to address domestic violence in Native communities

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

Teen’s death highlights persistent challenges with Oklahoma’s MMIP cases

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,

Native inclusion gains ground under Tulsa’s new leadership

(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

Indigenous Roots At-A-Glance

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

Enbridge highlights Indigenous community investment, talks pipeline safety

(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