(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 VNN Oklahoma’s “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
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.) 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
(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,
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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.
This story is part of VNN Oklahoma’s “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
Building Health Security for Native Communities in Oklahoma
VNN Weekly Digest September 15 - September 21
(TULSA, Okla.) April Wilkens’ attorney has filed a petition asking the court to reconsider and reverse its recent decision to deny her release under the Oklahoma Survivors’ Act. Wilkens has been serving a life with parole sentence since 1998 for killing her rapist and abuser Terry Carlton. She has been
(TULSA, Okla.) Following a two-day hearing, domestic violence survivor April Wilkens was denied a shortened sentence despite her lawyer’s efforts to show that her crime was influenced by abuse. Wilkens is currently serving a life sentence for killing her rapist and abuser Terry Carlton. Tulsa County District Judge David
(MUSCOGEE RESERVATION) The hum of sewing machines and the rhythm of laughter fill the room as 12- to 18-year-olds gathered to learn a skill rooted in culture, creativity, and community. Launched in 2014, the Mvskoke Nation Youth Services Project (MNYS) is the driving force behind “Connect the Disconnect”, a program
Native Commerce News is sponsored by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO), dedicated to expanding Indian Country commerce across the globe. Written By: Rachael Schuit (OKLAHOMA) Leadership Native Oklahoma (LNO) is the signature program for the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO). On Monday August
(OKLAHOMA) – Oklahoma House representatives are launching interim studies on topics important to their districts and constituents. Freshman Rep. Mandy Clinton (D-District 71) secured approval for two studies, focusing on state-Tribal relations and the impact of data center expansion on Oklahoma’s water and power grid. “As I spoke to folks
(MUSCOGEE RESERVATION) The 73rd Annual Tulsa Powwow returned August 16 and 17, 2025, taking place at the Arvest Convention Center at 100 Civic Center. Hosted by the Tulsa Indian Club, the Tulsa Powwow welcomed dancers and visitors from across Oklahoma and beyond. Tulsa Indian Club chairman David Bible says organizing
This story was updated on August 12 to include additional information about the UKB's FOIA request process. (OKLAHOMA) Tribal officials from the United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians are demanding the retraction of a proposed U.S. Senate measure they say infringes on their tribal sovereignty and economic
(OKLAHOMA) Two Native-owned powerhouses specializing in infrastructure, engineering, environmental services, civil construction, and program and grant management are uniting as one. Grey Snow Native Strategies unites Grey Snow Professional Services, a Tribal-owned SBA 8(a) firm and economic engine of the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska, and Native Strategies,
Native Commerce News is sponsored by the American Indian Chamber of Commerce of Oklahoma (AICCO), dedicated to expanding Indian Country commerce across the globe. Written By: Rachael Schuit (MUSCOGEE RESERVATION) In less than a month, the Gathering Business Summit 2025 will convene at River Spirit Casino and Resort. This year’
(MARSHALL, Mich.) July 25, 2025 marks 15 years since one of the largest inland oil spills in history. On July 25, 2010, Enbridge’s Line 6B Pipeline ruptured, spilling oil into Talmadge Creek and eventually into the Kalamazoo River. More than one million gallons of tar sands oil were released.
Photo of Ledcie Stechi with her grandmother, provided by Richard Johnston, author of Choctaw Woman - Mela Comes Home During the first part of the 20th century in Oklahoma, many Indigenous minors were placed under guardians, who managed their estates and resources. A group of investigators believed they had a
(MUSCOGEE RESERVATION) In a society where Native American culture is often overlooked, one group is taking an innovative approach to connect with Native Americans and share Native culture. On June 23-25, Michelle Reed (Ojibwe) of N8V Dance Fitness traveled to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to offer free community fitness and cultural maker
(MUSCOGEE RESERVATION) After several months of development, “Lyle”, an AI-powered chatbot designed to fight misinformation and disinformation in Indian Country, is now ready to chat with you. Ask Lyle who he is, and he will likely respond that he is “an innovative, culturally grounded AI-powered chatbot designed to serve Native