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 CITY, Okla.) The influence of Indian Country businesses on the State of Oklahoma’s economy cannot be understated, according to tribal
Pictured is Owasso mother Natasha Rogers and teen daughter (OWASSO, Okla.) A community is in mourning following the death of 16-year-old Nex Benedict, an Owasso High School student who died a day after an alleged fight at school. Benedict, a binary student who went by they/their pronouns, was taken
(OWASSO, Okla.) It’s been almost two weeks since the death of Dagny “Nex” Benedict, a 16-year old Owasso student who was beaten in a high school bathroom the day before they died. While both Benedict’s obituary and a GoFundMe set up for their funeral costs referring to Benedict
Note: An earlier version of this story identified the deceased as a Cherokee citizen following citizenship reports from their obituary, local community members and organizations. VNN has been unable to confirm this information from official sources and updated this report to reflect the facts available at this time. Tribal affiliation
(MUSCOGEE NATION) Recent data from Oklahoma’s Department of Human Services shows American Indian children continue to face disproportionate levels of child neglect and abuse across the state, including 20 percent of substantiated abuse and neglect cases in 2023 despite making up only 14 percent of the population. Those numbers
(MUSCOGEE NATION) Update: Legislation to codify same-sex marriage in Muscogee Creek Nation failed to pass the Business, Finance, & Justice Committee Thursday night, with one in favor of the legislation and three against. Muscogee Creek Nation Council Representative Dode Barnett (Creek District Seat A), who sponsored the legislation, was the
(MUSCOGEE NATION) It was a probate scandal that sent shockwaves across the nation. Evidence of assault, suspected murder, and a complete disregard for the humanity and rights of American Indians were investigated and compiled into the Indian Rights’ Association’s 1924 report “Oklahoma’s Poor Rich Indians”. Support for change
(GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.) Champagne, bingo, and lots of laughter filled Social House in downtown Grand Rapids for a “Bingo and Bubbly” fundraiser on the evening of February 1st. Dozens of people came together to raise money for a local non-profit, Redeemed Mobile Boutique. The boutique helps women leaving situations that
(TULSA, Okla.) Now in its 15th year, Just The Beginning, Inc. has made it their mission to help those no one else will. The State of Oklahoma has a history that includes injustice and oppression. That legacy continues to this day, reinforced by our justice system’s criminalization of women.
Trigger Warning: This story discusses domestic violence and other related abuse, which may be distressing and triggering for some individuals. Please proceed with caution and prioritize your mental and emotional well-being. If you need support, consider speaking to a mental health professional by calling 988, texting the Crisis Text Line
(CHICKASAW NATION) Tribal compacts were finalized between Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and the Chickasaw Nation and Apache Tribe this month. The agreements follow years of strained relations between the Stitt’s administration and tribal governments, including the Five Civilized Tribes recently declining to participate in the “One Oklahoma Task Force”
(MUSCOGEE NATION) VNN’s Brittany Harlow was recently featured on Mvskoke Media’s Live Wire show to discuss the network’s upcoming Citizen Journalism Project. Jerrad Moore: Okay guys, welcome back to our Holiday Edition of Live Wire, the program where we take your questions from the chat. I'