Overview:

The week's edition of the ICT Newscast covers the news for the week ending June 5, 2026

The ICT Newscast for Friday, June 5, 2026, covers state primary elections, wildlife preservation, PRIDE month, NoDAPL, LandBack and more. Check out the ICT Newscast on YouTube for this episode and more.

Native Women Take Center Stage in Midterm Elections

Deb Haaland speaks to media following win for democrat candidate for New Mexico Governor
Credit: AP/KOAT

Several Native American women are making history as candidates in this year’s midterm elections. Deb Haaland is running for governor of New Mexico, while Mary Peltola of Alaska and Peggy Flanagan of Minnesota are vying for seats in the U.S. Senate. If elected, each candidate would become the first Native American woman to hold her respective office.

Lac du Flambeau Tribe and State at Odds Over Fishing Regulations

Native American tribal citizens from the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians go into building to see federal judge

On May 28, a federal judge heard arguments from the State of Wisconsin and Lac Du Flambeau Band regarding fishing regulations passed by the band. So far, the judge has declined to issue a ruling. The tribe considers the matter critical to the preservation of specific fish species and the long-term health of their waters.

Two-Spirit Identity Holds Deep Cultural Roots

Native American Tribal members celebrate PRIDE and 2 spirit identity smudging sage

As Pride Month is celebrated across the country, tribal citizens are sharing the meaning of the Two-Spirit identity and explaining how it differs from LGBTQ+ terminology. More than a label, Two-Spirit carries cultural and communal significance, representing both an identity and a responsibility within the community. Tribal members note that while the understanding of Two-Spirit people varies from tribe to tribe, the concept predates colonization and is deeply woven into Indigenous tradition.

North Dakota Summit Addresses Tribal Energy Gaps, Marks #NoDAPL Anniversary

Solar panels set up near Native American teepees housing as tribes gather to discuss how to move forward 10 years after the NoDAPL movement

A three-day summit in North Dakota will bring together tribal leaders and advocates to address inequities in energy funding for Native communities. The Indigenized Energy Initiative, which provides renewable energy products to tribal communities at no cost, hosts the gathering to mark the 10-year anniversary of the No Dakota Access Pipeline movement. The summit, set for  Sept. 16-18, features conversations, music, and a forward-looking discussion on tribal energy sovereignty. Indigenous allies and advocates, including Shailene Woodley and Mark Ruffalo, are among the special guests.

Haudenosaunee Cousins Reflect on a Lifetime of Making Music

Native American Rock musician artists playing guitar and singing performing in their band The Ripcords

Rex Lyons and Irv Lyons, Haudenosaunee cousins and members of the band the Ripcords, have been making music together for more than 50 years. Award-winning musicians, the duo released their album White Cadillac in 2024. In a recent interview, the cousins spoke about the influences that shaped their sound and how a shared love of music brought them together from the start.

Fond du Lac Band Celebrates Return of 3,400 Acres

Minnesotas Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan with Governor Tim Walz who signed and celebrate a 3,400 acre Landback for the Fond Du Lac Band

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is celebrating the return of 3,400 acres of ancestral land most recently held by the University of Minnesota. Governor Tim Walz signed legislation formalizing the land transfer, and the tribe has announced plans to restore and revitalize the land.

Author Blends Hip-Hop and Tradition in New Book and Soundtrack

Indigenous Author That Native Thomas discusses his new book and it's accompanying soundtrack Native Love: An X-Indian Chronicle in Zoom video

Author That Native Thomas has released Native Love: An X-Indian Chronicle, a new book accompanied by an original soundtrack blending hip-hop with traditional Indigenous music. Thomas says the music was crafted to reflect the emotional tone of the writing. The book weaves together old legends and contemporary life, tackling personal subjects including relationships, substance use and the complexity of identity. Thomas describes the stories as drawn directly from his own experiences and journey.

View previous ICT broadcasts here every week for the latest news from around Indian Country.

Keywords: Native American news 2026, Indigenous news, Native American news today, Tribal news, First Nations news, Native American representation, Native American Entertainment, Native Entertainers, Native American artist, Native artists, Indigenous artists, Indigenous, Community, Culture, LandBack, Identity, Native, Traditional, Heritage, Land, Music, Art, 2 spirit.