Graduation rates at U.S. Bureau of Indian Education schools have significantly increased, reaching 79% by 2025, up from just over half in 2015. This surge is attributed to a renewed focus on career training, improved data reporting, and local innovations, though concerns remain about potential impacts from federal policy changes.
Native Americans are commemorating the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Little Bighorn, also known as the Battle of Greasy Grass, with horse rides, reenactments, and a large camp in Montana. The event celebrates the victory of allied tribes over the U.S. Army, which resulted in the death of Lt. Col. George Armstrong Custer and over 200 troops, while also reflecting on the ongoing injustices faced by Native peoples.
A new fossil DNA study suggests horses originated in North America millions of years ago. An extinct Chinese lineage, the Dalian horse, carried American ancestry to Siberia, influencing modern European horses.
Native Americans' history with the U.S. is marked by displacement and suppression, yet their contributions and resilience are increasingly recognized. Symbols of patriotism incorporated into beadwork and high military service rates highlight a complex relationship with national identity, especially as the U.S. marks its 250th anniversary.
