Buffalo's Fire

Buffalo’s Fire produces independent journalism to enhance the quality of life for Native communities through news coverage that informs and engages American Indians and lifts up their stories to the broader culture.

Buffalo’s Fire adheres to ethical policies and standards set forth by the Society of Professional journalists. This includes reporting fair, accurately and responsibly, acting independently from outside influence and being accountable and transparent. 

Buffalo’s Fire is published by the Indigenous Media Freedom Alliance, a 501(C)(3) nonprofit media organization with articles of incorporation in North Dakota.

The organization may consider donations to support the coverage of particular topics but maintains editorial control of the coverage. It will cede no right of review or influence of editorial content, nor of unauthorized distribution of editorial content. 

The organization will also make public all donors who give a total of $1,000 or more per year. It will accept anonymous donations for general support only if it is clear that sufficient safeguards have been put into place that the expenditure of that donation is made independently by the organization and in compliance with INN’s Membership Standards.

As a national digital news service covering Indian Country, Buffalo's Fire's staff and reporters need an immensely broad understanding of American Indian life and issues that can range from federal law to health to culture. At the community level, reporters must have respect for and knowledge of each tribe’s history, values, and traditions. Without this understanding and indigenous ways of knowing, stereotypes will be perpetuated and sacred traditions may be violated. Therefore, they place the utmost importance on hiring reporters and contributors from different tribal backgrounds and experiences.

Buffalo's Fire stands by reported information as accurate, and if it’s not, it will change it as quickly as possible and be transparent with readers about the magnitude of the error.

Buffalo's Fire makes every effort to pursue information on the record to remain reliable, transparent and credible in American Indian communities. Anonymous sources are a last resort, but some stories cannot be told without allowing sources to go unnamed. 

There are times when reporters need confidential sources to serve our communities and their right to self-governance. Responsible journalism in the public interest may depend on confidential sources that give journalists information that powerful people seek to keep secret. These sources may face repercussions that could be legal, job-related retribution or personal safety. Those risks often extend to their sources’ families.

Buffalo’s Fire also encourages whistle-blowers to securely send in tips and information that could be of public concern ― videos, photos, story topics and documents. The goal is to expose wrongdoing by companies, individuals and governments anywhere in the world. Buffalo’s Fire guarantees the protection of its sources.