November is Native American Heritage Month. It’s a time to celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of Indigenous peoples across the country.

Here in Michigan, that story runs deep. The state is the ancestral homeland of several tribes whose presence predates European settlement by thousands of years.

Today, we’re exploring Native American Heritage Month in Michigan—from the state’s Indigenous roots to the events, traditions, and ways you can celebrate and learn throughout November.

Plus: Why health insurance is so expensive this year, and what you can do about it.

Michigan lawmakers discuss bills to curb elder exploitation (MI Advance): Michigan lawmakers are weighing bipartisan bills to curb abuse in the state’s guardianship system. The measures would require court approval to move someone under guardianship and mandate appraisals before selling their home. Supporters say the reforms add needed oversight, but some critics warn they could raise costs.

Shutdown could also impact a MI utility assistance program (WZZM): Michigan energy officials warn that the federal shutdown could leave thousands without heat or electricity this winter. Funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program—covering half of the state’s energy aid—is set to run out by late November. Without new federal support, advocates say many families may have to choose between paying utility bills and other essentials.

More Chinese nationals charged in smuggling case (CBS News): Three Chinese nationals are facing federal charges tied to the smuggling of biological materials into Michigan. Prosecutors say the case is linked to a June arrest at Detroit Metro Airport involving similar shipments of genetically modified organisms. All three were scholars at the University of Michigan, which has since terminated them following an internal investigation.

Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians member Arrow Hatch, left, of Sault Ste. Marie, chases after Bay Mills Indian Community member Kendreya Teeple during an intertribal dance open to everyone as they move clockwise in the dance circle during the “Pow Wow in the D” event put on by the American Indian Health and Family Services at Wayne State University Intramural Field in Detroit on Saturday, May 17, 2025. (USA TODAY Network)

By USA Today Network

Communities across Michigan are gathering to celebrate the state’s Indigenous roots this month as November marks Native American Heritage Month nationwide.

Present-day Michigan is the ancestral homeland of the Ojibwe, Odawa and Potawatomi, Anishinaabe peoples forming the historic Council of Three Fires alliance, with the Indigenous presence pre-dating European settlements by more than 10,000 years.

“In the 1600s, the relationship the Anishinaabek had with their homelands drastically changed with the arrival of Europeans to the Great Lakes. Diseases, wars, and the efforts to remove the Anishinaabek from Michigan continued for centuries. Despite this, the Anishinaabek fought to remain,” Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore‘s website says.

The state is now home to 12 federally recognized tribes across both peninsulas, with more than 240,000 Native American or Alaska Native residents statewide, comprising 2.4% of Michigan’s population, according to the 2020 U.S. Census.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist declared November 2025 as Native American Heritage Month in Michigan in a Nov. 1 proclamation.

“We recognize and honor the achievements of Tribal governments and Native Americans and continue our efforts to ensure the State of Michigan recognizes, upholds, and honors Tribal sovereignty and collaborates fully with Tribal governments,” the proclamation read in part.

During the month, institutions throughout the state are celebrating with activities, discussions, feasts and a powwow.

From those celebrations, to more on Michigan’s Indigenous history, here’s what to know this Native American Heritage Month.

(Stefani Reynolds/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

By KFF Health News

This year’s Obamacare open enrollment period, which started Nov. 1 in most states, is full of uncertainty and confusion for the more than 24 million people who buy health insurance through the federal and state Affordable Care Act marketplaces.

Even with sign-up season underway, the fate of the enhanced premium tax credits that make coverage more affordable for 92% of enrollees remains up in the air, with the prospect of significantly higher premiums looming.

But there are steps marketplace shoppers can take to ensure they make the right choices for the upcoming plan year.

Earlier this week, we shared the news of a recently filed lawsuit by members of Michigan’s marijuana industry fighting back against a new 24% wholesale marijuana tax—which could make recreational cannabis in the state among the most expensive in the country.

So, we asked:

Do you think the tax is a good idea to fix our roads, or will it be bad for businesses?

Here are some highlights:

“I support cannabis tax to support infrastructure.  Leisure is expensive and cannabis falls into that category.  Infrastructure in Michigan is critical so why not.” — Sherryl Acey

“They were already supposed to use the tax for roads when recreational cannabis was first signed into law, but now workers are still being blocked from trades careers just for using it legally. It’s time to bring awareness to this unfair barrier and push for policies that let responsible adults work without being punished.” — Logan Furgason

“I think 24% is out of the question and bad for business.  Put more toll roads on expressways,  or raise the alcohol tax. There’s already an extra 10% tax on this. Now it’s 16% tax, alcohol is 6%.” — Barbara Winowiecki

“It will be bad for business. I know many people who live in Indiana and could travel to a much closer location in a neighboring state but instead travel to Michigan. That will have a big Impact.” — Heidi Hunsinger

“I believe we should tax it more to fix our roads. It is something that is recreational and not mandatory. It’s their choice. The roads and the gas we need to drive on them is required. That’s why I don’t believe our fuel should be taxed anymore higher either as well as license plates and the like.” — Steve Letts

“Yes on Road tax! And I’m retired. We all pitch in somehow without hitting the working poor!” — Kathleen Murphy-Keedy

“I consider recreational cannabis use to be a luxury. Give it a luxury tax. I would much rather have good roads and bridges and less automobile damage.” — Amy Delpiere

“The tax is a bad idea! Politicians did what they always do, find a minority and pass a sin tax!” — Rick McCarty

Do you have a question you’d like me to ask our community? Send it my way. I might feature it in a future newsletter.

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with stories by USA Today Network via Reuters Connect and KFF Health News. It was edited by Brook Bolen.

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