I have been tracking media coverage of the 2007 Consent Decree and have been pleased to see that most reporting on the issue has been balanced and reasonable. It is well documented that media coverage of topics related to American Indians and Indian affairs has been unbalanced and has had impacts on both public perception and policy making. Media coverage of Indian issues is critical because the majority of the general public has little to no direct contact with American Indians or tribal officials and news reports therefore serve as a primary influence on public perceptions of these issues (Jarding, Social Science Journal 2004). Local and regional newspapers around the state, including those in Ludington, Escanaba and Sault Ste. Marie, continue to provide coverage of this topic and their journalists are providing very professional and informative articles.
Furthermore, the recent news reports have given us a sense for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ public discussions of the 2007 Consent Decree and I am pleased to see their level of professionalism and balanced presentation of the topic. Unfortunately I have not yet made it to any of the MDNR’s public meetings, but it seems based on the media coverage that the MDNR is doing a stand-up job of leading these important discussions. I hope the MDNR’s productive public discussion on the Consent Decree is a sign that they are willing to work in an intergovernmental fashion with the 1836 tribes to co-manage fish, wildlife and ecosystems in the Ceded Territory in the future.
Lastly, I recently reviewed materials posted on the MUCC website regarding the 2007 Consent Decree and was again, very excited to see balanced and useful information that shows an understanding of treaty law and is respectful to Indian people and tribal resource rights.
It appears we have learned some important lessons from past experiences of treaty negotiations regarding resource use and management in and out of Michigan. If the 1836 tribes, the MDNR, federal agencies and other key partners can work together cooperatively, there is no doubt we can build on respective strengths and improve ecological and socio-economic conditions in the region over time.
Turtle Talk 