Here is the order in Griffith v. Caney Valley Public Schools (N.D. Okla.):
22. Order and Opinion (5-20-15)
Prior materials here.
cultural resources
Anishinaabe nibi inaakonigewin (water law) gathering
Announcement from Professor Aimée Craft:
I hope that you will consider joining us for the Anishinaabe nibi (water) gathering taking place in the Whiteshell this June. After a few years of gathering with Elders on a project relating to Anishinaabe nibi inaakonigewin (water law), we are inviting people to come and learn about water teachings in an outdoor teaching lodge format. We want to focus on youth participation and attendance.
Please share with your networks and people you think would be interested in attending. All are welcome.
To RSVP and for questions: watergathering2015@gmail.com
*Also, please consider bringing a young person to accompany you or assist us with travel funding for youth.*
Goshute Indian Tribe Appeals BLM Gold Mine Approval, Massive Destruction of Cultural Artifacts
Press release here:
Today the Confederated Tribes of the Goshute Reservation announced it has filed an appeal of the BLM’s April 7, 2015 Record of Decision approving Newmont Mining Company’s Long Canyon Mine east of Wells, Nevada, and located in the heart of the Tribe’s archaeological cultural area. The massive open-pit mine would permanently destroy or remove thousands of Tribal cultural resources.
“The Long Canyon Mine area is a vitally important part of our cultural history and its destruction will erase a critical part of who we are as a people,” said Zelda Johnny, a Tribal Cultural Monitor and Tribal Council Vice-Chair.
The 45-page Tribal appeal is supported by documents showing the BLM refused to share known information about Tribal cultural items in the area and that the BLM insisted the Tribe waive legal claims in order to have access to the BLM’s Tribal information.
“How can our Tribe evaluate the impact of this proposed mine when the BLM would not give us access to the information about our historical ties to the site?” said Tribal Chairwoman Madeline Greymountain.
The administrative appeal is a required first step in the appeal process. “The Tribe is committed to forcing the BLM to follow the law and allow the Tribe a full and fair opportunity to participate in the federal review process before this special place and tribal artifacts are permanently destroyed forever. The BLM has failed its trust responsibility in this case,” said Paul Echo Hawk, Tribal Attorney.
For more information on April 7, 2015 Record of Decision and Long Canyon Mine Project:
http://www.blm.gov/nv/st/en/fo/elko_field_office.html
Appeal materials here:
2015-05-05 Notice of Appeal and Statement of Reasons – Filed
Controversy over Makah Treaty Whaling Rights Brewing
Here is “Sea Shepherd Announces Revival of Campaign Against Makah Treaty Rights.”
An excerpt:
From the beginning some opponents of Makah whaling engaged in behavior and used rhetoric that can contribute to anti-Indian bigotry and undermine the legitimacy of treaty rights. Some spread misinformation about treaty rights, as when the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society falsely claimed in 2005 that the Treaty of Neah Bay had been abrogated. Sea Shepherd echoed the rhetoric of the organized anti-Indian movement, declaring erroneously that upholding Makah treaty rights would be “tantamount to extra special rights for a group of people based on race and/or culture.” Anti-Indian activists use this same language in their quest to terminate tribal governments and abrogate all treaties. Sea Shepherd, Project Seawolf, Australians for Animals and other groups allied their cause with then-U.S. Representative Jack Metcalf (R-WA). Metcalf (now deceased) was a leader in the anti-Indian movement who maintained a firm foot in the politics of organized white supremacy. Anti-Makah groups have lobbied, litigated and engaged in direct action, including harassing Makah whalers and the tribal community.
Seventh Circuit Rules in Favor of Navajo Inmate on Religious Freedom Claim
Here is the opinion in Schlemm v. Wall.
And a release from Huy.
The Commerce Clause Argument against the Washington Football Team’s Nickname
Here is “Racial Slurs Shouldn’t Be Trademarked:The Washington football team’s name is an obstacle for interstate commerce,” by Robert Tsai and Christine Haight Farley.
An excerpt:
But one argument the DOJ makes only tepidly deserves far greater emphasis: In regulating commerce, Congress has the power—and perhaps even an obligation—to confront pervasive forms of inequality. As the DOJ explains, trademark law “prevents a mistaken perception of official endorsement of insult and calumny.” Yet the power to deny state approval goes further than that: It implicates the very idea of democratic self-governance. Disparaging marks can foster corrosive cultural stereotypes on the basis of race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation. Left entirely unregulated, the market would become the engine for perpetuating, and even entrenching, illiberal values.
Ninth Circuit Briefs in Challenge to Interior Withdrawal of Grand Canyon Lands from Uranium Mining
Here are the opening briefs in National Mining Assn. v. Jewell:
16 – Open Brief – no Addendum (Quaterra)
18 – Open Brief & Addendum (NMA)
29 – Utah, AZ, NV, MT – Amicus in Favor of Reversal
White Earth Nation Moves for Summary Judgment in Challenge to Two Oil Pipelines
Here is the motion in White Earth Nation v. Kerry (D. Minn.):
We posted the complaint here.
Indigenous activists among those killed worldwide for protecting the environment.
Here’s the BBC article.
US and Industry Defeat Challenge to Uranium Mining at Grand Canyon Mine
Here are the materials in Grand Canyon Trust v. Williams (D. Ariz.):
140-1 Plaintiffs Motion for Summary J
147-1 Intervenors Motion for Summary J
An excerpt:
This case arises out of the proposed renewal of operations at the Canyon Mine in Northern Arizona. The Canyon Mine is a breccia pipe uranium mine located six miles south of Grand Canyon National Park, in the Kaibab National Forest, and four miles north of Red Butte, a culturally and religiously significant site for the Havasupai and other tribes.
Turtle Talk 
You must be logged in to post a comment.