Anishinaabe law

Kekek Stark on Anishinaabe Rights of Nature Cases

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Kekek Jason Stark has published “Bezhigwan Ji-Izhi-Ganawaabandiyang: The Rights of Nature and its Jurisdictional Application for Anishinaabe Territories” in the Montana Law Review.

An excerpt:

This article examines the tribal law acknowledging the Rights of Na- ture as a deeply embedded traditional Anishinaabe law principle. This traditional law principle acknowledging the rights of nature is crucial for sustaining the Anishinaabe Nations’ relationship with their territorial lands and natural resources. What does it mean to recognize the rights of ma- noomin (wild rice) to “exist, flourish, regenerate, and evolve” or to be pro- tected in its traditional forms, natural diversity, and original integrity? This article then delineates the various ways that the White Earth Band of Ojibwe has codified their relationship with their territorial lands and natural resources into tribal law. While the rights of manoomin and similar laws have been widely touted in the press as important victories for tribal sover- eignty, this article more deeply evaluates the practical effects and applica- tions of this tribal law to determine whether this law can serve as a frame- work for other Tribal Nations or is merely a symbolic gesture. Moving beyond symbolic gestures is essential for tribes to implement legal regimes more protective than those provided by states that may otherwise permit development activities by non-Indian parties within treaty territories.

HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommended.

Kekek Stark on Anishinaabe Law

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Kekek Jason Stark has published “Anishinaabe Inaakonigewin: Principles for the Intergenerational Preservation of Mino-Bimaadiziwin” in the Montana Law Review. PDF

I cannot recommend this paper enough. It’s exactly the kind of paper I’ve been waiting for — waiting for a very long time. Miigwetch to Professor Stark for this incredible work. The ancestors would be proud.

Fletcher on Anishinaabe Law and the Round House

Matthew L.M. Fletcher

Matthew Fletcher has published “Anishinaabe Law and the Round House” in the Albany Government Law Review.

Here is the abstract:

This paper addresses the Indian country criminal justice system’s difficulties through the context of the Great Lakes Anishinaabeg’s traditional customs, traditions, and laws, and their modern treatment of crime. Louise Erdrich’s The Round House expertly captures the reality of crime and fear of crime in Anishinaabe Indian country, and offers a bleak view of the future of criminal justice absent serious reform in the near future.