Good Afternoon NUNAverse,
Last week, the Supreme Court left in place the 1978 Indian Child Welfare Act, which was enacted to address concerns that Native children were being separated from their families and, too frequently, placed in non-Native homes. Tribal leaders have backed the law as a means of preserving their families, traditions, and cultures and had warned that a broad ruling against the tribes could have undermined their ability to govern themselves.
The Justice Department on Friday issued a withering critique of Minneapolis police, alleging that they systematically discriminated against racial minorities, violated constitutional rights, and disregarded the safety of people in custody for years before George Floyd was killed. The investigation found that Minneapolis officers used excessive force, including “unjustified deadly force,” and violated the rights of people engaged in constitutionally protected speech.
Two Alaska villages have joined a federal lawsuit opposing what would be the largest pure-gold open pit, hardrock mine in the world. Five villages total and the nonprofit environmental law organization EarthJustice are suing to have permits and authorizations for the Donlin Gold project invalidated. The villages of Kwigillingok and Chevak cite concerns about harm to subsistence resources both during mining operations and for future generations, inadequate consultation, and a flawed permitting process as their main reasons for joining the suit.
A federal judge has ruled that energy company Enbridge must soon shut down its pipeline, which was found to be trespassing on Native land. U.S. District Judge William Conley ordered that Enbridge adopt a new plan for its Line 5 pipeline within 21 days and redevelop a new route within the next three years that avoids the current 12-mile route that crosses into the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Chippewa’s reservation in Wisconsin.
Keep reading for a full news update.
ICWA:
Supreme Court Preserves Law That Aims To Keep Native American Children With Tribal Families
AP News, Mark Sherman, June 15
ICWA Stands! Supreme Court Affirms Indian Child Welfare Act
Native News Online, Kaili Berg, June 15
Supreme Court Affirms ICWA
Indian Country Today, Kolby KickingWoman, June 15
Supreme Court Delivers Win For Native American Tribes In Adoption Case
NBC News, Lawrence Hurley, June 15
Native American Tribes Hail ‘Major Victory’ After Supreme Court Ruling
The Guardian, Maya Yang, June 15
Law:
Enbridge To Shutter Pipeline After Judge Finds Company Trespassed On Native American Lands
Washington Examiner, Jenny Goldsberry, June 17
Here’s What Indian Country And Government Leaders Are Saying About The Haaland V. Brackeen Ruling
Native News Online, Elyse Wild, June 16
Two Alaska Villages Join Lawsuit Against Donlin Gold Mine
Indian Country Today, Joaqlin Estus, June 16
Supreme Court: Tribal Sovereign Immunity Doesn’t Extend To Bankruptcy Court
Indian Country Today, Pauly Denetclaw, June 15
Indigenous Experiences Headline Third Day Of Montana Trial
Montana Free Press, Micah Drew, June 15
Judge’s Ruling Awaited In Tribes’ Lawsuit Over North Dakota Redistricting Map
AP News, Jack Dura, June 12
Government:
Native Americans In Congress React To Trump Indictment
Native News Online, Levi Rickert, June 12
Other:
Minneapolis Police Used Illegal, Abusive Practices For Years, Justice Dept. Finds
The New York Times, Ernesto Londoño, June 16
George Floyd’s Killing Capped Years Of Violence, Discrimination By Minneapolis Police, DOJ Says
AP News, Jim Salter, June 16
California Tribe Gifts The Sundance Institute With $4m For Indigenous Program
Native News Online, June 15
“Lakota Nation Vs. United States” Documentary To Debut In Theaters Next Month
Native News Online, Jenna Kunze, June 12